BOVAG and RAI have pointed out to Minister Schultz van Haegen an interpretation difference between the different European member states in the implementation of the Third Driving License Directive. As a result, Dutch motorcyclists are the only ones in the EU who must obtain an additional motorcycle license before riding a heavier motorcycle.
The different implementation in the Netherlands may be due to a different interpretation of the original English text of the Third Motorcycle License Directive. As a result, 20-year-old motorcyclists will not be allowed to test directly in the A2 category starting Jan. 19, 2013, when the legislation takes effect. In all other EU member states, you can.
Dutch motorcyclists must get more licenses Dutch people under 24 now have to get three licenses if they want to drive a heavy motorcycle. The license for each succeeding category can be obtained only after two years of experience with the previous lighter category. The minimum ages for the different categories will be in the Netherlands: 18 years for category A1, 20 years for category A2 and 22 years for category A. If 20-year-olds and older want direct access to A2, they must pass 3 exams: Theory A, AVB and AVD.
Netherlands exception in the EU The Netherlands is the only EU member state to stipulate that without an A1 driver’s license A2 cannot be obtained. Category A, incidentally, can also be obtained by right by candidates 24 years and older. They then do not need to obtain A1 and A2 driver’s licenses first.
Request to Minister BOVAG and RAI conclude that the original English text, which determines the transposition into Dutch law, gives the possibility to get an A2 driving license immediately at the age of 20. This is why BOVAG and RAI have asked the minister that 20-year-olds be given immediate access to the A2 motorcycle license as soon as possible, and are counting on the ministry’s understanding in this regard.
Source: bovag.co.uk