Yet another 3DLD thread!

[Michael18]

Hey guys, just a quick question about the new rules,

I've just passed my Mod 1 and there's no way I'm going to get a test in before the 19th of Jan. So two questions really;

If I pass in say Feb at 18 years old, I'm practicably only allowed to take the L plates off my 125cc. Do I have to wait 2 years from my pass date to take the next test? Or can i take it as soon as I turn 19?

The other question is, I know its foggy at the moment - but the A2 licence is restricted to 46bhp, can bikes be restricted like the old rule? Or does it have to be below 46bhp straight out the factory? I read something about it being no more than half the original power, if its the latter... That's completely impractictical and detremental to the used motorbike industry!


Thanks lads!

[krarkol]

You can do the test on a bigger bike at 19 yes

I think restriction wise you can ride anything you like, aslong as it's restricted to 46bhp and put out no more than 90-something bhp in standard state
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Bandit 600 - deaded

[Michael18]

Would it be worth me worth waiting till june (my 19th) to take the A2 straight away, instead of doing my Mod 2 now, then having to take another test 5 months down the line - or do you have to take the two tests regardless?

Also if thats the case then how does this help make motorcycling safer? With the old rules I'd be riding a 33bhp, with the new rules I'm riding a 46bhp?

[Rogerborg]

No, you're fine, just wait until you're 19 then sit the new A2 directly. You will have to do it on a 395cc+ 25-35kW bike, in practice a 500, and most likely via a training school unless you find someone locally who can lend you a suitable bike for the tests.

But cancellations come up all the time. If you're able to sit a test on short notice, keep checking, you might get lucky and get your license before January.

And yes, the new rules seem crazy. I won't go off on one (again), there's just so much wrong with it.
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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

[Michael18]

I was at my riding school the other day just after my Mod 1 and I read on one of the tables the government or whoever had sent 'To obtain A2 licence - must take test or training'

I asked what the 'training' was and they said they knew as much as me - It would make more sense to 'train' somebody to ride a bigger bike rather than make them do possibly 2 extra tests. After all, its not like you don't know how to ride a bike, you just need to be taught how to handle and control a larger motorbike. Dear oh dear..

[Rogerborg]

The intent of the 3DLD appears to be to give progressive access through training. The DfT rejected that approach in favour of full tests back in 2010 after their, uh "consultation" because of - I shit you not - "the extra cost to candidates, especially in the current economic climate".

Apparently they missed the fact that to sit the tests you have to either:

1) Find a suitable test bike, get insured on it with a lower license category, practice on it on "private roads" then get it to the test centre legally (van, trailer or pillion).
or
2) Pay to go via a training school, derp.


They have said that they'll keep the training option under consideration in what passes for their mind. With Mike Penning ousted though, I expect they'll go back into jobsworth mode.
____________________
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