New license question

[robd75]

Hi, new here and looking to get my bike license at the moment.  I passed my car test in '93 and ride a ped on that license.  I have booked my theory for mid dec and also my cbt but after looking at this realised that I don't have provisional cat A on my license.  Do I need to sort this first?
Thanks

[qwakers]

yes.

[madmic]

  matey, sure you're gonna learn loads here

if you've not got provisional A you'll need to get teh DVLA to add it, not sure if you'll be charged - I didn't have it, until I renewed my photo card, and it was put on then. So if you've not got a photo card it might be an idea to get both at the same time and avoid the hastle of sending it away twice

Then it's onto your Mod1 (you don't need provisional A for this - I think!!) and then Mod2... I take it you're going the DAS route? Hopefully you'll pass just in time to get a just before the season really kicks in next spring

Good luck with everything, most of all enjoy the journey to two wheeled freedom!

[robd75]

Thanks for the responses.
Just looked at my counterpart and I did have the provisional bit put on when I changed to photcard  I already have a ped I ride about on on my car license but thought I would go bigger.  I have booked my theory for a couple of weeks time and will also get my CBT done hopefyully at the end of the week, they have some spaces but will onlny book if the forecast is not for rain    Yes I want  a bike before the "season" so will be on the look out jan/feb hoping for a bargain!!!

[SOUP]

Welcome in.  Nice to meet you! 

Good luck with your theory, CBT and all the fun that follows.   

[raine]

As you found - the provisional A is on the paper counterpart

CBt and tests should be a breeze - you ride a ped so should have balance, drive a car - so should have road sense (no straightlining roundabouts though)

[robd75]

Got my CBT booked for Tuesday (6/12) and my theory for the 16/12.  Not to worried about the questions but got a disc to have a look at this hazard perception thingy.  Anyone got any tips for that?

[NickH]

Hi there!

Practice. Get some accurate test simulation software, preferably one that can show you the scoring window afterwards (but you'll have to trust that it's accurate, unlike the multiple choice part the actual test is not published) and do a bunch of mock tests; but make sure you're not repeating the same clips over and over.

Now if the software I had was anything to go by, you can click up to at least a dozen times per clip. So don't be inhibited to click on 5-8 potential hazards. When a hazard "develops" (looks like it's really going to get in the way) click again, and again 0.5 seconds later in case you clicked too early. The real hazard should get 3 clicks, maybe 4 if it develops slowly/oddly. [You'll know the real hazard because the camera car will slow down or swerve: by now it's too late to click. Remember one clip will have 2 hazards.]

Get a feel for the kinds of hazard they throw at you. Cars from the left. Horses. In a single-track it's slow or oncoming vehicles. In a narrowish road it's large oncoming vehicles. Parked cars: moving/occupied cars, car doors, pedestrians. etc.

2 frivolous tips: 1. Don't bother turning your head, it doesn't help you see more. 2. Don't get into the habit of shouting at the computer, they won't appreciate it down at the test suite.

[robd75]

Thanks Nick,
I purchased a pc dvd rom called theory test >> success from ebay for £4 delivered.  It has over 100 clips on it and a reviewer to go over what you have done, from what I have seen so far it looks ideal but will people know when I have done a bit more.
I'm not worried about the theory bit as been driving a long time and have done a couple of mocks which I passed quite comfortably but will do a bit more work on those.  I have started to watch the hazard perception bit as this is all new to me but had enough now so will try the practise tests tomorrow.  It all seems very in depth to just having to have a flick through the highway code and answer a couple of questions whhile sat in the car after a 20 minute drive round!

[mikiboy]

Take note for side car and trailer questions reelated to bikes.  I've known somerone to fail after getting 4 questions on that and not having a clue.
Hazard can be harder if drive as you tend to look further ahead to spot them from experience.
Have heard all sorts of tips about when to click but click pause then click again as you get nearer seems to be the way to go.
Practice to see what gives you the best results.

[robd75]

Update if anyone is wondering.
I did my CBT today and loved it.  I think though that I am going to need some more hours on the bike with gears to get me through the full test.
Been offered a yamaha 125 and wondering whether to buy that now and rise it through winter or pay for lessons and go for the test?
Got my theory next week.

[greg]

you can probably pick it up quick enough, you'll be surprised how quickly you progress from lesson to lesson

if you're over 21 then doing straight to DAS usually works out best, the bigger school bikes are actually easier to control than the 125's

[robd75]

Well did my theory on Friday, 49 out of 50 and 61 on the hazard perception bit so pleased with that.  Gonna go to the bike shop/training place tomorrow to talk big bike training as decided not to bother with a 125 and once I have my license hopefully have the fund about feb to get something that I really want

[raine]

Well done !!!  Hope the training goes well

[robd75]

By way of an update.
I got my mod 1 a couple of weeks ago and have got my mod 2 tomorrow.  I am looking forward to it but a bit nervous at the same time!

[Apex]

Congrats on the Mod 1 pass and don't worry too much about Mod 2. Just relax, take it easy, do your observations and road postioning and you'll have no problems 
All the best 

[bonio]

Good progress... all the best for mod 2. Keep warm

[robd75]

So I failed mod 2 on the 03/02 was gutted and felt pretty hard done by.  Any how went back again this morning and passed!
Very pleased as felt robbed the first time but hey ho.
Anyway started bike shopping today, but so much to choose from :-)

[munchkin]

  Congratulations

[daddycool]

Nice one. Let the fun begin!!

[GaryJM]

Congrats on the pass
So what bike do you fancy?
If you can get a test ride on it first before shelling out.

[SnapDragon]

well done   

[reckless]

      CONGRATULATIONS 

[robd75]

I fancy a low rider/cruiser style bike, took out a honda shadow 750 yesterday and looking at a kawasaki vn900 and a intruder 800.  I want to ride a few before I make my final decision but hope to be up and running in the next few weeks.  I can't wait but don't want to rush into a bike I either don't like or will tire of!

[bonio]

Well done mate. Enjoy the shopping.

[sidewinder]

Excellent new.Just in time for the nice weather....