A2 to A license and need to retake theory.

[ReadySalted]

Hi all,

I post this not as a question, but more as a discussion point and to spread the word to anybody who may not already be aware.

I passed my A2 tests last spring and been riding a restricted 650 for a year now. My other half is now learning to ride, and since we're both 25, I didn't like the idea of her passing her tests soon, and having a less restricted license than me, so decided now's a good time to upgrade.

With that in mind, I booked myself in to take my mod 1 test again in June. I've done well over 5000 miles in the past year so have gained reasonable experience since passing. The school I booked my test with said they were pretty sure I wouldn't need to retake a theory test, but I've just been browsing this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/369984/routes-to-your-motorcycle-licence.pdf

and it would appear that I need to pass a theory test. Again, since my last one is now over 2 years old.

I can just about stomach having to retake the practical tests, as I guess it's a preventative measure to stop overzealous youngsters who decide an R1 would make a good choice of first bike.

Unless anybody has evidence to the contrary, I'm going to have to suck it up, and book a theory text this week. Another 30 quid in the hands of the government who for some reason:
(Despite deeming it legal for me to ride a motorcycle anywhere in the world, with a pillion, day in day out for the rest of my life), now think I suddenly need a refresher in the rules of the UK roads. Truly shit.

[sabian92]

If you have a full bike category (i.e. not a CBT only) then you don't need to retake the theory.

Age of theory pass makes no difference.

inb4 you shouldn't be riding cause you're blind etc

[ReadySalted]

Well what you say is what I believed to be the case. However if you click on the link to the dvla flow diagram, and go to the bottom page which applies to me (over 24, full a2 license) it says that if you've held an A2 license for under 2 years and don't hold an in date theory cert (2 years from the date of passing, which mine is not) then you need to retake theory test.

I couldn't believe it at first, so read and re-read the government info but it does appear to be the case unfortunately.

[Rogerborg]

Strictly speaking, you're correct, because whomever drew up the legislation was a spacker, or a bike hater, or both.

But have you tried just booking it? Or calling the DVSA? Or dropping by the local test centre? You may actually find that they're reasonable human beings who will apply a bit of common sense - it's not the DVLA.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Northern Monkey]

[CyrilSwan]

I hope that's wrong, the training school I contacted said the same thing. I have an A1 license and I'm planning on doing the A license soon. They said I don't need to retake the theory.

Stupid if true but I wouldn't put it past the money grabbers.
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Current: Honda 2015 MSX125.
Previous: Honda 2012 CBF125.

[CyrilSwan]

I just remembered, I asked them via email what the situation was (this was last year). This was their response:

[dydey90]

I need to do the same upgrade, I believe you don't need a theory test if it's been 2+ years since obtaining A2, but you should need it if it's been less than two years. Shit rules are shit. As above though, it's a good chance of them not caring.

What I'd like to know, is will they care that my bike has a big shiny "35kW" sticker if I just turned up to do the test by myself?
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This post is probably not serious and shouldn't be taken literally.
Past: CBR125,ER6f NINJA 650, ZZR600 Current: VFR750

[Beehive Bedlam]

A > A2 MOD 1/2 Both examiners did not ask to see it though they had both passed me A MOD 1/2 previously.

A2 > A MOD 1 I left the theory in my tank bag and was asked to go get it possibly because I was alone doing it on my own bike and he wasn't convinced my license was real seeing as he checked it twice with his holographic light.

OP - Book it again it will be cheaper than getting turned away from a MOD 2.

[ReadySalted]

I've bitten the bullet and got a test booked in May.

An interesting question though is; What does it mean if I fail?

Should I technically not be on the road. They're obviously not going to revoke my A2 license, so it is rather pointless. If I fail, I'll walk out of the test centre, 25 quid out of pocket, jump on the bike and ride home.

Perhaps a petition or a letter to my local MP might be worth doing. It sure as hell won't get anything changed though lol.

[Stalk]

Having just looked at the flow chart, this is how I see it, pass theory test, valid for 2 years. If you where to then leave it a year until you pass the practical test, you only have a year remaining on your theory. If after 13 months you wanted to move up to the next category, your theory will have expired, so you will need to do it again. I think.

[CyrilSwan]

I went to speak to a training school today and this came up. I'm going to take my tests to move from my A1 license to an A license.

She told me that there is indeed much confusion over this and that she had spoken to the chief of the DSA (or similar, I don't remember the title). The rule is as the OP states. If your theory is more than two years old then you need to retake it.

What was interesting was that she said you don't need this for A2 to A license but do for A1 to A license.

Money grabbing gits.
____________________
Current: Honda 2015 MSX125.
Previous: Honda 2012 CBF125.

[Rogerborg]

[CyrilSwan]

I'm now even more confused. Clueless tw*ts.
____________________
Current: Honda 2015 MSX125.
Previous: Honda 2012 CBF125.