Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to change the system of licensing motor cyclists; if he will make 259W a statement on the Al licence; what are the EU requirements in this area; and if he will make a statement. [244]
§ Mr. MossThe second EC directive on the driving licence requires member states to have two motor cycle driving licence categories and associated tests. Category A will give entitlement to drive any motor cycle with a power output up to 25kW or a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. Passing the category A test will also confer entitlement to drive larger motor cycles after two years. A sub-category (Al) will give entitlement to drive a light motor cycle up to 125cc, with a power output of 11 kW. The minimum age for driving motor cycles will remain 17.
In implementing the directive in Northern Ireland, it is proposed that the existing category A test—which allows a person to take a motor cycle test in a vehicle up to 250cc—will continue until 1 July 1997 on which date learner motor cyclists will be restricted to vehicles of up to 125cc in line with current arrangements in GB. It is also proposed to introduce the sub-category Al test along with other provisions of the directive on 1 January 1997.