Riding tests

A bit off topic but I have a question regarding riding tests. Here in the UK the tests are being changed to include an offroad element, And it got me thinking if other countries tests are similar. At the end of this year, would be bikers are going to have to do a compulsory basic training, A theory test, An offroad element which includes 'U' turns, emergency stops, avoidance manouvres? slaloms and figure of eight manouvres. Then finally they will have to go out on the road with an examiner. All sections will have to be passed before a licence will be issued. Do other countries have similar?

 

All riders will need to do an off-road element??

Sounds pretty lame to me... Wouldn't want to do an off-road test on my cafe racer... Wouldn't end well. This bike would bottom out on anything other than a flat road.


Unless they're requiring everyone to start out on a dual purpose too then it's pointless.

 

When I said off road I didn't mean on a dirt track :lol: there are new test centres being built with a tarmac area the size of a football pitch. it is going to cause some problems with learners living in remote areas they will have to travel up to 160 miles to take this part of their test.

 

In Michigan we only have the off road (track)portion. There is no real world drive along. Do a search on youtube you can find all kinds of videos on the test req. for the states.

 

Vermont's skill test is done in a large parking lot. It's always seemed bass-ackwards to me. Once you take your written permit test, you get a permit valid for 4 months and you can drive on any roads in Vermont with only 3 conditions. You can't have passengers, you can't drive at night and your permit is valid only in Vermont. Once you've been driving for a while and you feel comfortable on your bike, you take the skills test to get the actual endorsement. So, once I feel comfortable as a driver, why do they want to see what I can do at slow speeds in a parking lot? Oh well, I've got my license so it doesn't really matter to me I guess.

mikeg

 

In that case I think it's necessary... We call it a balance test.

Have to go through pylons, slow speed stuff... and do avoidance manouvers.
We also have the option of doing an instructor lead training course to eliminate the balance test. The instructors often travel to more remote areas a couple of times a year to allow other riders to complete the test.

Hopefully they'll adopt something similar where you are as well.

...Actually I would think it was even more necessary in the UK... you're allowed to split traffic there aren't you? Could learn some valueable skills for new riders.

 

In Iowa, you take the written exam to receive your permit which is good for 2 years with condition such as no passengers and can only ride with a licensed rider along with you. Any time after you've had your permit and feel comfortable, you can take the skills test which is set up in a large parking lot and includes sharp left turns, normal stops, right u-turn, cone weave, obstacle swerve and quick stop. No road test required.

 

In Texas, there is a written test - very easy - but then it gets worse. You have to arrive at the DMV at about 7:30 AM to wait in line for a driving test. You can not ride the bike there, so you must trailer or get a driver with a MC endorsement to take it there. But that's not all. You have to have your own car there also, which is given an onsite safety inspection, then your friend has to drive the cop around, following you on the bike. You are given directions by horn - like one toot for left, two for right, etc. But, that still isn't all. The cop that gives the test may not show up that morning or there may be to many in line to get to you, so you have to go through the routine again.

But, there is good news. The driving portion can be replacesd with a certificate of completion from an accredited training course, which I believe in anyway. It's the only way to go here.

Once you have the MC endorsement on your license, you can keep it forever without re-testing.

 

I NY it is an on-road exam that includes U-turns and figure 8's. As an alternative, you can take a Motorcycle Saftey Foundation course, which includes all of those excercises in a huge parkinglot, and when you successfuly complete the course, you get your license.

 

In British Columbia you take a written Learner's Exam. This allows you to ride during daylight under direct supervision of someone over 25 with their motorcycle license.

Then you take the parking lot test which is your figure 8's pylons, emergency braking and this removes the restriction of supervision. You still can only drive during daylight with no passengers.

Then you take a one hour road test where they put a high visibility vest on you and make you wear a one way radio. You listen for their instructions and you drive around.

It's a real pain in the butt.

 

Thanks for replies. It seems that we are just catching up with everyone else. When I took my test back in the seventies all you had to do was buy a bike up to 125cc, stick an 'L' plate on and away you went. The test consisted of a bloke telling you to ride a particular route and he would stand on a corner and watch. He would then step out onto the road so that you could do an emergency stop. Once you had passed this 'test' you could buy and ride anything you wanted. Happy days.

 

Wow,
you folks got it rough.
I just took my test today.
In NY you take a written test, out of 20 questions, 12 were on drunk driving, 4 were general driving questions, 2 were identify sign #4 from the supplemental photo sheet and 2 actually had something to do with a bike.
:roll:
Then you can drive within a quarter mile of someone over 18 who has a MC license.
The rode test took 15 minutes.
The examiner rides with your licensed MC driver in a car behind you, 1 honk left, 2 right, 3 stop.
Around the block twice.
2 right hand dougnuts, 2 left hand, 2 figure 8's.
Your licensed.

I like the Vermont rules.
At least you can practice with out someone sitting on the front porch drinking a beer with in a quarter mile.
Texas are A-holes, have to trailer or have someone else drive your ride to the exam.
:evil:

 

Passed my CBT (compulsery bike test) on a 125
Passed my theory test
Road test tomorow on GSX 500 (before the new test changes come into effect in October)

(Got to get legal now)

 

Good luck with your test. Let us know how you get on

 

Passed first time

So another oldie on the road. It was good to get the Diversion out of the garage and not be followed by an instructor telling you. "Take the next right" "Check your road positon" "At the roundabout take the third exit"... but Rosie and her husband were good instructors.

 

riding in the dirt will teach you more about controlling a bike than you will ever learn on the street
the experience gained stays with ya forever, then all ya have to do is watch out for cagers