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

nigeldaniel · 23-12-2020 1:29pm

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

Lads. I'm looking for a bit of local knowledge here.
Has anybody in Limerick recently got a Test Date after going on the Waiting List ?
I am back on a (Road)Bike again after 20+ years. Unfortunately back then I just kept renewing my Provisional, as a Full licence didn't really make any difference to Insurance costs, etc.
Anyway, I am now on a Learner Permit (2nd December), so I'm just wondering what the wait might be if I apply to be put on the waiting list now. Will I be waiting 6 months anyway, or is there a chance I could be given a date before my 6 months have passed (which I don't want).

I'm not trying to get a Test before the 6 months, just hoping that if I go on the waiting list now I might get a date sometime around June/July or so.
As I said I'm hoping that somebody has an idea of the Wait Times for Limerick.

I was thinking of going on the list in Limerick myself during the year, as over here in Tralee its a waiting list [in the lap of the Gods at that] still not sure what's going to happen but in some places it's fine and in others, it's just a bit so and so.

mgbgt1978 · 23-12-2020 3:27pm

@nigeldaniel PM sent.

Hotblack Desiato · 23-12-2020 5:10pm

robbie_63 wrote: »

He never saw me as the sun was low in the sky

and his guide dog was looking the wrong way :rolleyes:

WTF is wrong with people? You never drive into what you can't see. How were they never taught this?

You need to be watching your rear too though, having a metre or two of space you can move into (while staying clear of the crossing traffic) could prevent a lot of these minor bumps

robbie_63 · 23-12-2020 5:15pm

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

and his guide dog was looking the wrong way :rolleyes:

WTF is wrong with people? You never drive into what you can't see. How were they never taught this?

You need to be watching your rear too though, having a metre or two of space you can move into (while staying clear of the crossing traffic) could prevent a lot of these minor bumps

Yeah I was trying to think how best to avoid it happening in future

I was the first vehicle at the roundabout and had stopped for traffic, I was just edging out when he bumped into me.

Maybe in future I will try stopping a little further into the roundabout but not sure if it will make a difference to blind drivers!

zubair · 23-12-2020 5:48pm

robbie_63 wrote: »

Yeah I was trying to think how best to avoid it happening in future

I was the first vehicle at the roundabout and had stopped for traffic, I was just edging out when he bumped into me.

Maybe in future I will try stopping a little further into the roundabout but not sure if it will make a difference to blind drivers!

Honestly, this is a very common accident, seen it happen in person on more than one occasion. I think there's little you can do to avoid it bar being more aggressive rather than defensive and possibly placing yourself further nearside or offside to avoid being rear ended. All you can really do is consider the conditions at the time, as in, if you notice you are being blinded by the sun then you know the driver behind you is too. By filtering up to a roundabout on the offside and stopping at the line you are in the drivers direct vision so this can help too but I don't filter up to all roundabouts I just assess what the safest and fastest options are at the time. But like I said, it's really common and I've seen cars get hit this way plenty of times.

aFlabbyPanda · 29-12-2020 1:27pm

aFlabbyPanda wrote: »

Returning to biking after a 20 year gap so I'm going through the entire process from scratch (waiting on theory test). As I'm in my 40s am I right in thinking I can apply for the unrestricted license and then do the 18 hour IBT?

Also I'm still deciding on what bike to start with (I've messed about with cars for years and tempted to do a 125 gn cafe racer) but open to any other more realistic options as I've not paid any attention to models for 2 decades.

Herself is interested in having a sidecar once I'm sorted, is there anything special with regards this for insurance, license,etc?

Passed my theory today and have applied for the learner permit. Funds won't allow me to purchase a bike right now so will need to hire the learner bike. A little step closer.

Hotblack Desiato · 30-12-2020 1:43am

Robbie, some of the best instructor advice I ever got was "command your lane".

In general but especially at a junction, be in the centre, or where a car driver's head would be (maybe 2/3rds to the riight) but anything left of halfway or anything right of 2/3rds puts you at risk of some cnut pushing past you on the right or left respectively.

And believe me, if you leave a gap, some cnut will be happy to ram you off the road to occupy it.

robbie_63 · 30-12-2020 9:15am

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Robbie, some of the best instructor advice I ever got was "command your lane".

In general but especially at a junction, be in the centre, or where a car driver's head would be (maybe 2/3rds to the riight) but anything left of halfway or anything right of 2/3rds puts you at risk of some cnut pushing past you on the right or left respectively.

And believe me, if you leave a gap, some cnut will be happy to ram you off the road to occupy it.

Yeah looking back I was definitely over more to the left than I needed to be,
Maybe if I had been more in the centre or to the right he would have seen me in time to stop.

I have been out as many days as I can since to practice on roundabouts and through town in traffic, I need to work on getting my gear \ speed right coming up to the roundabout so if I need to stop I can without getting stuck trying to drop through the gears at a standstill.

Thanks for the tips always happy to take advice

sm3ar · 31-12-2020 6:22pm

What's the handiest way of opening a regular bike tax disc holder to put in the new disc? the plastic cover is well wedged in there.

Mjolnir · 31-12-2020 6:36pm

sm3ar wrote: »

What's the handiest way of opening a regular bike tax disc holder to put in the new disc? the plastic cover is well wedged in there.

The one with the Allen key screws? Screw them all off and replace and screw back on.

Some plastic ones pull apart some are held together by the screw that holds them to the bike

zubair · 01-01-2021 6:39pm

sm3ar wrote: »

What's the handiest way of opening a regular bike tax disc holder to put in the new disc? the plastic cover is well wedged in there.

Presume you mean the pop in ones. Sharp knife into the gap and work it around until you can pop it out.

Stan27 · 02-01-2021 10:48pm

Hey, quick questions.
1, if i did a test for an A2 lisence, would i have to do another test eventually for an A lisence ( if this is true, do people not just all go for the A lisence)
2 IBT, is it just easier to use one of their bikes?

Thanks

Nozebleed · 02-01-2021 11:47pm

1. yes you will have to do another test. just go for the A licence if you qualify(age 26 years+). 1 test end of.

2. yes just do it on their bike. if it falls (unlikely) its there responsability. but if you have your own helmet..bring it..must nicer wearing your own helmet and gear.
good luck

sm3ar · 03-01-2021 12:43am

Wondering has anyone ever got a gear indicator fitted to an old bike with no gear display? would you recommend me to fit one? I am a learner and when driving around I am constantly wondering what gear i'm in as I don't have the feel for it yet. Maybe it will come in time. I feel if I had one for learning and the test it could be worth the investment if not too expensive.

sm3ar · 03-01-2021 1:11am

I find a lot of the time though I don't know what gear im in coming up to a junction and end up going down to 1st when really I dont need to go that low. do you find that happening?

goblin59 · 03-01-2021 11:17am

sm3ar wrote: »

I find a lot of the time though I don't know what gear im in coming up to a junction and end up going down to 1st when really I dont need to go that low. do you find that happening?

Unfortunately its one of those practise things.
I learn't on a BMW F twin which had the gear indicator as well as a few other fancy bits on the screen.

The bike im building at the moment, has a neutral indicator and thats it, but from looking at how the sensor works it would be impossible to fit a indicator to it.

Some of the hondas can be fitted with a gear indicator if they have an ECU

enrique66_35 · 03-01-2021 4:11pm

sm3ar wrote: »

Wondering has anyone ever got a gear indicator fitted to an old bike with no gear display? would you recommend me to fit one? I am a learner and when driving around I am constantly wondering what gear i'm in as I don't have the feel for it yet. Maybe it will come in time. I feel if I had one for learning and the test it could be worth the investment if not too expensive.

Yes and no - like you I trained on a bike with a gear indicator and was convinced I needed one even though I bought a 2005 bike that didn't have one. So I went and bought a kit and installed it and was chuffed but I notice after a bit more experience I more use it now as confirmation/check and less and less than at the start.

One thing to know (as least with the one I have) is when you're stopped with the clutch in, it can't read the gear position so is no help if you've stopped and are not sure you're in first or second :rolleyes:

enrique66_35 · 03-01-2021 4:14pm

One other thing - I'd highly recommend the Healtech kits if you do decide to go with an indicator (https://www.healtech-electronics.com/products/gipro/)

robbie_63 · 04-01-2021 10:02am

I've had my first bike 4 months now and I am slowly getting used to working out the gears,

My IBT instructor told me is to forget about the gears as that's what we are used to as car drivers, just to listen to the engine and if the revs are too low just drop a gear

zubair · 04-01-2021 11:06am

You really don't need one, just get used to the sound of the revs. Better way to learn too rather than relying on an indicator. Gear indicators are good if you're constantly trying to shift into 7th.

robbie_63 · 04-01-2021 11:07am

zubair wrote: »

You really don't need one, just get used to the sound of the revs. Better way to learn too rather than relying on an indicator. Gear indicators are good if you're constantly trying to shift into 7th.

I thought I was the only one doing that!

CruelCoin · 05-01-2021 5:23pm

Newbie question:

There used to be a minimum power requirement for the full A licence, but i don't see it anymore. The "A" category now just says "Motorcycles."

I'm on a 1997 Africa Twin, 62bhp/45kW.

Has that minimum been removed?
Is the A2 max of 35kW the new minimum for A?

CruelCoin · 05-01-2021 5:32pm

zubair wrote: »

You really don't need one, just get used to the sound of the revs. Better way to learn too rather than relying on an indicator. Gear indicators are good if you're constantly trying to shift into 7th.

My bike has 5 gears and I keep trying to shift into 6th.... I'll get used to it eventually.

IrishGrimReaper · 05-01-2021 5:42pm

CruelCoin wrote: »

Newbie question:

There used to be a minimum power requirement for the full A licence, but i don't see it anymore. The "A" category now just says "Motorcycles."

I'm on a 1997 Africa Twin, 62bhp/45kW.

Has that minimum been removed?
Is the A2 max of 35kW the new minimum for A?

There's still a minimum requirement for the A category.

From the specs you've listed your bike isn't eligible to use in for full A test

CruelCoin · 05-01-2021 5:45pm

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

There's still a minimum requirement for the A category.

From the specs you've listed your bike isn't eligible to use in for full A test

Well bugger.
Thanks, i'll borrow a bike for a few days before the test.

ronanc15 · 06-01-2021 12:17pm

Thought this was a decent vid on common cornering issues, might be useful to some here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1TwBowJX0F5nbTNqZl6C6RyPPAywUKCOsAJUUn9rwxvwNzfvdoYxvNxgM&v=kZ9_fiydbjc&feature=youtu.be

happy cookie · 07-01-2021 3:30pm

Stan27 wrote: »

Hey, quick questions.
1, if i did a test for an A2 lisence, would i have to do another test eventually for an A lisence ( if this is true, do people not just all go for the A lisence)
2 IBT, is it just easier to use one of their bikes?

Thanks

You may not necessarily need to do another test but you may have to repeat the IBT on an A bike 2 years after getting your full A2 license and then apply for the A directly. That's the route I was advised to take by my instructor as the best way for me, but people normally go directly for the A.

garlad · 11-01-2021 10:48am

Quick question.
Do you have to wait for 6 months after IBT completion to apply for your test, or can you apply for a test as long as the date of the test is 6 months after your IBT?

robbie_63 · 11-01-2021 10:53am

I think it's 6 months from IBT Date but I'm open to correction

LollipopJimmy · 11-01-2021 10:54am

garlad wrote: »

Quick question.
Do you have to wait for 6 months after IBT completion to apply for your test, or can you apply for a test as long as the date of the test is 6 months after your IBT?

My instructor told me I had to wait until 6 months after obtaining the permit to apply. Turns out he was wrong and this has delayed my test now. Once the permit is at least 6 months old on the day of the test you're good.

Date of IBT is irrelevant, you just need to have it

garlad · 11-01-2021 10:55am

Just looking at RSA website. I think its 6 months from holding you're 1st learner permit rather than IBT.

LollipopJimmy · 11-01-2021 10:58am

Once you have an IBT you're good, the date doesn't matter, its about the permit

garlad · 11-01-2021 11:03am

No dates available. I wonder how far out that goes?
If I join the waiting list is it possible that I get a date too soon (within 6 months of my permit start date)?

LollipopJimmy · 11-01-2021 11:04am

garlad wrote: »

No dates available. I wonder how far out that goes?
If I join the waiting list is it possible that I get a date too soon (within 6 months of my permit start date)?

Depends on location. I applied in August and haven't heard a peep. South Dublin

garlad · 11-01-2021 11:05am

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Depends on location. I applied in August and haven't heard a peep. South Dublin

You joined waiting list in August?

LollipopJimmy · 11-01-2021 11:06am

garlad wrote: »

You joined waiting list in August?

Yep. I went onto the cancellations list. Things are obviously nuts though

Taylor365 · 11-01-2021 6:46pm

Same.

On list since August and licence up the end of this month.

Can i send them the bill? :pac:

happy cookie · 11-01-2021 8:01pm

Husband and brother in law on the list since June in Cork. Husband's license expires this month too and he hasn't heard a peep yet.

I wonder what the story is with the new website that the RSA set up for the tests in around October, did the dates of when one applied for the test revert to October because of it? If so, it's a total joke.

I haven't applied for mine yet, don't see the point, but my learner permit is still fresh. Might do once this new lockdown is lifted.

zubair · 11-01-2021 9:33pm

Spotted someone on reddit said this evening to check your emails if you're on the waiting list that the RSA are sending out comms with a link to book a slot for the test.

yamaha4life · 17-01-2021 4:41am

Hi all, i just applied for my second learner permit, i have two questions.

My I.B.T cert is expired i know ill have to very likely have to resit it but i have heard two conflicting things regarding this.

First i was told id only have to do a refesher course 1/2 day others have said i need to do full 2 days again. (I also know someone who did full driving test last year and the tester took his expired I.B.T cert no problem lad has full license now)

Any one know which it is ill have to do?

Second question

Is I.B.T still being done during lockdown? Do you have to buy / bring a headset of your own now?

zubair · 17-01-2021 10:28am

yamaha4life wrote: »

Hi all, i just applied for my second learner permit, i have two questions.

My I.B.T cert is expired i know ill have to very likely have to resit it but i have heard two conflicting things regarding this.

First i was told id only have to do a refesher course 1/2 day others have said i need to do full 2 days again. (I also know someone who did full driving test last year and the tester took his expired I.B.T cert no problem lad has full license now)

Any one know which it is ill have to do?

Second question

Is I.B.T still being done during lockdown? Do you have to buy / bring a headset of your own now?

For the test you'll need a valid IBT, that's the official word so while your mate was lucky if they ask to see your cert it should be valid. You won't need to sit the whole thing again assuming you have an A cert, resitting module 5 would be enough. You don't need to renew it now, just for the test. I'd suggest organising your ibt close to the test and see if the instructor will focus on test prep and give you a new cert rather than actually redoing the module. IBTs are privately run so it's best to contact an instructor to find out the requirements

yamaha4life · 17-01-2021 10:38am

zubair wrote: »

For the test you'll need a valid IBT, that's the official word so while your mate was lucky if they ask to see your cert it should be valid. You won't need to sit the whole thing again assuming you have an A cert, resitting module 5 would be enough. You don't need to renew it now, just for the test. I'd suggest organising your ibt close to the test and see if the instructor will focus on test prep and give you a new cert rather than actually redoing the module. IBTs are privately run so it's best to contact an instructor to find out the requirements

I have an A cert did my previous IBT on a 750, my learner permit is for unrestricted access as was 25 when i got it, im 30 now lol.

Id be worried my insurance wouldn't be valid without IBT cert in date or does that matter?

How many hours is module 5? I still have my old IBT cert anyway to show IBT guy that I completed it before.

My no claims is expired too so im sure insurance company will laugh at me when i go to get quotes on gixxers and the like, I'll probably end up on a 250cc again like last time not ideal for full test tho.

zubair · 17-01-2021 11:15am

yamaha4life wrote: »

I have an A cert did my previous IBT on a 750, my learner permit is for unrestricted access as was 25 when i got it, im 30 now lol.

Id be worried my insurance wouldn't be valid without IBT cert in date or does that matter?

How many hours is module 5? I still have my old IBT cert anyway to show IBT guy that I completed it before.

My no claims is expired too so im sure insurance company will laugh at me when i go to get quotes on gixxers and the like, I'll probably end up on a 250cc again like last time not ideal for full test tho.

You can still get cover.

At 30 insurance on a sensible 600 won't be ridiculous, if it was me I'd get something a bit older and just go TPFT to start with. I'm not sure how long module 5 is, 10ish hours I think, but as I was saying, try and find an instructor who will work around your scenario rather than wasting your time and money on doing the module by the book.

goblin59 · 17-01-2021 11:22am

zubair wrote: »

You can still get cover.

At 30 insurance on a sensible 600 won't be ridiculous, if it was me I'd get something a bit older and just go TPFT to start with. I'm not sure how long module 5 is, 10ish hours I think, but as I was saying, try and find an instructor who will work around your scenario rather than wasting your time and money on doing the module by the book.

I was 30 when I get the 800cc (its tuned down though to 53kwh) on my learners.
was about 800 euro

zubair · 17-01-2021 11:28am

goblin59 wrote: »

I was 30 when I get the 800cc (its tuned down though to 53kwh) on my learners.
was about 800 euro

With level of incompetence in the insurance companies in Ireland I'd say the restriction made no difference to the quote. The agents just tick a box: vfr800... Tick.

goblin59 · 17-01-2021 11:54am

zubair wrote: »

With level of incompetence in the insurance companies in Ireland I'd say the restriction made no difference to the quote. The agents just tick a box: vfr800... Tick.

I had to be pretty insistent over the phone that it was 53kwh!
only principle would cover me on it, but the BMW was a very good deal to buy.

zubair · 17-01-2021 12:32pm

goblin59 wrote: »

I had to be pretty insistent over the phone that it was 53kwh!
only principle would cover me on it, but the BMW was a very good deal to buy.

Only other thing to note is the value of the bike, how its stored/parked and the area you're in has a major impact. I had difficulty getting insured on a bike because it was not garaged and was worth more than 7k, I think that was the figure . That's why getting a cheaper bike will help keep costs down while building up NCB.

Trigger Happy · 18-01-2021 3:28pm

zubair wrote: »

Only other thing to note is the value of the bike, how its stored/parked and the area you're in has a major impact. I had difficulty getting insured on a bike because it was not garaged and was worth more than 7k, I think that was the figure . That's why getting a cheaper bike will help keep costs down while building up NCB.

That's very interesting. I am in the middle of shopping for a new bike but it wont be garaged...must be sure to lower my expectations and keep it below 7k.

goblin59 · 18-01-2021 3:51pm

Trigger Happy wrote: »

That's very interesting. I am in the middle of shopping for a new bike but it wont be garaged...must be sure to lower my expectations and keep it below 7k.

get a ground anchor and disklock, it helps alot

Trigger Happy · 18-01-2021 4:04pm

goblin59 wrote: »

get a ground anchor and disklock, it helps alot

Got both of those all right. And 2 security cameras. I would not be able to sleep at night thinking that someone could just wheel the bike away.

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

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