am I ready for full licence?

[calyx]

Hello all,

I came to London from Istanbul a year ago and riding a scooter here for about 3 months. I got used to riding on the left lane and now riding with my reflexes rather than my brain.
Now, my wife wants to jump behind and it looks like I gotto get a full licence to do this.
To have a full (not 0.8 or 0.6) licence it looks like I have to ride a 500cc bike at the practical test?

My problem is; I havent been riding a big bike for a long time. Do you guys think I need to have a 4-5 days course or get a 2 stroke aprilia 125(chainsaw) and start training myself for a couple of months?
I used to have no problems with handling geared bikes but I am not sure if 5 days training will be enough for me. Maybe it is.. Could you please share your experiences with me?
Thank you.
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Boris - London

[Itchy]

There is only one real way to find out ie take the test , and pass or fail , test if erm £80? with the theory and haz peception another erm £40.

If you fail massively ie the test gets stopped or you get a sheet full of black marks then you are most definately not ready.


Although that said passing a test is only the first step and biking schools tend to teach you how to pass the test and not to actually ride.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Kal]

Hi Boris.

I wrote out my DAS Diary everyday I was on it. Click here.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[calyx]

So, you guys say; it is better to go to a course as passing the test has nothing to do with riding skills?
I hope I can find a diablo like yours.
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Boris - London

[deanoet]

The test is to test that you are safe on the roads
Passing doesnt make you an instantly good rider, it means you are safe to ride on the roads un supervised

Most schools will do an hour assessment ride, after that they will be able to say how much training they think you need
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[calyx]

can you recommend me any riding schools in north london area?
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Boris - London

[deanoet]

nope, sorry. I am north west

Join your local group further down on the main page and ask in there, someone will recommend someone for you

Failing that ask some local dealers who they use for CBTs
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[bacon]

5 days seems fine, assume that includes the cbt also?

i went from never riding a motorcycle before in my life to passing with a cbt and DAS

Had cbt, next week had the theory test, then had to wait 2 weeks to get onto a 3 1/2 day DAS. Passed first time

so 5 days you will be fine dude!

[bacon]

ignore

[Kal]

Afraid the only good School I know anywhere near you is still only Buckinghamshire
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[Graprilia]

theres no point in buying an RS to use for a couple months.

get some proper training is the best thing imo.
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Piaggo liberty 125 SOLD - CBR 125 - SOLD Aprilia RS 125 - SOLD CBR 400 NC29 - SOLD ZX6R currently own https://bikepics.com/members/Graprilia/

[calyx]

thank you for recommendations.
So, I am taking my theory test and going to a proper school.
I have more than 10 years riding experience and cbt off course. I am holding an international licence which can not be changed to uk licence. Thanks for encouragement
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Boris - London

[deanoet]

Good luck with it.

If your CBT is nearing its renewal time then do one early. Tell them the situation and they will do an assessment ride as part of your CBT time on the road.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[TW85]

I did a one-off assessment a week or so ago, and have my test next week

I knew it was a good idea to get my theory done nice and early

I would book my theory test today if I was you. Good luck

[jack_zxr400]

good luck

not sure if its stricter or not when doing your licence over there but maybe it will be a good chance to learn something you didnt know already and not kill someone else on the road
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Previous Bike: ZXR 400
Current Bike: R6
Test Date: 8/8/2008-PASSED

[Ghost]

I passed my test first time with no minors after a 3 day course, I'd never ridden a geared bike before I started to learn, although I had a lot of car and mountain biking experience which might have helped. It can be done!