DAS (Direct Access Motorcycle Licence)

If you want to obtain a full motorbike licence there are different classes of motorbike and what you can ride fundamentally depends on your age. Motorbikes are indicated on your driving licence by categories; A1, A2 and A.

Category A (Also known as ‘full power’ or ‘Direct Access’ – DAS) covers machines unlimited in size (minimum 595cc) and power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with a power output of more than 50kW or 67bhp.

To ride a Category A motorcycle you either need to be 24 years old or more to proceed with ‘Direct Access’ training on this category of motorbike or you can ride this category from age 21 if you have two years’ experience on an A2 motorcycle and you pass a further practical test on a category A motorcycle. (You revert to ‘L’ status for the training and testing sessions. On passing the required tests you can upgrade to the larger machine. If you don’t pass you can continue to ride on the full category already obtained).

If you are undertaking a motorbike test you must hold a CBT certificate and motorcycle theory test pass certificate. The only exception is if you are testing to upgrade from an A2 licence to a category A licence and have at least 2 years experience riding on your A2 licence.

Based on your CBT (or if 3CMT haven’t done your CBT then through a discussion of your riding experience) a training course of between 4 or 6 days will be recommended. When you book your course we will discuss and explain the best approach for you as an individual.

Ideally the course is split into 2 sessions focussing on the Mod1 and Mod2 tests but it can be done as one course.

Training is typically around 6hrs per day from early morning until mid afternoon. During the training your skills will be developed to be able to control the additional power, weight and controls of a larger motorbike and to be able to deal with a wide variety of road types and traffic conditions.

You will undertake 2 separate riding tests conducted by a DVSA examiner.
The first is known as ‘module 1’ and focuses on large motorbike handling skills similar to as on your CBT.

The second part of the test known as ‘module 2’ focuses on road-riding skills

Both parts need to be passed to obtain a full motorbike licence. Module 2 can only be undertaken once module 1 has been passed.

The current DAS machines are heavy, most weigh approx 200kg as part of training and testing you will be required to physically manoeuvre the machine around. If you are concerned about the weight and/or seat height please arrange a sizing appointment prior to booking a course.

3CMT Motorcycle training teach across Berkshire (West Berkshire, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough), Hampshire (Test Valley, Basingstoke and Dean, Farnborough), and Surrey (Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Woking, Camberley)