What is Direct Access?
Direct Access Scheme (DAS) training is a comprehensive course that allows you to obtain a full motorcycle licence, enabling you to ride a motorcycle of any size and power without restrictions. It is called direct access because you go straight to the full category A licence rather than working up through the smaller categories.
Who can do Direct Access?
| Licence | Minimum age | What you can ride |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 17 | Up to 125cc and 11kW |
| A2 | 19 | Up to 35kW (47bhp) |
| A (Direct Access) | 24 | Any motorcycle |
| A (progressive access) | 21, after 2 years on an A2 licence | Any motorcycle |
Whichever licence you are going for, the tests are the same. Only the size of the bike changes. At Edinburgh Motorcycle Training category A students train on a 700cc machine and A2 students on a 450cc.
What do I need before I start?
- A valid UK driving licence
- A valid CBT certificate
- A valid motorcycle theory test certificate
Both certificates need to be produced at training and taken to each test. The theory certificate lasts 2 years, and you must pass both practical modules within that time.
What is the pre-DAS assessment?
Students applying for DAS with us complete a 3 hour pre-DAS assessment first. It is designed to make sure you are comfortable and competent on the larger bike before progressing to the full training.
After the assessment the instructor assigns you to either the 4-day or the 5-day course, depending on the skill level you have shown. Pre-DAS takes place on the Thursday in the week before DAS training starts, and it is included in the price of both courses.
What happens on each day of a DAS course?
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Conversion day. 125cc to 700cc (450cc for A2). Usually a Friday or Saturday. 5-day students only. |
| Day 2 | Module 1 training. Preparation for the Module 1 test. Usually a Saturday or Sunday. 4-day students join here. |
| Day 3 | Module 1 test. Usually the Tuesday after Day 2, subject to DVSA availability, followed by the start of Module 2 training in the afternoon. |
| Day 4 | Module 2 training. A full day of on-road training. Usually the Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the end of the week after the Module 1 test. |
| Day 5 | Module 2 test. Usually the Monday following Module 2 training, subject to DVSA availability. Ends at about 2:00pm. |
Students allocated to the 4-day course join on Day 2. Test days depend on DVSA availability.
What is in the Module 1 test?
Module 1 is an off-road test on a purpose-built area and takes about 20 minutes. You are asked to:
- wheel the motorcycle and use the stand
- ride a slalom and a figure of eight
- ride slowly under control
- make a U-turn
- corner and make a controlled stop
- corner and make an emergency stop
- corner and avoid a hazard
The emergency stop and hazard avoidance exercises must be ridden at a minimum of 31mph (50km/h).
What is in the Module 2 test?
Module 2 is the on-road test. You must have passed Module 1 first. It lasts around 40 minutes and includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, road riding in a range of traffic conditions with the examiner following and giving directions by radio, and about 10 minutes of independent riding.
How much does Direct Access cost?
| Course | Price |
|---|---|
| 4-day DAS course, including pre-DAS | £1,140 |
| 5-day DAS course, including pre-DAS | £1,440 |
| Pre-DAS assessment on its own | £150 |
| A1 or A2 to A training, 2 students to 1 instructor | £55 per hour, plus test fees |
| A1 or A2 to A training, one-to-one | £75 per hour, plus test fees |
A deposit of £440 is payable on the day of booking on to either course, with two further instalments payable at the start of Day 1 and Day 4.
What if I fail Module 1 or Module 2?
Resit costs are not included in the course price. You pay the DVSA test fee again, plus any extra training with the motorcycle and instructor charged by the hour. You have to wait 3 working days before retaking Module 1 and 10 working days before retaking Module 2.
What can I ride once I pass?
Pass Module 2 on a category A motorcycle and you hold a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence. No L-plates, passengers allowed, motorways allowed, and any size of bike.
Many new licence holders follow up with the Enhanced Rider Scheme, five one-to-one sessions on your own bike.
How do I book?
Call 01721 728398 or send a booking request. Training runs from 15 Clippens Yard, Straiton, EH20 9NS.
Official guidance: riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle on GOV.UK.