Bike Test in Tallaght

Hornswoggle

My bike test is coming up in Tallaght next week. Just wondering if anyone has taken their test in Tallaght recently, and if so, are there any predefined routes I should be practicing on . I found this route map on Biker.ie but I guess it's out of date at this stage (2009). Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

P.C.

Best advice I can give you is:

Get a pre-test lesson from a good instructor a few days before your test.

You might have left it a bit late, but if it was me, I would still ring a few instructors to see if there is anyone who could fit me in.

Hornswoggle

Thanks for the reply, I did a pre-test with Peter from Aaron rider training - brilliant instructor. Just wanted to practice around the relevant roads in the mean time!

Cienciano

Someone posted this as the route for the car test they did in Tallaght, that was just before christmas
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5751336
No idea if they use the same route for the car and bike though.

Wonda-Boy

Hope you dont get rush hour up there its like Vietnam ffs....good luck mate Id say you will ace it TBH.

Hornswoggle

Cienciano wrote: »

Someone posted this as the route for the car test they did in Tallaght, that was just before christmas
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5751336
No idea if they use the same route for the car and bike though.

Thanks I'll do a few runs that way too, it would be better down the Tymon Park way as there is more of a flow to the roads down there

Hornswoggle

Cheers Wonda that's what I'm hoping for! My test is half way through lunch hour so it'll probably be the Vietnam-experience alright

Merch

I did my test there, maybe get the recommended pre test and, I also got on the bike and drove around, my instructor pointed out one place of note.

If you are directed this way,
where greenhills road meets the tallaght bypass (N81)
If turning left onto the bypass (going towards town), just before the pedestrian bridge,
STOP is painted on the road, there was no sign when I did it and still dont think one is there.
Its very clear painted on the road in google maps, I dont recal it being so new looking when I was doing the test
Its on google maps but it seems like it should be a yield, my instructor took me that way to see if Id notice.

otherwise traffic is ok around there, I drove up and down a few main roads to see what and where the speedlimit signs are.
I think lunch could be a better time than 4-5.

Hornswoggle

Sound Merch thanks for the tip, I know the exact spot you are talking about, that could easily catch you out! From there did you turn left at the next roundabout and back towards balrothery, by tymon north park etc? I hope my tester isn't reading this lol

Cienciano

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Thanks I'll do a few runs that way too, it would be better down the Tymon Park way as there is more of a flow to the roads down there

I've to do my car test there in a few weeks, that route looks ok, hoping i get it

Merch

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Sound Merch thanks for the tip, I know the exact spot you are talking about, that could easily catch you out! From there did you turn left at the next roundabout and back towards balrothery, by tymon north park etc? I hope my tester isn't reading this lol

I didnt go that way on my test, but I was told it can be on the test route.
I did that on my pre test lesson a few days before, I did go left and left again but went straight back up to Tallaght village direction before turning right back towards Greenhills rd.
tbh, I cant recal exactly where I went.

I drove around main rds there one evening (summer) near the test centre to familiarise myself with lanes and speed limits/where the signs are.
The speed limits correspond to the rd sizes/types and I got the from the RoTR.

The Don

There are a few different route they take. Your best bet it to get a lesson or two with an instructor and they'll cover the routes with you. They also know the testers favourite places to catch people out.

Then get yourself onto google maps street view and memorise the speed limits on each road as it's difficult to spot the speed signs on some of the roads due to overgrown foliage.

Wonda-Boy

I also did my cage test in Tallaght when I was 18....if I remember correctly it was not that bad, but then again the congestion would not have been as bad 15yrs ago.

Cienciano

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I also did my cage test in Tallaght when I was 18....if I remember correctly it was not that bad, but then again the congestion would not have been as bad 15yrs ago.

Congestion can be good. My brother did his car test in Navan about 15 years ago. He said he was stuck in traffic not moving for almost the whole time. Ended going back to the test centre without covering half the stuff!

Wonda-Boy

Cienciano wrote: »

Congestion can be good. My brother did his car test in Navan about 15 years ago. He said he was stuck in traffic not moving for almost the whole time. Ended going back to the test centre without covering half the stuff!

Would prefer not to have it on a bike all the same....too much observation to be getting on with even while stationary, not to mention the slow speed control will have to be spot on and getting the correct leg down when stopping etc etc.

You need to be like an owl with the lifesavers ffs.

Grand in a car, but not for a bike test.

Hornswoggle

Passed my test today lads thanks for all the tips and advice!!! I'll stick up the route map when I get a chance, might come in handy for anyone doing their test in Tallaght too in coming weeks. The practice and pre-test defo paid off, now it's time to go bike shopping

cojomo2

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Passed my test today lads thanks for all the tips and advice!!! I'll stick up the route map when I get a chance, might come in handy for anyone doing their test in Tallaght too in coming weeks. The practice and pre-test defo paid off, now it's time to go bike shopping

Well done man. .congrats.
Did u do it on your own bike ? Any hassle with the mini indicators?

Hornswoggle

Thanks man, yeah I did it on my own bike and had no hassle with the mini indicators at all, was surprised! I also have mini LEDs on the front so as long as they are working correctly you should be OK. Then again it could vary with different examiners, the examiner for my test followed me on a bike When is your test coming up, best of luck!

cojomo2

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Thanks man, yeah I did it on my own bike and had no hassle with the mini indicators at all, was surprised! I also have mini LEDs on the front so as long as they are working correctly you should be OK. Then again it could vary with different examiners, the examiner for my test followed me on a bike When is your test coming up, best of luck!

Yeah I think the examiners will be on bikes from now on. Ill be doing mine next month. Did everything go to plan or did u have any slip ups?

sungear

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Thanks man, yeah I did it on my own bike and had no hassle with the mini indicators at all, was surprised! I also have mini LEDs on the front so as long as they are working correctly you should be OK. Then again it could vary with different examiners, the examiner for my test followed me on a bike When is your test coming up, best of luck!

Congrats, feels good when you get it out of the way
The tester in mine followed me in a car, that was only last year, I'm still chipping away at the 2 year restriction.
Although I havent even been on the bike since end of last year, its been locked up in the shed since then,
I need to get out on the bike!

Hornswoggle

cojomo2 wrote: »

Yeah I think the examiners will be on bikes from now on. Ill be doing mine next month. Did everything go to plan or did u have any slip ups?

Everything went to plan thankfully! The roads were a bit busy which actually worked in my favour as it gave me more time to think and complete all of the necessary checks required at junctions etc. The road where we did the U turn was huge, it really pays of to practice in as tight a road as possible. The overtake went well and also the emergency slow down. I had one moment in the Belgard heights housing estate where I was moving out to avoid a parked car before a corner and a guy in another car came flying around the corner so I pulled in to avoid the hazard. As my bike instructor told me, the most important person on the day of your test is other road users, they can make it or break it for you!

Cienciano

Nice one, not many better feelings than driving home from the test centre after passing your driving test! Stick up the route map if you can, im interested in seeing it!

cojomo2

Hornswaggle,

I know you had mini led indicators and a tail tidy- did you have a number plate light and a reflector ,? And what size plates? Just getting my bike in shape for the test so would be interested to know, thanks.

Hornswoggle

Cienciano wrote: »

Nice one, not many better feelings than driving home from the test centre after passing your driving test! Stick up the route map if you can, im interested in seeing it!

Exactly I was grinning for the rest of the eveing after the test, it's the best feeling to finally have it out of the way. Sorry for the delay in getting the route map up, I have it done on Google Maps just need to upload it!

Hornswoggle

cojomo2 wrote: »

Hornswaggle,

I know you had mini led indicators and a tail tidy- did you have a number plate light and a reflector ,? And what size plates? Just getting my bike in shape for the test so would be interested to know, thanks.

I had a legal size plate for the test but did not have a number plate light. Before doing the test I drilled a small hole in the edge of my number plate and bolted a bicycle reflector on as I didn't have one of them, I reckon it's worth doing to limit your chances of being turned away.

Hornswoggle

Clicke here to see a very rough map that I have put together of my test route.

Follow the alphabet from A through to N for the map. POints of interest are

D - Emergency Overtake
E- U-turn
F- Emergency Slow Down from 55km/h to 25km/h
I Slow Speed Riding

If you have any questions let me know! Hope this helps.

Suasdaguna1

Horns, your a ledge for putting that map up. Thanks.

Wonda-Boy

Knew you would ace that mate, sure you were flying the day you were with us on the spins. But its a great feeling when you pass it really is...WELL DONE!

KamiKazi

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Passed my test today lads thanks for all the tips and advice!!! I'll stick up the route map when I get a chance, might come in handy for anyone doing their test in Tallaght too in coming weeks. The practice and pre-test defo paid off, now it's time to go bike shopping

Good stuff. The day after I passed my test I was on the ferry to England to pick up a new bike :cool:

Wonda-Boy

Make sure you hand the slip in straight away....;)

Hornswoggle

Suasdaguna1 wrote: »

Horns, your a ledge for putting that map up. Thanks.

No problem at all I hope it helps someone out!

Hornswoggle

KamiKazi wrote: »

Good stuff. The day after I passed my test I was on the ferry to England to pick up a new bike :cool:

Ha I was on Done Deal the day I passed my test Hopefully picking up a SS600 in two days time!

Hornswoggle

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Knew you would ace that mate, sure you were flying the day you were with us on the spins. But its a great feeling when you pass it really is...WELL DONE!

Cheers Wonda it really is a relief to have it out of the way! That was a great spin out that day, will have to head out on another one with yous soon

es49er

Thanks for the great info!

Will be taking my test soon as well.

Just a quick questions, what do you mean by Emergency Overtake?
Is that maneuver known by another name?

Thanks

E-

Hornswoggle wrote: »

Clicke here to see a very rough map that I have put together of my test route.

Follow the alphabet from A through to N for the map. POints of interest are

D - Emergency Overtake
E- U-turn
F- Emergency Slow Down from 55km/h to 25km/h
I Slow Speed Riding

If you have any questions let me know! Hope this helps.

RosieJoe

es49er wrote: »

Thanks for the great info!

Will be taking my test soon as well.

Just a quick questions, what do you mean by Emergency Overtake?
Is that maneuver known by another name?

Thanks

E-

The emergency overtake is as follows, as my test:
- You are asked to pull in by the tester
- They'll go past you a few hundred yards up the road
- They'll stop, put on their hazards and get out of the car
- They'll ask you to get to 60kph and then react to the car as if it has pulled out of a side road
- Don't forget to indicate and your lifesaver

es49er

ahhh yes I know the one.

Thank You

E-

Bandito909

Fair play to ya Horns for passing your test

How do you know where to go when you are on test? Is there some sort of communication system in place between the tester and rider?? Or do you get told where to go before leaving the test centre? I'll have mine in a fe months too

Hornswoggle

Bandito909 wrote: »

Fair play to ya Horns for passing your test

How do you know where to go when you are on test? Is there some sort of communication system in place between the tester and rider?? Or do you get told where to go before leaving the test centre? I'll have mine in a fe months too

Cheers Bandito it really is great to have it out of the way, best of luck, ride as though it is your test everyday leading up to it, this will get you in the right mindset and is the key to passing IMO. The examiner followed behind me on a bike. We had a one-way radio system to communicate, he called out instructions and directions through a mic in his helmet and I had an earpiece so I could hear him. I'm guessing if the instructor follows behind in a car, it would be a similar set-up. It was nice having the examiner on a bike as I suppose it took the edge off me and felt more like a casual spin

Peanut2011

Hey Horns,

Just wondering if you can let me know what kind of pre-test bike inspection was done? I have one of the HID conversions on my front light and as a result I only have one main beam, no high beam..

I was wondering did they check that as it would mean I would have to change the front light.

Thanks.

Thinkingaboutit

One basic point is that a route can vary. Some roads can become inaccessible at short notice. Also if the tester detected some flaw in roadcraft like turning left or right, he might do more of those, so he can go back to the test centre quickly for his coffee break. I've found that anywhere within a certain zone seems possible for a test route. Life savers are good when changing position on the road, but no in excess, as the most important thing is to look ahead. If you think you cannot do a turnabout/three point turn on whichever section of road, you can put your foot down part of the way through at the cost of a minor fault - the main thing is that everything has to be controlled. My bike was pretty long. Given my experience, I couldn't be sure without putting my foot down once. I think too you can ask to take the turn somewhere else, but might be pushing it. Try to keep to the correct speed, possibly a little above, as going slow tends to be the danger. Like in many places, Tallaght can have a stretch of dual carriageway, which has a speed limit of c. 60km/h (check ROTR). I'm not 100% sure about pre-tests. I used some trainer suggested on some bike boards. He said, I'd no chance. I only had a minor fault for putting my foot down doing the turnabout. His training bike was a weird banger that didn't seem to be running right. I surely passed, and got a good grade in one of those insurance tests to get cheaper insurance. Practice as often as you can along the general area. There isn't really a fixed route.

Great you passed, keep it between the hedges or whatever they say.

Hornswoggle

Peanut2011 wrote: »

Hey Horns,

Just wondering if you can let me know what kind of pre-test bike inspection was done? I have one of the HID conversions on my front light and as a result I only have one main beam, no high beam..

I was wondering did they check that as it would mean I would have to change the front light.

Thanks.

As far as I can remember they checked my indicators (front and rear) and break lights were working. I can't remember having to dip/high beam the lights but I'd double check this with an instructor to be sure! As you will be doing your test during the day you won't need to dip your lights during the test. As they ask you questions about checking oil, pads, tyre wear etc, they will also be looking at the overall condition of your bike so make sure everything is in order for the big day, it gives a good impression. Bes of luck man!