New rules for riders from 19 January 2013
The new rules will limit all riders under 19 to 125cc machines and under-21s to 47bhp.
Category A1 Those aged 17-19 will only be able to gain a licence for a machine up to 125cc and 15bhp by taking a test on a bike of similar spec.
Category A2 At 19 they can qualify for a bike up to 47bhp by doing another test or undertaking additional training. This must be done on a machine over 395cc and between 33bhp and 47bhp.
They then face a further two-year wait – and yet another test – before they can qualify to ride a bike of any power.
Category A Those over 24 can take a single Direct Access test to immediately qualify for bikes of any power. This test must be taken on a machine of at least 595cc and 54bhp.
DSA guide to ages for the new Driving Licence rules from January 2013
|
Category & moped/motorcycle to be used on test |
minimum age |
What’s required to gain access to category |
|---|---|---|
| AM – Two-wheel machine with:• cubic capacity of 50cc or less• maximum design speed not exceeding 45km/h (28mph) |
16 |
CBT theory and practical test |
| A1 – Motorcycle without sidecar with:• cubic capacity of at least 120cc and no more than 125cc• power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp)• capable of a speed of at least 90km/h (55mph) |
17 |
CBT theory and practical test |
| A2 – Motorcycle without sidecar with:• cubic capacity of at least 395cc• engine power of at least 25kW (33bhp) not exceeding35kW (46.6bhp)• power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg not derived from avehicle more than double its power |
19 |
Progressive Access must have held an A1 licence for a minimum of two years: take either apractical test or *training optionOr must hold a valid CBT and theory test certificate and take practicaltest |
| A – Motorcycle without a sidecar with:• cubic capacity of at least 595cc• engine power of at least 40kW (53.6bhp) |
21 |
Progressive Access must have held an A2 for a minimum of two years: take either a practical test or *training option |
| A – Motorcycle without a sidecar with:• cubic capacity of at least 595cc• engine power of at least 40kW (53.6bhp) |
24 |
Direct AccessHold a valid CBT and theory test certificate and practical test |
| Motorcycle candidates must always have a valid theory test certificate before taking their first practical motorcycle test. Unless they take the progressive access route, they must have a valid theory test certificate before taking any further practical motorcycle tests. | ||
Learn more: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/index.htm