3rd EU Directive, Effective 19th January 2013
The New Licence laws are being implemented by DSA from 19th January next year meaning big changes to the training/Test process.
PRESENT POSITION
At present anyone aged 17 to 20 can take the test on a 125cc machine, obtaining an A2 Licence, whereby they can then ride a bigger machine, albeit it must be restricted to maximum 33BHP for two years. After the two year period the Licence becomes unrestricted and any bike may be ridden. Anyone aged 21 or more can by-pass this restriction by taking Direct Access (DAS) on a bigger machine, enabling them to ride any bike straight away. Anyone on an A2 licence can re-take the test if they reach age 21 within the two year period to by-pass the full two year restriction if they so wish.
NEW LAWS
The new laws are restrictive and complicated. We have tried to make them as easy to follow as possible below:
| From Min Age 17: | Riders may take Category A1 test on a bike with cubic capacity of at least 120cc and no more than 125cc, power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp) and capable of a speed of at least 90km/h (55mph) Riders are thereafter restricted to riding up to 125cc / 11kw only. |
| From Min Age 19: | Riders may take Category A2 test on a bike with a cubic capacity of at least 395cc, engine power of at least 25kW (33bhp) but not exceeding 35kW (46.6bhp), power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg not derived from a vehicle more than double its power. As above valid Theory and CBT is required UNLESS already held above A1 licence for two years, then a further test/training option is available to progress from A1 to A2 rather than “starting again”. (* Test or Training “option” yet to be announced.) Riders are therefter restricted to riding up to 35kw / 46.6bhp. |
| From Min Age 21: | Riders may take Category A (Progressive Access) This is on a bike of a least 595cc , engine power of at least 40kW (53.6bhp) To do so, must have held an A2 Licence for a minimum of two years: then take either a further practical test or training option ( * Test or Training “option” yet to be announced.) Thereafter there is no restriction, any bike may be ridden |
| From Min Age 24: | Riders may take Category A (Direct Access), bike size/power as at age 21 above, must hold valid CBT and Theory then Practical Test. Unrestricted Licence. |
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If you are not sure or would like further advice do please Contact Us and we will help you through it.
Better still, if you are aged between 17 to 23 before next January, GET IT DONE THIS YEAR!
