Learning the basics in an open space

mardybumbum

Hi all,

So I am currently awaiting to to my IBT and get out on the road on my motorbike.
I have also decided that I should probably learn to drive a car as a basic life skill.
My girlfriend would be more than happy to let me practice stopping and starting in her car.
I am just unsure on the legality of practicing this without been insured. I appreciate that public roads are a big no no but what about private spaces, industrial estates, e.t.c

Secondly, does anybody know of any such spaces where I could practice?

Aaron

cantdecide

Good luck with IBT. Motorcycling is one of the best things I've ever done.

I believe the law extends to any space that the public has access to that would exclude most industrial estates, beach drags etc. However, if you were talking about a space such as farm lanes or private access roads then my understanding is that they're fine.

However, I'd be of the opinion that it's all fraught with danger and should be avoided. If you do manage to find one of these spaces, I'd make sure it's 100% okay to be there but you should be going through the process of getting the B theory test, permit, EDT, get insured etc so you can be in those industrial estates legally as you will do a lot of good learning in the early stages there, IMO.

The only real strategic advantage for off road learning will be learning to move off and shift up and down. If taken seriously (ie creating exercises that target the aspects you're weak with) then this part of the learning process shouldn't take very much time.

mardybumbum

Thanks,

Yes, I have the learner permit for car as well as motorbike.
I will definitely get some professional lessons with an instructor but I figured I'd get more use out of it if I at least knew how to start/change gears smoothly, e.t.c before hand.

Aaron