3rd European Driving Licence Directive (3DLD)

The 3rd European Driving Licence Directive was agreed by the EU in all but minor technical aspects in late 2006. This is likely to be implemented early in 2013. We now know what the major aspects will be and how these will affect novice riders from January 2013 onwards.

In Summary

• 3DLD will create further complications and expense for riders wishing to follow the progressive route to

       a full A category. licence.  It will be confusing to understand.

‘3DLD’, as it is known, sets out some major changes to the training and testing procedures and in simple terms will require motorcyclists under the age of 24 years to go through more stages to reach a full Category A licence, which allows them to ride unlimited power motorcycles on the road. We expect that Direct Access will remain, but the age will increase from 21 to 24 years . In principle every stage of learning will require a rider to complete training and pass both off road and on road tests at each step towards the full A category Licence. The main details of the new licensing regime will be as follows:

• Mopeds will remain accessible for 16 year olds
• Bikes up to 125cc will remain accessible for 17 year olds (though the specification of these bikes may alter slightly).This will be known as the A1 motorcycle licence

• There will be a new category of motorcycle licence added to the Progressive route to a full license. This will be known as the A2 licence  
• Riders can only progress from A1 to A2 by gaining two years experience, followed by training and a test. This means that the minimum age for riding a motorcycle of more than 125cc will increase from 17 years to 19 years  

• An unlimited A Licence can only be gained once the rider has gained two years experience after taking the A2 licence test and have taken either training or training and a further test (this further test element is still undecided). Direct Access will remain, but the age will increase from 21 to 24 years.

BIKERS REV-UP TO DELIVER CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Motorcyclists from Phoenix Motorcycle Training, Croydon, revved-up their bikes at the weekend to deliver Christmas presents to the children at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth. Much to the delight of the children, 35 motorbikes, with many of the riders dressed as ‘Santa Claus’, arrived at Tadworth Court on Saturday morning (10 th ). The kind-hearted bikers, who distributed presents to the children, clearly enjoyed their visit. Rosemarie Glithero, Leisure & Activity Co-ordinator at The Children’s Trust said: “This was the first visit by Phoenix Motorcycle Training and I would like to thank Mark Jaffe, the owner, for organising so many bikers to come along and also thank everyone for bringing presents for the children. It was fantastic to see so many motorbikes and we are all looking forward to next year’s visit.

Mark Jaffe added : “We had a great morning meeting the staff and children. I am delighted that so many bikers, which included Goldwing Owners Club, Blood Runners and Unity Support Riders, turned out to show their support. It was a great start to the Christmas celebrations.”

The Children’s Trust is a national charity, which provides care, education and therapy for children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and rehabilitation to children with an acquired brain injury.

For more information, please visit: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk .   

Photo Caption: Bikers arrive at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth

Information provided by the Press Office at The Children’s Trust.

Telephone: 01737 814159 (Ruth Allsopp) or 01737 365890 (Michelle Baillie). Email: pressoffice@thechildrenstrust.org.uk . www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk .