I have been riding for nigh on 6 months now and am starting to investigate sitting my full test on my XMAX, which I believe will get me an A2 license.
The plan is to then look for the next size up scooter, perhaps a 400. My understanding is that at the moment, after 2 years this will automatically transform into category A license and I am free to run out and buy that BMW scooter ( !!)
However I see there are new rules on the horizon from 2013 about what you can ride and when. I intend to complete the A2 part before then but will my two year period continue as it is now or will I have to take another test as the new rules imply?

logically it would carry on... because it would only apply to new riders... best to ask the DVLA

hello BiB, im not sure about the new rules but i think they've fecked around with the test / licence system enough already , i see you've got the new shape xmax, how about some pics

Licence rules cannot be applied retrospectively because it causes hells of problems in writing such laws. This is why it is very rare for any law to be retrospective (i know from the tax end of writing retrospective law)

BiB wrote:I have been riding for nigh on 6 months now and am starting to investigate sitting my full test on my XMAX, which I believe will get me an A2 license.
The plan is to then look for the next size up scooter, perhaps a 400. My understanding is that at the moment, after 2 years this will automatically transform into category A license and I am free to run out and buy that BMW scooter ( !!)
However I see there are new rules on the horizon from 2013 about what you can ride and when. I intend to complete the A2 part before then but will my two year period continue as it is now or will I have to take another test as the new rules imply?

They can't apply laws retrospectively. That's why (due to my age) my full car license allowed me a full licence for a moped which i could use before even taking my CBT

Also, don't forget that like a car license, if you take a bike test and pass on an auto you only get an auto bike license. You never know - in the future you may want to ride a geared bike so why not take it on a geared bike in the first place? Thats what i did - I had a 125 Pantheon scooter when I passed my test, kept it for a year after passing, I then got a SH300i which I still have, then my Burgman. I haven't gone to a geared bike but the option is there should I want to.


Edit: Taken from DIrect.gov website

New rules for vehicles you can drive and minimum ages

New rules on age restrictions for driving come into force on 19 January 2013. These changes include the age when you can drive certain vehicles and the types of vehicles you can drive in some categories. Find out how these changes could affect you.
Existing driving licence holders
If you already have a driving licence, you'll keep your entitlements to drive the different types of vehicles shown on your driving licence.
If you want to drive or pass a test for additional vehicles on or after 19 January 2013, you'll come under the new rules.
New drivers from 19 January 2013
New drivers will have to meet the new minimum age for driving vehicles. The new category descriptions will apply to you if you learn to drive or pass a driving test on or after 19 January 2013.