The Test?

[1974rwd]

Hi lads,
I've just paid up for the bike test, (I better start learning how to ride a bike corectly)
What's the Irish test break down into? I've done the car test years and years ago and can just about remember it. Is the bike test the same?
Any tips as to what they like to see, i'll have to get a couple of leasons anyway but the more info you have the better!
Do you get asked the signs and all that stuff still? and do they ask questions about the bike?
I've a full American Licance but they wont change it over! Tried the UK and they won't even change it either, looks like i'm going to have to do the feckin test!

[Bandit_Jim]

hi lad, try a search on the fourm as this has been answered alot, and I can't be arsed typing it all again.

But in Short -
yes to signs
yes to bit of bike (oil, brake fluid, chain etc.)
yes to lessons (again a search will bring up loadsa good advice on instructors etc.
also have to put bike on stand, ride at walking pace, push bike backwards and forwards few meters, drive properly, road position, see threats, be very observant etc. Wear you L tarbart thingy.

Alot like a cage test its mostly about confidence on road and observation.

[Black viper]

try the golden pages under bike rider training/ tuttion. my spelling is not that good

[1974rwd]

Ya thats what i figured, I'm just pissed about the cost. I'm sure the insurance will drop!

[legless]

the bloke in naas driving centre is dead sound take a few lessons with him , he got me through mine.....

[colin]

Originally Posted by 1974rwd

Hi lads,
I've just paid up for the bike test, (I better start learning how to ride a bike corectly)
What's the Irish test break down into? I've done the car test years and years ago and can just about remember it. Is the bike test the same?
Any tips as to what they like to see, i'll have to get a couple of leasons anyway but the more info you have the better!
Do you get asked the signs and all that stuff still? and do they ask questions about the bike?
I've a full American Licance but they wont change it over! Tried the UK and they won't even change it either, looks like i'm going to have to do the feckin test!

I was in a similar situation myself a short while ago. I done the car test 10 years ago & done the bike test in Tallaght last month. It consists of .........

Questions on road signs, hand signals & rules of the road. (I also got asked about when you'd use shoulder checks)
Basic questions on bike maintenance. Tyre thread depth, brake pad/fluid checks, chain tension etc.
U-turn on the road. Should be done in a quiet housing estate.
Pushing the bike forward & backward while standing beside it.
Riding at walking pace (possibly with tester walking beside you).
Other then that it's just general driving with plenty of mirror checks & shoulder checks whenever changing lane, overtaking, turning etc.

Just make sure you've got an L-Tabbard for it. I've got one & I'm not a million miles from you (Celbridge). A mate of mine is also waiting on the test so I'm holding onto it for him but give me a shout when you get a date for it.

Originally Posted by 1974rwd

I'm sure the insurance will drop!

I got my test literaly as my insurance was due. With the online quotes on Quinns website it made €6 difference for TPO & €18 difference on fully comp.
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By the way are you doing the test on the R6?

[1974rwd]

By the way are you doing the test on the R6?[/QUOTE]



Yep, should rise some eyebrows
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[Gitzy]

Originally Posted by 1974rwd

By the way are you doing the test on the R6?

Yep, should rise some eyebrows
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[/QUOTE]

Shouldn't be a problem as long as it's clean and you look the part ie. full gear and your bib
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[DubKang]

Originally Posted by legless

the bloke in naas driving centre is dead sound take a few lessons with him , he got me through mine.....

One lad working in Naas told me they r useless
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[j26]

Originally Posted by Gitzy

Yep, should rise some eyebrows
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Shouldn't be a problem as long as it's clean and you look the part ie. full gear and your bib
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Yes, they like full gear that doesn't look too new - it looks like you take the whole thing seriously. They won't test you without a tabard.
Bring your documents and make sure the bike is taxed.
Make sure you can mount and dismount properly (hold the brake while getting on or off - always mount from the left. The tester can get a good idea of how familiar you are with a bike before you even leave the test centre.
One hand on the bars when stopped at junctions.
After that, it's the usual skills - progress, addressing junctions, lifesavers etc

My test was to ride about in a circle (a triangle of roads with roundabouts) a few times one way, and then the other way a few times, and then the slow u-turn, and slow ride in a housing estate. Practice the slow riding and turning - it takes a while to get right.