A2 Motorcycle test compatible bikes change
In a previous blog we explained what the A2 motorcycle licence category is for. Since then the DVSA has proposed, in a consultation, changes to the size of machine that can be used on an A2 test. The proposal is to allow a minimum of a 245cc motorbike to be used. Previously this was 395cc. The power of the motorcycle must still be between 20 to 35kW and with a power to weight of up to 0.2kW/kg. These changes have now been accepted but need to go through government to be passed, so we will have to wait before such machines can be used on an A2 test. However, this opens up the A2 test to use smaller and lighter machines than previous which may suit some riders.
Hi, I was recently told by an instructor that the mt 03 and the ktm 390 will not be eligible for use on the up and coming A2 test rules , owing to their power to weight ratio , both being light bikes. Any ideas.
Thanks for your question Stephen. The DVSA rules for A2 motorcycles are
– Greater than 395cc (being reduced by the new change to greater than 245cc)
– Between 20-35kW
– Up to 0.2kW/Kg power to weight ratio
So the MT-03 is 321cc, 30.5kW and 30.5kW/168kg=0.18kW/kg
The KTM is 390cc, 32.8kW and 32.8/149kg = 0.22kg
This means the MT-03 is compatible but the KTM not unless KTM decide to add a few Kg to the weight on a new model year to bring it in line. To be truthful as a training school the MT-03 is a more practical bike to run than KTMs. There are already a few schools out there with some MT-03’s ready for the rule change.
Is an A2 licence a temporary licence?
Hi Sue,
An A2 licence, once obtained, is valid for the lifetime of your driving licence. It will restrict you to riding a motorbike of any cc engine size but the bike needs to be restricted to 47bhp. (The original unrestricted power can be no more than 94bhp). To upgrade to a full category A licence once you are old enough you will need to do a new mod 1 and mod 2 test on a full power motorcycle.
Best regards, 3CMT.
If i pass a2 on automatic can i ride an a1 manual
Hello John, An interesting question. A full licence acquired through an A2 DVSA test pass on an automatic bike would only entitle you to ride an automatic of any CC engine size restricted to less than 47bhp. If you wanted to ride a geared 125cc then you would need a valid CBT certificate (your existing one may still be valid if it was obtained less than 2 years ago) and display L plates. It would be like passing an auto car test. If you then wanted to drive a manual you would need to revert to learner status in the manual car. https://www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual
Surely if he passed his a2 test on an automatic he would only need to have L plates on a 125 geared bike as a CBT is just that basic training, the fact he has a full auto a2 license means he has better than basic training ,also you can do your CBT on any bike geared or auto there’s no difference Iride Lambretta s and Vespa s both have hand gear change but I can ride a motorbike with foot gear change but I know loads of bike riders with full a licences that cannot ride a hand change scooter ,so should the whole test be looked at as it all seems like a total con
For the manual 125 a rider with an automatic (only) full motorcycle licence would revert to learner status when riding the manual 125 and hence would need a provisional licence for that A1 category, a valid CBT, display L-plates, not carry passengers and not go on the motorway. It is the same for an auto car licence holder. They would revert to learner car driver status in the manual, have to display L plates and be supervised by an entitled full licence holder. Like it or not, they are the DVSA rules http://www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual