UK: Three full-test queries

[belfastbiker]

Hi!

 

I'm checking what power bike is required to do the full test on, they all agree on 595cc, but half the web pages say at least 40kw, the other say 50kw.  Any idea which is correct?

 

Also, I'll be moving from a scooter to a DCT Honda bigger bike.  To be able to ride these bikes, which have full auto or gear paddle modes (no clutch), am I required to have a full licence, or is an automatic licence enough?

 

To ride one of these bikes, am I able to do it on a DCT bike, or do I have to do it on a bike with a clutch?

 

(First post, will make many more, thank you in advance!)

 

[Gerontious]

Im actually unsure if you can do the test on a DCT. I would assume the answer is no. You are better off doing the normal full test even if you are getting a DCT.

Which Bike are you buying. I have a DCT Africa Twin. And quite marvellous it is too.

[belfastbiker]

Just now, Gerontious said:

Im actually unsure if you can do the test on a DCT. I would assume the answer is no. You are better off doing the normal full test even if you are getting a DCT.

Which Bike are you buying. I have a DCT Africa Twin. And quite marvellous it is too.

Thank you for response!

 

I have ZERO interest in using clutch, ever.  Philosphically, if the bike can take care of clutch, I vastly prefer that.  I'll only ever use DCT or similar bikes.  It's made even worse by being in NI, the info on their site is even more vague for full licence, they don't even mention minimu engine size or capacity, at all.

 

 

[Gerontious]

The problem is. DCT isn't fully automatic. like scooters tend to be. its a sort of cross between the two. it has gears and two clutches, it can be ridden in full auto mode. but you also have any control over gear changes you need to make on the fly. while most scooters do not. and its quiet niche. Only Honda makes them. (I believe) so the law probably hasn't caught up. 

 

Ive never seen a question quite like yours before. I would just assume the answer is no.

 

You might be best going to a reputable training place and ask them.

[belfastbiker]

Just now, Gerontious said:

The problem is. DCT isn't fully automatic. like scooters tend to be. its a sort of cross between the two. it has gears and two clutches, it can be ridden in full auto mode. but you also have any control over gear changes you need to make on the fly. while most scooters do not. and its quiet niche. Only Honda makes them. (I believe) so the law probably hasn't caught up. 

 

Ive never seen a question quite like yours before. I would just assume the answer is no.

 

You might be best going to a reputable training place and ask them.

 

I've emailed the NI testing authority, and will speak to my CBT instructor next Friday.   I've also emailed my MP about clarfying or updating law if required.

 

[Gerontious]

I would take anything the testing authority might say with a pinch of salt. they might not even be aware of the innate peculiarities that are unique to DCT.

[belfastbiker]

Just now, Gerontious said:

I would take anything the testing authority might say with a pinch of salt. they might not even be aware of the innate peculiarities that are unique to DCT.

 

Bizarrelt, NI may even differ from mainland.  "Category A covers unrestricted motorcycles above 35kW " - but unlike across the water, doesn't mention what capacity/power bike is required to do TEST on.... so you'd almost assume any capacity and over 35kW.

 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-licence-you-need-ride-motorcycle

 

[Gerontious]

I think your first port of call is talking to one of your local schools. maybe the one out by Ballymena. 07973 502600

 

[belfastbiker]

49 minutes ago, Gerontious said:

I think your first port of call is talking to one of your local schools. maybe the one out by Ballymena. 07973 502600

 

 

Excellent idea, I passed that today actually on way to see how the PCX and Forza felt to get my leg over.

 

Morbid obesity + arthritis + short stature = unladylike mounting.

 

[bonio]

Was going to say you need an MV Agusta Turismo Veloce SCS: the only bike I know that comes with a truly automatic clutch. Just like a scooter. It has a clutch lever too, but you never need to touch it. It even comes with a handbrake - as without one, you wouldn't be able to park it on a hill.

I tried one once, but couldn't get on with it because I did touch the clutch lever - to try to feather the clutch - and the bike didn't seem to know how to respond.

But. It's a bit of a niche bike. And it's a tall one too and ideal not for shortarses - like me.

[Tigs]

There is a list of bikes you can use for the test (I checked to see if OH's bike was on there and its not!) 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-motorcycles-that-can-be-used-for-riding-tests

[belfastbiker]

4 hours ago, Tigs said:

There is a list of bikes you can use for the test (I checked to see if OH's bike was on there and its not!) 

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-motorcycles-that-can-be-used-for-riding-tests

 

That doesn't apply to NI, but there's a link to NI requirements that I totally missed, thank you so much!!!!

 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/minimum-requirements-test-vehicles

 

Damn, the requirements for A2 test in NI say "be at least 395cc capacity if powered by an internal combustion engine". which is a much more stringent requirement that 245cc of mainland UK - I wonder if the info is out of date, as the mainland one used to be 395cc?  

 

[Gerontious]

5 hours ago, belfastbiker said:

 

That doesn't apply to NI, but there's a link to NI requirements that I totally missed, thank you so much!!!!

 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/minimum-requirements-test-vehicles

 

Damn, the requirements for A2 test in NI say "be at least 395cc capacity if powered by an internal combustion engine". which is a much more stringent requirement that 245cc of mainland UK - I wonder if the info is out of date, as the mainland one used to be 395cc?  

 

 

Why is the A2 test relevant?

 

Your original question was about the full test.

 

 

[dynax]

6 hours ago, belfastbiker said:

 

That doesn't apply to NI, but there's a link to NI requirements that I totally missed, thank you so much!!!!

 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/minimum-requirements-test-vehicles

 

Damn, the requirements for A2 test in NI say "be at least 395cc capacity if powered by an internal combustion engine". which is a much more stringent requirement that 245cc of mainland UK - I wonder if the info is out of date, as the mainland one used to be 395cc?  

 

 

This change to 245cc was recently brought in by the EU ( originally proposed by Denmark I think) because smaller riders (  mainly small women who were too short or not strong enough to manage larger machines )  were unable to take the A2 test on the bigger machines.

 

[belfastbiker]

7 hours ago, Gerontious said:

 

Why is the A2 test relevant?

 

Your original question was about the full test.

 

 

 

I know, but I'll be doing A2, riding an A2 bike for a year, then upgrading.