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Stage 1:

Understanding the Direct Access Scheme (DAS)

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What is the Direct Access Scheme (DAS)?

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The DAS is a motorcycle training and licensing route that allows riders aged 24 and over (or 21+ under progressive access) to train and test on a large motorcycle (over 595cc and at least 40kW/53.6bhp) and gain a full Category A UK motorcycle license.

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What age do you need to be?

• 24 years old or over for full DAS (direct route).

• 21 years old if upgrading via progressive access(holding an A2 license for 2+ years).

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​Stage 2:

Before You Start DAS Training

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• CBT Certificate (Compulsory Basic Training)

         This can be built  into you DAS course.

         Normally completed before any DAS training.

• Valid for 2 years.

• Motorcycle Theory Test Certificate

• You must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test

         (includes multiple choice & hazard perception).

• Also valid for 2 years.

         Provisional UK Licence or full UK Car Licence

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Stage 3: DAS Training – What to Expect

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• Off-road (training pad) and

• On-road (road ride training)

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1. Off-Road Training (Pad Work):

 

• Introduction to large motorcycles (over 595cc).

 

• Learning balance, clutch control, slow-speed handling,riding slowly in a straight line.

• U-turns, slalom and figure-of-8.

• Controlled stop, Emergency stop.

• Gearing up to Module 1 test requirements.

 

2. On-Road Training:

• Riding in various road conditions(riding in town, rural country roads, dual carriageways).

• Roundabouts, junctions, hill starts, parking up behind a parked car, dealing with parked vehicles. Moving lanes.

• awareness and avoidance, road positioning and proper timed indication.

• Manoeuvring at higher speeds with confidence and safety.

• Riding around bends safely and efficiently.

• Prepares you for Module 2 test.

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Stage 4:

Your Module 1 Test (Off-Road):

 

• CBT certificate (within two years of certification)

• Motorcycle Theory Test pass certificate (lasts two years of certification

• Photocard driving license

• Correct riding gear – 

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Candidates must wear clothing that meets these minimum standards:

• a securely fastened motorcycle helmet that meets British or EU safety standards

• sturdy motorcycle boots that provide support 

• heavy denim trousers or textile or leather motorcycle trousers

• a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath or textile or leather motorcycle jacket

• motorcycle gloves

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Happens in Module 1?

 

• Conducted at a DVSA test centre on a closed course.

• Includes:

• Manual handling (push the bike)

• Slalom and figure-of-eight

• Slow ride

• U-turn

• Cornering and controlled stop

• Emergency stop (at minimum of 30 mph)

• Hazard avoidance (swerve test at minimum of 30 mph)

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• Pass required to progress to Module 2

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Stage 5: Before Your Module 2 Test (On-Road):

 

• All documents listed above, plus:

• Module 1 pass certificate (you will need to keep that safe for your mod 2 test, you will not be able to go on the mod 2 test   without it)

• Minimum riding gear for tests –  

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Candidates must wear clothing that meets these minimum standards:

• a securely fastened motorcycle helmet that meets British or EU safety standards

• sturdy motorcycle boots that provide support 

• heavy denim trousers or textile or leather motorcycle trousers

• a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath or textile or leather motorcycle jacket

• motorcycle gloves

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What Happens in Module 2?

 

A 40–45-minute road ride with a DVSA examiner.

• Includes:

• Eyesight check (read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters for vehicles with a new-style number plate; 20.5 meters for vehicles with an old-style number plate)

• Safety questions ("show me, tell me")

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• Road riding including stops, hill starts, roundabouts, junctions riding around bends and in built up areas. Stopping behind                    parked cars amongst other aspect of riding normally.

• Independent riding section: follow road signs or instructions for 3 to 4 junctions.

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Final Step: After Passing Module 2

 

• You'll receive a pass certificate. (You will need to keep that safe)

• DVSA will send your new Category A (full) motorcycle license via post. (you will need to make some choices just after test to        facilitate this)

 

Summary Checklist

Documents You’ll Need:

 

• Provisional UK Licence or Full UK Licence

• CBT Certificate (DL196)

• Motorcycle Theory Test Certificate

• Module 1 Pass Certificate (for Module 2)

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Age Requirement:

• 24+ for full DAS route

• 21+ if upgrading via progressive access 

 

 

 

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Understanding the Gyroscopic Effect in Motorcycle Riding (Direct Access Scheme Training)

 

When you're training for your full motorcycle licence under the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), one of the key concepts you'll learn is the gyroscopic effect. This might sound technical, but it's actually quite easy to understand — and it plays a huge role in helping you stay balanced and ride safely.

                                                                                                

What is the Gyroscopic Effect? (In Layman’s Terms)

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Think of the front wheel of your motorcycle like a spinning top. When it’s moving fast, it naturally wants to stay upright and keep spinning in the same direction. This is due to something called gyroscopic stability — a force created when a wheel is spinning that helps it resist changes in direction or tilt.

 

The faster your wheels spin, the more this "self-balancing" force is present. This is what helps your bike stay upright and stable when you're riding, especially at higher speeds.

 

How It Affects Motorcycle Riding

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• Balance While Moving:

         As you ride forward and your front wheel spin, the gyroscopic effect helps your bike stay upright without you needing               to work too hard to balance it.

• Cornering and Steering:

         When you turn the handlebars slightly or lean into a turn, you're also working with or against the gyroscopic forces.

 

Low-Speed Riding:

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At low speeds (like slow turns, U-turns), the wheels spin more slowly, so there’s less gyroscopic force helping to balance the bike. That’s why it feels trickier to stay balanced at lower speeds — you have to use your body and clutch/throttle control more carefully.

 

Why It's Important not to grab the Front Brake (Especially at Low Speed)

 

When you apply the front brake suddenly, especially at low speeds, you’re doing two things that can disrupt balance:

 

You slow down the front wheel —

 

which reduces the gyroscopic effect and makes the bike less stable. You shift weight to the front — which can cause the front wheel to lock, the suspension to dive or if you riding slowly applying the front brake harshly when you're turning or leaning even slightly will have real impact on the stability of the machine.                

So, in DAS training, you'll be taught to avoid using the front brake during tight, low-speed maneuvers like U-turns or slow cornering. Instead, you'll use:

 

• Rear brake for gentle control,

• Clutch control to modulate speed,

• Throttle to keep the bike smooth and stable,

• And look where you want to go to help steer with body position.

• You will also be taught how to allow the bike to go where you look.

 

In Summary:

• The gyroscopic effect is what keeps your bike stable when the wheels are spinning.

• It’s stronger at higher speeds and weaker at low speeds.

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Sudden use of the front brake reduces the spinning of the front wheel, weakening the gyroscopic effect and increasing the risk of losing balance, especially at low speeds.

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