However, one misconception that a lot of people have had about
these guidelines (including myself) is that young motorcyclists will have
undergo a number of tests before being able to ride any size motorcycle.
Want to know the facts? Here they are.
There are 2 main changes happening.
- Firstly, the age at which you can take a Direct Access test is being raised from 21 to 24. (Direct Access is the test which enables you to ride any size motorcycle immediately after, instead of being restricted)
- Secondly, motorcyclists who have an A2 licence are no longer automatically able to ride any size motorcycle after they’ve had the A2 licence for 2 full years. (The A2 licence is the licence which is currently given to those passing their motorcycle test below the age of 21 – this restricts them to riding motorcycles of 33bhp maximum for 2 years after passing their test.)
Despite the misconception, riders do not need to take a
number of tests. You will be able choose which licence suits you according to
your age and what size motorcycle you can afford to ride.
Before you panic, note that the following information to
licence changes is not retrospective - anyone currently holding a licence will
not be affected.
Below are the different licences, what age they are for, and
what size motorcycle you’ll be able to ride:
- 16 + Moped (AM Licence)
- 17 + 125 cc (A1 Licence)
- 19 + Medium sized bike (A2 Licence)
- 21 + Any bike of choice (A2 Licence + 2 years experience + test)
- 24 + Any bike of choice (A Licence)
10 comments:
It's a shame that they have to do this. I would be fine about all these restrictions if they were to be enforced on cars as well because a car is much more of a killing machine than a bike in my eyes and there are no restrictions one young car owners
Yeah, I actually agree that perhaps they should consider enforcing similar guidelines for newly qualified car drivers too.
It seems unfair that young motorcyclists have so many restrictions whereas a car driver of the same age is able to drive any size car that they choose or can afford.
It's so over the top and this is why we shouldm't be in the EU.
There are no restrictions in the US where 4,000 riders die each year, mostly young mostly on crotch rockets. Culling the herd I guess. And around here hospital bills will drive you bankrupt.
There are no restrictions here in the US where 4,000 riders ie each year. Mostly young and mostly on crotch rockets so it's just culling the herd I guess. Besides hospital bills in the US drive people to bankruptcy. Take your restrictions and your free health care and enjoy the ride.
The european union have gone insane. why make it so difficult for young riders? what about young car drivers?
Yeah, I wrote about this last year:
http://boxhillorbust.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/where-real-problem-lies.html
Completely indefensible in my view....
Thank you for the information. It is however going to be hectic for young riders and beginners.
"Despite the misconception, riders do not need to take a number of tests. You will be able choose which licence suits you according to your age and what size motorcycle you can afford to ride."
I think the issue of multiple tests comes from no automatic upgrade after two years like the old A2 license did (as you mentioned). Sure you can go for the test/bike that suits best at the time. But if you chose an A1 or A2 license and a few years later you want to upgrade to that big thou bike, you will need to take an extra test.
Hello Arthur,
Apologies if my information is not correct, however I have simply gone by my source (The Motorcycle Industry Association) who have stated that you do not need to take further tests when moving up the categories, nor do you upgrade automatically. The stated change is that you just have to apply for the new type of licence when you are old enough to.
Thanks for the heads up though, I will check it out.
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