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

robbie_63

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Had my test this morning, arrived up on time got the call outside as they are doing now, running through a covid questionnaire before coming out. All good, do the ROTR and technical checks then we test the walkie talkie, my ****ing earphones wouldn't work. I went through all sorts of hassle to get a set without a mic on them (according to the tester this doesn't matter anyway), he let me ask my instructor for a set but his walkie talkies have dual pin so that was that.

I'm out my test fee and the cost of the bike from the instructor.

Ah f**k that's a pain, would have thought they could at least let you try running to the shop to get a pair

LollipopJimmy

robbie_63 wrote: »

Ah f**k that's a pain, would have thought they could at least let you try running to the shop to get a pair

Ah sure I was lucky he even let me ask my instructor tbh. Thing is they work in my phone and when we went back inside I played him some Toto

Betsy Og

I did the test twice, first time there was overlap on the radio with some taxi or delivery guys, pure balls, confusion reigned, tester no great help. #thesethingshappen

Jimmy Bottlehead

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Thing is they work in my phone and when we went back inside I played him some Toto

If you'd managed to get the earpiece working and connected to him, he could have tried to Hold The Line.

LollipopJimmy

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

If you'd managed to get the earpiece working and connected to him, he could have tried to Hold The Line.

I'm going to punch you in the face next time I see you

Jimmy Bottlehead

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I'm going to punch you in the face next time I see you

You'll need to catch me first, L-Plate.

Hotblack Desiato

didn't need any of that earphone nonsense in my day lad *cough*

LollipopJimmy

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

didn't need any of that earphone nonsense in my day lad *cough*

Should get that cough seem to, could be covid

knucklehead6

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Had my test this morning, arrived up on time got the call outside as they are doing now, running through a covid questionnaire before coming out. All good, do the ROTR and technical checks then we test the walkie talkie, my ****ing earphones wouldn't work. I went through all sorts of hassle to get a set without a mic on them (according to the tester this doesn't matter anyway), he let me ask my instructor for a set but his walkie talkies have dual pin so that was that.

I'm out my test fee and the cost of the bike from the instructor.

Damn, that sucks!

Is there anyway they'll allow you credit on the test payment?

goblin59

Thats ****ing ****.

I used generic deals headphones on the day when I did the test.
But they were crap and I couldn't hear his instructions anyway,
Surprised they didn't let you just tune your instructors radio into the frequency they were using

LollipopJimmy

goblin59 wrote: »

Thats ****ing ****.

I used generic deals headphones on the day when I did the test.
But they were crap and I couldn't hear his instructions anyway,
Surprised they didn't let you just tune your instructors radio into the frequency they were using

We asked him couldn't do that and he wouldn't. That would have been the simplest solution and given the reason for this messing (covid) I'd have expected some leeway. It's not as if there was something wrong with my safety equipment or bike

goblin59

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

We asked him couldn't do that and he wouldn't. That would have been the simplest solution and given the reason for this messing (covid) I'd have expected some leeway. It's not as if there was something wrong with my safety equipment or bike

It would have made sense for them to have even tried making a profit, buy a bunch of cheap headphones that they knew worked with they equipment and then sold them for about €15, I'd have paid that on the day if i was stuck.



Have you rung the RSA, told them you followed their guidelines about the ear piece and it didn't work?
once its a 3.5mm head phone set with no microphone it should have been within their guideline.

LollipopJimmy

I will ring but haven't yet. I fear today it will only anger me further.

ronanc15

That's a **** buzz man, really sorry to hear that. I used my instructors earpiece to be safe but it was still extremely patchy. Even missed two calls completely at roundabouts and went straight instead of taking a later exit. Still passed which tells me he was used to using a piece of sh1t radio

I'm looking for some advice.

I usually go everywhere by bicycle, or ebike, or train, and have been told I can wfh permanently so I won't even be on the train much. I'm an experienced cyclist and have good road positioning etc. but I had a couple of close calls in recent times with very close overtakes whereby if I was not paying attention and jammed on I would have been milled out of it into a ditch or the "overtaker" would have smashed head on into oncoming traffic. Close overtakes are what bother me the most with cycling, left hooks, dooring etc I can cope with.

I don't have a driving license or a car, I can't justify the expense when it would used a handful of times a week at most, particularly as am saving for a house, although I would like something for longer trips than the ebike.

A friend (who is not a motorcyclist) suggested I get a moped or small motorbike and expressed the opinion that I would be 'accepted' more on the road and would not get as many close passes. Is this the case? He also said that petrol, tax, insurance, running costs (and the bike itself) would cost far less than a car (which seems to be true) especially if I kept it to 125cc or under. I would like something with a fairly upright position. Having looked on youtube maybe something like the Honda Supercub or CT125 in particular (if released in Europe) would be fun. Main use would be pottering around local town on errands on occasion, or longer trips mainly exploring on crappy rural backroads. Speed is of no concern.

Although I have never been on a motorbike so that would be a concern, do many people who go for the initial training having never sat on a motorbike before? Any advice?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Alan Famous Newlywed wrote: »

I'm looking for some advice.

I usually go everywhere by bicycle, or ebike, or train, and have been told I can wfh permanently so I won't even be on the train much. I'm an experienced cyclist and have good road positioning etc. but I had a couple of close calls in recent times with very close overtakes whereby if I was not paying attention and jammed on I would have been milled out of it into a ditch or the "overtaker" would have smashed head on into oncoming traffic. Close overtakes are what bother me the most with cycling, left hooks, dooring etc I can cope with.

I don't have a driving license or a car, I can't justify the expense when it would used a handful of times a week at most, particularly as am saving for a house, although I would like something for longer trips than the ebike.

A friend (who is not a motorcyclist) suggested I get a moped or small motorbike and expressed the opinion that I would be 'accepted' more on the road and would not get as many close passes. Is this the case? He also said that petrol, tax, insurance, running costs (and the bike itself) would cost far less than a car (which seems to be true) especially if I kept it to 125cc or under. I would like something with a fairly upright position. Having looked on youtube maybe something like the Honda Supercub or CT125 in particular (if released in Europe) would be fun. Main use would be pottering around local town on errands on occasion, or longer trips mainly exploring on crappy rural backroads. Speed is of no concern.

Although I have never been on a motorbike so that would be a concern, do many people who go for the initial training having never sat on a motorbike before? Any advice?

If you're on the road, you're at risk. Car is less risk due to the metal protection around you. But on a bike or moped, you're at similar risk to a bicycle. If you come off or get hit, all bets are off. Proper gear REDUCES the risks of injury or death by a certain amount, but nothing is a guarantee.

You'll still have crap drivers and ignorant cyclists making trouble for you, so you always have to drive defensively if you want to stay alive.

Petrol, tax, insurance are all less than a car, especially on a 125 which runs for hundreds of miles on dreams, hopes and a little petrol. Tax is €88 a year, regardless of engine size. Start up costs are high. Bike, gear (and I'm an All The Gear All The Time, or ATGATT kinda guy), training, insurance, and before most of that, the IBT (Initial Biker Training). Also factor in security for your bike; a very good chain and lock at minimum.

Yes a lot of people do the training having never driven a bike. I did. And I fell in love with it and never looked back. Give it a try, if you like it - great. If you don't, then you're down a few hundred quid but at least you tried and had a new experience.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

If you're on the road, you're at risk. Car is less risk due to the metal protection around you. But on a bike or moped, you're at similar risk to a bicycle. If you come off or get hit, all bets are off. Proper gear REDUCES the risks of injury or death by a certain amount, but nothing is a guarantee.

You'll still have crap drivers and ignorant cyclists making trouble for you, so you always have to drive defensively if you want to stay alive.

Petrol, tax, insurance are all less than a car, especially on a 125 which runs for hundreds of miles on dreams, hopes and a little petrol. Tax is €88 a year, regardless of engine size. Start up costs are high. Bike, gear (and I'm an All The Gear All The Time, or ATGATT kinda guy), training, insurance, and before most of that, the IBT (Initial Biker Training). Also factor in security for your bike; a very good chain and lock at minimum.

Yes a lot of people do the training having never driven a bike. I did. And I fell in love with it and never looked back. Give it a try, if you like it - great. If you don't, then you're down a few hundred quid but at least you tried and had a new experience.

Thanks for this. I'm quite good at defensively riding on my bike, so that awareness should carry over, I would hope. The close passes are what annoy me as aside from good road positioning there is not much you can do, almost every other element of bad driver behavior I have found I can offset (or predict) with due care and awareness, but they are sometimes past you before you even know they are there. I was thinking that with a moped/motorbike close-passes would be reduced as I will be going a bit faster, car drivers may not have as much of a "must get in front" mentality, and even with mirrors that may help with awareness of what is behind me.

I would definitely wear decent gear.

I had been pricing costs of a car, a decent one would set me back 6 to 8k before insurance, tax, lessons, petrol etc. If I could get on the road with a bike for 6 to 8k initial 'investment', or even a little more, I would be happy enough as ongoing costs would be far less (depreciation seems a lot less than on cars too).

Do the IBT folk supply a bike, gear etc for the training? (well in normal times anyway dunno how covid has impacted)


Thanks again

Jimmy Bottlehead

Alan Famous Newlywed wrote: »

Thanks for this. I'm quite good at defensively riding on my bike, so that awareness should carry over, I would hope. The close passes are what annoy me as aside from good road positioning there is not much you can do, almost every other element of bad driver behavior I have found I can offset (or predict) with due care and awareness, but they are sometimes past you before you even know they are there. I was thinking that with a moped/motorbike close-passes would be reduced as I will be going a bit faster, car drivers may not have as much of a "must get in front" mentality, and even with mirrors that may help with awareness of what is behind me.

I would definitely wear decent gear.

I had been pricing costs of a car, a decent one would set me back 6 to 8k before insurance, tax, lessons, petrol etc. If I could get on the road with a bike for 6 to 8k initial 'investment', or even a little more, I would be happy enough as ongoing costs would be far less (depreciation seems a lot less than on cars too).

Do the IBT folk supply a bike, gear etc for the training? (well in normal times anyway dunno how covid has impacted)


Thanks again

In normal times, yes.

You'd definitely get on the road for less than €5k.

Ballpark figures but...

Bike: €1000-2000 (although now is a rotten time to buy a bike, as noted on the forum recently).

IBT: €500

Gear: Your call, but if you wanna maximise your safety, you're talking helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves. You can save a bit starting off used (not the helmet though) but overall you're looking anywhere from €500-1000.

Insurance: How long is a piece of string? I should think definitely well under €1000 though.

Coffee: €10,000. Bikes get cold, coffee is hot.

knucklehead6

Pretest today and i'm feeling strangely apprehensive!!

garlad

knucklehead6 wrote: »

Pretest today and i'm feeling strangely apprehensive!!

When is your test?

knucklehead6

garlad wrote: »

When is your test?

25th. Have another pretext with the same guy that morning.

garlad

knucklehead6 wrote: »

25th. Have another pretext with the same guy that morning.

Best of luck!
Been riding long?

I only started last October. Need a bit more practice before I look to book a test. Hopefully with the better weather I'll get out more than once a week.

sm3ar

Anyone know the Dun Laoghaire test route?

Bluefoam

I was thinking of doing my CBT at the Triumph/Ducati center, does anyone have any better recommendations? Located in South Dublin.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Bluefoam wrote: »

I was thinking of doing my CBT at the Triumph/Ducati center, does anyone have any better recommendations? Located in South Dublin.

Cognitive Begavioural Therapy is decent enough, personally I prefer a psychodynamic approach.

Neither are much use for teaching ya how to ride a bike though.

Try the IBT instead. As for doing it at those centres, I wouldn't. I'd go somewhere to get proper training so I didn't write off my nice new or used Triumph or Ducati

I recommend Eric Dalton, you'll find other recommendations if you look on the board. It came up recently enough.

Mjolnir

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Cognitive Begavioural Therapy is decent enough, personally I prefer a psychodynamic approach.

Neither are much use for teaching ya how to ride a bike though.

Try the IBT instead. As for doing it at those centres, I wouldn't. I'd go somewhere to get proper training so I didn't write off my nice new or used Triumph or Ducati

I recommend Eric Dalton, you'll find other recommendations if you look on the board. It came up recently enough.

At least I'm not the only one who gets irrationally annoyed seeing cbt instead of ibt.

Eric dalton or Tony Moore if you're up that way.

Bluefoam

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Cognitive Begavioural Therapy is decent enough, personally I prefer a psychodynamic approach.

Neither are much use for teaching ya how to ride a bike though.

Try the IBT instead. As for doing it at those centres, I wouldn't. I'd go somewhere to get proper training so I didn't write off my nice new or used Triumph or Ducati

I recommend Eric Dalton, you'll find other recommendations if you look on the board. It came up recently enough.

Thanks for the recommendation, I might just try the IBT instead 🥺

Hotblack Desiato

There's also another meaning for CBT you need to be careful about... don't google it in work :pac:

Bluefoam

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

There's also another meaning for CBT you need to be careful about... don't google it in work :pac:

Oh noh... I feel fragile now. Do not look it up!

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

There's also another meaning for CBT you need to be careful about... don't google it in work :pac:

He'll know about it if he goes for that training! :pac:

Bluefoam

Well, I'm just finished day one of my CBT course... Not what I was expecting at all. I don't know any more about bikes and certainly don't feel safer on the roads...

I'll see how day two goes before I decide if I want to keep it up.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Bluefoam wrote: »

Well, I'm just finished day one of my CBT course...

I'll see how day two goes before I decide if I want to keep it up.

Yeah, the aul C&B Torture can be rough for keeping it up.

Varik

Bluefoam wrote: »

Well, I'm just finished day one of my CBT course... Not what I was expecting at all. I don't know any more about bikes and certainly don't feel safer on the roads...

I'll see how day two goes before I decide if I want to keep it up.

When did the CBT restart in the UK, I know they were doing the same as here with only front line people getting the tests but I thought the CBT was still closed.

Bluefoam

Varik wrote: »

When did the CBT restart in the UK, I know they were doing the same as here with only front line people getting the tests but I thought the CBT was still closed.

CBT is a different thing to IBT... Google it only at your own discretion 🤣

Bluefoam

Can anyone tell me how the tester communicates with you during the riding part of the test... Do they have standard helmet communicators? I saw someone above mention that they had their own earbuds...

If I have my own Bluetooth headset, will the tester connect with that? I'm going to install a Sena in my helmet.

Mjolnir

Bluefoam wrote: »

Can anyone tell me how the tester communicates with you during the riding part of the test... Do they have standard helmet communicators? I saw someone above mention that they had their own earbuds...

If I have my own Bluetooth headset, will the tester connect with that? I'm going to install a Sena in my helmet.

No you have to buy earphones with no mic, plug in to a radio(walkie) they give you for the test, and they have a similar set up with a mic to give you instructions.
If you show up with a Bluetooth kit they'll send you home on the spot.

Has to be a standard 3.5mm Jack which can work with the likes of a motorolla cp040.

Bluefoam

Thanks. Not sure how I'll get me big noggin, ears and headphones into the helmet �� but other people must be doing it, so I'm sure it's possible.

Mjolnir

Bluefoam wrote: »

Thanks. Not sure how I'll get me big noggin, ears and headphones into the helmet �� but other people must be doing it, so I'm sure it's possible.

Either buy a cheap set of in ear earphones or amazon sell ones that are like the ones we get with Bluetooth sets. Make sure whatever one you get doesn't have a built in mic.

Very easy to fit earphones in they barley protrude from your ear.
You absaloutly will not fit over ear headphones in a helmet hahaha.

goblin59

Bluefoam wrote: »

Can anyone tell me how the tester communicates with you during the riding part of the test... Do they have standard helmet communicators? I saw someone above mention that they had their own earbuds...

If I have my own Bluetooth headset, will the tester connect with that? I'm going to install a Sena in my helmet.

My tester used a Motorola 2 pin walkie talkie.

the 3.5mm jack fits and then only works in Mono and the audio sucked.

Could barely understand what he was saying

Bluefoam

Is this the right type of earphones? Ratings are low, sound quality poor...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hensych-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Speakers-Headphones/dp/B01C7119WM

Peppa Cig

Bluefoam wrote: »

Is this the right type of earphones? Ratings are low, sound quality poor...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hensych-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Speakers-Headphones/dp/B01C7119WM

I have these fixed in helmet lining for listening to music.

Panasonic RP-HS46E-K Slim Clip on Earphone - Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002GAXWF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_RE9KKCQQWXA1F7PB465G

Should do for a test.

Mjolnir

Bluefoam wrote: »

Is this the right type of earphones? Ratings are low, sound quality poor...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hensych-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Speakers-Headphones/dp/B01C7119WM

That's the kind
Sound quality out of the radios used is beyond crap anyway regardless of what you pair up with.
I've used them in work for years and by God there's time I honestly just spend an entire night replying with what.

Bluefoam

Mjolnir wrote: »

That's the kind
Sound quality out of the radios used is beyond crap anyway regardless of what you pair up with.
I've used them in work for years and by God there's time I honestly just spend an entire night replying with what.

Yep. It sounds like a nightmare

Mjolnir

Bluefoam wrote: »

Yep. It sounds like a nightmare

Honestly around the town section they're grand, you'll struggle a bit but you'll be all right as long as you're not hearing impaired.
When you get upto speed on a 100km/h section in wind you probably won't hear at all, so helps to have an idea of the routes.

garlad

Still on my L plates.
Something that never came up on IBT, but what do you do on dual carriageways (N11, etc).
We did drive a section of N11 from bray to kilmacanogue, stayed in outside lane.
But never had to deal with traffic lights and stopping starting.
Currently I'm driving in outside lane and stopping behind the cars in the lane.
Can I filter to the front? If so, do I filter through the middle? Do you have to wait for cars to be stopped before filtering to front? When you get to the front should you get back into outside lane and stop?
What about bus lanes?

zubair

garlad wrote: »

Still on my L plates.
Something that never came up on IBT, but what do you do on dual carriageways (N11, etc).
We did drive a section of N11 from bray to kilmacanogue, stayed in outside lane.
But never had to deal with traffic lights and stopping starting.
Currently I'm driving in outside lane and stopping behind the cars in the lane.
Can I filter to the front? If so, do I filter through the middle? Do you have to wait for cars to be stopped before filtering to front? When you get to the front should you get back into outside lane and stop?
What about bus lanes?

For me its really about doing what I think is convenient and safe, every road is different. Personally I'll filter to the lights on the N11, down the middle, not sure of another way of doing it bar the bus lane. When the bus lane is there I often use it, N11 is notorious for drivers diving into the bus lane when there's a left turn up ahead and the lights are red so be vigilant. I just make room for another bike when I get to the front, I don't think too much about which lane I get in then, whichever is safest. I would start filtering just as the car in front of me starts to come to a stop, leave enough of a gap between you and them that you can get a shoulder check in without running into the back of them.

Remember when approaching a red that you didn't see change could be close to changing to green. And a quick assessment of the scenario, risk vs reward; is it safe to filter and will you gain much from the manoeuvre.

Hotblack Desiato

I hope by outside lane you don't mean overtaking lane

Better to call them 1, 2, 3... from left to right, and there is definitely no such thing as a fast lane!

Don't attempt filtering until you are a bit more experienced. Last thing you want to happen is have the traffic move off again either side of you and get panicked (it's no big deal really though, match their speed and find a gap to move safely back into.) If you saw when the light went red then you'll know whether you have enough time to comfortably get to the front before it goes green again. If in doubt stay in your lane. And shoulder check for other bikes before moving over to filter!

Always command your lane i.e. do not leave a gap to the left or the right of you big enough to allow a car to try to squeeze by you in the same lane.

knucklehead6

well I'm off to the off licence.

I was supposed to be doing the test tmrw, but I've spent the last 3 hours checking everywhere and anywhere I store my documents... cos yep, you guessed it... IBT cert is gone AWOL.

I don't suppose those of you who have been through the process before have any knowledge as to whether or not its worth chancing my arm and just turning up without it? How many of you were asked for the form on the day?

I've sent a message to Eric Dalton, I'm supposed to have a pretest with him before the test tmrw just to ask his opinion.

goblin59

knucklehead6 wrote: »

well I'm off to the off licence.

I was supposed to be doing the test tmrw, but I've spent the last 3 hours checking everywhere and anywhere I store my documents... cos yep, you guessed it... IBT cert is gone AWOL.

I don't suppose those of you who have been through the process before have any knowledge as to whether or not its worth chancing my arm and just turning up without it? How many of you were asked for the form on the day?

I've sent a message to Eric Dalton, I'm supposed to have a pretest with him before the test tmrw just to ask his opinion.

you've lost the money either way for the test, so show up explain the situation and hope for the best.
I'd be more concerned about making sure you bring proof the Motorcycle is suitable for the test. (I nearly couldn't do mine as they wouldn't believe me the bike was 800cc as there was a F650 single as awell as a F650 twin

Jimmy Bottlehead

Of course it's worth chancing your arm. You've nothing to lose by trying.

If you did your IBT with Eric, surely he can sort you out with a cert? If not, get onto your instructor and see what can be done.

Unsure if you're joking, but if not I wouldn't be hitting the off licence the day before a test. Last thing ya need is a groggy head and a temper when trying to talk the examiner out of needing the IBT cert!