learner with a few questions

weeder

so i passed my test today , will be driving a 99 honda x8rx moped which is derestricted as far as i know,

i have 3 questions,

1. Do i need to wear a high vis with an L Plate as id much rather not
2. as far as i know the bike is derestricted, do i need to inform the insurance company of this?
3. is there anything else i should know?

thanks for the help
sean

Chatterbeast

weeder wrote: »

so i passed my test today , will be driving a 99 honda x8rx moped which is derestricted as far as i know,

i have 3 questions,

1. Do i need to wear a high vis with an L Plate as id much rather not
2. as far as i know the bike is derestricted, do i need to inform the insurance company of this?
3. is there anything else i should know?

thanks for the help
sean

OK....here goes.....

1. AFAIK, the hi-viz L plate is only when you're on a provisional. If you've passed your test, bin it!!

2. This depends on your insurance company. I'm with Quinn, I bought and rode a Kawa ZX6 with no restriction while on the provisional. I asked Quinn do they need to see certs etc. They said it doesn't make any difference to them if it is or isn't, but I was obliged by law to have it done. So I didn't bother.

3. Yeah....ride safe, don't be a hooligan or a smart arse. There's FAR too many bike accident statistics out there....don't become one.

Oh...one more thing....congrats on passing the test. Well done.

Dirk Gently

sounds like you're talking about the theory test here?

If so you're required to wear the L plate vest until you pass your actual bike driving test. Haven't seen many around though, in fact the only ones I've seen look like they were actually in the middle of their test as they had a bike escort.

In 2 minds about it myself. I wear my own high viz and not an L plated one. I'm just a bit weary about cars trying to overtake me or get past me quicker if I had an L plastered on my back. Then there's those people who just fuck with you because you're a Learner. Feel a lot safer just making myself visible and holding a good road position. Wouldn't mind seeing some statistics about how much safety is improved by wearing the L plate on your back. In theory the car behind should give you more room, in practice I reckon the car behind will just want you out of his way. For example if you have an L on your back and you're going slow because of a diesel spill / ice on road / potential obstructions up ahead the car behind might just think your going slow because you're a learner and try overtake or jockey you into going faster. I prefer to hold my position and ride safely without the L plate, haven't had any problems yet.

Anyway, to answer your question, Yes you are supposed to wear the L vest while on a provisional but not on a full licence.

Del2005

weeder wrote: »

so i passed my test today , will be driving a 99 honda x8rx moped which is derestricted as far as i know,

i have 3 questions,

1. Do i need to wear a high vis with an L Plate as id much rather not
2. as far as i know the bike is derestricted, do i need to inform the insurance company of this?
3. is there anything else i should know?

thanks for the help
sean

Depends what test you've passed and what licence you have, if you tell us we'll have more helpfull info.

But if the bike your going to be riding has been derestricted you are required by law to inform your insurance company. You've changed it into a different class of vehicle from a moped into a 50cc motor cycle.

Red Hornet

Did u get ur full licence or did u jus pass d theory test?

weeder

sorry lads, theory test

Chatterbeast

weeder wrote: »

sorry lads, theory test

Ah....ok. I thought you had just passed your driving test. That being the case....disregard my previous post, as it changes everything...

Yes, you do have to wear a hi-viz vest with the "L" plate.

Yes, you do need to inform your insurer of any change regarding de-restricting etc.

Third point remains the same.....respect other road users. You have to travel side by side with them.

Red Hornet

I'm on a provisional never wear that stupid vest my bike is not restricted and my insurance compand said they don't care.

Del2005

Red Hornet wrote: »

I'm on a provisional never wear that stupid vest my bike is not restricted and my insurance compand said they don't care.

They may not care now but if your involved in an accident, the fact that you where riding outside the conditions of your licence gives then a nice easy get out of paying the claim card.

OP/

Apply for an A licence not an A1 or M, age dependent of course, as you can then do the test on a full size bike. Even if you are only planning on riding a scooter.

zonEEE

Ive never seen anyone with one of the vests on on a scooter. the Gards dont mind either.

thehomeofDob

I'd agree with ClownBag regarding the L Vests. I found drivers had a completely different attitude to me when I wore it. Right now I just wear a high vis without L Plates. You get bullied around with it on. It seems to be subconcious - I find myself thinking bitter thoughts the minute I see an L plate in front of me, have to cop on to myself and I'd say a lot of drivers don't bother with that they just get annoyed.

weeder

ive applied for an A1 aswell as the M
im 17

Dirk Gently

Del2005 wrote: »

They may not care now but if your involved in an accident, the fact that you where riding outside the conditions of your licence gives then a nice easy get out of paying the claim card.

That's the one thing I worry about tbh. If I was involved in an accident and wasn't wearing the L vest how likely is it that they wouldn't cover any costs. I'm fully comp, would hate to pay all that money for what is basically a dud policy should I ever need it. I'm with Quinn as well so they'll use any technicality they can use to get out of paying.

Lilliput69

Wear the hi Vis with L plate, if u get stopped its one less thing for the gardai to hassle u about

CrazyRabbit

weeder wrote: »

so i passed my test today , will be driving a 99 honda x8rx moped which is derestricted as far as i know,

i have 3 questions,

1. Do i need to wear a high vis with an L Plate as id much rather not
2. as far as i know the bike is derestricted, do i need to inform the insurance company of this?
3. is there anything else i should know?

thanks for the help
sean

OMG Sean, they're actually going to let you drive

Anyway..
1. Yup. Legally needs to be worn. Whilst many people don't, don't be surprised if some Garda does give you hassle for it at some point. It is the law, and they'd only be doing their job. May also cause problems with any claims due to accidents. And besides, the High Vis vest itself is a good safety tool. Anything that helps you be seen by cage drivers = good.

2. Best ask your insurance company about that. From experience, they don't seem to care.

3. Yeah...don't get killed. Best way to do that is to get lessons from a qualified driving instructor. I found Joe in ISM Drumcondra to be superb. Best money I ever spent. Also, learn your limits and the bikes limits and stick well within them. And finally, remember that driving is a journey, not a race

Oh, and please please get some proper bike gear. Boots to protect your ankles, and some padded/armored jacket/pants can save you a lot of pain WHEN you do come off your bike. And trust me..it will happen at some point.

weeder

CrazyRabbit wrote: »

OMG Sean, they're actually going to let you drive

Anyway..
1. Yup. Legally needs to be worn. Whilst many people don't, don't be surprised if some Garda does give you hassle for it at some point. It is the law, and they'd only be doing their job. May also cause problems with any claims due to accidents. And besides, the High Vis vest itself is a good safety tool. Anything that helps you be seen by cage drivers = good.

2. Best ask your insurance company about that. From experience, they don't seem to care.

3. Yeah...don't get killed. Best way to do that is to get lessons from a qualified driving instructor. I found Joe in ISM Drumcondra to be superb. Best money I ever spent. Also, learn your limits and the bikes limits and stick well within them. And finally, remember that driving is a journey, not a race

Oh, and please please get some proper bike gear. Boots to protect your ankles, and some padded/armored jacket/pants can save you a lot of pain WHEN you do come off your bike. And trust me..it will happen at some point.

LOL

yeah i bought a vest today,group of young lads laughed at me:o, not too bad though since it kept me ever so slightly warmer, will talk to my insurance today or tomorrow about restriction as its definitely unrestricted as far as i know (got a nice 50mph out of it and im a big guy)


thanks for the advice lads

Del2005

weeder wrote: »

LOL

yeah i bought a vest today,group of young lads laughed at me:o, not too bad though since it kept me ever so slightly warmer, will talk to my insurance today or tomorrow about restriction as its definitely unrestricted as far as i know (got a nice 50mph out of it and im a big guy)


thanks for the advice lads

If it'll do 50mph it's not a moped so you'll have to get an A1 licence for it. Make sure to tell the insurance it's not restricted as they will more then likely quote you for it as a moped and it's not any more.

weeder

well i do have an A1,da rang quinn today and was told i wouldnt be covered, then when i got in i mentioned to him i had an A1 and he rang back and was told it was ok before he even mentioned what license i had,then he rang back a third time because a slight detail on the policy was wrong, and was told "as far as im concerned your insured"

so now im slightly worried as to wether i actually am covered or not

Wishbone Ash

Chatterbeast wrote: »

the hi-viz L plate is only when you're on a provisional

clown bag wrote: »

you're required to wear the L plate vest until you pass your actual bike driving test

Apologies for being pedantic but the 'L' is required to be displayed until one has a Driving Licence. Passing a driving test and obtaining a Driving Licence are two different things.

clown bag wrote: »

If I was involved in an accident and wasn't wearing the L vest how likely is it that they wouldn't cover any costs. I'm fully comp

They are legally obliged to cover you for any 3rd party claims. Comprehensive claims could be a bit messier if driving outside the terms and conditions of your Learner Permit.

weeder wrote: »

was told it was ok before he even mentioned what license i had

You don't have a 'licence' but a Learner Permit which allows you to access public roads for the purpose of learning to drive.