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

Taylor365 wrote: »

Wait, you have to do an IBT for mopeds?! :eek:

Indeedly. Well if you're starting from scratch yes. As above, if that poster has the AM full entitlement, he can simply add the category and he's away for the proverbial slates.

Taylor365 wrote: »

What a waste of money. Next will be IBT for cycling.

How is it different than for other bikes? Most of what you're learning is roadcraft, observation, using mirrors, bike checks, etc. Only difference between IBT for mopeds and for A bikes is 5 minutes learning the difference in controls.

I wouldn't recommend anyone do IBT for mopeds - just do it for the category you can get and only use a moped if that's what you're into using.

It's better than that- you have the full AM entitlement since 2003; not a learner category. You would never have learner categories and full entitlements on the same card. You have the full AM in the same way that everyone who passed the B test before 2006 would have got. There are a ton of people out there like you that have the full AM entitlement that never sat on a moped.

You don't to do anything other than get insured on the moped and start driving. No IBT necessary. Having said that, I think it would be beyond a good idea to get some professional lessons to start with Oh, and gear. The ground is just as hard whether you're falling off a moped or an R1.

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

AM only covers up to 50cc AND a maximum speed of 45km/h - in other words restricted, and so slow as to be dangerous on the road, but that's the law.

I would imagine there are very few fully legal AM licence holders out there. AFAIK mopeds are generally supplied with a restrictor and it's almost always removed at the first service.

+1

AM is really sh*te all good to you unless you're operating strictly in urban areas. Mopeds are not relevant to the vast majority in Ireland, IMO. 50cc/ 45km/h is faster than cycling but slow enough to get you into a world of hurt.

With the test in Finglas, anyone know where they test you on U-turns? I just need to practice there.

Any road 7 metres wide, which is a lot of estate roads anywhere. Pace it out and practice till you're sick of it, in a few different places. By the time you get to the test it shouldn't matter where you do it.

bobcranfret wrote: »

Can I apply for a test in a category lower than the learner permit I have? For example, if I get an A2 permit and do the A2 IBT but then decide to buy a 125cc bike in the A1 category, can I apply for either the A1 or the A2 test? I'm an older (big) guy looking to get a bike to carry on or tow behind a motorhome. While I think a 125cc bike will meet my requirements, I would like to at least do the IBT on a bigger bike.

The short answer is yes but I would make a suggestion to you; get the A2 or even the A permit, do the relevant IBT, buy whatever bike you want but go and make time to really come to terms with it, then go for the A or A2 test on a rented school bike. I promise you wouldn't regret it.

I know you have your purposes but it's nearly the same effort and expense to get a full A as it is to go for an A1 but it depends on how motivated you are to get on with your motorcycling life. If you're not bothered and just want to be 'legal' then there are lots of ways of kicking the can down the road. Personally I wanted to get it all sorted ASAP and I passed the A test inside 7 months which I think was a good decision for me.

Rigardo wrote: »

Hey guys,

I just got my learner permit! I'm planning to organise my IBT as soon as I can get the funds together. I've a couple of questions it would be great to get your feedback on.

Firstly the two bikes I'm considering are the Kawasaki Z750 and the Honda 600 Hornet. My preference would be for the Z750. Am I likely to get a quote on either bike? I'm 33 and have been driving since I was 17 so the idea of a 250cc doesn't appeal to me.

From what I've read you don't need to have a motorcycle restricted any more. Is this correct? Thanks in advance for the feedback

You'll probably get a quote, yes. Whether or not you'll like it is another thing :-) - plug your details into Liberty's site.

The Hornet is considered a bog standard commuter by most insurers I'd imagine so you should have no bother.

Assuming you've a full A learner you don't need to restrict anything for license purposes.

sonic85 wrote: »

hows things lads? I have my test tomorrow and was just wondering if someone could tell me how to adjust the chain?

Gavin wrote: »

Got going on the bike in mid-June, commuted every day and just passed my test ! Delighted. Did some pre-tests with Aaron Rider training which helped a lot in terms of making sure I did everything in the right order.

Cocked up the u-turn though, almost dropped the bleedin bike for the first time. Stupid, usually have no problems with it. Two other faults and that was it.

Now I'm contemplating getting the bus home because of the really bad wind! Ridiculous eh!

well done, its great feeling.

Hellrazer wrote: »

Quoting this from the original post.

Ive decided that 2016 is the year I do my IBT and get on two wheels.Anyway Im 40,never been near a motorbike in my life and the above has me a bit confused.

So here goes.
I get my learner permit,do my IBT etc but the 6 months waiting on a test can I drive a bike?
Probably a better question -- would I get insured on a bike with a learner permit?
If not how does one go about getting experience for the test?
I want to go for an unrestricted full A licence and have my eye on a Harley or Triumph (mid life crisis so my wife keeps telling me)
Most insurers probably wouldn't touch a learner on one of the above bikes Id assume?So if they don't what woule be the best bike to buy that I could take the A test on that I would get insured on as a learner while waiting to take the test?

Thanks

You can ride any bike in A class that you can insure between your IBT and test.

The operative term being "that you can insure", as you're already aware.

You can probably get insured alright, if you're prepared to pay through your hole. Insurers are happy to quote you on stuff - for bikes, stuff like your security arrangements matters more, for example. You're more likely to drop your first bike, so I'd avise to get something A friendly but not too spendy or that you don't get too attached to for a wee while.

Hellrazer wrote: »

Whats the general consensus here regarding the bike you ride between doing your IBT and applying for the test.
Seems to be differing opinions whether to go with a smaller sub A licence bike or a fully A approved bike.
Im booking my theory this week and IBT fingers crossed in February.
Its wrecking my head what bike to go for.
Any help appreciated.

Get an A bike if you're going for the A test. Plenty to choose from and I reckon getting anything smaller is just a waste of cash if you're going to change after the test, no reason aside from if you plan to get something you can't insure on a provisional.

Above all, get the bike you want to stick with for learning, regardless of class.

Hellrazer wrote: »

Thanks for that.
Is a bandit 600 a good learner bike??
Or could you give me a few examples of other A bikes that would suit for learning.

I suggest that you do IBT first, and then you will have a more informed idea of what bike would suit you best.
Bikes and gear are supplied for IBT.

OldieWilson wrote: »

Quick question re tax discs.
Since I've started riding I've just kept my disc in my wallet, as there's no disc holder on my bike.
Have my test coming up soon though. Is it a requirement to have the disc displayed, or if I have it on me would that be fine?

Best to display it. Mine was checked.

Hi Guys.
I just applied for my Theory test for the bike.
I'm looking at second hand bikes and I'm kinda lost as to what I should be looking for in them. I know Im going straight in at 600cc.
What should I be looking for in a bike?

Also, thoughts on this gear.

kiddums wrote: »

Hi Guys.
I just applied for my Theory test for the bike.
I'm looking at second hand bikes and I'm kinda lost as to what I should be looking for in them. I know Im going straight in at 600cc.
What should I be looking for in a bike?

hi kiddums when you're doing the IBT you can do it on a school bike so you could hold off buying your own bike till after then and you will have a better idea of what you want. And to figure out what you want just go sit on as many bikes as you can at a dealer or if they have a few at the ibt place.

frozenfrozen wrote: »

hi kiddums when you're doing the IBT you can do it on a school bike so you could hold off buying your own bike till after then and you will have a better idea of what you want. And to figure out what you want just go sit on as many bikes as you can at a dealer or if they have a few at the ibt place.

OK so that will help me with the style/size?
Just as information gathering, what do I need to look for in used bikes, or is it all basically the same stuff as a car?

gerrowadat wrote: »

The spada stuff seems to be reasonable quality, would probably do you starting out.

If you have the cash, get a decent helmet, it's the thing that most matters when it comes to fit. I wouldn't go ordering your first helmet online as everyon'e shead is different. Head into a shop and see what's what.

Ok, so for gear is most of the stuff online ok? And just Helmets from a shop?
I know I'm a noob to this, but I still want to learn enough so I don't get taken for a mug in a store.

WAPAIC wrote: »

Bit of a problem here. I have the test on Tuesday, but can't find the IBT cert at all. Never got a log book as the RSA didn't have them. I can apply for a copy but I certainly won't have this by Tuesday. Will the tester allow me to do the test?

By 'log book' do you mean the IBT book or the license cert for your bike?

You only need the IBT cert. Far as I remember they do check it yeah.

WAPAIC wrote: »

I have my learner permit. I don't have anything which says I did the IBT unfortunately. I know I put it somewhere safe:mad:

They don't normally ask to see the IBT cert just learner permit & reg cert for the bike.

Roadcraft wrote: »

They don't normally ask to see the IBT cert just learner permit & reg cert for the bike.

Good to know. I'll just have to wing it. He probably knows my IBT instructor so I can always ring him for further proof. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks all.

you'll have to do the bike theory test

cantdecide wrote: »

Not strictly the case. If Lexuslad has been rocking his car learner permit since the mid noughties, then there's every chance he could avoid the theory test now. If not, then yes, he'll need the motorcycle theory test.

Thanks for the replies gents, looks like I'll have to do the test, going to book it now and hopefully will have it done soon.

You're the same as myself so, A2. Which is essentially any bike under 35KW in power. The rules are more nuanced but when you're looking for bikes generally anything that is 35kw restricted, is suitable for you on that license.

After you pass the A2 test, and two years have passed, you will be able to do progression module 5 and move up to the unrestricted A license, which is usually only available to those over 24 via direct access.

So you need to do that theory test, do ibt modules 1, 3, and 5, and then pass your test after waiting 6 months from the issue date of your provisional.
then wait 2 years from the passing of your test, and do progression mod 5 on a bike over 50kw, and you'll then have the unrestricted A license at around 22/23 years old.

lexuslad wrote: »

Thanks for that it explained Alot!
So the test then the ibt before I even think about buying a bike. I was told you can't get insured without doing the ibt first so it's a costly venture.

Yeah that's what I'm doing anyway, it's very expensive I'll be probably 900 euro in once I pay for the rest of the ibt and I haven't sat on a bike yet. (I've only done module 1).

I may end up just doing extra lessons and the test on a rented bike so I can get my first insurance quote on the full A2 license rather than provisional. At least then I'll be able to spread the cost over a longer period of time, and worry about the few grand it's going to be between a bike and insurance towards the end of this year.


You can't get insured without the IBT and you can't go on the road without the IBT. Once you have done your IBT you can drive on the road on your own with an L tabbard on, until you pass the test. Then you'll need the N tabbard for 2 years (unless you've already had a car license then it's just 2 years from the date of that license)