New rules for mopeds and motorcycles used for tests

L plate on back of motorcycle New driving licence rules for moped, motorcycle and tricycle riders come into force on 19 January 2013. The new rules will affect the moped and motorcycle you can use for your riding test. If your machine doesn't meet these new rules, you won't be able to use it for your test.

Tests before 19 January 2013

If your riding test is before 19 January 2013, you need to follow the current rules:

Motorcycle practical test explained

Tests on or after 19 January 2013

All mopeds and motorcycles used for riding tests on or after 19 January 2013 must:

be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometres per hour (kph)
be fitted with an appropriate stand
clearly display L-plates on the front and rear
be legal and roadworthy and have no engine or safety warning lights showing

You must use the same category of machine for both the motorcycle manoeuvres test and on road motorcycle test.

The category of machine you take your tests on will affect the categories you can ride after passing your on road test.

Automatic or semi-automatic transmission

If you pass your tests on a machine with automatic or semi-automatic transmission:

it will be recorded on your licence
your full licence rights will be limited to machines in that category

If your moped or motorcycle doesn't meet the rules:

your test will not take place
you may lose your fee

Category AM (moped)

The moped you use for your test on or after 19 January 2013 must:

be a two-wheeled machine
be 50 cubic centimetres (cc) capacity or less
have a top design speed of no more than 28 mph (45km/h)

Sub-category A1 (small motorcycle)

The sub-category A1 motorcycle you use for your test on or after 19 January 2013 must:

be a two-wheeled machine
be at least 120cc and no more than 125cc capacity
have an engine power output no more than 11 kilowatts (kW) - 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)
be capable of at least 55 mph (90 km/h)

Sub-category A2 (medium-sized motorcycle)

The sub-category A2 motorcycle you use for your test on or after 19 January 2013 must:

be a two-wheeled machine
be at least 395cc capacity
have an engine power output of at least 25kW (33 bhp) and not exceeding 35kW (46.6 bhp)
have a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW per kilogram

If the engine power output of the motorcycle has been restricted to fit sub-category A2, the power output of the machine before restriction cannot be more than double that obtained after restriction.

Examples of acceptable restriction are:

unrestricted power output 70kW - restricted power output 35kW
unrestricted power output 60kW - restricted power output 30kW
unrestricted power output 50kW - restricted power output 25kW

Examples of unacceptable restriction are:

unrestricted power output 100kW - restricted power output 35kW
unrestricted power output 70kW - restricted power output 30kW
unrestricted power output 60kW - restricted power output 25kW

Category A (large motorcycles)

The category A large motorcycle you use for your test on or after 19 January 2013 must:

be a two-wheeled machine
be at least 595cc capacity
have an engine power output of at least 40kW (53.6 bhp)

Restricted motorcycles

The examiner will check both the normal unrestricted power output and the restricted power output of your motorcycle at the start of the test. The normal unrestricted power output and power to weight ratio are recorded on your motorcycle’s registration document (V5C(NI)).

If the engine power output of the motorcycle has been restricted from its normal power output, you will be asked to confirm what the restricted power output is by showing the examiner evidence from a motorcycle manufacturer or motorcycle dealer which shows clearly the result of the power restriction.

You will also need to sign a declaration to say your motorcycle is suitable for the test.

Proposed changes to motorcycle test vehicle requirements

We have been advised that the European Union is considering making further changes to the new rules for motorcycles used for riding tests, please refer to Department of Transport (DfT) link for further information:

Rider Safety - DfT website

As noted on the DfT website, the proposed changes to the rules will decrease the minimum kW output for A2 motorcycles from 25kW (approx 33.5 bhp) to 20kW (approx 27bhp) which will increase the range of motorcycles available. The earliest these proposed changes will come into effect will be the end of 2013.

In summary the proposed changes are:

the rules for medium and large categories (A2 and A) will be updated to confirm a 5cc tolerance on engine capacity;
a power to weight ratio (as distinct from engine displacement) to cater for electric motorcycles;
a change to the minimum engine power (kW) for medium sized motorcycles (category A2) with a decrease from 25kW to 20kW; and
a change for the largest of motorcycles (category A) with an increase from at least 40 kW to at least 50kW. This will also include a minimum weight of 180 kg (unladen mass weight).

If the proposed amendments are accepted by the European Council and Parliament this will mean that there will be new minimum test vehicles from 19 January 2013 which may change again at the end of 2013 to reflect the new criteria specified above. Further details will be published here once confirmed.

Motorcycles with a sidecar

You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have a disability.

The rules for a motorcycle with a sidecar are the same as for a solo motorcycle, however:

categories A and A1 must not have a power to weight ratio exceeding 0.16 kW per kilogram
passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test

The licence you get from passing this test will only allow you to use a motorcycle with a sidecar.

Tricycles

Tests for mopeds with three or four wheels, A1 and A tricycles will only be offered to candidates with a physical disability.

Help for motorcyclists with a disability

Disability Action’s Mobility Centre is the only centre of its kind in Northern Ireland and promotes the independence of people with disabilities by offering advice and assessment on all aspects of personal mobility.

Disability Action’s Mobility Centre - Disability Action website

The National Association for Bikers with a Disability is a registered charity that provides information to help disabled people enjoy independent motorcycling. You can visit their website to find out about machine adaptations that can be made.