Test Changes 2013
New legislation is looming and becomes law on 18th January 2013. It will affect your entitlements by age and also remove automatic rights to ride larger machines under the age of 24.
Here is a brief summary of how the changes will affect new motorcycle riders from 2013
Age 17 to 19 - 125cc is the only option
Age 19 to 21 - a new A2 category test taken on a minimum 395cc bike entitling you to ride up to a 46.6 bhp bike – thats up from 33 bhp (some good news), but you will have to wait and take a further test after two years to move up to unrestricted capacity bikes.
Direct Access (DAS) moves to a minimum age of 24 otherwise the above will apply
Below is the new criteria in detail
A1 (Standard)
This can be taken on a machine between 115 and 125cc. If you are aged between 17 and 19 this will be your only option.
Upon passing the A1 you will get a full licence to ride on motorways and take pillion passengers, but you will NEVER be able to ride anything bigger than a 125cc machine that produces a maximum of 11 Kwh (14.6 Bhp) until you pass the next test (A2) when you reach a minimum age of 19 or two years after passing your A1 test.
A2 (Middleweight)
This will be taken on a machine of a minimum of 395cc that produces a maximum of 35 Kwh (46.6 Bhp). This can only be taken when you are at least 19 years old or two years after passing your A1.
Upon passing you can ride any size of motorbike but the power is capped at 35 Kwh (46.6 Bhp) this will never increase!. The other “restriction” on this category, is the machine cannot be restricted to 35 Kwh if it produces more than 70 Kwh or 93.5 Bhp in standard trim.
A (D.A.S)
The Direct Access Scheme will still be available but the minimum age will rise from 21 to 24. The bike engine size of at least 595cc and must produce at least 40 Kwh (54 Bhp). You must be at least 24 years old or can be taken two years after passing your A2.
It is possible to obtain your A Licence at 21, ONLY IF you have already passed your A2 licence at 19.
In a nutshell 2012 is the time to make a move! As you can see the new legislation will narrow your options if you are under age 24.
