IIf you’ve decided riding a motorcycle is for you, chances are you want to be on a bike quickly. The Direct Access Scheme is the fastest way to do this, no matter what your age. DAS training for motorcycle licences was set up to get people on two wheels faster, but safely.

Unlike learning to drive a car, you can’t get your mate or your parents to teach you. Riding a motorcycle is inherently different to driving. No one sits beside you, and you have full control over your machine from the first lesson.

Learning to ride with a qualified DAS instructor lets you gain the necessary skills quickly. DAS training lets you move from your CBT certification to the highest level licence possible for your age.

The beginning of DAS training for new riders

Back in the 80s, motorcycle licencing rules were fairly lax. If you passed your driving licence, you also had a licence to ride a 250cc motorcycle! As a result, motorcycling was fairly dangerous. Learning to ride was optional and lots of riders didn’t have the skill needed to stay safe on the road. In fact, motorcyclists were 30 times more likely to die on the road than other motorists.

Various methods for reducing fatalities were tried. First of all, the DVLA limited the power of learner motorcycles to just 125ccs. A few years later, carrying pillion passengers became a no-no for learners and Compulsory Basic Training was introduced.

In 1997, the Direct Access Scheme, or DAS training was introduced. So were various licences and related power-to-weight restrictions for each licence type. Unsurprisingly, the additional training helped motorcyclists become safer on the road. Fewer motorcycle accidents and fatalities have shown the inherent benefits of learning to ride a motorcycle before being let loose on the road.

What is DAS Training?

DAS training is the motorcycle course you’ll take before attempting the motorcycle licence test. The training is designed to suit your age and the level of competence you’ve already reached from gaining your CBT certification.

One path to gaining a full motorcycle licence takes you through all of the licence types. You’d learn to ride at the tender age of 16. As you grow, you work your way up the licence types, progressively increasing the power of your motorcycle as you age. This way of learning to ride a 600cc bike (or higher) takes approximately five years.

The other path to a full motorcycle licence is the DAS training path. You’ll still start at the same place, with a CBT certificate. However, after you’ve gained your CBT, you can train for the highest-powered motorcycle available to your age group.

You’ll need your CBT certificate to take a DAS course. And you’ll need to be old enough to get a full motorcycle licence in the UK. It’s a good idea to brush up on the Highway Code and use the other DVLA books and resources to learn all about riding a motorcycle. Other than that, you’ll be good to go. 

What age can I take a DAS course?

Technically, you can take a DAS course when you’re 17. As long as you are old enough to hold a full motorcycle licence, you’re old enough to take DAS training. You need to get your CBT certificate before you can take any full licence training. But realistically, you’d be better hanging onto your CBT certificate and ‘L plates’ a little longer.

Taking DAS training at 19 lets you skip straight to an A2 licence. And that’s the whole point of DAS training; the Direct Access Scheme lets you train for the highest level licence you can get for your age. An A2 licence is restricted, but lets you ride a motorcycle up to 600cc. For many of us, that’s enough.

Your path to a full motorcycle licence

Sometimes, the easiest way to explain something is with a picture. This chart shows the fastest way to get the highest level motorcycle licence for your age.

Does DAS include CBT?

Your DAS course doesn’t include the CBT course, but you can take DAS training right after your CBT course. There’s no compulsory waiting time between doing a CBT and then doing DAS. As long as you’ve got your CBT and theory test certificates, you can take DAS training the day after completing their CBT.

If you don’t have a valid CBT certificate, usually you can’t take a DAS course. Of course, there’s always some caveats.

If you switched an international motorcycle licence from the EU or one of the 15 non-EU or EEC designated countries and want to upgrade to a full, unrestricted A licence, you won’t need a CBT before taking your DAS course.

How long does DAS training take?

How long DAS training takes depends very much on the learner. Some people learn faster than others. Most of the students we take for DAS training learn all they need to know within about 3 to 5 days. But DAS courses aren’t something that you can take and pass on a weekend. That’s partly because there’s a LOT to learn and partly because your licence test is done in two parts on separate days.

At Phoenix, we tailor our full licence training days to our students. We’ll help you improve your motorcycle skills in your weaker areas and build on your strengths. Our aim is to help you become a well-rounded rider. Someone  who’s safe on the road, able to comfortably enjoy motorcycling, and, of course, pass your motorcycle licence test.

In some cases, it may take you longer than five days of training to gain the skills you need to confidently pass your motorcycle licence test. We’ll happily to work with you to achieve your motorcycling dreams as fast and as confidently as possible.

When will I take my motorcycle licence test after DAS training?

All motorcycle training centres do this differently. Some schools train their students and then book the test slots as soon after the training as they can. At Phoenix, we work hard to ensure your DVSA test is as close to the completion of your training as we can make it.

We arrange test slots for our students in advance of DAS training. We then work backwards from the testing dates to determine your training days. This means the skills and knowledge learned in training are still fresh in your mind when the time comes to test for your licence.

Our aim for Phoenix Motorcycle Training students is to build skill, safety and enjoyment on the road. A happy and confident rider is much safer than an apprehensive and indecisive rider. This is why Phoenix’ DAS training is as much about safety and enjoyment as it is about learning the skills you need to handle a motorcycle well.

How much does DAS training cost and what does it include?

We can’t speak for other training schools, but DAS training costs start at £790 with us. Prices vary depending on the location, but they always include everything you need.

Our DAS course costs include:

• Training for your MOD 1 licence test
• Training for your MOD 2 licence test
• All safety gear for training and testing (except sturdy boots)
• Petrol, insurance and motorcycle hire
• Licence test fees
• A motorcycle to take your motorcycle licence test with

DAS training is the fastest way to a full UK motorcycle licence. The DVSA created the course to be that way and still make sure riders were safe and confident when taking to the roads. So get on the road faster, with the highest licence level possible and book your DAS course with us today!