"Learner permit" - changes for provisional bikers

Thanks to Tellox on boards.ie for this post:


• Learner Motorcyclist to display L plates on a high visibility tabard.
takes effect as and from 1 December 2007.

All persons with a learner permit (provisional licence) for category A, A1, or M, must when driving such a vehicle display a yellow fluorescent tabard bearing the letter ‘L’ not less than 15 centimetres high in red on a white ground, in clearly visible vertical positions worn over the chest clothing. The ‘L’ plates are to be to the front and rear of the person’s torso. It will be a penal offence not to so display L plates.

• The carrying of a passenger by a motorcyclist with a (provisional licence) learner permit is a penal offence.

This change will apply as and from 30 October 2007.

Q: Can I carry a passenger on a category A motorcycle for which I hold a learner permit/ provisional licence if I have a full driving licence for category A1?
A: No.

Q: If I pass the motorcycle driving test, can I carry a passenger?
A: No, you must first exchange your certificate of competency (driving test pass certificate) for a full driving licence to be able to carry a passenger.



• A person who is a first time holder of a learner permit (provisional licence) cannot take a driving test for a six month period after the commencement date of the permit (provisional licence).

Full Licence application

As soon as I got back home from the test I filled in the Application.

I needed:

2 Passport photos signed on the back.
1 the certificate of competency
my provisional licence
the fee
the application form

I put this in an envelope and address it to the motor tax office in Ballymun.
You can find your local office here

The sooner you get the licence the sooner the restrictions start to disappear.

The Test

It's test day.

I'm as nervous as a bag of cats.
I took the day of work, Luckily my boss is a real nice guy, know Him really well :)

I washed the bike and made sure nothing was hanging off.
I actually found a loose screw on the chain adjustment that was left loose by the bike tyre company the day before - grrrr....

They did tip me there to display the tax on the bike for the test.
So I put the tax in the plastic licence sleeve and taped it to the bike for the test.
This was good piece of mind.
Also, get a hi-viz vest the instructor will take into account that you take safety seriously.
I hope it goes without saying to have full biking gear.

I set off 2 hours before the test, first filling up on petrol and the practicing the maneuvers.
I talked to muself inside my helmet - repeating as I practiced....

Mirror - Signal - Mirror - Lifesaver (Look into your blind spot) Maneuver
Do this for left and right turns, you won't be marked for being too safe.

On takeoff's at lights Check Left mirror + Blind spot and Right Mirror + Blind spot.

Practice U turns and driving at walking pace.

A good tip is to park reasonably close to the test center when you can easily pull away.
Make sure you don't park illegally or in a place that will cause you undue stress at the start of the test. It's a good idea to go to the center an hour before and find a good spot or two.

The tester will be driving a car and you will have an ear piece.

The test went great.
I was totally relaxed after my two hours of riding.
I stuck to the plan talking myself through it, this time in my mind.

I was fairly confident that when we pointed back toward the test center that I had passed. However I immediately switched back into test mode, because the last thing you want to do is fail now.

One thing that happened was that I did not hear one instruction clearly. I was pretty sure that he said 'next right' so I made a hand signal for a right turn and he repeated the command.
It's a good tip and demonstrates your control.

I parked in the easiest place I could find when we got back and followed the instructor back into the office. Where he said the imortal words 'Congratulations you have passed' :)
The sense of relief and general good feeling was great.

The Test Looms

Only One week to go until the Test.

I contacted Aidan Sheehan who was one of the instructors on the Star Rider Program.
I organised a pre-test. I was surprised at how many bad habits had creeped in since the training in July.

He spent an hour Ironing out the flaws and going through the test structure.
I recommend that if you do nothing else before your bike test - Do a pre-test.
No matter how good you think you are you have no idea what the tester is looking for.

After the pre test I felt more confident about the driving test. I put in a lot of practice between it and the test day.

Applying for the Test.

http://www.drivingtest.ie/frameset.html

The most convenient way to apply is online.
At the moment Raheney is turning around Bike tests in 6 weeks.

Training

To get good at anything you need to train.

I looked around for some lessons and came across the Star Rider program which is run by Fingal CC.
I booked the silver star course which costs 250 Euro.

The course consists of 12 hours of training and brigs you to a standard above that required to pass your driving test. That works out at just over 20Euro per hour which is half the price of private lesson.

Day one:
The course takes place in Swords Co. Dublin.
I met the instructors at 9 am. There were 4 instructors present which was surprising.
Now this starts looking live very good value for money.... These are the same instructors that give private lessons but now I get 4 of them for half the price of one.....Fair play to them and to Fingal CC.

The course starts with an introduction to the other bikers, there was 6 of use in total. 1 Beginner, with no riding experience, 2 like me with about 2 months riding experience, and 2 who were returning to biking.

We started with a demonstration of all the parts of the bike and safety checks that should be carried out on your bike. There is ample time to ask questions during which time the other instructors are checking out your bike and they give you feedback.

Next we all mount and do some basic start offs and turning. The idea of this is to use correct procedure. I found that my low speed control improved almost straight away with their guidance.
I should mention that the beginner got 1 to 1 tuition from this point on.

The next exercise was low speed slalum between cones followed by a figure of eight. This helps your control and use of the back brake for stability. Two hours before this I would have put my foot down now I can complete the figure of eight with ease.

The next task is an all important break for a cup of tea over which they talk to you about the gear that you should use. It's an opportunity to ask about gear from experts. They also can point you in the right direction so that you don't get ripped off.

Next a demonstration of braking from a decent speed (50Km) speed. Each rider tires after the demonstration. This gives you visual feedback on the difference between back and front braking.


Opinion so far: Excellent, My control has improved immensely in only 4 hours.

Day Two:

Another 9am start and straight into right and left hand turning. Again this is procedure based and is easy to pickup but very effective. After practice we went on a ride out to the local spar to have a coffee.

In the car park we kitted up with ear pieces and went in groups of 2/3 with an instructor. We did laps of Swords using the new techniques that we had learned all of this was with his commentary on ear piece. Each rider gets the opportunity to lead. During your lead you get a running commentary of your performance. This is an excellent method of correcting your mistakes and learning technique.

This on road ridging lass an hour and is very enjoyable.

Opinion so far: Superb, These guys are great riders and I feel much better about my road position, presence, awareness, and control.

Day Three:

Day Three, another early start, I'm beginning to like early weekend mornings ;)
We spent the entire time out on the road. We practiced what we had learned in real life situations. We used the radio contact again.
Following that we did some country driving around st Margaret's / swords and Ashbourne.

A brilliant course, well done to everyone who is involved with it.
After four hours in the Saddle I made a 2 hour trip west making it a great day.

I feel much more confident on the Bike now at low and high speeds.
I feel better about cornering and my overall awareness.

Recommend this *****

Total Cost

Jacket.........150
trouser........150
Boots..........150
Helmet.........350
Gloves..........50
Locks(3)........80
Bike..........3100
Insurance......810
Tax.............70
Lessons........225
Total.........5135

Not bad....my budget was ~5K

Catching the Training

Do some training.
You will live longer.

There are lots of Qualified instructors out there.
I was lucky enough to Call one who Recommended the Star Rider course to me.
This is Half the Price of private lessons.
It is run by Fingal CoCo in Swords and is taught by the same instructors that run their own businesses.

The total cost for the silver program is 225 Euro
You will get a place quicker if you use your own bike.

I just sent away the Application

Loosing my virginity

So i called up AON 1890 777 555 and organised my insurance.
3rd party was 800 Euro.
I got a 30% Discount for being a car driver. (I had to ask for that)

The other insurer in the markket is Carol Nash who wanted a whopping 1600.

I should add that both wanted a ridiculous 2100 to insure the bike for theft.
These insurers are taking every biker over his/her own bike and there's pretty much nothing we can do about it....anyway

My Friend Sami gave me my first lessons when we picked the Bike up.
It is a a very easy bike to start with.
We drove all back to Dublin from Kinnegad, I don't recommend you do this on your own the first time :)

Well here she is!

Get a bike

I knew the bike I wanted from the start.
When I went to see a Dragstar I only realised how big of a bike the 400 is.
It's the same size as the 650. It seemed like a bit of hassle to be dealing with such a big frame starting off....so I decided to look at at Dragstar 250.

On seeing it I knew straight away that this was the right bike for me.

Look through the websites. bikebuyersguide, buy and sell, adverts.ie.
I found one in the Buy and Sell and enlisted the help of my firend to goo take a look.

The bike was in immaculate condition and had every conceivable extra included.
It sounded good and passes all the checks.

Getting geared up!

Right time to get geared up.
You will need the following.
I have put in brakets what I got and the price)

Helmet. (Nolan Flip 350)
>Brands include, SHOEI, ARAI, NOLAN.
>I went for a flip front.
>This allows the whole face piece to be lifted, very nice in traffic.
Jacket. (RS performance short jacket 150)
Trousers. (160)
Gloves. (Got a starter pair of my friend - thanks sami!)
Boots. (Oxtar come recommended 150)

Remember you are looking for clothing that is comfortable warm and water proof.
Car driver shop as if you were driving your car sitting on the roof in December :)