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

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    With a full licence and a year or two NCB it makes it much easier to shop around.

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,862 ✭✭✭geotrig


    yes somewhat cant remember the details exactly but I had updated my license when I passed the test ,not change to policy price or any refund , when renewal came along, was less than the year before but it still listed as a learner ,rang them to update the license for the policy again only for the renewal price to go up !🤔 there was some funny attempts and a whole various amount of excuses to justify the increase when I challenged them on it and I just kept saying you are charging me more have a fully license and stuck with that !😅



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Thanks, I'm tempted to file a case with the Ombudsman. They've already done some fairly unscupulous things, like when I upgraded my bike, they told me I needed to cancel my policy to get the price they quoted me online... so I had to start my NCB from scratch as they cancelled it...

    I just don't have any thrust in them.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Don't get your hopes up, the insurance ombudsman is there basically to protect the industry's ass.

    The practice of offering a lower price to new customers (which is why they said you had to cancel existing policy) for motor insurance should be illegal. Premium should depend only on risk - this is a product the law obliges us to buy so there should be a very high level of protection for consumers against abuses like these.

    Talk to your TDs

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



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


    I passed the test in feb insurance was up in July

    When I got the quote there was no difference from last year so I rang them and asked the girl on the phone said they had not noticed that I had updated my details and said she would get on to her manager

    Came back a few mins later with about €70 off so in my case it made a small difference from €360 down to €290 which I was happy enough with as a 57yo



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    That's a good premium given you've passed the test recently - I've basically hit the floor now and it'll not go much below that no matter what I do, when I tried shopping around the others said they could match but not go cheaper. Age has some benefits after all 😁

    When I was getting started there was only Norwich Union (aka Norwich Screwnion) and I paid just over £1000 as a 23-yo for third party only on a 100cc bike!

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



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


    It's prob the only benefit of getting old :-) :-)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    I think AXA direct don't quote learners at all, you can get quotes with them as underwriter but not directly unless you'd some decent amount of NCB or passed a certain level on their testing thing.


    If I'd to make assumptions I'd say it's down to the level of hoops you've to jump through to get out on the road as a learner for a bike. For the car you pass the Theory test and have someone who just has their license at least 2 years while you've to complete the IBT with someone who's had to prove they're competent.

    Post edited by Varik on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,551 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    Hey everyone, have some questions about insurance that are driving me mad if anyone would like to help :)

    I'll be considered a brand new driver in the A class. Had provisionals about 20 years ago, but haven't got it renewed for 15 years, I'm back to square 1.

    Anyway, I've learner permit got (AM, A1, A2 and A), IBT done and I've been looking at a few machines on donedeal to see what's around.

    Is there a limit in what insurers will allow you to insure first time out, with zero previous? If so, is it a KW measurement or a CC one?

    I'm more or less talking about Liberty here, cos I use their online quote system, to see if I can insure a bike I spot on donedeal.

    When that says no quote, I move on, but might other companies actually insure me on the same machine?

    Hope this makes sense. Basically I want to know if all insurers differ on what power bikes they offer to first time customers?

    Does any other company have online quotes for bike insurance?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,858 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    I honestly think it depends on who you get on the far end of a phone!! A friend of mine, younger and with the same zero experience, living in an apartment block in Tallaght with underground parking was able to get insured on a BMW 1250, whereas I was only able to get insured on an NT700, even though the bike would be kept in a private garage on a semi detached house in north Kildare.


    there’s no rhyme or reason I can see to any insurance to be honest


    but I’d be ringing rather than using online calculators



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,551 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    Thanks for getting back to me :)

    So it probably doesn't matter so much about CC or KW or BHP, but more to do with the area kept and how it is stored? haha

    The reason I use the online one from Liberty is I'm just used to using it for checking general insurance prices when looking for new cars.

    I don't want to buy the bike and not be insurable on it, you know? I can easily get quotes on 125, 250, 400 and 500. It starts getting a bit murky then. I got a no quote on a NC750S and Burgman 650, but got quotes on other 650's and 700's.

    I can't ring 4 companies (there's 4 that insure bikes, right?) each time I see a potential bike on DD, so I try the online quote to see if it's even viable. My worry is that while Liberty might say no on their portal, if I ring CN, they might be fine!

    I also have the potential full test to think about, from January next year and if I go and get a 125 or 250 for commuting, I won't be given a full A license then, if I use that in the test, from what I understand?

    It's a pain, being honest!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    The more common the bike the better, if they don't have years of data on a model/revisions they they hold that against it. CB600/650 SV650 for example. I don't think they's many of the NC variants in general going around and I don't think I've ever seen the larger scooters in person.

    In a more healthy used market you'd have plenty to choose from, but now it's like trying to pick from the last few sweets in the box you checking back and forth with the little paper sheet telling you what's what.

    I think you've to just jump at some point, there might be a bike you'd like more for a lower insurance premium but if you find something you like and the insurances isn't ridiculous just go for it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,858 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    You also have the option of hiring an A bike for the test, that’s what I had to do



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,551 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    That's something I hadn't considered, thanks. Stick to the common bikes.

    Yeah, the fella I did the IBT with said he could do that for me, probably the best option really, thanks :)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    A real life example from a few weeks back. Got my young fella insured, 16 y.o. first learner permit, IBT passed (could have looked for an assessment but no difference to insurance anyway). Bike is 2021 GSX-S125, worth about €3k. Third Party Fire & Theft, Mid-West (rural), block garage;

    Principal - won't quote

    Liberty €2.9k

    Axa €2k

    Carole Nash (with Axa) €1,250.

    Things to do to bring the quote down - ask for the max excess (y'know yourself, unless its robbed/burned (even then??) I can't see us claiming, on a €3k bike they'd take it off you over and over is my sense).


    Thank God for Carole Nash, if it wasn't for them I think I'd be saying - "Sorry son, they got us...." €2k would have been a lot to drop on a non-essential. Plan is to do the A1 test within year 1, I know it may or may not help with the premium but its "something in the bank", no worries about IBT expiring, make you a safer rider to have a target/reason to 'get good'. Inclined to have him do the A1 test, in due course the A2 test and then use progreessive to get A, or just A2 on progressive and A test eventually (prob depend on what bikes we have on the go at the time), but at a minimum A1 test & A2 on progressive would get him to 'commuter bikes', up to himself if any interest after that.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt



    That's a good plan and exactly what my son did.

    A1 LP & IBT @16yr. Benelli BN125

    A1 Test within the year (just gone 17), + Liberty Assessment Level 4

    A2 LP (18) & IBT again. Honda CB500F, + Liberty Assessment Level 3

    A2 Test (19) (was supposed to be Monday, centre cancelled it due to 'Wind' ffs, so imminent.

    will then do Mod5 to progress to A @ 22.

    You can never have too much training.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Fk sake, I had to wait until I turned 25 to get a 500... 😝 stuck on a poxy 125 provisional until then.

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    You're going to be really annoyed when I tell you he's thinking of moving up from the 500 in the summer. At 20yrs age...........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    20 is the min age for the A progression but he'd still need to wait the 2 years after getting the A2.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt



    Yes, we know, but he's planning on moving up a class of bike from the 500 but it'll still be A2.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    anyone got a test route for Roscommon ?

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users Posts: 3 BruceCoClare


    Had to change training school due to 1st trainer stopping training 2nd school has us riding towards a wall found that vstrange anyone had this experience?



  • Registered Users Posts: 458 ✭✭robbie_63


    I would have thought lots of wide open spaces would be better!

    I done mine in a huge car park so plenty of room to go around cones,etc

    Wouldn't fancy riding towards a wall on my first few goes



  • Registered Users Posts: 3 BruceCoClare


    Yes first school large area practicing circuits junctions lots of stops/gear work and only then commencing u turns figure of eights.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,751 ✭✭✭muddle84


    This isn't the same trainer that's telling people not to bother with the front brake and just use the back one? Making you ride straight at a wall sounds absolutely nuts!!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 128 ✭✭Spooch


    My IBT expires at the start of August, I've been waiting on a test date since April. Will i be allowed sit the test if he cert expires? Or would I have to redo part of the IBT?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    You'll have to redo parts... Have you called them for a cancellation?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 128 ✭✭Spooch


    I haven't no, just the initial booking. I'll look into redoing part of the IBT, thanks for the reply ✌️



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    My son had this very problem back in May. Solution was to take a test venue somewhere else (we went to Roscommon). RSA won't renew or extend your IBT Cert.

    If you ring them up I've found them most helpful.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt



    I told you'd be annoyed: he just got this - never actually looked at one before: it's a bloody work of art tbh.


    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt



    OK, today's Learner question on licences is this:

    My daughter has an A2 LP and has been on a waiting list for 6+ months to get IBT. Not bothered about that too much, as she spent the time taking and passing her HGV test........she passed today.

    The issue though is, she will be 24 in the Spring. As her current LP is A2, it has occurred to her/us that may be she should wait until then to do IBT and just do it on an A instead. The thing is, that means she'll need to renew her LP by then. Can she renew her A2 LP as an A, if she's still not got her IBT done ?

    There's no way she can do IBT for A at 23, is there ??

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    If she hasn't done her ibt, she can just change at the time to an A.

    She shouldn't be waiting that long for an ibt... Try Eric Dalton at kinnegad plaza, he shifted stuff around to get me a place within a couple of weeks and I wasn't even pushing to get it in a panic...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,858 ✭✭✭knucklehead6


    There are a few of them who work out of Kinnegad Plaza. My stepson was down there earlier , he only had a week of waiting.

    I assume you’re in Galway going by your name but Kinnegad is relatively accessible.

    Post edited by knucklehead6 on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,769 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Any recommendations for material to learn for the theory test? The official one from the RSA website doesn't seem to be working, as it doesn't accept payments.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I used the RSA app... €12, but it was worth it.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,769 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    That’s the one I’m trying to use, but they seem to have an issue with accepting card payments. Tried a few cards, ans used a few devices.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I'm not sure you're doing it right... you don't pay for it on the RSA website, you pay for it on the Google Play store (or apple store) and pay for it through the Google system...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,769 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Thanks, I did further searching after reading your email earlier. Originally when searching I was directed to their online learning portal, rather than the app.

    https://dttstore.prometric.com/



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    Young fella passed his A1 test last Tuesday, delighted for him. Thinking we might go for A2 test Spring/Summer 2025. He only turns 18 next June 2024, can't get A2 provisional until then, then it looks like needs to wait for 6 months (though already passed a test). There's an RSA diagram that's a bit confusing, if you start on A1 and get test it seems to say you'd need to have full licence for 2 years before get A2 learner permit (August 2025 & then wait 6 months from there), but if you go direct at age 18 you can get a learner permit straight away (after IBT), say July 2024 and only have to wait 6 months (so in his case December 2024, 6 months from when turns 18).

    Seems odd to me that they would penalise you for having already passed a test... My guess is he'll be given a learner permit for A2 at age 18, wait 6 months (again odd that rule should apply since you're already licenced), and then go for A2 test.

    Advantage then is that he can do progression (IBT module) to get full A at age 20 (assuming 2 years after passing A2).

    There's probably an argument to say don't bother doing A1 test, wait until 18 and start on A2, but it might help with insurance and, probably most importantly, I think a test forces you to get good, learn good habits, get some road knowledge into you.

    Anyone any experience of the whole A2 learner permit off the back of a full A1??, is a 2 years or a turn 18 thing?

    TBH not entirely sure the whole system makes sense, I ride an A class bike and sometimes the young fellas A1 class - around the urban test routes there's not much difference (as compared to the open roads). Repeatedly testing people on slow roads, with just bigger capacity bikes..... not sure anyone is really learning anything new. I agree with the whole "slow release", as you get older you're allowed more powerful bikes, just not sure the repeated testing adds anything.🤷‍♂️



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    It's just the 2 years wait for progressive route and then you do the upgrade IBT, and then you've the full A2 as soon as you apply and get the new license. The 6 months is waiting for test only you don't have that for the progressive, and if doing the direct route the 2 years don't apply if you've got the lower license.

    But ye he's better off doing the direct route for A2 in any case, also if he's not got it get that public service card that'd be better.

    When you pass the test you still have the learner only until you get the actual full license so that means either going in or using the online system if you've got the public services card.

    I don't think there's walk ins anymore for NDLS centre so you'd be waiting for a day to get them to get it in person, but you can do a walk in for the Intero offices and get the public service card.

    I got the public services card as I needed to renew learner license anyway so a lunchtime waiting at Intero office meant I could then renew learner and then when I got the full test I applied online as soon as I got home from test. My license states it was valid from the online application day so I'd the full license even if I'd not gotten it in the post the day I passed the test.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    My local Intreo office does PSC walk-ins according to their website, but when I tried that a few months back I was told to come back at a specific time the next day...

    Repeatedly testing people on slow roads, with just bigger capacity bikes..... not sure anyone is really learning anything new.

    Yep and I read an article on the FEMA website the other day about this.

    We have still not seen proof that staged access to the A-licence had a positive effect on road safety.

    Progressive access to the A-licence has been mentioned by us many times. There still is no proof that this has a positive effect on road safety. The EC refers to a French pilot but doesn’t give a link to it and such a pilot is not known by us or our French colleagues. Therefor we cannot consider this to be a valid argument to maintain a system that has little or no additional value to road safety and only provides an extra threshold for novice riders to gain a full A-licence. We have also already explained to the Commission, that the current system does not work as it is supposed to do and in certain countries only very few novice riders go through all the steps. On national statistics of issued driving licences we see a sharp decline of A-licences issued to riders under 25 years old after 2013 when the 3DLD was implemented. Nevertheless, statistics show that this does not lead to less crashes with serious injuries or fatalities.

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭floggg


    Can somebody help me understand something on license categories? A lot of websites list the Royal Enfield Himalyan and Classoc 350s as good A2 license bikes. It is also above the A1 license requirements. However from what I can see it's not eligible to be used for the A2 test.


    What's going on? Does this mean you need an A2 license to ride it but can't actually yet an A2 license on it? Or am I missing something?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 369 ✭✭shuyin1


    A category A2 vehicle is defined as a motorcycle without a sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 245cm3. It has an engine power of at least 20 kW, but not exceeding 35 kW. It has a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg., and is not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.

    I think both bikes listed fails the kW in bold.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,068 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Yep, legal to ride on an A2 licence but not suitable to take the A2 test on.

    There are bikes in class A which are the same.

    In Cavan there was a great fire / Judge McCarthy was sent to inquire / It would be a shame / If the nuns were to blame / So it had to be caused by a wire.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭floggg


    Is that for the license or the test?


    The NDLS just lists the max kwh, not the minimum (https://www.ndls.ie/about/motorcycles.html). I had understood (as of last night) the minimum kwh requirement apploed for test purposes, but a bike fell below this but above the A1 limit would still be considered A2. The Royal Enfield 350s are certainly sold as A2.


    Otherwise wouldn't they fall in a no man's land since they would be too powerful for an A1?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭floggg



    It seems a little absurd? What would happen if you tried to take the test on this? Would they just give you an A1 license? But then need to keep an A2 learner permit to ride it?

    Or can you just flat out not do the test On this?

    Either way, I think this means the Classic 350 is probably out for me. Any suggestions for an alternative? I'm looking for a classic/retro look and nothing too powerful. Will mostly use for a commute but would like to be able to do some longer weekend riding in the summer.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I booked lessons and pretest with Eric Dalton and he allowed me to use his bike for the test without additional charge... my bike is basically an A bike, but doesn't quite meet the criteria for the test.

    It might be a worthwhile approach for you so that you can get the bike you want and not just something that works for the test.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    For Royal Enfield they phased out the 500cc engine, I think they're meant to still be selling the Bullet 500 here but can't see it.

    The bullet and the classic are practically the same, so you could look at the 500cc version of both used if you can find one. Maybe give dealer a call and ask or give number.

    I'd probably prefer the 500 vs the 350 if you wanted retro RE as they both got electric and kick start compared to the current 350 which is only electric. Ye you'll probably only use it once or twice, but for retro it's better than a button.

    The current 650's are just at the 35 but you can't get the cruiser model here yet, the 650 is getting put into a lot from them. Personally really like Interceptor 650.

    You can always just borrow a bike from the person you've done the lesson with a buy whatever after.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,556 ✭✭✭✭Varik


    Where i was they did them every day from 2pm, but when I was waiting for mine the guy at the door turned away some people looking.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    Thanks for the tip re the Public Services Card, we did a walk in in Limerick yesterday and got 2 of us signed up within an hour (about 10 mins at the counter, the rest waiting to get to counter). Didn't seem pushed re proof of address (which can be a hassle for young fellas), we had passports - seemed to work solely off that. Card will take 7-14 days but I got a message today and can now access everything online (PRSI contributions record for example). So I think young fella should be able to apply for full A1 licence this evening (even without having the card in his hand).



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