Licence changes - 3 wheelers

[StephenC]

Looks like the Telegraph has just noticed the change that took place in January. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/mot ... cence.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interestingly they have sort of missed the point as they have spoken to the manufacturers/importers of 3-wheeled cars not 3-wheeled scooters. It is the latter that drove the EU to legislate in this area, as the popularity of relatively high powered scooters across Europe being ridden by mostly untrained owners has ballooned. You have to pity poor Peugeot, Quadra and Vectrix though - just as their products are coming to market part of the rug is being pulled from under them.

My own view is that this is a good move for road safety, even it is bad news for Morgan etc.

[Mr Angry]

I don't know why 3 wheeler makers had no idea, we in the NABD knew a while back and were consulted by the DVLA on how it would affect disabled riders and all teh Trike makers I know of knew about it.

A few of the NABD committee went to the DSA and spoke to the motorcycle instructors about testing for adapted trikes, the instructors there had great fun trying out an adapted trike we took to their training ground (Nice free lunch too), they found it invaluable and will be informing training schools of the requirements for disabled riders that will enable them to take the CBT.

This is the information we (NABD) give out

"For people with existing full car licenses prior to January 19th 2013, nothing changes. (New licensing rules cannot be backdated).

After January 19th 2013 only people with disabilities will be permitted to take a test on a trike.
(This dispensation is greatly due to consultations between the NABD and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) including the submission of a very detailed report by the NABD Chairman relating to the use of trikes and sidecar outfits by disabled people).

For disabled people wishing to take a test on a trike after January 19th 3013 they will have to take a CBT (slightly amended to suit trikes). They will also have to do the motorcycle theory test and the practical tests (Mod 1 test is also slightly adapted to suit trikes; i.e. less cones and no avoidance manoeuvre etc.)

A disabled person taking a test on a trike will qualify for a licence restricted to trikes. It will not qualify them to ride solo motorcycles or drive cars.

Able-bodied people who don’t hold a full car licence prior to January 19th 2013 will have to pass a motorcycle test, on a motorcycle, before they can ride a trike. (Those who already hold a motorcycle licence will by default be able to ride trikes).

Able-bodied people who are currently riding trikes on L-Plates must successfully pass a test before January 19th 2013.
After that date they can only ride a trike if they successfully pass a motorcycle test on a motorcycle first.

People who hold a licence with a provisional B1 category shown on it will still be entitled to ride trikes up to a gross weight of 550kg on L-plates without taking a CBT.
N.B. The B1 category was an automatic entitlement with a motorcycle licence prior to 1999 but motorcycle licenses (full or provisional) issued after in or after 1999 have no B1 entitlement.

There is no change to the dispensation that allows disabled people to use a motorcycle and sidecar combination to take a motorcycle test, though this would also result in a licence restricted to motorcycles fitted with sidecars."

[Deleted User 796]

As this change isn't retrospective it won't have much impact on sales or safety for a long time. I can't imagine many young people passing their test and rushing out to buy an mp3lt.

It's the right change though. Next can we force the dick heads on quad bikes on public roads to wear a helmet and stagger car power entitlement like we're doing with bikes?

[alicethomas]

You have to pity poor Peugeot, Quadra and Vectrix though - just as their products are coming to market part of the rug is being pulled from under them.

Quadro 350D with its 15kW fits the A1 limit.
Since several months no answer from Piaggio if there may be a restriction set from 16.5kW (MP3 250/300) to 15kW. (My 16year old daughter likes our MP3 LT250. But I don't expect to answer Piaggio anyway.)
Most young drivers wouldn't buy a very expensive 3-wheeler anyway. But if the parents already have or consider buying one...