Direct access scheme
Direct access is a scheme which allows a person over the age of 21 years
(via staged access route) to obtain a full unrestricted licence. The machine
must be a minimum 595cc and at least 54bhp. If you are new to motorcycling
and want an unrestricted licence you must be a minimum age of 24years to qualify
for the category A licence. A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Any
instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle
specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor
who should be in radio contact. You should also wear fluorescent or reflective
clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.
| Licence category |
Vehicles you can ride |
Requirements for licence |
Minimum age |
| AM |
Mopeds with speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h |
Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test |
16 |
| AM |
Small three-wheelers (up to 50 cc and below
4 Kilowatt) |
Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test,
practical test |
16 |
| AM |
Light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, top
speed 45 km/h) |
Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test |
16 |
| Q |
Same as AM plus 2 or 3 wheeled mopeds with top
speed of 25 km/h |
Same as AM |
16 |
| 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 |
| A1 |
Motor tricycles with a power output not more
than 15 kW |
Theory test, practical test |
17 |
| A2 |
Medium motorcycles up to 35 kW (and a power-to-weight
ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg), bike mustn’t be derived from
vehicle more than twice its power |
Direct access - theory and practical; staged access - two years experience
on A1 motorcycle and a further practical test |
19 |
| A |
Motorcycles unlimited in size/power, with or
without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW |
Direct access - theory and practical tests (you
must be 24 unless you have 2 years experience on an A2 motorcycle); staged
access - a further practical test only if you have 2 years A2 experience
and are 21 or older |
24 (direct)
or 21 (staged) |
The Third European Driving Licence Directive (3DLD)
- Expected Implementation Date - 19th Jan 2013
Expected in 2013, the Third European Directive or ‘3DLD’ will see
major changes to the training and testing procedures for candidates looking
to gain a full motorcycle licence.
Agreed in 2006, it will see candidates under the age of 24 complete several
stages of training and testing in order to obtain a full category ‘A’
licence and whilst the ‘Direct Access Scheme’ (DAS) will remain,
the age limit will rise from 21 to 24 with mopeds remaining accessible to
16 year olds and 51-125cc PTWs to 17 year olds.
Overview:
• A new European moped category AM which will include light quadricycles
and tricycles. The minimum age for this category remains unchanged from current
requirements at 16 years
• The introduction required under the Directive of a new motorbike category
A2, providing in the future categories A1, A2 and A.
• Progress through these categories will be achieved by passing a test;
direct access to a category, by passing a test, will also be possible. Direct
access to new category A2 will be 19 years. Direct access for category A will
rise from the current 21 to 24 years.
• Special provisions for moped and motorcycle riders with a physical
disability
• Abolition of the separate category B1 (quadricycles) driving entitlements
for new drivers
• Riders wishing to ride category A2 or A motorcycles who have not yet
qualified for a full licence for the larger category should be accompanied
by an Authorised Trainer (AT) when riding on the roads.
• Bikes up to 125cc (11kw), accessible to 17 year olds (A1 Licence)
• Minimum age of riding a motorcycle over 125cc (11kw – 35kw) will
rise from 17 to 19 years old (Category A2 – Medium motorcycles)
• Minimum age of riding an unrestricted motorcycle (above 35kw) will
be 21 years (A licence), 24 years via Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
