The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) allows riders aged 24 and over to take a test on a large motorcycle (600cc), allowing them upon passing the test to ride any motorcycle without restrictions.

You must complete CBT (which you can do as part of an intensive course) and a motorcycle theory before taking this test.

DAS is only available for people aged 24 and over, unless you have already held an A2 motorcycle licence for at least 2 years and are following the progressive access route, which allows people who have held their existing A2 bike licence for 2 years to upgrade their licence to a full unrestricted licence by simply re-taking their practical test on a larger unrestricted motorcycle. Or less than two years if your theories test is still valid.

Our Direct Access motorcycle courses are based in London and are tailored to each individual. For the majority of people, it would be their first time on such a big motorbike, yet at the same time; we also recognise that some people may have been riding big motorbikes for years (e.g. maybe in a foreign country, or off road).

For this reason, we assess each pupil’s needs on an individual basis. We do not dictate that every person who wants to do Direct Access will need a 4 or 5 day DAS course as we know other training schools do. In fact, we do quite the opposite. We advise you on what our various DAS Courses involve, and then let you decide which course is best suited to your experience level.

We will ask you some critical key questions to get an understanding of your experience, which helps us give you an opinion on which course is best suited to you; however the final choice is up to you.

Please bear in mind though, that if you claim to have more experience than you actually do, and opt to do a shorter course to save time and money, there is every chance you will not be in a position to pass your test first time, and may well end up spending more time and money on retaking the exams. This is far more expensive than getting it right first time by getting the required training.

For those pupils who are still unsure which course is best for them, we urge those pupils to come into our offices and speak to an instructor face-to-face, and even try sitting on, and riding the bikes to help both you and us make a correct and viable decision. This can be booked online as a Free assessment.

Day 1: This session consists of Module 1 & Module 2 training from 9am to 3.30pm.

We start off with slow speed manoeuvres at our Wembley HQ. Once confidence has been built and you are comfortable how the larger machine handles, we will set off to our other facility which is about an 1.5 hour ride, utilising a route which covers every aspect of riding as part of module two training. We then develop your skills to cover all aspects of the module one test. We then continue with module two training returning to Wembley for approximately 15:30.

Day 2: Is similar to day1, but we will hone your skills to a standard higher than expected for the tests. This is to allow for the inevitable nerves, that will occur but allows for a drop in performance and to still be high enough to pass.

Day 3: Starting in Wembley we will practice Module one manoeuvres locally, before escorting you to the test centre, waiting whilst you pass your test. We will then continue module two training if time allows.

Day 4: Starting in Wembley we will take you to test, practicing on the roads local to the test centre. It is possible that you may be using these roads as part of your test route, but given the level of training received it should not matter where you test, you should be able to read the road after training anywhere.

INEXPERIENCED RIDERS: We have packages designed for all levels.

The five day course is the same as the four day above, except that the first day is used to teach you how to ride a geared 125cc bike properly, and to develop road craft to the required level, in order to take the four day course.

The six day course starts off with the CBT, before progressing onto the five day course or can be six days plus the CBT, dependant on your learning level.

• Based at DSA regional test centres
• Large off road tarmac area

• wheeling the moped or motorcycle and using the stand
• riding a slalom and figure of 8
• a slow ride
• a U-turn
• cornering and controlled stop
• cornering and the emergency stop
• cornering and hazard avoidance

There is a minimum speed for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises:

• for mopeds this is around 19mph
• for motorcycles this is around 32mph

On the day of the Module 1 test, candidates will be asked by the examiner to demonstrate their riding ability on either the left-hand or right-hand circuit. Please note that the standard off-road layout may change due to local conditions on the casual sites.

Those candidates who have demonstrated riding skills of a dangerously incompetent level during Module 1 will not be permitted to take Module 2.

Those candidates who have passed Module 1 will receive a Test Pass Certificate which they must bring with them when they take Module 2.

• You have to leave a gap of three clear working days in order for you to take more training so you can pass on the next attempt. We recommend leaving a 6 working day gap between your module 1 and 2 tests, so should you need to re-sit then there is no problem with rescheduling. It’s ok to book consecutively if this is what you really want. We just want riders to know the implications of not passing module 1 with a module 2 booked within the cancellation period.

• You can’t progress to module 2 until you have passed module 1. If you have booked the modules to be on consecutive days or you are unable to give Alpha Motorcycle Training 6 clear working days notice of cancellation then unfortunately you won’t be able to sit the module 2 and you will have lost your DSA fee! Also if you have booked a lesson with an instructor to take you to test then this still needs to go ahead as just a training lesson without the test.

• We recommend leaving a 6 working day gap between your module 1 and 2 tests, so should you need to re-sit then there is no problem with rescheduling. It’s ok to book consecutively if this is what you really want. We just want riders to know the implications of not passing module 1 with a module 2 booked within the cancellation period.

• The practical motorcycle test will be about 57 minutes in length and will consist of an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions, a test of driving ability, a test of specific manoeuvres and a question about riding with a passenger.At the test centre you must present a valid certificate DL196 (CBT Certificate) a valid Motorcycle Theory Test Certificate and a valid Module 1 Test Certificate.

• CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS

• After the usual pre-test preliminaries e.g. licence and identification check the examiner will help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece. While accompanying the candidate to the machine the examiner will explain how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works. The law requires anyone riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped, with or without sidecar, to wear protective headgear securely fastened. The test cannot therefore be conducted unless the candidate is wearing properly secured protective headgear. It is also a requirement to have at least “jeans” not torn, and boots that cover the ankle.

• Note: An exemption to this requirement exists for followers of the Sikh religion, if they are wearing a turban.Before you actually start your practical riding test you will be asked to read a number plate to prove you can meet the eyesight requirements. You will also be asked two machine safety check questions and a question on ‘balance when carrying a passenger’ before moving away.

• At the end of the test when the practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

• If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March, 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test. If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.

• If you fail…
  If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You must wait 10 clear working days after your practical test before you can take another one.

• You can see a series of DSA videos of Modules 1 and 2 HERE