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Mr Calendar
Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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 Posted: 10:18 - 10 Aug 2012  Post subject: Even more bike licence rule changes for 2014! |
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If you're not aware (didn't see another post, apology if repost).
Changes to come in at end of 2013 apparently. From the MAG site | MAG wrote: | 16-07-2012 More last minute changes to Licencing
Just when we thought we knew what was happening with the new Licensing Laws, it looks like more change is afoot.
At a meeting MAG had on Friday with the Dept for Transport (DfT), it transpires that the EU Commission has decided to further complicate the licensing laws which come in to effect on 19th January 2013.
There will be 4 categories of bike licence in January: AM (mopeds) A1 (up to 125cc) A2 (up to 47bhp/35kW) and A (everything else).
Under the third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) however, the bikes learners could take their test on, were to be a little different. For example, although a cat A bike licence would be for anything over 47bhp, the bike for the test had to be at least 53.6bhp.
The A2 category was more complicated (engine size/ power to weight etc) and the DSA was having difficulty deciding exactly which bikes fitted the bill, whether they'd accept big bikes restricted down, which restricter kit would do etc.
You may remember our news story some time ago about their definitive list of suitable machinery which hadn't included any bikes made my Honda or Suzuki. To their credit, the DSA are doing their best to update this list as and when the manufacturers let them have details about which suitable bikes are in their ranges, but now the EU Commission have thrown a new spanner in the works.
Even more new rules will come into effect at the end of 2013 if they get their way.
For Category A minimum test bike requirements increase engine power from 40kW (53.6 bhp) to 50 kW (approx 67 bhp). There will also be a minimum weight of 180 kg unladen mass weight. The DfT understand from the EU Commission that this means 'kerb weight'. The change means that the range of motorcycles available will reduce by an estimated 10% of vehicles listed by the DSA. In essence this means of course, that those training schools who have gone out and bought new machines for next year, having waited all that time fore the definitive list of what was suitable, may now have wasted their money.
The UK Government did not support this change at such a late stage and raised concerns about the impact this would have on the industry. However, they were in the minority seeking a longer period for implementation from the Commission, and they have not been able to secure any longer period than the end of 2013.
It is still possible the Commission’s plans will change as they are subject to EU Council and European Parliament approval and MAG will be working with the DfT to try and raise awareness among MEPs when we have fully clarified exactly what stage of the legislative procedure we are at.
The changes to the rules will decrease the minimum kW output for A2 motorcycles from 25kW (approx 33.5 bhp) to 20 KW (approx 27bhp) which will increase the range of motorcycles available for this class, which is a good thing. |
So can someone can provide a simpler explanation? 
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
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daemonoid
World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Jun 2008
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_matt
Trackday Trickster
Joined: 08 Jun 2012
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Kickstart
The Oracle
Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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| Posted: 10:33 - 10 Aug 2012 Post subject: |
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Hi
Yes, no more 25kW / 33hp class (hence bikes built to meet that limit will probably drop dramatically in value).
Also remember the age for direct access is going up from January.
Although could be interesting if someone takes the DSA to court for age discrimination if they refuse to employ people as examiners because they can't have a full licence under 25  .
All the best
Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing |
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Rogerborg
nimbA
Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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