Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Learner/Newbie Sticky **All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!****

16869717374

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭LollipopJimmy


    I brought a pair without a mic that didn't work on the day, ended up with a non conducted test then the next time I brought a pair of AKC with mic because the tester from the first time said with mic were perfectly fine. They worked a treat and I passed.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    Says on the RSA site that they have to be without a mic

    Would be just my luck I would get there and they would quote the site and back to square 1 :-)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,553 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    The problem with the mics is that there's 2 standards with what would have been the large ground contact split in 2 with an extra divide between them so the ground contact on the port could be aligned with the mic contact or even with the spacer between them .

    The ones that came with old android or nokia probably won't work, if you've a old iphone one or a new one they might.

    Those splitters people use for laptops to split headsets into a separate mic and sound cables could also be used, there's also adapters that turn the miced version 4 pole jack into a 3 pole standard one.

    I checked mine with instructor radio and then brought a few anyway on the day.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    I'm in Wicklow Town

    But if the weather is not muck I would usually be out n about for a spin over the weekend If your out n about maybe I could meet up with you somewhere and pick them up and buy you a coffee:-)

    Cheers

    J



  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    Hi Guys - I already have a car (pink) license. I recently passed my Motorcycle driving theory test and then got the appointment to apply for the new license (add a category as a Learner on the motorcycle). I have now recieved my new license which is just a Motorcycvle (Green) Learner license - is that how its done? I now need to carry both the Licenses on me - I somehow thought that they (NDLS) will just add a category to my existimg license.

    thanks



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Did you do your IBT? Can't get your learners permit without it.



  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    I think that you first need the Learners permit to be able to do IBT and then when you have both the license and the IBT then you can drive on the road - with just the learners permit cant drive on the road.

    I havent done my IBT yet, shedueld it for end Jan as a lot of people told me that its taking a couple of weeks to get the license oprocessed by NDLS (fortunateky I got mine in less than a week)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,660 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Provisional licence / learner permit has always been a separate document from a full licence.

    Once you pass your bike test you will get the bike category(ies) added to your full licence and you'll be back to one licence again

    (well, not always - if you have A, A2, A1 and AM on your LP and pass on an A2 bike, you will get A2, A1, AM and B on your full licence, and keep A on your LP)

    Used to be a pain carrying around one never mind two of the old paper licences, which is why most people didn't. With credit card licences it's not a problem.

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Mjolnir




  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,434 ✭✭✭nigeldaniel


    The RSA has a new website. Can't help but think some lad/girl had a few toys for Christmas got bored of them so stuck an app together in 15 minutes and sold it to the public service!

    The old website was much better!

    Dan.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭eoin.d


    Can anyone give me details on where I can buy radio earpiece for the test that will definitely work. Thanks



  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63


    I got mine in Mr price, black jvc set with no mic and they worked perfectly



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭eoin.d


    Seen them recommended in earlier post but none in Mr price when I tryed



  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    Hypothetical question - if buying a used bike, both approx the same price, one is with a slip on exhaust and one with a quick shifter, which one would be preferable? I know its a little vague, but I havent had any experience of either...



  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    The quick shifter sounds like it would be actually useful while as the slip-on exhaust doesn't make any sense to me what exactly does it do?



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    I dont know as I havent ever used it - maybe a badass sound?



  • Registered Users Posts: 8 Midnight77


    Any other beginners experiencing insurance woes? I'm 27F, full Irish car license for years, and I'm currently struggling for Liberty to provide me a quote on a Kawasaki Z250SL. All the other providers gave me quotes no bother, but Liberty won't insure me as a first-time rider on a wee 250cc (I have car insurance with them and I want that discount, goddammit). The cheapest quote I have so far is 850, which seems extortionate for someone my age, given the bike's power, and the fact my IBT covered category A bikes!! 😡



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,838 ✭✭✭geotrig


    think i had the worst quote from liberty myself and varied stupidly to the point they where non sensical



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,553 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    Got a quote from principal for AXA that was 1/5 what AXA themselves were offering for bikes, and the other way I recently got a AXA quote that was 1/3 of what the brokers had for the car.



  • Registered Users Posts: 8 Midnight77


    I’ve stopped trying to make sense of insurance companies, they truly do just pull numbers out of their arse.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    Nobody cares about your B licence and think i had the same problems with Liberty starting out.


    Try Carole Nash and Principle. Got quotes from both and was able to work down from there. Think I started about €750 at 30 on a 600cc.



  • Registered Users Posts: 416 ✭✭slystallone


    Is there any extensions to IBT taken over last 2 years?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 277 ✭✭enrique66_35


    Not that I know of - the cut-off was 30 June 2019 so all IBTs completed since have the usual 2 years.



  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Full licenses expire after 10 years. If you have a full car license that's, for example, 5 years old. And you pass your bike test, and apply for a full bike license, they take both your full car and provisional bike licenses and merge them into one (a single license with both vehicle classes marked on it), but what is the expiry date?


    Is it renewed for another 10 years? Or do they keep the old expiry, so you still need to renew in 5 years?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,843 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    They all take the start date of the most recently issued licence.


    Mine are all valid for 10 years from the date I passed my bike test



  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ah fair play for letting me know. Did you have to re-do the eye-test or any other such stuff, if you don't mind me asking?


    Thank you.



  • Registered Users Posts: 8 ttrreeww


    I did the motorbike training a couple years ago and have a provisional licence, but I only got certified for automatic and 125cc. I was going to go for training on all motorbikes but I messed up and fell off a 500 or 650cc during the training and we were running short on time, so I think I was lucky to get what I got in one long session. I am way too short for the motorbikes he had. It was very difficult to put one foot down. (I'm 5'2).

    Are there any trainers with motorbikes that aren't tall? I think the bike I fell off of was a suzuki sv650.

    also, how bright should my headlights be? I'm finding it difficult to get information on this. I find travelling on roads at night terrifying. If a car with LED headlights is coming against me I am literally totally blinded. I'm not 100% sure if me having brighter headlights would help with this issue, but I'm guessing it's not normal for motorcyclists to experience this so I must have weak headlights? I'm not exaggerating that I literally can't see anything, I often slow to a complete stop. It's specifically bad with cars with the white LED headlights and not too bad with the normal more yellow ones.



  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63



    Not sure what bike you have, how old is it?

    I had the same issue on mine at the start ,It was so dim I couldn't see where I was going in oncoming traffic

    I changed the headlight bulb to a brighter LED Type bulb which made a big difference, you do also get more comfortable over time and learn to look past the lights to the side to keep the glare down.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,553 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    My instructor had a 500cc Honda rebel specifically for shorter riders, but I was going to her in any case from recommendation so didn't look around too much. I did mine on a SV650 and I'm a foot taller, and still felt unsure at the start.

    What part of the country are you, people could give advise if they know an instructor has shorter bikes.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,843 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    I have to wear glasses anyway, so I didn’t have to retake the eye test. But I’d assume that a non glass wearer would have to prove their eyesight.



  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Yeah I'd say you're right. I appreciate that, you're a gent, thank you.



  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I'm still learning and haven't encountered night time traffic yet. That's a very interesting point you raise. As a driver I'm regularly blinded by oncoming LED lights, but I'd have assumed you'd be immune to it on a bike, as your eyes are positioned higher up than a typical car driver's. Very interesting.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan



    If you are finding issues with how bright they seem you could possibly get a tinted visor and upgrade your own lights to something brighter

    You can get visors with different levels of tint.

    Also check the condition of the visor if it is dirty or scratched it can distort the light also try out some anti fog spray on the inside of the visor

    What make is your helmet as other folks can compare and also did you ever have any laser eye surgery



  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I know I stormed out of this forum in a blaze of glory not too long ago, but I know people have been asking about where to get headphones for the test, so wanted to point this out, as it's probably quite helpful.


    The headphones are just generic everyday headphones with a 3.5mm jack. You can get them in Penneys, for €1.50. These work fine and are relatively comfortable (come with different sized gel tips for different ears).


    Here's a photo:

    https://i.postimg.cc/cLdFV6Ms/heapdhones.jpg



  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    IBT tomorrow, weather looks good, going back to 2 wheels after about 20 years 😀



  • Registered Users Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    Lucky, enjoy it and the nice weather. Make sure you're covered or you'll be burnt spending all day in the sun! :pac:



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    Good luck with your IBT tomorrow I think you will be fine

    I went back after 30years :-)



  • Registered Users Posts: 724 ✭✭✭Debub


    so reporting back for anyone interested - it was super, took about 2/3 minutes to get comfortable, was suggested that I start on a small (125 cc Suzuki) bike, rode that around for a few minutes and then went on to MT07, felt heavy as I jumped off the smaller Suzuki, but actually felt a lot easier to control and I was pretty comfy riding it around. A bit of a wobble doing the lifesaver looks while trying to go in a straight line and dropped the bike once while practicing an emergency stop (stopped too hard and went off balance). All in all it was great to be back on 2 wheels - just need to get used to trusting the bike (eg on the figure of eight - I know that the bike will straighten when I open the throttle, but still got the leg down every once in a while tryng to steady the bike) and practising the techniques properly - also fisrt time for me on a bike with a LCD dash - maybe I will get used to it, but miss the dials 😀

    Will be on the roads on Saturday for the 2nd day of IBT, looking forward to it and wil hopefully will not be intimidating being outside the protective cage of the car amongs the traffic... lol



  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭Bigserious1


    Anyone need an old jacket to get started on?

    Old richa textile jacket sized large. I'm about 6ft and 14stone for reference. Just about fits me but anyone larger would need something bigger.

    Has a liner and elbow, shoulder and back pads. It is free so dont expect anything immaculate! Just get someone going while they decide what gear suits them best.



  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 443 [Deleted User]


    What method do you use to measure chain slack?

    I know you should measure in between front and rear sprockets but I have come across two methods the first is you push the chain up as high as it will go and then pull it down until you can go no

    The second method is you push the chain up until you see the top of the chain start to move. And use that as your measurement.

    Which method do you find works best?

    Also just to clarify. I presume I need to loosen the axle nuts on both sides and then adjust the adjustment bolts equally on either side of the bike.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,660 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Slack is the gap, pushing the chain at the halfway point between the front and rear sprockets, between as high as it will go and as low as it will go. If the chain has tighter and looser spots i.e. the slack changes when the rear wheel is turned, then measure at the tightest point. A little too much slack is always better than too little (chain must never get fully taut over bumps, with passenger and luggage, etc.) but if it's too loose at the loosest point when adjusted correctly at the tightest point, then you either work out the tight spots or (probably) replace the chain.

    There should only be one axle nut. The other end will be the axle itself, in effect a huge bolt. You don't turn that, just hold it to stop it rotating.

    Best thing to do is get an online copy of the handbook or workshop manual for your bike and start from there.

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    Same as Hotblack says

    Get the bike up on the centerstand and see if there are any tight spots

    For my bike the actual adjustment should be done with the wheels on the ground and bike on the side stand ( no center stand on mine )

    get your measuring tape in middle between sprockets push the chain up and measure from swing arm then pull chain down and measure

    you can get cheap alignment tools on Ali or ebay that you clamp on to the rear sprocket and look down along the rod to see if the chain is aligned correctly as some times the alignment grooves on the bike are not that accurate




  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I found this video quite helpful for learning how to adjust the chain. I did it for a first attempt (and then got it looked at by a bike shop to make sure i hadn't messed it up) and it was perfect (apparently).


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA6OPG_cFms



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,101 ✭✭✭chasm


    If you have a full Cat B licence, and the theory test from that is less than 2 years old do you need to do Cat A theory test to get a Cat A learner permit? I thought you did, being different categories, but reading the info my friend got from rsa or ndls website now I'm not so sure?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    If you have a full Cat B, you can proceed without doing any further test to Cat A... You just need to complete one more module on the IBT... unless you used the same system to progress an earlier licence...


    But on your question, no, you should not need a new theory test.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,101 ✭✭✭chasm


    That make sense when progressing through the various motorcycle licences, but I never heard it in relation to a car licence >bike licence?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Lol, disregard my previous email... it's to early for me to be commenting on internet things... Yes you'll have to do a new Theory because it's bike specific.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    I was looking at that thinking

    that cant be right :-)


    @Chasm the car licence has no bearing on a motorbike

    Needs new theory test + new learner permit for the bike then IBT



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,101 ✭✭✭chasm


    Thanks for the replies, it seems I was right so, it's a long time since I had to deal with anything licence related so I was unsure if my take on it was outdated, but from what I have seen it would appear it depends on who is dealing with your application - my friend's permit is in the post apparently, no theory test needed 🤔



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 706 ✭✭✭ray o


    I applied for my learner license last week (arrived yesterday). Like yourself I wasn't sure if I needed to do the theory test (full B license since 2001) so logged in to MDLS and applied. Nothing in the process of that application mentioned theory test.

    I did come across this thread which seems to explain why I didn't need to redo the theory test - https://www.boards.ie/discussion/133449/motorcycle-faq/p10 -





  • Advertisement
Advertisement