Question on passing the test 20 years and what you could ride

What were the requirements for riding a big bike back 20 years ago different to today.

How many riding test were they back in those days. Was it a single test on 125 or was their a second test on the big bikes after that.

I know a person who passed his 125cc A1 about 1998, rode for a few years on the 125 and now wants to get on the big bikes.

Was there a requirement to gain two years riding experience before you could ride the big bikes.

His Licence only shows A1 Marked on pink licence

Is he required to do a test now on the big bike?