New Motorcycle tests from 19th January 2012

Rules for riding tests from 19 January 2013
  New rules
These new rules are for the moped or motorcycle you use for your test from 19 January 2013
All mopeds and motorcycles used for riding tests from 19 January 2013 must:
• be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour (mph)
• display L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear
• be legal and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing
Use the same sub-category for both test modules
You must use the same sub-category of vehicle for both modules of the practical test.
The sub-category of vehicle you take your test on will affect the sub-categories you can ride after passing your test.
There are different rules if you pass the module 1 test before 19 January 2013, but still need to pass the module 2 test after that date. See the section 'Passing module 1 before 19 January 2013' below.
Motorcycles with automatic or semi-automatic transmission
If you pass your test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission:
• it will be recorded on your licence
• your full licence rights will be limited to motorcycles in that category
  Check the rules
If your vehicle doesn't meet the rules:
• your test will be cancelled
• you may lose your fee
Enclosed motorcycles can't be used for riding tests
Enclosed motorcycles, like the BMW C1, can't be used for the test.
If your moped or motorcycle doesn't meet the rules
If your moped or motorcycle doesn't meet the rules:
• your test will be cancelled
• you may lose your fee
Passing module 1 before 19 January 2013
  Your licence
You'll get a licence for the sub-category that you use for module 2
You might have to take your module 2 test on a lower sub-category of motorcycle if you pass your module 1 test before 19 January 2013.
You'll get a licence for the sub-category of motorcycle that you use for your module 2 test if you pass.
The table below shows what sub-category of motorcycle you'll need to use for module 2. This will depend on your age and what sub-category you used for module 1.
Your age from 19 January 2013 Sub-category used for module 1 before 19 January 2013 Sub-category to use for module 2 from 19 January 2013
Any age P AM
17 or over A1 A1
19 or under A2 A1
21 or over A2 A2
23 or under A A2
24 or over A A
AM (moped)
A solo moped must:
• be 50 cubic centimetres (cc) capacity or less and below 4 kilowatts (kW)
• have a top design speed of no more than 28 miles per hour (mph)
You'll be allowed to use any category AM machine for your test unless there's clear evidence that it doesn't meet these rules.
A1 (light motorcycle)
A sub-category A1 solo motorcycle must:
• be between 120cc and 125cc capacity
• have an engine power no more than 11 kilowatts (kW) - 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)
• be capable of at least 55 mph
You'll be allowed to use any sub-category A1 machine between 120cc and 125cc for your test unless there's clear evidence that it doesn't meet these rules.
A2 (standard motorcycle)
Restricted A2 motorcycles
The restricted power of any A2 motorcycle must be at least half the unrestricted power
A sub-category A2 solo motorcycle must:
• be at least 395cc capacity
• have an engine power between 25kW (33 bhp) and 35kW (46.6 bhp)
• have a power to weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW per kilogram
Restricted A2 motorcycles
Some large motorcycles can have their power restricted to fit sub-category A2. The restricted power must be at least half the unrestricted power. For example, it must be restricted to 35kW if the unrestricted power is 70kW.
You must be able to show the examiner proof of the restriction on headed notepaper from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist. It must show the motorcycle's registration number. A dyno test certificate will not be accepted as proof.
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
• Download 'List of motorcycles for test from 19 January 2013' (PDF, 13K)Opens new window
• Help with PDF files
Proposed changes to A2 rules from 31 December 2013
From 31 December 2013 it's proposed that the rules for sub-category A2 standard motorcycles will change again. Motorcycles used from then must have an engine power between 20kW (27 bhp) and 35kW (46.6 bhp).
All the other rules will stay the same.
Category A (unrestricted)
Motorcycles that can be restricted
It must be clear what power mode any switchable ECU or variable power device is set to if the motorcycle's power can be restricted
A category A unrestricted solo motorcycle must:
• be at least 595cc capacity
• have an engine power of at least 40kW (53.6 bhp)
DSA will accept evidence from manufacturers or official importers that a specific model of motorcycle meets these rules.
Using a motorcycle that can have its power restricted
It must be clear what power mode any switchable ECU or variable power device is set to if the motorcycle can have its power restricted. If you are using one of these, your motorcycle cannot have:
• interchangeable carburrettor heads
• an exhaust manifold restrictor
• a hidden ECU
• Download 'List of motorcycles for test from 19 Janaury 2013' (PDF, 13K)Opens new window
• Help with PDF files
Proposed changes to category A rules from 31 December 2013
From 31 December 2013 it's proposed that the rules for category A unrestricted motorcycles will change again. Motorcycles used from then must:
• have an engine power of at least 50 kW (67 bhp)
• weigh at least 180 kg when it's not carrying any goods or burden
All the other rules will stay the same.
Motorcycles with a sidecar
You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have certain disabilities.
These extra rules apply:
• categories A and A1 must not have a power to weight ratio of more than 0.16 kW per kilogram
• passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test
The licence you get from passing this test will only allow you to use a motorcycle with a sidecar.