Test Categories

[trickywoo]

The DSA test booking has four categories to choose from:

A Big bike

A1 Light bike

A2 Standard bike

Moped

Can I take the A big bike test on a 125 and then be limited to 33bhp for 2 years or do need to book an A1 test? The DSA site is of minimal use in explaining.

Not interested in DAS due to the expense.

[Xenocide]

You'll need an A2 for that mate.

Will be no different in price if you're getting training leading up to the test anyway. Get yourself sorted out on a 125, get training on a 500 or whatever (to "polish") then take test on big bike. Test fee is no different.

Big bike - Direct access - ride anything straight after your test
A2 - Ride anything up to 33hp for 2 years then anything

As I understand it

Edited by Xenocide on Wednesday 24th December 09:23

Edited by Xenocide on Wednesday 24th December 09:24

[lawrence567]

Unless your under 21 theres no point in doing the 125 test & being limited to 33hp for 2 years.
I just waited until i was 21 & took my DAS to get a full bike license!

[trickywoo]

Thanks chaps.

A2 it is then - don't know why they don't make it clear when booking.

I did a DAS course - the test was cancelled while I was in the test centre (not my fault).

Can't afford another 3+ days off work and DAS course fee at £150 a day. Quite happy to be restricted for 2 years....

[Xenocide]

In that case you'd just need:

Hire of bike
Morning of instructors time
Test fee

Which should come to around 130 notes. Then you'd have no restriction. Test is identical, if you've been training on big bikes, may aswell ride one for your test, they're more stable then a 125 anyway.

[trickywoo]

Xenocide said:

In that case you'd just need:

Hire of bike
Morning of instructors time
Test fee

Which should come to around 130 notes. Then you'd have no restriction. Test is identical, if you've been training on big bikes, may aswell ride one for your test, they're more stable then a 125 anyway.

True enough but..

Last time on a bike was July

My local training place seems less than keen to hire out a bike / instructor for half a day only

I have less than 100% confidence that I would pass with just a few hours on a bike bike

Not totally convinced biking is for me. Love the idea but realities still causing some doubt

Don't have the funds for a nice bike at the mo so all in all restricted for 2 years looks OK

[UpTheIron]

trickywoo said:

Last time on a bike was July
My local training place seems less than keen to hire out a bike / instructor for half a day only
I have less than 100% confidence that I would pass with just a few hours on a bike bike
Not totally convinced biking is for me. Love the idea but realities still causing some doubt
Don't have the funds for a nice bike at the mo so all in all restricted for 2 years looks OK

My advice would be:
A 500 is usually easily to ride than a 125, especially for the inexperienced. More stable etc.
U-turn will be easier, as the test route will almost certainly use a wider road for a 500 than a 125.
The 125 is more likely to put you off biking, the 500 will put a grin on your face.
£1k of old 500/600 will be money better spent than £1k on a 125

If you can, stretch to a full day, spend the morning brushing up on your riding, do the test mid afternoon, and home for tea!