Proposals for new bike test rules

Just seen this on MCN, I normally take most stories on there with a pinch of salt, although apparently this one is confirmed as the route the DSA intend to take. If it does come in, it looks like there is good and bad: no-one will ride before they are 19, but under 21's will be able to ride a 47bhp bike instead of 33bhp, and then another test for full power at 24.




Details of a new motorcycle licencing regime to be implemented next year have been confirmed by the Driving Standards Agency.

The new rules will limit all riders under 19 to 125cc machines and under-21s to 47bhp.
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.

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 or further training - before they can qualify to ride a bike of any power.

Alternatively, people 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.

Each step-up in power will involve a further test or training. A DSA release said: ‘The feasibility of the training option is currently being looked into; a final decision is yet to be made.’

The new regime is due to be implemented from January 19 next year.

It means 17-year-olds will face three exams or training sessions over a minimum of four years before the can ride an unlimited bike.

There are grave concerns about the impact it will have on new rider numbers. Paul Dickinson, Chairman of the Motorcycle Trainers’ National Council, said: “It’s going to be a problem just explaining the new process when people phone up. There is a concern it may put people off.”

At the moment there are two routes to a full motorcycle licence without power restrictions. Riders can either do their test on a 125 and spend two years restricted to 33bhp or, if over 21, they can do the Direct Access test on a machine of at least 47bhp and bypass the wait.

It's not the DSA's fault (although no doubt they will implement it apallingly badly, like they do with everything else), AFAIK it's all part of the EU driving licence 3rd directive?

So the EU is trying to stop us modifying bikes, and reduce the number of new riders. I'm starting to think maybe they don't like us...

They'd ban bikes outright tomorrow, if they could.

This is nothing new.... IT IS the DRIVING LICENCE 3RD DIRECTIVE... which was approved at the same time the UK was trying to get to grip with the 2nd directive: you know the 2 part test etc...

The official document state implementation by january 2013 and as usual DSA is leaving it till last minute... asit did with 2nd directive!