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

frozenfrozen

Could you make the trip down to Meskells?

GBX

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a helmet for myself as the one I've been using is causing headaches and is incredibly loud(it's an old Caberg one and it's large size, lining is ragged in it too, and is putting pressure on the forehead sides). I'm based in Galway is there any stores or places that stock helmets so I can try a few on?

Realistically I wanted to buy online but afraid to take the risk of a bad fit, I used a tape measure and I'm around a medium 57. I have my IBT in 12 days.

If you can at worst, try borrow a lid from somebody to complete the IBT.

I had a shop bought HJC and bought a different model online and ended up with the same problem with fitting as you are currently having. Not worth the hassle unless you try on the exact same model and then buy online.

IrishGrimReaper

Cheers guys, I never heard of Meskells but I'd not get a chance to get down to it before the IBT, I have a function at home in Monaghan this weekend and gotta leave Friday after work. But it's good to know that it's not too far from me.

I'll chance the IBT instructor he might have one that'll do the job for me for two days.

Paulw

The most important thing is to get a lid that fits properly. For that, you need to try one on, or more than one. Some makes fit head shapes better than others, even if it's the right size.

Spear Tackle

Hi Guys and Gals.

I received my Learner Permit in the post today with A1,A2,A categories on the back of it.
I am 36 years old with full B license for over a decade.

I am wondering why the AM category has not been endorsed on the back of the license? Does A1 supersede this or has there been a mistake in filling in the forms. The girl at the counter told me to tick them all ( and she did the ticking )

I am just worried if i have a change of heart and choose to get a moped i am caught between two stools now with full car license with no moped on it and now bike license with no moped ?

cantdecide

Spear Tackle wrote: »

Hi Guys and Gals.

I received my Learner Permit in the post today with A1,A2,A categories on the back of it.
I am 36 years old with full B license for over a decade.

I am wondering why the AM category has not been endorsed on the back of the license?

I bet you have the full category (or at least the 'full entitlement' for) category AM. Everyone that passed the full B test prior to 2006 earned cat 'W' and 'AM' automatically. After 2006, it was B & W only. But all 3 categories weren't always added to a full licence by the motor tax office. Often, they would just issue category B and ignore the other categories. I think they used to blindly follow what the customer would tick on the application form - if they ticked 'B, that's all they would get.

Spear Tackle wrote: »

I am just worried if i have a change of heart and choose to get a moped i am caught between two stools now with full car license with no moped on it and now bike license with no moped ?

If your full licence doesn't have the 'AM' category on it but you passed your B test before 2006, you basically have the entitlement for AM and you could go the the NDLS tomorrow and have it added for €35.

Spear Tackle wrote: »

Does A1 supersede this or has there been a mistake in filling in the forms.

Yes, each category incorporates every category under it. If your permit had cat 'A' only, it wouldn't affect your ability to get any size bike at all.

Spear Tackle wrote: »

if i have a change of heart and choose to get a moped

My advice is get whatever bike you want but take IBT on and pass the test on your instructor's cat A bike - for you it's the same expense and effort to go through the full regime for a scooter as it is for a superbike.

milkj

The RSA don't have the KTM Duke 390 on their list of A2 compliant bikes, was wondering if I could get some clarification here;

The Duke 390 has a power output of 32 Kw which is grand, but at dry weight it exceeds the power to weight ratio of 0.2 - @149 kg (2018 model), at a full/relatively full tank it would be just under the 0.2 - what do they judge it off, dry or wet weight?

Anyone know of anyone with a Duke 390 on an A2 unrestricted, or would restriction be the case if I wanted it on an A2?

Roadskill

milkj wrote: »

The RSA don't have the KTM Duke 390 on their list of A2 compliant bikes, was wondering if I could get some clarification here;

The Duke 390 has a power output of 32 Kw which is grand, but at dry weight it exceeds the power to weight ratio of 0.2 - @149 kg (2018 model), at a full/relatively full tank it would be just under the 0.2 - what do they judge it off, dry or wet weight?

Anyone know of anyone with a Duke 390 on an A2 unrestricted, or would restriction be the case if I wanted it on an A2?

Going by the following website http://a2bikes.co.uk it cannot be ridden on an A2 licence.
Europe have the same laws so its a good site to use.

LookBehindYou

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/Driving-Test-Vehicles---Motorcycles/

The minimum for an A2 category in test is 395cc

LookBehindYou

milkj wrote: »

The RSA don't have the KTM Duke 390 on their list of A2 compliant bikes, was wondering if I could get some clarification here;

The Duke 390 has a power output of 32 Kw which is grand, but at dry weight it exceeds the power to weight ratio of 0.2 - @149 kg (2018 model), at a full/relatively full tank it would be just under the 0.2 - what do they judge it off, dry or wet weight?

Anyone know of anyone with a Duke 390 on an A2 unrestricted, or would restriction be the case if I wanted it on an A2?

Don't overthink it.
A2 covers up to 35kw (NO NEED for aftermarket restriction on your bike)

PimpedJumper

Finally getting close to buying my bike! Pretty much decided on a Honda CBF 125 to get me going. Haven’t decided whether to go new or second hand. For the sake of €500 - €600 I’m tempted to get a new one. Has anyone any thoughts on colour in terms of safety? Have seen white and red CBF 125s. Thinking red might stand out that bit more...

cantdecide

There are loads of perfectly sound answers to this question but why go for such a small bike?

What I mean to do is inquire as to whether you're a rider that must have a small cc bike or are you going that way because you think you must? The CBF is certainly a fine bike for a 125 but I would recommend a bigger bike for the mixed riding conditions in Ireland if it were possible.

PimpedJumper

cantdecide wrote: »

There are loads of perfectly sound answers to this question but why go for such a small bike?

What I mean to do is inquire as to whether you're a rider that must have a small cc bike or are you going that way because you think you must? The CBF is certainly a fine bike for a 125 but I would recommend a bigger bike for the mixed riding conditions in Ireland if it were possible.

Thanks for the response cantdecide... It’s a very valid point. I suppose I’m getting the bike as a commuter, I’ll be crossing the city from the north side to Dun Laoghaire and I thought something nimble and light would be most efficient. I see your point though. Could you recommend something?

cantdecide

For a start, what age are you? if you're over 24, you can get any bike you can get insurance on as a learner permit holder. If you're 18-24, you can get any medium powered bike you can get insurance on.

That's not to say you should get something bigger than you want or need but tbh, for MOST people, a 125 is going to feel pretty weak pretty quickly.

The next question is what bikes do you actually like. Like what would you ride tomorrow if you had a free choice? I could end up making suggestions of bikes you assumed were out of your reach.

PimpedJumper

cantdecide wrote: »

For a start, what age are you? if you're over 24, you can get any bike you can get insurance on as a learner permit holder. If you're 18-24, you can get any medium powered bike you can get insurance on.

That's not to say you should get something bigger than you want or need but tbh, for MOST people, a 125 is going to feel pretty weak pretty quickly.

The next question is what bikes do you actually like. Like what would you ride tomorrow if you had a free choice? I could end up making suggestions of bikes you assumed were out of your reach.

I’m 29! Some bikes I like...Suzuki GSX 600, CBR 650, Honda CB 500XA/FA. Main thing turning me off these at the moment is lack of experience and price. Maybe one day!

cantdecide

Well. I think you should forget the 125 given what you're saying. If that's the kind of bike you like and you're the age you are and you're planning to use your bike the way you will, you'll sell it within 3 months. Frankly, there's no reason why you can't get something closer to what you want.

At a budget of roughly €2,500 (my guess based on what the cost of a new CBF125 is), I think you should probably be looking for something more like this:

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/er6n-2008-/18272579

I know you're thinking about new bikes and that seems probably older than you have in mind but realistically, you seem like you need a more substantial bike than you have in mind at the moment. My mate started on a CBF250 at around age 27 and in six months, the bike was gone and he was on a Bandit 650.

As a general approach, what I would (and always do) tell people in your position is that if you have a lip for bikes and want to get on the road, you should pursue category 'A' (unrestricted bikes) in terms of licencing and you can go away and buy and use whatever you want. When it comes to the test, just hire your instructor's cat A bike and walk away with a cat A licence - the main reason doing it this way is it's the same effort and expense as getting a full moped licence without more hassle and expense later on.

Sonics2k

PimpedJumper wrote: »

I’m 29! Some bikes I like...Suzuki GSX 600, CBR 650, Honda CB 500XA/FA. Main thing turning me off these at the moment is lack of experience and price. Maybe one day!

There are a lot of great 600cc bikes out there which are great for starting off on, which are considerably better for commuting than a 125 CBF (which is a fine bike in itself).

Bandits, Hornets, SV650, Deauvilles, all make for great commuting bikes. While there is absolutely a lot more oomph in a 600cc bike than a 125, it's not anything crazy and easy to handle.

Plus, insurance prices are pretty much the same.

LeakingLava

After passing the full license exam on an A bike, is there still a restriction on what motorbikes could be gotten? For example, I've just seen about motorcycles being 'learner legal': https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055691140, but couldn't see any information about this on the RSA website or any other google results, apart from people selling these motorbikes.

Sonics2k

LeakingLava wrote: »

After passing the full license exam on an A bike, is there still a restriction on what motorbikes could be gotten? For example, I've just seen about motorcycles being 'learner legal': https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055691140, but couldn't see any information about this on the RSA website or any other google results, apart from people selling these motorbikes.

Leaner legal basically refers to people on provisional licences I believe. Once you've passed the test on the full A licence you can get any bike.

Just be prepared for a huge increase in insurance premiums.

cantdecide

That information is completely out of date and the term 'learner legal' is very very misleading these days. Many 'learners' these days can get literally any bike from the start.

There is no longer a restriction to 33bhp for learners and for 2 years after passing the test. That was all abolished on 2013 when they created the A2 category which is loosely equivalent to the medium power bikes that would have fallen under the 33bhp A-restricted' regime.

These days, if you're over 24 (and therefore entitled to hold a 'category A' learner permit [ie completely unrestricted bikes], you can ride whatever you can get insurance on from the very outset. If you're under 24, you can get up to a 'category A2' (medium power- up to about 47hp) learner permit and choose a bike accordingly.

There's a lot of complexity with bike licences, if you want any specific answers, you would be better off stating your age etc

Hotblack Desiato

That thread is years out of date.

Once you have your A learner permit and your IBT done on a class A bike, you can ride whatever you want.

Sonics2k wrote: »

Leaner legal basically refers to people on provisional licences I believe. Once you've passed the test on the full A licence you can get any bike.

No provisional licences any more, learner permits.

For any class there's no difference between what you can ride on a learner permit and what you can ride on the same class of full licence.

LeakingLava

cantdecide wrote:

There's a lot of complexity with bike licences, if you want any specific answers, you would be better off stating your age etc

I'm 24 , 25 in December. Would most likely be taking the full license test next year so definitely over 25 by that time. So I'm guessing I can go for the full A license and therefore not have any restrictions. I was just mislead by a colleague in work that had outdated info. He is now just as updated as me thanks to you guys.

The plan is to take the IBT on an A bike and rent the instructor's A bike for the test. Thanks guys!

Sonics2k

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

That thread is years out of date.

Once you have your A learner permit and your IBT done on a class A bike, you can ride whatever you want.



No provisional licences any more, learner permits.

For any class there's no difference between what you can ride on a learner permit and what you can ride on the same class of full licence.

I still get the two mixed up. Damn my old age!

cantdecide

LeakingLava wrote: »

I'm 24 ... so I'm guessing I can go for the full A license and therefore not have any restrictions.

Yes, just make sure you tick cat 'A' on the learner permit form and that you receive it (and any smaller categories - A2, A1, AM - they want to issue you) and you're golden.

LeakingLava wrote: »

The plan is to take the IBT on an A bike and rent the instructor's A bike for the test. Thanks guys!

That's the best strategy - buy what you want regardless of the category but get that full 'cat A' and be done with it. That's always what I advise people to do.

CharlieCroker

I'm sure this has been asked and answered countless times but I've searched and can't find it.

My motorcycle LP expired in 2012/13 and looking to get it renewed again. Am I correct in saying that I basically have to start again, i.e. new theory test, CBT etc before going for my test?

Hotblack Desiato

If it's expired more than five years you need to start again.

otterj

I did my theory test for the car in 2009 and have a full car licence, do I need to do a theory test for the motorcycle ?

ayux4rj6zql2ph

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honda boi

otterj wrote: »

I did my theory test for the car in 2009 and have a full car licence, do I need to do a theory test for the motorcycle ?

My missus did her car theory test in 2010 and she now has to do her motorbike theory test,so I'd say you'll have to do a theory test unless the bike and car was one in 2009.

honda boi

Quick question.
My 2nd learner permit expired in 2016. I failed the driving test in 2015.
I went to go renew it and see it says "failed driving test in 2 years".
Anyone know if they,d accept my fail from 2015 as my licence expired since 2016 or do I need to book a test before I get a learner permit?

LookBehindYou

honda boi wrote: »

Quick question.
My 2nd learner permit expired in 2016. I failed the driving test in 2015.
I went to go renew it and see it says "failed driving test in 2 years".
Anyone know if they,d accept my fail from 2015 as my licence expired since 2016 or do I need to book a test before I get a learner permit?

Apply for a new test, print out the receipt and go to ndls with it for your 3rd permit (993)

LookBehindYou

otterj wrote: »

I did my theory test for the car in 2009 and have a full car licence, do I need to do a theory test for the motorcycle ?

YES, because the combined car/bike theory test ended 2006. Since then they are separate Theory tests.

Frank Bullitt

Just had a call with the NDLS there.

My story is that I was riding bikes in British Columbia and had a full licence over there for a few years. The class 6 (full bike licence in BC) isn't a direct swap, so I only got an A1 and Am, but I do have a theory test on record so I was able to apply directly for my A there and then.

When I did that, the lady helping me said I would be entitled to an exemption to the 6 month waiting period to sit the road test, the instructor at my IBT also said the same.

I called them today and they said no dice on that, and I would have to wait for the full 6 months as the licence I had in BC isn't recognised at all here.

Its a long shot, but does anyone have similar experience with that? Would it be worth calling them again to see if I get a different answer?

Vologda69

Gintonious wrote: »

Just had a call with the NDLS there.

My story is that I was riding bikes in British Columbia and had a full licence over there for a few years. The class 6 (full bike licence in BC) isn't a direct swap, so I only got an A1 and Am, but I do have a theory test on record so I was able to apply directly for my A there and then.

When I did that, the lady helping me said I would be entitled to an exemption to the 6 month waiting period to sit the road test, the instructor at my IBT also said the same.

I called them today and they said no dice on that, and I would have to wait for the full 6 months as the licence I had in BC isn't recognised at all here.

Its a long shot, but does anyone have similar experience with that? Would it be worth calling them again to see if I get a different answer?

The information you got first time about the A1 and am is correct (it is listed under British columbia on the ndls website), so you are entitled to them on a full licence. RSA themselves are usually more knowledgeable than that Abtran helpine which has a high staff turnover tel. 1890 49 60 40. If you already have a full licence in the class (I.e bikes) 6 month wait will not be needed. However IBT training is still a requirement.

Williamjg

Hi all
I’m about to turn 16 and want to get a 125cc bike for getting around the place and for a bit of fun. Is this a good idea and is it generally safe
I’m looking at a Yamaha yzf 125r and want to know how much money would I need in total (getting license ,training ,bike,helmet and protective gear,insurance. etc)
And I would also like if ye could give me any tips on how to convince my parents to let me get one
Thanks for any help

Lumen

For safety you need to develop anticipation and awareness, and that only comes from thousands of hours on the road.

So when my kid(s) eventually ask for motorbikes I'll strongly encourage them to start with bicycles and cars for a few years. When you crash a car or bicycle it doesn't usually lead to life changing injuries.

I'm sure there are people who've never crashed anything but I'm not one of them. :pac:

GBX

Williamjg wrote: »

Hi all
I’m about to turn 16 and want to get a 125cc bike for getting around the place and for a bit of fun. Is this a good idea and is it generally safe
I’m looking at a Yamaha yzf 125r and want to know how much money would I need in total (getting license ,training ,bike,helmet and protective gear,insurance. etc)
And I would also like if ye could give me any tips on how to convince my parents to let me get one
Thanks for any help

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission ...

Like many, at the time I just got a bike. Then told my parents. But I can understand their worries. Tell them the benefits :
Not stuck on public transport
Not stuck in a car on a hot day like today
Easier and cheaper to get around
..

Cian_ok

Lumen wrote: »

For safety you need to develop anticipation and awareness, and that only comes from thousands of hours on the road.

So when my kid(s) eventually ask for motorbikes I'll strongly encourage them to start with bicycles and cars for a few years.

This rings true for me. I drove a car for years before getting the bike and it taught me "roadcraft". A mix of just knowing the rollers of the road, but more than that, understanding drivers, reading the tiny signals that a car is about to do something stupid - change lanes, break a red light, stop suddenly.
I would have found biking a lot more difficult without that.
If you are not out on a push bike regularly then get out on the roads and clock up as many km as possible. Learn the rules of the road - and obey them. Learn to read cars. 😀

LookBehindYou

Williamjg wrote: »

Hi all
I’m about to turn 16 and want to get a 125cc bike for getting around the place and for a bit of fun. Is this a good idea and is it generally safe
I’m looking at a Yamaha yzf 125r and want to know how much money would I need in total (getting license ,training ,bike,helmet and protective gear,insurance. etc)
And I would also like if ye could give me any tips on how to convince my parents to let me get one
Thanks for any help

=====================================
Best of luck in trying to get insurance on the Baby R1.
If you want to convince your parents, think of a more sensible starting out bike for a 16 yr old. Convince them that you are a sensible lad, telling them that you will complete IBT first , which will teach you all you need to know BEFORE getting a bike and going on the road.
1 : Get a Public services card.
2 : Book Theory test. Pass it.
3 :Apply for category A1 (max for 16 yr old).
4 : IBT
5: You are now in a better position to be able to decide what bike would be more suitable for you, also better informed about Helmet, gear, insurance, etc.
Most importantly, you will be better able to stay safe on a bike.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

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frozenfrozen

May not be suitable for A test as they are a detuned sv650 engine which is only just above 50KW...

ayux4rj6zql2ph

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frozenfrozen

Prisoner 6753 wrote: »

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they are a detuned version of that engine so potentially <50kW is what I'm saying

ayux4rj6zql2ph

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UrbanFret

I think they are only 49kw.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

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aaronjsmyth

Hi All,

I’m a 35 year old looking towards booking an IBT course for AM/A1 license categories but just have a couple of questions (excuse my ignorance but completely new to this).

I've read through the initial posts here, all great stuff but i didnt spot this (im sure its been covered before but its a huge thread so apologies for bringing something up thats probably covered regularly!)

1. I recently passed my theory test – AM Motorcycles/Mopeds. My understanding is that this is the only theory test category for motorcycles (i.e. there is no specific theory test for A1/A2 etc) is that correct? When booking AM seems to be the only one.

2. I have also booked my NDLS appointment for Aug 1st (their next availability)for my learner permit. I am looking to get a 125cc Bike – do I need to specifically request an A1 learner permit? Or there is just a general learner permit?I’m a little confused by this.
When I look at license categories I see AM as moped – but AM was the only theory test category? Your guidance would be welcome here.

I am looking at doing the IBT course with irishmotorcycletraining.com since i live in the city centre but am just slightly unsure about how to make sure i have the correct learner license category for a 125CC bike (A1).

Any help is welcome,
Aaron

frozenfrozen

Get the A permit and do your ibt on an A bike

This will allow you to ride anything including a 125cc bike if you so wish.

125cc is too small to be safe on our roads unless it is purely for urban commuting

There is only one theory test for bikes

Do not get an a1 or a2 license at 35 years old. There is no reason to they are progression categories for 16 to 18 year olds.

aaronjsmyth

Hi FrozenFrozen,

Thank you for the reply and advice it's really appreciated.

I think initially i'm looking at it for urban commuting - my idea was around getting comfortable on a 125cc and then moving up. In saying that obviously i don't intend to get a bike until after the IBT course so what you say makes sense - do the course on an A category bike and i can assess how comfortable i am and what i want to purchase.

Just a follow on question - so it's literally a case that when i go to the NDLS centre i tell them directly which category i require on my permit?

Cheers,
Aaron

frozenfrozen

aaronjsmyth wrote: »

Hi FrozenFrozen,

Thank you for the reply and advice it's really appreciated.

I think initially i'm looking at it for urban commuting - my idea was around getting comfortable on a 125cc and then moving up. In saying that obviously i don't intend to get a bike until after the IBT course so what you say makes sense - do the course on an A category bike and i can assess how comfortable i am and what i want to purchase.

Just a follow on question - so it's literally a case that when i go to the NDLS centre i tell them directly which category i require on my permit?

Cheers,
Aaron

Hi Aaron yep you have it right, show up with all necessary bits, theory test, maybe eye test! And then fill out the form before you go into the booth so arrive a bit early to pick up a form and fill it out. You tick the box for the A category and they will take your picture and signature and take your money and then you'll get the permit in the post