Changes to vocational driving licence acquisition and the motorcycle riding test

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency sent this bulletin at 24-02-2022 04:45 PM GMT

Changes to vocational driving licence acquisition and the motorcycle riding test

The regulations to change the rules on engine capacity for motorcycles used for category A2 motorcycle tests and changes to some categories of vocational driving licences will come into force on 1 March 2022.

The changes that will come into force are that:

  • the Minimum Test Vehicle Requirement (MTV) for motorcycles used for the A2 test be reduced from 395cc to 245cc, provided that the other MTV requirements are still met

  • candidates who pass a test in an automatic C1 or D1 vehicle who already hold a full manual licence in another car bus or lorry category, will get both the manual and auto entitlement - but cannot drive vehicles on the new entitlement until their licence has been updated by DVLA.

The changes will be updated on GOV.UK from the 1 March 2022.

Updated list of bikes that can be used for A2 tests

These changes will benefit both the motorcycle industry and test candidates who will be able to take their test on a wider range of motorcycles.

If you are planning to upgrade your motorcycle fleet you can read the full guidance, including the changes to the minimum test vehicle requirements on GOV.UK and view the updated list of bikes that can be used for A2 test. The list may not include every bike so if you have any questions about any that aren’t listed please email technicalstandards@dvsa.gov.uk

Changes to vocational licences

Eligible drivers that want to add the additional C1 and D1 entitlement upgrades to their licence will need to write a covering letter to DVLA to apply along with their current licence, stating which entitlement they want to be added. These will need to be sent to the dedicated postal address which is:

DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL.

DVLA will aim to send the updated licence back within 2 weeks, but this may change depending on levels of demand.

If drivers are making an application for another reason i.e. change of address or photo renewal they will still need to include the covering letter together with their licence and use the address shown above. Drivers can check if their new licence has been issued by using view driving licence service. 

The additional entitlements will not be automatically added to the licence, and drivers must not use a vehicle with a manual transmission until the changes have been made to their licences.