A lot is going to change in the examination process for aspiring motorcycle riders as of Jan. 19, 2013. Then goes the Third European Driving License Directive. Instead of two, there are then four exam paths. CBR is already listing the major changes in the Reflector.
Age influx
A gradual age intake was chosen for the new set-up. This means that the first candidates for the A2 and A (additional) categories cannot be expected until after January 2015. The new exams were developed in close cooperation with an external working group including representatives from Bovag, FAM, VRB, KNMV, OTCRij and the Police Academy.
The new driving procedure will be available in mid-December. “In the run-up to the new exam structure, it is important that trainers book ‘old-style’ exams preferably as far in advance as possible before Jan. 19, 2013,” the CBR advises. “This is to avoid the risks that may arise from delayed exams, for example. Because the legislation is implacable: all exams from January 19, 2013 will go according to the new regime.”
Driving license A1
Candidates under the age of 24 can go up for the A1 driver’s license. The exam schedule is similar to the current format, content and standards. Thus, these candidates take the theory A, AVB and AVD exams consecutively.
A1 candidates may begin practical lessons at 17, provided they have a valid B driver’s license or an A theory certificate. A candidates may take the theory exam at 17. The certificate given to successful candidates is valid for 18 months.
Driving license A2
Motorcyclists who have held an A1 license for at least two years may move up to the A2 license. For this purpose, the candidate takes a one-part practical driving test in which the examiner integrally tests vehicle operation and vehicle control. To this end, the candidate performs two productive special maneuvers during the exam drive (out of a total of four).
After at least two years of driving license A2, the motorcyclist can go up for driving license A (additional). This means candidates must be at least 22 years old. Also during this one-part practical exam, the examiner tests vehicle operation and control integrally during the practical drive.
Extraordinary maneuvers
With the traffic experience they have been able to gain from A1 and A2, they are advanced drivers. Therefore, during the one-part practical exam, these candidates perform not only two of the four available special maneuvers in traffic, but also one of the three variants of independent route driving.
Going directly for the A driver’s license is possible for candidates 24 years and older. Again, the exam schedule is similar to the current format, content and standards. These candidates take a theory, AVB and AVD exam in sequence.
AVB and AVD
And just to be clear, so the AVD exam does not include expansion to include special maneuvers to be performed independently and independent route driving. After all, this is where a full AVB exam is taken before the candidate takes the AVD exam.
In the practical AVB exam, candidates perform the special maneuvers as more or less self-contained tasks. The main emphasis here is on technical implementation. “Such a reproductive task does not do justice to how a person independently chooses and performs an appropriate special maneuver in normal traffic. Hence the introduction of four productive (or independent) special maneuvers in the practical exams,” reports the CBR.
Manouvres
The following maneuvers are selected:
- reversal command (half turn)
- parking command (walking reverse parking)
- pulling out of (parking) space
- carpeting
Operation and control
To assess the level of motorcycle operation and mastery during independent traffic participation of candidates in the practical exam A (supplementary), the CBR is introducing three new methods:
- driving to a pre-specified destination (object/orientation point);
- driving to or following a specified destination or route via signage;
- driving using a navigation system (optional).
Examiner
In all cases, the assignment lasts a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 minutes. The choice of the variant of independent route driving is heard by the candidate during the exam. However, the examiner will ask beforehand if there is appropriate navigation equipment on the motorcycle and if the candidate agrees to use it during the exam.
During independent route driving, the candidate may ask for further directions while driving. If necessary, the examiner will stop for this purpose.
Special maneuvers in A2 and A (additional)
The following principles apply when performing productive special maneuvers:
- these are only covered during A2 and A supplementary AVD exams;
- A maximum of two maneuvers during the exam;
- the examiner selects these maneuvers;
- the examiner determines the time of performance;
- are not classified as special maneuvers: slope test, preparation and control actions, mounting and dismounting, and performing the “stop out of traffic” “parking order” and “driving away from a (parking) compartment combined is not permitted.
- the ‘parking command’ and ‘drive away from a (parking) space’ do not appear as commands at the beginning or end of the exam
- No pylons will be used in performance.
- the candidate at A2 and A (additional) is given all special maneuvers while driving
Source: VerkeersPro.NL