New Licences: European Motorcyclists Get A Licence Upgrade
All
across Europe motorcyclists are scratching their heads and muttering as
the the European directive on licencing comes into for on the 19th
January 2013. In Ireland there is particular confusion as the glut of
changes has impacted not just on licences but also on Motorcycle Training and IBT Courses (Initial Basic Training)
The third EU directive alters routes for Irish bikers
New Motorcycle Licencing Laws 2013 have arrived across Europe and in
Ireland there's confusion as bikers try to figure out what they all
mean and what is expected of them now that we're just another star on a
blue background.As part of the third European directive the RSA in Ireland will introduce the new laws for Motorcycles as of January 19th 2013.
This will result in licencing categories being shuffled around slightly and some adjustments will be added to many of them. This will also mean changes to some of the Initial Basic Training Courses( IBT Courses ) taught by many of the Motorbike Training organizations around the country.
We will also see the introduction of the new plastic style Drivers Licence on the same day.
Among the changes will be the introduction of the new A2 Licence for motorcycles less than 35kW, a power/weight ratio not greater than 0.2kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle more than double its power.
More significant are the changes to the unrestricted category A Licence for all motorcycles including those greater than 35kW which will allow riders of 24 years of age and older, having had no previous experience, to ride unrestricted motorcycles once they have completed an initial basic training course ( IBT Course ) if 18 hours. Essentially creating a direct access route to the world most powerful production bikes for new riders.
The new category of A2 is essentially the present 'A restricted' category however it will require additional training of IBT progressive module 5 before this category may be changed to a full 'A Licence' (previously this happened automatically after holding the Licence for two years)
There's sure to be a few problems in the change over and while it restricts some avenues for new riders it also opens the much sought after unrestricted licence to riders aged 24 and older. With mandatory motorcycle lessons hopefully it will lead to greater rider education which can only be a good thing.
