Become a direct access scheme (DAS) motorcycle instructor
What the assessment involves
There are 3 main sessions in the direct access scheme (DAS) instructor assessment. You’ll get a full explanation before the assessment starts.
Session 1 - theory
This session lasts around 15 minutes. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessor will play the role of a rider who:
- has done their compulsory basic training (CBT) on a 125cc motorcycle
- is new to riding larger and more powerful motorcycles
You have to show and tell them the main differences between large motorcycles and the smaller motorcycles used for CBT. You’ll do this alongside the motorcycle.
Session 2 - on-site handling assessment
In this session of the assessment you’ll be given the scenario of a rider who has:
- already taken CBT
- difficulties in the basic control of a large motorcycle when riding it on private land
You have to:
- decide how to overcome the difficulties
- give instruction to develop the rider’s basic skills off-road
The scenario will include 2 of the following riding skills requiring attention:
- moving off and stopping the bike
- controlled braking
- gear-changing
- slow riding skills
- slow controlled turning (similar to the ‘figure of 8’ exercise on CBT)
Session 3 - on-road assessments
This session of the assessment will last for around 1 hour 30 minutes. The assessor will play the part of a trainee.
You’ll have to give 3 on-road lessons during this session.
The assessor will select the lessons from:
- positioning in normal riding and dealing with bends
- negotiating left and right turns at junctions
- dealing with different types of crossroads
- dealing with town centre riding
- negotiating roundabouts
- dealing with dual carriageways
- dealing with other traffic safely when following behind and overtaking other vehicles
- moving off from all positions
- riding in areas with a national speed limit
- joining and leaving dual carriageways and following behind other traffic
- dealing with overtaking, meeting, filtering and leaving enough clearance to stationary vehicles
- moving off, the emergency stop exercise, u-turn exercises (pushing and riding) and taking the motorcycle on and off the stand
During the on-road assessments
During the ride you’ll be expected to:
- give any instruction you feel necessary
- correct any riding faults that may occur
You can ask the trainee to pull up so that you can give face-to-face instruction or guidance.