New Motorcycle test rules from January 19th 2013.

[Tango]

I've just copied this from the GOV website.....so I hope it will give some guidance to all the questions we are seeing on the Forum regarding the new test......

Sorry...It's lost some of the formatting but here's the link to see it as displayed on the GOV Website: https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-practical ... nuary-2013

: New rules for mopeds and motorcycles from 19 January 2013

The rules about the moped or motorcycle you use for your riding test are changing.

If you’re planning to take your test from 19 January 2013 you’ll need to make sure your vehicle meets the new rules.

Otherwise your test will be cancelled and you may lose your fee.

Rules for mopeds

The moped you use for your test from 19 January 2013 must:

be a solo machine

be no more than 50cc

have a top speed of no more than 28mph

have a speedometer measuring speed in mph

display L plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear

be insured, taxed and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing

Rules for all motorcycles

The motorcycle you use for your test must:

have a speedometer measuring speed in mph

display L plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear

be insured, taxed and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing

be suitable for the test you’re taking

Download ‘List of motorcycles for test from 19 January 2013’ (PDF, 13KB)

Automatic and semi-automatic motorcycles

If you pass your test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission you’ll only get a full licence for those types of motorcycle.

Age restrictions

From 19 January 2013 there’ll be new age restrictions on the category of motorcycle you can use to take your test.

The table below shows what sub-category you’ll need to use for module 2 if you’ve already passed module 1 before 19 January 2013.

Your age from 19 January 2013 Sub-category used for module 1 before 19 January 2013 Sub-category used for module 2 after 19 January 2013

Jan 2013

16 or over P AM

17 or over A1 A1

17 or over A2 A1

23 or under A A2

24 or over A A

Your licence is only valid for the sub-category of motorcycle you pass your module 2 test on.

Motorcycle sub-categories

There are 3 sub-categories of motorcycles you can use for your test. The sub-category of motorcycle you use affects the sub-categories you can ride after passing your test.

You must use the same sub-category of motorcycle for both modules of the test.

Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle)

Sub-category A1 motorcycles used for tests from 19 January 2013 must:

be a solo motorcycle

be between 120cc and 125cc

be no more than 11kW engine power

be capable of at least 55mph

Sub-category A2 (standard motorcycle)

Sub-category A2 motorcycles used for tests from 19 January 2013 must:

be a solo motorcycle

be at least 395cc

be between 25kW and 35kW engine power

have a power to weight ratio no more than 0.2kW/kg

If the engine power of the motorcycle has been restricted to fit sub-category A2, the normal unrestricted power can’t be more than double its new restricted power.

If you have an A2 restricted motorcycle, you must bring proof of the restriction to your test, or it will be cancelled. It must be on headed notepaper from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist, and must show the motorcycle’s registration number.

A dyno test certificate will not be accepted as proof of the restriction.

Example

If the original unrestricted power of your motorcycle was 60kW, you can’t restrict it to less than 30kW.

Category A (unrestricted)

Category A unrestricted motorcycles used for tests from 19 January 2013 must:

be a solo motorcycle

be at least 595cc

be at least 40kW engine power

Rules for motorcycles with sidecars

You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have certain disabilities.

The rules for a motorcycle with a sidecar are the same as for a solo motorcycle, but:

categories A and A1 can’t have a power to weight ratio of more than 0.16kW/kg

passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test

If you pass your test in a motorcycle with sidecar your licence will only be for motorcycles with sidecars.

Motorcycles with variable power modes

It must be clear what power mode any switchable engine control unit (ECU) or variable power device is set to. If you are using one of these, your motorcycle cannot have:

interchangeable carburrettor heads

an exhaust manifold restrictor

a hidden ECU

[Paul456]

This is probably a very long shot, but if i had my tests booked before the change and had it cancelled because of poor weather, are there any ways of doing the full license at 22 anyway?

Also, does anyone know of the best way to keep checking for availability of Mod 1 and 2 tests?

[luke_1785]

This is probably a very long shot, but if i had my tests booked before the change and had it cancelled because of poor weather, are there any ways of doing the full license at 22 anyway?

Also, does anyone know of the best way to keep checking for availability of Mod 1 and 2 tests?

 

I doubt it to be honest. They are basically saying, if you take MOD 2 before 19th January you'll get your A licence. If it's on or after the 19th, you'll get whatever the new law states. Regardless if it was cancelled before because of something on their part.

The best way is to check the DSA website religiously!

[Joeman]

wonder how may under 24 year-old's will will find themselves the proud owner of a bike they are not legally allowed to ride??

[TC]

I always thought a test was see if someone was up to a standard of learning/devolopment NOT to see if they are old enough.

This could open up a can of worms. Like 18 year olds only allowed to drink on a weekday until they are 21, then thay can go out on week-end.

Under 25s not allowed on the motorway Etc Etc

[Nell]

How are the tests themselves changing? Is a 17 year old going to have to do three lots of mod 1 and mod 2, (for each category of bike) or is it back to one test, or what? I spoke to an instructor at the weekend and even she wasn't entirely sure.

[Phil]

I always thought a test was see if someone was up to a standard of learning/devolopment NOT to see if they are old enough.

This could open up a can of worms. Like 18 year olds only allowed to drink on a weekday until they are 21, then thay can go out on week-end.

Under 25s not allowed on the motorway Etc Etc

 

Problem is with that, the statistics just don't agree with those sentiments. You're statistically more likely to be in/cause an accident at the lower end of the age scale. Anyone can act sensible and mature for a test, but what happens when they've been left to their own devices.

I'm not one to tar everyone with the same brush, there's a lot of sensible younger drivers/riders out there but there's also a hell of a lot who are immature, irresponsible and dangerous.

[Throttled]

I don't get this list of suitable bikes

http://assets.dft.gov.uk/dsa-bl/dsa-mot ... -jan13.pdf

It suggests only two Vespas are suitable as 125cc bikes

[Tango]

I don't get this list of suitable bikes

http://assets.dft.gov.uk/dsa-bl/dsa-mot ... -jan13.pdf

It suggests only two Vespas are suitable as 125cc bikes

 

Yep.....so you'll need to ride a Vespa if you are on an A1 license......

Reading the stuff on the website I get the impression that even the authorities have absolutely no idea about the rules they are implementing...... It's all a bit of a shambles really......now there's a suprise....

[Tango]

Here's a link to another page that lists the age restrictions and progress structure to getting the Full "A" unrestricted license.

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-mope ... nuary-2013

Basically:

17 - A1 - 120-125cc license.Which would need 2 years riding to progress on. (restriction on power/weight ratio)

19 - A2 - 395cc or greater with max power of 35kW for 2 years. (restriction on power/weight ratio)

21 - A - if you've gone through A1 & A2 route

24 - A - Direct access if bypassing the A1 & A2 route.

[Joeman]

Reading the stuff on the website I get the impression that even the authorities have absolutely no idea about the rules they are implementing...... It's all a bit of a shambles really......now there's a suprise....

 

Gonna stick an L-Plate on my GSXR600 and ride about in front of the cops and see how long it takes them to pull me over for questioning!!

[Throttled]

This cannot be right

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-mope ... nuary-2013

It suggests if you are 17 and over you do not need to do a CBT anymore to ride a 125cc bike.

A1 - Small motorcycles up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc - Theory test, practical test - 17

So as soon as you turn 17 buy a Vespa and ride straight of the dealers with a L Plate on

[Joeman]

This cannot be right

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-mope ... nuary-2013

It suggests if you are 17 and over you do not need to do a CBT anymore to ride a 125cc bike.

A1 - Small motorcycles up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc - Theory test, practical test - 17

So as soon as you turn 17 buy a Vespa and ride straight of the dealers with a L Plate on

 

Suggests that CBT is only for 16 year olds wanting to ride mopeds!?

At 17, you would still need to pass the "Practical Test" (not Training) before rocking up to the vespa dealer and riding one away...

So instead of 17year olds doing CBT then buying a 125 as they can do now, they have to pass a practical test.

[Paul456]

As feared my mod 2 was cancelled due to "bad" weather today, which i'm not happy about because i work a few miles away from the test center and the roads are fine, even our car park was defrosted at the time of my test even if it is freaking cold. Even if it was frozen somewhere i'd still rather have a go then not. I'm actually considering putting in a complaint about that since it pretty much means now I've got to wait for another 18 months before i can do my full license, which has annoyed me no end. I would actually go down there and take photos but I'm at work so can't now.

So, i guess i'll be looking to do the 46.6bhp test now. How practical is a 46.6bhp bike? I've been learning on a 600 Hornet (98bhp) and i've gotten used to it, i can't imagine jumping on something with less than half the power and still finding it enjoyable if i'm honest.

[Guest]

Thought you might find this helpful,

https://www.gov.uk/rules-motorcyclists- ... quirements

So i think its saying you can still ride around on a provisional at 17?

[fromos]

Heard from a instructor that 24 and over has to do it on a 600 cc which is 1kg heavier which isnt much also they said theres no mod 1 and no mod 2 its just a test apparently.

sounds to good to be true they love the queen heads they do.

Fromos

[Benn]

As far as I can see, if I do my A1 in the next 2 years, I can get a 600cc bike and restrict it and do my A2 shortly after turning 19, then at 21 I can do my full test? If they don't change it again before then

[OhJay]

As far as I can see, if I do my A1 in the next 2 years, I can get a 600cc bike and restrict it and do my A2 shortly after turning 19, then at 21 I can do my full test? If they don't change it again before then

 

With A1 you can only ride a 125

You don't need to have done A1 to be able to sit A2 at 19, you can just do it as soon as you hit 19

2 years after A2 you can sit DAS (or 24, whichever comes first)

[Benn]

As far as I can see, if I do my A1 in the next 2 years, I can get a 600cc bike and restrict it and do my A2 shortly after turning 19, then at 21 I can do my full test? If they don't change it again before then

 

With A1 you can only ride a 125

You don't need to have done A1 to be able to sit A2 at 19, you can just do it as soon as you hit 19

2 years after A2 you can sit DAS (or 24, whichever comes first)

 

I meant I could get a restricted 600 at 19 Might as well save the money and not do the A1 then.

[OhJay]

I can't see why anyone ever would any more to be honest.

CBT at 17 lets you ride a 125 and lasts 2 years.

A1 test lets you ride... a 125 and you can upgrade it at 19, about 2 years later

All it means is you'll be able to get rid of the L plates, take a pillion and go on motorways. 2 of those I wouldn't want to do on a 125 anyway

[BikerMooFromMars]

So if you're over 24 and only have a CBT, to get full unrestricted you just have to learn and do test on 600cc bike? Can't you hire that from test centre? In which case no changes for over 24's? Or am I being retarded?

[al_stu]

No moo you're right - no change for over 24s

EXCEPT

You can't do the test on a 500cc and get a full 'A' license even if you're over 24. It has to be a 600 (actually I think it has to be a certain HP, but most 600s will meet that)

But basically, no major change

[BikerMooFromMars]

Cool, cheers for the quick reply!

I thought as much, but had a 40yr old friend of my husband's, who apparently rushed to do his full license (to ride a 400cc scooter) before the new rules came in last year, INSIST to me you do DAS and then can only ride a 125, then have more tests after! I knew he was wrong, but was concerned nonetheless that there were changes that would ffect me I didn't know about cos he was insisting loads I couldn't get any size bike I wanted after DAS (not that I particularly want a 1000cc or something anyway haha!)...

Spent ages looking at govt websiteyness etc, and saw about 600 cc but nothing more. Oh, and approved bikes etc - but you'd loan one for your lessons and test anyway wouldn't you? I wouldn't be rocking up on my 125, or buying a 600 cc specially for the test!

What an epic waste of 40 mins. Moo is gonna finally have shower, dry hair and bed late now! Nighty night lovelies!