URGENT HELP REQUIRED - test in 5 weeks - beginner

Stiffler2

Hi All,

My bike test is coming up in 5 weeks time. I haven't driven a motorbike in over 10 years.

I can drive my friends bike as I am insured on it for the year under his policy.

In a nutshell I have to learn to drive and pass the test within 5 weeks.


So my questions are as follows, hope someone can answer them for me :

1) Is there a question test / practical or is it just a physical driving test or do I have to sit down and answer theory test questions again ??

2) Are there any video's on the net ( I couldn't find any ) of Irish Motorbike tests, what to look out for, what they test you on etc ??

3) What do you think the odds of someone passing this test are who only has 5 weeks to learn ??

4) I will get 1 pre test and maybe 1 lesson, this should help as it will point out anything I'm doing wrong, is this correct ??

5) The test is in tallaght, Dublin. Does anyone know the route the test takes so that maybe I can drive it before hand to learn ??

6) What are the things to learn in the next 5 weeks for the test, so far I've heard I have to do a full turn / U turn / Tight turns, emergency stop and also have to drive at 3mph beside the instructor as he walks ( walking pace )
is there anything else I'm missing here ?

7) I plan on doing the test on a bros which is restricted properly for my license.

I got my provisional / learners permit in Oct 2010 meaning I don't need the IBT course, if you got the license after Dec 2010 you need 10 lessons.

I would really really like to pass my test in 5 weeks as if I don't pass it I think i will be forced to do the IBT course unless I can just renew my license and it will still be fine as I will still have had my first provisional before Dec 2010 but not 100% on this.

Anyway your thoughts and answers to the above questions will be much appreciated

Also anyone that has just recently passed their tests any info you can supply at all to me here will again be much appreciated.

I've heard passing the bike test is much harder than a car test

eurofoxy

firstly don't worry about it, i passed my test with only about 25hrs experience on a bike, and i passed with out a bother, but i had without doubt the best instructor in the country..

get a pre test done somewhere, i am sure someone will give a name for someone good in dublin, then just concentrate on the errors that they tell you and you will be grand....at the end of the day you are there to prove you can drive safely, the testers are usually good guys who want to pass people...

PatKelly91

Hi

I done my bike test in Tallaght a little more than two years ago! What I had to do was as follows:

1) U-turn in a narrow road. Starting at rest, turning and stopping again.

2) Control bike at slow speed. The tester parked his car, got out and walked along a footpath for about 100metres and I had to drive beside him with two feet up and keeping the bike under control (no harsh braking or wobbles, etc.)

3) Emergency stop. The tester made me stop my bike and he drove ahead about 500-600 meters and stopped his car. He got out and instructed me to accelerate to the speed limit (60kmh on that road) and on his command bring the bike down to a speed below 10kmh without stopping. (no skidding etc, important to use engine braking!)

4) Overtake a stopped vehicle. Again he parked his car and got out about 500metres ahead of me. I drove up behind him indicated as necessary overtook his car leaving enough room that the door could open and moved back in, using indicators all the time!

This was all part of the on the road part of the exam. Before leaving the test centre there were some rules of the road and road sign questions and a quick walk around the bike. He asked how I would check for things like condition of the tyres and chain and brake fluid level. He also made me push the bike about 15 feet and then move it back again. I presume this was to be sure I was capable of handling the weight of the bike.

I had only one mark on my sheet when I got back to test centre and it was related to the theory part of the exam not the driving. I would suggest you have the bike as clean as possible on the day, wear full protective clothing (including a high vis with L-plates on them) no matter what the weather is like and be sure to have all your documents with you. He really scrutinised my insurance and restriction cert, probably because I was 18 and driving a Suzuki GS500. Another tip is to be sure to do "lifesavers" before you change lane, turn a corner, overtake etc... My uncle almost had a bump with a cyclist undertaking him while he was turning left during his test and the tester marked him down for observation.

I will upload a map of the route I took when I done my test as soon as I figure out how to! I'm new to this! If you have been driving bikes for a while you should have no problem in passing the test as long as you are a careful and aware driver. The difficulty compared to the car test is a personal opinion imho... I failed the car test first time round but flew through the bike test but then I have been driving bikes since I'm 7 years old so I definitely have more experience on two wheels than on four! It all depends on you!

I think I answered all of your questions there!! Anythin else I can help ya with give me a shout!

PatKelly91

Here is the route I went on!

Started and Finished at G

U turn at B

Control slow speed at C

Emergency stop at D

Overtake at F

Hope this helps! Good luck with the test

Stiffler2

eurofoxy
patkelly91

thank you very much for your input / advice, it is greatly appreciated.

PatKelly91 - thanks for the advice, it is what I was looking / hoping for.
I'll practise everything you have mentioned above.

If you could upload the route that would be great but I know it's alot of hastle to probably do this so if you can't no worries.

I'll be practising this over the next few days anyway, I'll make sure the bike is clean. I will be using my friends protective clothing, head to toe

I'll have to buy a high vis jacket with the L plate signs

I'm hoping I can pass this since I have no bad habits on a bike since I haven't drove one in over 10 years or at least that's what I'll hope.

May I ask how many theory questions you were asked before you even got on the bike. In the theory test it's 40.

Is this just an aural exam or is it written and how many questions are there would you know by any chance ?

thanks again all...

Stiffler2

PatKelly91 wrote: »

Here is the route I went on!

Started and Finished at G

U turn at B

Control slow speed at C

Emergency stop at D

Overtake at F

Hope this helps! Good luck with the test

PatKelly91 - this is brilliant - thanks so much for this

PatKelly91

The theory was just a quick aural exam he asked me what road signs meant, about 5 of them and a few questions about rules of the road, as far as I can remember he asked about roundabouts and motorway driving! Lasted less than 5 mins. You can get the high viz vest with L-plates in most bike shops now! I uploaded the route above its just from google maps hope you can make it out!

AgileMyth

Get a couple of lessons.

Your location says Sligo so I'd recommend Brendan Kelly. PM me if you want his phone number.

Its a couple of years since I did the test now but I did it in Sligo so if you're really not interested in getting lessons I could show you the route I did for mine.

Stiffler2

PatKelly91 wrote: »

The theory was just a quick aural exam he asked me what road signs meant, about 5 of them and a few questions about rules of the road, as far as I can remember he asked about roundabouts and motorway driving! Lasted less than 5 mins. You can get the high viz vest with L-plates in most bike shops now! I uploaded the route above its just from google maps hope you can make it out!

thnx again for the info above Pat, most appreciated.

Stiffler2

AgileMyth wrote: »

Get a couple of lessons.

Your location says Sligo so I'd recommend Brendan Kelly. PM me if you want his phone number.

Its a couple of years since I did the test now but I did it in Sligo so if you're really not interested in getting lessons I could show you the route I did for mine.

Thnx AgileMyth, although I'm from Sligo I'm doing my test in tallaght and not Sligo, thankfully PatKelly has given me the tallaght route which I will drive on a few times to become familiar with.

think I'll deffo get 1 lesson, maybe 2 and do 1 pre-test to see where I'm failing just in case

AgileMyth

Yeah I missed that bit somehow! Best of luck anyway, 5 weeks is plenty.

rat_race

My advice:
1. Get your friends bike, get used to it.
2. Read this: http://www.motorbiketraining.net/pdfs/PRE%20TEST%202010.pdf (which will also tell you to study the rules of the road starting page 178 on http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Rules_of_the_road.pdf)
3. Get a pre-test, he'll tell you all you need to know in terms of the route.

Stiffler2

thnx RatRace - appreciate the info.

RosieJoe

Stiffler2 wrote: »

I got my provisional / learners permit in Oct 2010 meaning I don't need the IBT course, if you got the license after Dec 2010 you need 10 lessons.

I would really really like to pass my test in 5 weeks as if I don't pass it I think i will be forced to do the IBT course unless I can just renew my license and it will still be fine as I will still have had my first provisional before Dec 2010 but not 100% on this.

Once you have your learner permit you are exempt from any subsequent changes unless specifically stated. This means you will not have to do the IBT even if you fail.

BTW, you might get asked questions about Bike Maintenance (like tyre depth and C&S questions).

On the emergency stop and swerve, don't forget to check your mirrors before commencing the move. Also, life saver for the swerve!

Stiffler2

RosieJoe wrote: »

Once you have your learner permit you are exempt from any subsequent changes unless specifically stated. This means you will not have to do the IBT even if you fail.

BTW, you might get asked questions about Bike Maintenance (like tyre depth and C&S questions).

On the emergency stop and swerve, don't forget to check your mirrors before commencing the move. Also, life saver for the swerve!

Hi RosieJoe - great, thnx for the info.

In the highlighted bit above my license was issued on the 10 Oct 2010
After Dec 2010 you need to have the IBT course, however since I got the license before this date I don't require the IBT course.

My license will expire on 10 Oct 2012 - this year. I am worried that if I fail my test and my license expires I will need a second provisional.

The second provisional will have a newer date of issue after Dec 2010 meaning I will have to do the IBT course if I fail or get my second provisional.

Can anyone clarify this, hope I've explained it correctly ?

RosieJoe

Here's a link to magireland on the Process:

Getting on the Road

Specific to you is:

Step 3: Initial Basic Training (I.B.T.)
From Dec. 6th 2010:

All new first time learner permit holders for motorcycles are required to undertake Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Since you already have a learner permit pre Dec 2010 you will never have to do the IBT. Even if you need to get your 2nd permit, you will not be a new first time learner permit holder.

defike

Watch out for stop signs in the Belgard heights housing estate.
Did my test on that route last September most turns are yield turns but there was one shabby stop sign.

Stiffler2

RosieJoe wrote: »

Here's a link to magireland on the Process:

Getting on the Road

Specific to you is:


Since you already have a learner permit pre Dec 2010 you will never have to do the IBT. Even if you need to get your 2nd permit, you will not be a new first time learner permit holder.

Hi RosieJoe,

Great - that was what I was hoping for... thanks once again

Stiffler2

defike wrote: »

Watch out for stop signs in the Belgard heights housing estate.
Did my test on that route last September most turns are yield turns but there was one shabby stop sign.

Hi Defike,

I'm going to drive this route over the next few weeks to become familiar with it. I'll deffo watch out for the stops signs at belgard heights - thnx for the info.

juice1304

Stiffler2 wrote: »

The second provisional will have a newer date of issue after Dec 2010 meaning I will have to do the IBT course if I fail or get my second provisional.

Can anyone clarify this, hope I've explained it correctly ?

I thought the same about my car licence but when i went into the motor tax office to add the A licence she said as my first licence was issued before that if i got a second licence it would'nt matter i would'nt have to do the lessons.

kajo

Stiffler2 how did you get on? a step by step guide of your test would be a great help.
Did you do a pre test? if so who did you use and how did you find it? worth the cost?

Stiffler2

kajo wrote: »

Stiffler2 how did you get on? a step by step guide of your test would be a great help.
Did you do a pre test? if so who did you use and how did you find it? worth the cost?

Hey Kajo - Sorry for not replying to your post earlier.
I haven't done the bike test yet although it's in 2 days time on Wednesday morning.

All fingers are crossed now at this stage.

I have done everything everyone has suggested I do on this thread. The only think I didn't do was a pre-test or lessons.

I would have really liked to have gotten 1 or 2 but I don't have the money & can't afford it right now which is unfortunate as it would have shown where I am weak.

I've been out of my mates bike for the last couple of weeks now and am fully confident in terms of riding ( for the test )

I'll re-post my results come Wednesday evening and let you all know how I got on.

One thing I am a little concerned about actually - maybe some bikers here could help although it's too late to fix now is that my friends bike has duct tape holding his mirror and indicators on, not that they have snapped off completely just that the mirrors move around so had to be taped.

His indicators are the same. This has greatly concerned me however there is no NCT for the bike so hopefully I can't be failed on that and like I said they do actually work.

I didn't have the money to order new ones + it's not my bike. I was lucky my friend was good enought to allow me to get insured on it and lend it to me so I could hardly give out to him about his mirrors / indicators.

Anyway like I said it's too late now to fix, the rest of the bike is in good working nick and is sparkly clean for the test.

Any bikers here that can tell me how the tester will react to duct taped mirrors and indicators ?

tell me good news please...

Stiffler2

Well my bike test was today @ 8:15am
got up at 6:30am.
drove car to friends house
drove his bike to tallaght, got there at 7:55am
Friend had to take luas into work

I was the first one there in the waiting room.
A guy walks in :

"Sorry, the bike instructor rang in sick today, you won't be able to do your test, I'm sorry, we will have to re-arrange it with you"

"What ?, you only have 1 bike instructor per test building" ?
" I have been waiting on this for over 8 months, this is unacceptable, I assume I will get a free pass then ?"

"No Sir, I am afraid that is not how it works".

*Walks out*

:mad:

I'll try to keep my fury inside in case the instructor reads this forum :rolleyes: .......
He now owes me a favour as far as I'm concerned......

P.C.

Not good.

A few thing:
I hope people understand what an effect it has on other people when they ring in sick;
Very poor of them to only have one tester for bikes;
They need to sort you with a test date ASAP.

Stiffler2

What can I say, can't say I'm surprised tbh.
That's just how this country is run really, isn't it .....

thomashood10

You were waiting 8 months?

How long until your next test date?

I would frown at the test centre for not calling you ahead of time, the instructor could have had a legit emergency (it happens). Not professional, but hey.. expecting common sense from any government run agency seems to be impossible these days.

Pedro K

That sucks man. Really sorry to hear it.

you were waiting 8 months? That seems ridiculous. I just passed my test in the Tallaght centre earlier this month having applied for the test in March! I was only waiting 3 months.

P.C.

Pedro K wrote: »

That sucks man. Really sorry to hear it.

you were waiting 8 months? That seems ridiculous. I just passed my test in the Tallaght centre earlier this month having applied for the test in March! I was only waiting 3 months.

Could be the six months of the learners permit, and then a few months wait for the test.

Pedro K

P.C. wrote: »

Pedro K wrote: »

That sucks man. Really sorry to hear it.

you were waiting 8 months? That seems ridiculous. I just passed my test in the Tallaght centre earlier this month having applied for the test in March! I was only waiting 3 months.

Could be the six months of the learners permit, and then a few months wait for the test.

Ah yes. Good shout. Forgot about that.

Stiffler2

Bike test has been re-arranged for early August.

They did offer me a test in "Clondalkin" the following week but as I have driven & learned the tallaght route I told them to F-off and give me the tallaght route as I had learnt that one.

so early August, 1 month - ish away

I have a feeling I'm going to go into this angry and fail v's being there previously fully ready to go and passing.

chrismon

That's horrible, hope you get sorted

thomashood10

Kind of a set back, I'd try to be as positive as possible, otherwise it's gonna be another 85 quid or w/e it is.

Nothing that pisses you off more than when they hand you the 'certificate of failure'

Luckycharm

Good thread just applied for my test hope I applied for correct one - I have an A1 learner permit so applied for that test- does that mean that if I pass I will only be able to drive max 125cc?
To be honest that will probally be fine also another question I have only ever driven an Automatic either 50cc or 125cc will that be a problem for test.
I need to do a pretest as I am sure I have plenty of bad habits any suggestions south dublin - have been recommended by bike shop Irish school of motoring.

wicklowbiker

Luckycharm wrote: »

Good thread just applied for my test hope I applied for correct one - I have an A1 learner permit so applied for that test- does that mean that if I pass I will only be able to drive max 125cc?
To be honest that will probally be fine also another question I have only ever driven an Automatic either 50cc or 125cc will that be a problem for test.
I need to do a pretest as I am sure I have plenty of bad habits any suggestions south dublin - have been recommended by bike shop Irish school of motoring.

" Automatic either 50cc or 125cc "

Luckycharm

wicklowbiker wrote: »

" Automatic either 50cc or 125cc "

Yep have had mopeds which have always been automatics no manual gear change

Merch

Stiffler2 wrote: »

Bike test has been re-arranged for early August.

They did offer me a test in "Clondalkin" the following week but as I have driven & learned the tallaght route I told them to F-off and give me the tallaght route as I had learnt that one.

so early August, 1 month - ish away

I have a feeling I'm going to go into this angry and fail v's being there previously fully ready to go and passing.

Hey, look at as a positive, without the few lessons or the pre test maybe you might not have been prepared? maybe.

Also, there are a few stop signs (at least one, but I think some others) around tallaght that have no Octagonal sign, just stop painted on the road, (road markings are signage too, so thats considered a stop sign) my instructer brought me past one and i copped it, but it did make me more conscious as mostly from what i have come across there is always an octagonal sign for stop, I took from it that a stop sign may have been removed by works or damage, but the obligation to stop is still there before the line.

Also, I didnt get taken the route my instructor took me or the route mapped out earlier, so good practice would be to drive all around tallaght, do all the main roads and get to know the speed limits on them (compare that to the rules of the road, you can then predict what speed signs will be up based on the road, ie N, R or L routes) and the layout of junctions
I also picked up some good points from doing a few lessons in tallaght and i did a pre test of sorts a few days earlier where I still picked up some points, so its always learning.

It seems like a lot but I went out a couple of times for a few hours to cover the above plus going front to back in the ROTR once and then refreshing the week before the test.
Well plus the pre test the week before, but it had been months since I had a lesson and i hadn't even been on the bike much.

Id say its important/good to know the layout of junctions, speeds and stay left where necessary and also to be familiar and comfortable on the bike you will be using.

My instructor was good, I only went to him but was happy so didnt change around.