kvkev

Hi.

I was like this and I feel your pain. New rider at 70yrs. Started on a Piaggio MP3 then Honda CBF 125 and now a Yamaha YZFR 125. In the early days Iv'e seen me get all the gear on and then walk away from the bike and go back indoors. I was lacking in confidence.

The Youtube training vids and practice and more practice did it for me. It's brilliant when you come through to the other side.

You'll get there, keep at it and don't let em knock you back.

Regards.

I had major problems at 68 years old. I did my cbt, and similar to you, I had a few months on a 125 (Suzuki gsxs 125). I went for DAS training and could not physically do the manual handling on a 650cc bike. I'd had health problems and only weigh 68 kg, so trying to push a 200kg + machine about was knackering. (The training school taking the piss didn't help much either). My 125cc only weighs 133kg so I'm able to handle it no problem. I eventually took the test (paseed both MOD'S 1st time) on my 125cc, got an A1 licence and love it. My Suzuki does 75mph, but does struggle with a headwind! If they bring in the new legislation where it's possible to do A2 on a 250cc I may step up.

1) Wait until it is all clear, a cyclist or motorcycle may be overtaking the 3 cars, and you may not see it.

2) If you've been waiting at the lights for a while, do full checks, mirrors, and both lifesavers before moving off. Cyclists or motorcyclist could be filtering, up into your blind spot

3) Check mirrors, use brakes and roll off throttle to slow down. Checking mirrors so you know what is happening behind you as you slow. Brake lights warn following traffic you are slowing

Hi all just recieved an email from MAG regarding the change to the EU directive for the A2 licence,

 

Hello MIchael,

I have spoken to the DVSA on this. The reply was as follows:

“There are benefits for riders, trainers and the motorcycle industry if the A2 test category changes to include smaller motorcycles than present.

We will be consulting on the changes when other priorities and the government’s legislative programme allows.”

I would therefore predict that the change will be adopted in the UK, though I suspect it may well be a considerable length of time before it happens as it will come down to priorities for the legislative programme. Motorcycling sadly appears right at the bottom of that list.

MAG have a position on the DVSA’s Bike Training and Testing Advisory Group and also the DfT Road Safety Delivery Group, so we will use this position to put pressure on the government to push this change through along with the proposed CBT changes that have been on the back-burner far too long.

MAG could do with more membership from riders who currently are not fully qualified. This is so that we can hear the views of new riders and demonstrate to the policy makers that we speak for them. Currently our membership consists mainly of older, experienced and fully qualified riders. I would urge you to consider taking out a MAG membership and persuading any of your riding friends to do the same. The work we do requires the voices of all riders to be represented, and we are less effective without members from all parts of the riding community.

Best regards

Hi Dynax,

I Emailed the DVSA directly on 9th October 2020 and got this reply today concerning the changes to the A2 test, due to be adopted by the EU at the end of this month. I got this reply direct from them:

We appreciate the feedback you have provided on this issue.

I can assure you the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVSA) do support the planned changes to the A2 category minimum test vehicle requirements.

We are waiting for the opportunity to move this forward when the government's legislative program allows. I am sure you’ll appreciate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the introduction of new legislation.

We will be consulting on the proposed changes in due course, and we will publish further information on the consultation and how to take part as soon as possible.

We appreciate your continued patience in this matter.

It looks like they are supportive, but obviously more pressing issues are taking up the governments attention at the moment. I am interested in doing a "lighter" A2 bike test. I have a full A1 licence at present