New Bike Licensing categories from January 19th 2013 as a result of 3DLD
| Category | Entitles use of | Minimum test vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| AM |
No more than 50cc 2, 3 or 4 wheel vehicles (categories L1e, L2e, L3e) Above 25km/h (15.5 mph) but not exceeding 45km/h (28 mph). Anyone passing an AM test will also be given a new domestic category Q licence to cover them for riding machines below 25km/h. |
2 wheeled vehicle. (category L1E) Maximum design speed of not more than 45km/h (28 mph) Not exceeding 50cc Maximum continuous rated power of not more than 4kW |
| A1 |
Up to 125cc/11 kW (15bhp) power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1kW/kg, (Minimum 17 years old). |
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a cubic capacity of at least 120 cm3 and not exceeding 125 cm3. Power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp). Capable of at least 90km/h (55mph). FROM END 2013 ‐ Power to weight ratio of 0.08 to 0.1 if powered by an electric motor. |
| A2 |
Motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35kW (46.6bhp) and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle more than double its power. (Minimum 19 years old). |
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 395 cm3 and an engine power of at least 25kW (33bhp) FROM END 2013 ‐ 20kW (26.8 bhp) not exceeding 35kW (46.6 bhp). FROM END 2013 – 40kW (53.6bhp) Power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg not derived from vehicle more than double its power (i.e. less than 70kW). FROM END 2013 ‐ Power to weight ratio of 0.15 to 0.2 if powered by an electric motor. |
| A | Any size motorcycle with or without sidecar, (Minimum 24 years old,unless upgrade from full A2 licence, with minimum 2 years experience). |
Motorcycle without a sidecar with a cylinder capacity of at least 595cm3, and an engine power of at least 40Kw (53.6 BHP) FROM END 2013 – engine power of at least 50kW (67.1 bhp). Power to weight ratio of a minimum of 0.25 if powered by an electric motor. A minimum weight of 180kg unladen mass |
Please Note:
There is still much confusion over exactly what the minimum test vehicles will be.
The text in red may not now be applicable after the Commission’s announcement on 19th Nov 2012 which stated that due to confusion and increased cost burden on training industry, the current minimum test vehicles could continue to be used until 2018