Restricted license test? I'm looking for recent experiences

[Larksea]

Hi all,

can anyone share some recent restricted test experiences? What you had to do and so on?

I've had my learners for ages but just got a bike and want to practice what I need and sit the restricted ASAP in Auckland so I can get the clock ticking on the 18 month wait to sit the full test.

Got myself a Honda Magna 250, fricken sweet little cruiser. Was aiming for a HD but now I'm looking at the VF750 or maybe finding an old V45 Magna to update.

Cheers!

[arcane12]

Hi! I sat my restricted a month ago. It was in Hamilton, but the basics should apply.

I went through a number of side streets, left turns, right turns etc. Then I went out to an 80 km zone to a roundabout. After that I made my way back into a 50, down to do my u-turn, then out to a 100km zone and done.

Things to practice are staying below 50(!), obvious head checks - turn you head to check your mirrors, because he won't see your eyes moving! Making sure you are checking your blind spots for lane changes, and remembering to turn that indicator off. Finally good lane positioning.

I found my time in the car had helped sharpen my road rules, so I could focus on getting the bike stuff right and let the rest take care of itself.

There is a thread just below this one about the full test which is very simillar. My tester, when I asked him, said "The full test is basically the same as the restricted, only shorter".

If you are thinking on getting a LAMS bike before your test, make sure you get familiar with it, and ask the testing centre if it's ok. When I went in they had not had the offical word they were allowed to test people on the new LAMS bikes, so could have refused to let me sit it!

Good luck, and check those lights and tyres!

[Bradles]

My restricted was last week in Browns Bay, Auckland.
Here's what I did in the order I remember it:
Pre-ride
- WOF + Rego Check
- Indicators, stop light (front and rear brake separately), and horn checked.
- Presumably also checked L plate location, Tyre Tread Depth, and general road-worthiness
- Given a radio with a headphone that looped around my ear.
- Helmet on.
- Radio volume checked, it should be pretty loud if it has stayed on your ear.

Ride
- Instructor followed me in a car, instructions given twice over the radio in the form of "Take the next right, next right" "Turn left at the intersection, at the intersection turn left" or similar
- I was checking my mirrors fairly often and fairly obviously (head movement)
- Right turn out of testing station onto a side road
- Right turn onto a main road followed by a left turn onto another side road (basically straight but I indicated right and left just in case)
- Rode through a SCHOOL ZONE. Mine was in the middle of the day so I didn't need to slow down
- Turned into a cul de sac, instructed to ride to the end of the road and turn around (I indicated right and turned my head to check behind me as I had bee instructed to do so during a riding lesson) - Did this 4 times in a row on different streets
- Rode through a busy shopping centre
- Asked to turn left at a stop sign. Stopped with left foot on the ground and right foot on the foot brake then placed both feet on the ground.
- Turned right through a round about - Indicated right on entry, left on exit
- Asked to turn right at a stop sign. Stopped with left foot on the ground and right foot on the foot brake then placed both feet on the ground.
- Travelled straight through a round about. No indication on entry, indicate left on exit.
- Traffic light turned orange just before I went through, I proceeded, instructor came to a stop and asked me to pull over to the left and wait.
- Travelled into an 80km/h zone with 55km/h corners, slowed to 55 for the corners.
- Travelled into a 100km/h zone, pulled into a side street, performed another u-turn at the end of a cul de sac. Turned right onto the 100km/h road and returned to station.

Things that weren't done that I thought might have been done:
- Helmet standard wasn't checked (mine's a basic full face though so it doesn't really raise any alarm bells when you look at it from a distance)
- No road works
- No Hazard Identification
- No lane changes

At the end of the test I asked if the instructor had noticed any errors. He said He had not and said "You didn't fall off, that's the main thing right?". If he was at all serious I'm guessing that's the reason for 5 u-turns at the end of cul-de-sacs.

[PeloNZ]

I did my restricted a few months ago, in Wellington's Kilbirnie suburb. Here is the route I took: http://goo.gl/maps/BtNW7

[JimmyC]

Thanks for these replies. About to do mine myself.

[Larksea]

yeah thanks guys, good replies.

[Jacobite]

Sorry to drag this up again but I was wondering if anybody has experiences doing the Restricted test since the new test came in? Any specific things to practice and the like?


I wanting to do mine before January but really don't want to fail the dam thing!

[arcane12]

On a slight side note I did a rider training course and mentioned my test. I said it took around 25 mins, but I did not mention that I was just counting 'on the bike' time. The instructor at the training told me I got the quickie test. I think there is a bit of discretion involved (the 5 u-turns mentioned above) but having now seen the marking sheet I did cover everything. If I rolled in the pre-ride stuff, and pen waving it might have been 45 minutes from report in and shake hand to finish.

Interestingly the trainer asked if I did a hill start or hazard ID, which I had not. After seeing the check sheet, those items are not listed, so may be one of those older tests that some testers choose to keep in (that discretion thing again). I did not want to argue the point with him, and if it comes down to it not best to argue the point with your tester either! My tester mentioned that the Hazard identification was no longer tested, and the instructor seemed to think otherwise, I wonder who was right?

[Bradles]

Sorry to drag this up again but I was wondering if anybody has experiences doing the Restricted test since the new test came in? Any specific things to practice and the like?


I wanting to do mine before January but really don't want to fail the dam thing!

When did the new test come in? My test was in early November so that was after the LAMS bikes came in. Did the changes happen at the same time? I was under the impression that my test should have been the new test but I could be wrong.

[onelittlenurse]

Hi there,
I sat my restricted 2 weeks ago in Thames,
it took an hour from start to finish...
The guy looked my bike over and discovered my Rego had expired the day before (duh!) so he made me go and get more rego before we could carry on...
Rode around for best part of an hour, luckily I had read up on the Give Way rules before I went so there was no hesitating at the many intersections he took me thru..
He made me do Two U-turns in an INCREDIBLY narrow side street which had gravel on either side - I would never have done a u turn in such a place normally, luckily i had practised...

He gave me plenty of warning that he was going to ask me what hazards I had seen, and he wanted me to list such things as - oncoming cars, pedestrians, cars parked in driveways, side streets, schools,
I actually got two chances at this as I missed it the first time..
then we went out to an 80 k area and he wanted me to note the 'permanent hazards' by turning my helmet - i interpreted this as side streets..
and I passed so it cant have been that hard.
Just practice riding at 50k, and brush up on give way rules if youre not completely happy,

and ride like you own it :)

[Jacobite]

When did the new test come in? My test was in early November so that was after the LAMS bikes came in. Did the changes happen at the same time? I was under the impression that my test should have been the new test but I could be wrong.

That should have been the new test yeah, although I'm not sure.


Hi there,
I sat my restricted 2 weeks ago in Thames,
it took an hour from start to finish...
The guy looked my bike over and discovered my Rego had expired the day before (duh!) so he made me go and get more rego before we could carry on...
Rode around for best part of an hour, luckily I had read up on the Give Way rules before I went so there was no hesitating at the many intersections he took me thru..
He made me do Two U-turns in an INCREDIBLY narrow side street which had gravel on either side - I would never have done a u turn in such a place normally, luckily i had practised...

He gave me plenty of warning that he was going to ask me what hazards I had seen, and he wanted me to list such things as - oncoming cars, pedestrians, cars parked in driveways, side streets, schools,
I actually got two chances at this as I missed it the first time..
then we went out to an 80 k area and he wanted me to note the 'permanent hazards' by turning my helmet - i interpreted this as side streets..
and I passed so it cant have been that hard.
Just practice riding at 50k, and brush up on give way rules if youre not completely happy,

and ride like you own it :)

Thanks onelittlenurse, so u-turns and give way rules, the two things I'm the least confident at. Got to love Wellingtons screwed up interesections as well, that'll make life fun. Time to get some practice in then.

[JimmyC]

I sat my restricted a month ago and have been meaning to update this thread with my experience since I found others very helpful.

I did mine at the Kilbirnie test centre on what was one of the windiest of windy days... truly, Cobham drive was really bad, upwards of 90kmph gusts right across the road, and if I didn't have the test I would not have been out riding in that. My instructor did say to just take it easy around that area so it was good to know he was also aware of it. Anyway, thanks to PeloNZ above I had a reasonable idea on where we might go. Being a Miramartian myself I was pretty familiar with Kilbirnie and we did incorporate the route in PeloNZ's map. Hazards included a very narrow two lane road that would only be one vehicle at a time, with a car that had pulled in, not over, and wasn't indicating at all, pedestrians on side streets etc. Just become a visual sponge and state anything and everything you see, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.

Only had to do one u-turn after which I realised immediately I hadn't indicated at all during the execution... oops! After riding around Kilbirnie for a good 20 minutes we seemed to take in the entire eastern suburbs from there. First we went through Miramar via Cobham drive, observing the 30kmph limit through the middle of the shops, around Ira St to Strathmore, through the Seatoun shops (30kmph again), through the tunnel and around Seatoun for a while observing all the different give ways, stops, roundabouts and 30 - 50kmph limits. Then it was back through the tunnel, down Broadway and right down beside the airport, merging lanes (indicate and head check) in that gusting headwind. Right along the length of Cobham drive once more for good measure, another lane change, and back to base.

I passed, but he picked me up on my roundabout technique and my indicating, or lack thereof... it's one of my pet peeves actually but I certainly wasn't going to argue with him having passed. When going straight through a roundabout indicate right as you approach, then left as you're half way through on the way out. Personally, when I'm on the other side of a roundabout and I see someone coming toward me indicating to their right I stop for them since they have right of way. To have them then change to the left half way around pisses me off to be frank because I could have gone... anyway, I passed so I'm very happy.

Took my L plate off before I left the test centre, and rode for the first time feeling like I didn't have a target on my bike. I notice a tangible difference in the way motorists treat me now, but that's probably for a different thread.

[arcane12]

Umm, I think I followed what you were saying about indication on a roundabout.

lifted from the LTSA site:

If you are going 'straight' through a roundabout:
•don't signal as you come up to the roundabout
•signal left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take. At some small roundabouts it may not be possible to give three seconds warning, but it is courteous to give as much indication as you can.

Also with other traffic on a roundabout, I usually try to judge the gap with other traffic. So if it's a normalish sized roundabout and a car is over the other side turning right, I will usually enter the roundabout. By the time the other car is at the middle of the roundabout I will be as well, so no chance to cross paths. Of course this is dependant on the size of the roundabout, the speed of him and me, and who is closer to the roundabout. If I am approaching the roundabout and he is on it, I will stop and wait.

[JimmyC]

lifted from the LTSA site:

If you are going 'straight' through a roundabout:
•don't signal as you come up to the roundabout
•signal left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take. At some small roundabouts it may not be possible to give three seconds warning, but it is courteous to give as much indication as you can.



That's perfect, makes much more sense. Though still a little redundant on the tiny roundabouts in Miramar and Seatoun, I can't fault the instructor for pointing it out.

[f2dz]

Going for my restricted on the 5th of Feb, I'll try to remember to post an update here about what happens.

I went for a ride with an instructor and he reckoned my riding was good, just a few things he picked up on, and a few things here that might help other people or give them something to thing about.

- slightly rolling over the lines at giveways and stop signs (apparently they can mark you down for this)
- regular exaggerated mirror checks and blind spot checks
- putting your bike into neutral and putting both feet down at a stop sign while applying your front brake
- keeping a close eye on your speed
- familiarising yourself with the testing area, mainly speed limits
- covering your brakes when passing pedestrians looking to cross the road / children playing (shows you're ready for and anticipating the worst)
- coming to a stop too close to cars in front of you (in case they start reversing)

And the last couple things he suggested to me was to wear my clear visor instead of my tinted one, so that they don't think I'm a 'hoon' and so that other people can see where your eyes are looking, and to wear a reflective vest if you have one, for brownie points.

Some of this may seem a bit over the top, I know it does to me, but hey, if you pass it's all worth it.

[arcane12]

Vest - didn't have one.

Both feet down - good practice as you don't know what your tester will decide is 'best' so err on side of caution, if it doesn't make you look like you don't know what you are doing.

Head turns - I tried to exaggerate mine, and even then he thought I didn't do a head check at one spot where I know I did (he thought I was checking my mirrors, rather than a full head check).

[BlightyBiker]

Thanks all, these are really helpful! Going for my restricted in a months time so I want to get into the habit now.


Vest - didn't have one.

Both feet down - good practice as you don't know what your tester will decide is 'best' so err on side of caution, if it doesn't make you look like you don't know what you are doing.

Head turns - I tried to exaggerate mine, and even then he thought I didn't do a head check at one spot where I know I did (he thought I was checking my mirrors, rather than a full head check).

Vest - I may buy a cheapie vest to show enthusiasm.

Both feed down - can be a struggle on my bike as it's HUGE, but hopefully they can see I'm trying.

[arcane12]

Thanks all, these are really helpful! Going for my restricted in a months time so I want to get into the habit now.



Vest - I may buy a cheapie vest to show enthusiasm.

Both feed down - can be a struggle on my bike as it's HUGE, but hopefully they can see I'm trying.

I think looking stable and confidant is the key.

I didn't realise the Hyosung was that big, though I guess it's all persepective? My bike's seat is 70cm (79cm is the Hyosung GT250P) and it feels rather low, but I am 179cm (around 5'10"ish) so that may be part of it.

[Skiwi]

I went with the one foot down method as I'm a bit of a short arse and look ridiculous trying to tiptoe at intersections. When i asked the tester he said he was looking for control, not form.

Exaggerate your head turns.

Don't panic about having a wheel over the line if you need to to get clear visibility, that's more important than "toeing the line". The road code also states to stop where you have the visibility.

Don't waste your money on a vest if you're not going to wear it except for the test.

Practice remembering the hazard identification, I found remembering them the hardest part of the test as I usually evaluate then disregard them once the threat is gone.

[f2dz]

I went with the one foot down method as I'm a bit of a short arse and look ridiculous trying to tiptoe at intersections. When i asked the tester he said he was looking for control, not form.

Exaggerate your head turns.

Don't panic about having a wheel over the line if you need to to get clear visibility, that's more important than "toeing the line". The road code also states to stop where you have the visibility.

Don't waste your money on a vest if you're not going to wear it except for the test.

Practice remembering the hazard identification, I found remembering them the hardest part of the test as I usually evaluate then disregard them once the threat is gone.

Hazard identification of a restricted test? I'm not worried about doing them but might be a bit outta practice. I haven't heard anyone say they're in the restricted yet though.

I've got mine tomorrow morning. Was gonna go for a bit of a detour to practice some more u-turns and controlled riding after work. Might practice some hazard id'ing too.

[JimmyC]

Practice remembering the hazard identification, I found remembering them the hardest part of the test as I usually evaluate then disregard them once the threat is gone.

I didn't have to remember for very long at all. The instructor would say - Start looking for hazards - and within 60 seconds would get me to pull over and ask what I'd seen.

[Skiwi]

Yeap, I did two separate hazard stops, just reel off everything vaguely threatening and you'll be right.

[f2dz]

Had my test this morning at 8am at the AA in Manukau. Passed.

Got there around 7.40, few other people waiting with me there. At around 8am all the testers rocked up. They looked over my bike, indicators, lights, back and front brakes, no horn check. No one had keys to get inside the building so we went off without a radio. She just told me a few instructions, I rode the route she said, then pulled over for the next set.

I've attached a PDF of the route I took with little markers of where we pulled over.

Overall it was very easy, just general riding. Went through two stop signs and two roundabouts. No u-turn, no hazard identification. It was raining at the time so maybe she was easy on me.

I wore a reflective vest and a clear visor to add brownie points. I exaggerated my head checks, blipped my brakes a little whenever there were school children around/cars at intersections to show I was aware and ready to brake if needed.

So stoked to finally have my restricted. The look of my bike isn't totally ruined by an L anymore!

277907

[Skiwi]

Had my test this morning at 8am at the AA in Manukau. Passed.

So stoked to finally have my restricted. The look of my bike isn't totally ruined by an L anymore!

277907

Woop woop!:niceone::first:

[RonnieG]

Got my restricted today at the AA Penrose (on Gt Sth Rd). I found it really helpful to read other peoples' experiences before I did my test, so figured I'd post mine.
Start time: ~7am. Still kinda dark but clearing, traffic moderate but not heavy.
I had a lot of trouble hearing the turning instructions through the junky walkie-talkie we were using.
It was crackly and patchy, getting worse when the car was further behind my bike. Missed a few turns because I'd hear "left" or "straight" when the tester was really saying "right".

So then he started using his indicators, but that was still kinda hard to make out in my mirrors with his bright headlights.

What really helps the communication is if you flick your indicator on as soon as you get the direction (even if it's a bit early). That way if you've heard wrong they can correct you, or if they stay quiet you know you've got it right.

I asked about stop signs and he said one or two feet down didn't matter, as long as I had at least one so he knew I'd stopped. Didn't put it into neutral either, wasn't a problem.

Route:

Started up Great South, went down a sidestreet onto Main Hwy and then around streets of ellerslie a bit.
Then we pulled over and had a chat about the next section- intersection/hazard identification. Had to go through two intersections, first one a dog-leg over Ellerslie-Panmure Highway, second just a right turn onto a small street. After each intersection, pulled over and had to describe the moving hazards I saw. Traffic both ways, pedestrians, cyclists, etc (don't forget the instructor's car behind you! ;))
Then onto the motorway (starting to get a bit heavy, only got up to 80k) and off at SE Highway to come back through Penrose.
Only tricky bit was turning onto Rockfield Rd from Station Rd. You're turning right, but there's a give-way sign for the traffic turning left, so you have right of way. I knew this but I also know sometimes drivers don't pay attention ;) and they were rolling through the give-way at speed. Road was pretty busy so I waited for a bit of a gap. Apparently I should have just gone as I had RoW.
Did two U-turns on Rockfield just up from the intersection. It's a wide-lane road with room for parks both sides and a median strip, so that was easy as. I'd been expecting to have to U-turn in a small residential street, so that's what I'd practiced on :lol:
After that, straight back to the AA.


Overall, easier than I was expecting, except for the communication being so hard. I wish they'd invest in some better radios.

I put the route into a google map here (https://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?msid=209128695584323988359.0004d86870b46f5fe5d6 2&msa=0&ll=-36.906254,174.824324&spn=0.050582,0.090895) if anyone is curious.

Put a picture of it here (http://iforce.co.nz/i/ltyvrqqo.f35.jpg) (attaching the image in-post wasn't working for me, I guess cos it's a new account?)

[Monkfish]

Got my restricted today at the AA Penrose (on Gt Sth Rd). I found it really helpful to read other peoples' experiences before I did my test, so figured I'd post mine.
Start time: ~7am. Still kinda dark but clearing, traffic moderate but not heavy.
I had a lot of trouble hearing the turning instructions through the junky walkie-talkie we were using.
It was crackly and patchy, getting worse when the car was further behind my bike. Missed a few turns because I'd hear "left" or "straight" when the tester was really saying "right".

So then he started using his indicators, but that was still kinda hard to make out in my mirrors with his bright headlights.

What really helps the communication is if you flick your indicator on as soon as you get the direction (even if it's a bit early). That way if you've heard wrong they can correct you, or if they stay quiet you know you've got it right.

I asked about stop signs and he said one or two feet down didn't matter, as long as I had at least one so he knew I'd stopped. Didn't put it into neutral either, wasn't a problem.

Overall, easier than I was expecting, except for the communication being so hard. I wish they'd invest in some better radios.

Im looking at booking mine soon, cheers for the notes.,

[Larksea]

more good info added, I was slack and I only just booked mine for the 11th April, shame the forecast says it will be raining that day also no test till may at my local Penrose AA so I have to Manukau....

One thing I wanted to check is do you need an L on the front of the bike for the test? I just got one on the back. Seems most bikes just have it on the back.

[arcane12]

Just the back, for the test and for the road.

[f2dz]

more good info added, I was slack and I only just booked mine for the 11th April, shame the forecast says it will be raining that day also no test till may at my local Penrose AA so I have to Manukau....

One thing I wanted to check is do you need an L on the front of the bike for the test? I just got one on the back. Seems most bikes just have it on the back.

Make sure it's well visible too, I've heard of people failing because their plate was slightly obstructed.

I changed the mounting for mine just before the test; put it just below my number plate.

[Larksea]

nailed it

I wish I could say it was a smooth process but man, it was rough as guts.

did the bike check with it just turned on but engine off then we chatted for a couple minutes and in that time my battery went flat! WTF!!!

Tried to push start in in 2nd while the tester was on his way to the car. no joy... then I tried in 1st gear and it worked, never had to push start a bike before.

big relief.

Then during the ride as I did a head check the ear piece fell out so I could hardly hear the tester. From then on I basically watched his indicators to see where to go.

We went round and round, up and down up the motorway and back all over the fricken place, I had no idea where I went and I dont know the area (manukau)

Then as I went to pull into AA at the end I stalled! He was trying to say something over the radio and it distracted me, she started up again no worries.

did 1 u turn during the test, no hazard identification.

I passed, but I had hoped it went a lot smoother........

[Grashopper]

nailed it



Yay! Congrats.

I think you made the best out of some tricky situations. So, good job!

[Grashopper]

Make sure it's well visible too, I've heard of people failing because their plate was slightly obstructed.

I changed the mounting for mine just before the test; put it just below my number plate.

Oops, mine is slightly obstructed as it is on the sissi bar and parts of it are hidden by the rear light unless your pretty much right next to the bike. Hm, should rethink that then for the test. Although it's pretty clear what it is even from further away. You just can't see the full L plate. The local cops didn't have any probs with it so far when they were following me.

[arcane12]

Oops, mine is slightly obstructed as it is on the sissi bar and parts of it are hidden by the rear light unless your pretty much right next to the bike. Hm, should rethink that then for the test. Although it's pretty clear what it is even from further away. You just can't see the full L plate. The local cops didn't have any probs with it so far when they were following me.

The cops are good like that, they don't get too pedantic. However the tester you get may not be so forgiving. You shouldn't have a problem, but I do know that there is a guy here in Hamilton who seems to delight in failing everyone. Just looks for any old excuse. So I go with the whole 'better safe than sorry' and I moved my plate to be 100% sure they can't fail me based on that. I'm sure with the guy I got I didn't need to worry, as he was super cool, but YMMV.

[Karloz15]

passed my restriceted lisense test just this morning. a 45 min test in this mornings rain was a great way to start the day. Vic the tester was choice, had a bit of a scramble to get a new rear tyre fitted yesterday as it was completely bald but got it and that was the only issue i needed to take care of b4 the test.
was a shame to hear after my test that we may have lost a moped rider in Rotorua this morning, my mrs went passed after it happend on her way to work. cops and everything out and road was cordened off.
be safe everybody.
Karl.

[Karloz15]

and i will try to post a link to the camera footage of my test in the coing days if anyone is interested.
only thing he said to me, was to increase my following distance from 2 seconds to 4 seconds in rainy wether.
cheers.

[arcane12]

"only a fool breaks the two second rule, or four seconds when it is raining"

[rawsoncj]

Took the restricted licence test here in Palmerston North this morning. Easy as. No real surprises; the stuff they test is the kind of riding I do literally every day, so I was well-prepared.

As others have said, the tester follows behind you in a car and issues instructions over radio. We went on a circuit of some suburban roads in the northern part of Palmy, did a couple stops for hazard identification (there were no identifiable hazards at the second stop, haha), then rode out east along Highway 3 about halfway to Ashhurst.

I sort of left the tester a little ways behind on the highway, so he fell out of radio range. I pulled over to let him catch up, and he had me do a u-turn on the highway to head back into Palmy.

The radio earpiece fell most of the way out of my ear on the ride back, so I couldn't really hear his instructions when we got back into town. I pulled over to adjust the thing (all the while the tester was yelling, "What are you doing? Where you going?" but he eventually figured it out).

We took a slightly circuitous route back to the AA testing centre, and I nearly missed the final turn... that would've been a rather embarrassing way to end/fail the test, but I managed to salvage the turn at the last minute.

Overall the test was really easy, and I'm very glad to finally be rid of that L plate.

Anyone looking to prepare for the restricted test, basically you just have to ride around town and get some experience. Get out on the highway, too, because they test for handling skills outside of town as well. The only even remotely concerning portion of the test was doing a u-turn on the highway, but even that went smoothly.

[Monkfish]

Just booked my test, 4 weeks to go.

I'm excited to get it done, there should be no reason for a fail. But at the same time I'm a little nervous that I will choke. - Shit I don't want to choke!

[Grashopper]

Lol, I've booked my test too and now I'm freaking out a bit,too. Hehe, my biggest fear is that I'm so nervous that I miss a stop sign or something. Or drop the bike while trying to back out of a parking spot. Ah well, we will be fine. As far as I know you've been clocking up a lot of kms too. So we shouldn't have anything to fear,right?

[bosslady]

I should book in my test...

[Wayz]

Booked my test today, can't wait to give it a good nudge. Have been told that the accessors in Hamilton are big on U-turns...

[Grashopper]

I sat my restricted last Monday. Due to what other people wrote here I paid a lot of attention to the radio headphones. Took me a few times until I managed to put my helmet on without it being pushed out of my ear. He also said to nod to show that I had understood his directions. Missed a direction once though, but indicated to him to repeat it. No prob.

First he did a bike check, he checked rego and WOF and if all lights were working (including brake lights).
Then we took off. Went through town for a bit and through different traffic situations. Had to wait on the side once cause I lost him for a bit. Paid special attention to my speed and checked my mirrors quite often, but you'll do that anyway to see where he's at (in addition to the checks you usually do).

Had a few stop signs, did not really bother to put both feet down as I stopped quite long anyway. Then we went out of town. Took special care to not go too fast, but staying at 100 is not a problem for my mighty GN :D Was then told to turn into side road and turn around. Was pretty narrow but worked out fine. Then we went back into town. Some more traffic situations and back to the office. Altogether it didn't take longer than 45 or 50 minutes.

But as someone else already wrote, it is pretty much everyday stuff.

[Wayz]

Sat mine this morning, nailed it!

[Grashopper]

Congrats! Good for you. :niceone:
Might be helpful for other people if you describe the test it a bit though.

[Wayz]

Fair call Grasshopper :-) ok, sat mine in Hamilton, started at 8am at the pukete VTNZ branch, did the bike check and head piece check then we were on our way. Turned left at the lights on Maui St, then headed toward St Andrews, nothing too challenging at this point, more indicating and keeping to the speed limit. The tester threw in a couple last minute turns, just to check my indicating and braking skills under pressure. Was later told to pull over and asked to hazard i.d. at the approaching intersection, was told to turn left onto pukete road then told to pull over where possible (note, i didnt pull over on this road because of the yellow lines on the side of the road) I thought that was great on the testers behalf, I later pulled over at the next turn. The tester gave me the thumbs up when I finally pulled over. from there we went through a School Zone, I dropped down to and maintained 40km/h. Then it was off to an 80km/h zone, then straight onto a 60km/h. North Through the roundabout near Harvey Norman then right onto Maui St.....we later ended up at the boulevard near Harvey Norman, was told to pull over and perform a U-Turn, then told to Hazard I.D. at the roundabout then head back to VTNZ.....all up the test was 30 mins, had been raining the entire morning, but started to clear just as we started. the Tester was super cool. I seriously thought I had failed because of the duration, I had to asked him how it went, he said 'mate you passed, no problems whatsoever, i decided to call it in early because I had seen enough, head checks, speed and bike control were perfect' he later asked me how long I had been riding for, to which I said 'about 17 years on dirt bikes and 6 months on road bikes haha'....good luck to those of you about to sit the big 'R', hope the above has helped you in some way/

[arcane12]

Congrats Grasshopper, and the others who have passed!

One thing I thought to mention, and I don't know if this is something everyone has already figured out or not. When I am putting my helmet on over the earpeice (or for the few times I have tried it earphones), I hold the straps out 90 degrees from the helmet pulling them tight as I pull the helmet on (so holding helmet by the straps). This seems to pull most of the material that could dislodge something in/over the earout of the way, making it easier to get the helmet on without knocking the earpeice out.

[bosslady]

I've been eligible to sit my restricted for a couple weeks now. Suppose I ought to book to get it done...

[Grashopper]

Congrats Grasshopper, and the others who have passed!

Thank you :sunny:


One thing I thought to mention, and I don't know if this is something everyone has already figured out or not. When I am putting my helmet on over the earpeice (or for the few times I have tried it earphones), I hold the straps out 90 degrees from the helmet pulling them tight as I pull the helmet on (so holding helmet by the straps). This seems to pull most of the material that could dislodge something in/over the earout of the way, making it easier to get the helmet on without knocking the earpeice out.
That's how I've been told to always put my helmet on.


I've been eligible to sit my restricted for a couple weeks now. Suppose I ought to book to get it done...

Book it! Should not be a problem for you at all. :yes:

[bosslady]

Book it! Should not be a problem for you at all. :yes:

Yes boss! Test booked for 27th June (did it online). Won't have a lesson until next week and the 27th is the day before I leave for Australia for a couple weeks so might as well! I hope I pass but you never know, I might not!

[unstuck]

Yes boss! Test booked for 27th June (did it online). Won't have a lesson until next week and the 27th is the day before I leave for Australia for a couple weeks so might as well! I hope I pass but you never know, I might not!

Thats the way Bossy, go in with a positive attitude.:bs:

[bosslady]

Thats the way Bossy, go in with a positive attitude.:bs:
Well I failed the new CBTA1 Trials that Trish on here is doing because I didn't do enough head checks because of all the damn multiple lanes and shit, so that's why I say you never know!

[unstuck]

Well I failed the new CBTA1 Trials that Trish on here is doing because I didn't do enough head checks because of all the damn multiple lanes and shit, so that's why I say you never know!

But now you do know, lots of head checks. Try talking yourself up a bit, rather than down. :2thumbsup

[bosslady]

D day! Test in a few hours.

[unstuck]

D day! Test in a few hours.

284332 Good luck bossy, you will be fine.:2thumbsup

[bosslady]

284332 Good luck bossy, you will be fine.:2thumbsup
I had a 2hr lesson last week so I feel much better about my odds now. Not familiar with the test area so I might go out and ride around there beforehand. Better go check my bike turns on actually, She's had problems lately.

[unstuck]

had problems lately.

Tell me about it.:brick: Good idea about going to scope out the area, see if you can pick out any hazards that may catch you out later, how the traffic flows ect.....Try staying as happy and relaxed as possilbe to improve your performance.:banana::banana:

[Mom]

You will whizz through Ms Bossy :yes:

[Grant`]

Good luck with your test today.

[f2dz]

At least the rain has held off this morning for you.

[Grashopper]

You should have nothing to worry about, but will still keep my fingers crossed :yes:

[bosslady]

First off, maybe the guy who tested me was having a bad day, or maybe his life in general just sucks or something, I've no idea, but Christ all mighty was he unfriendly and grumpy. It took me ages to get the ear phone sorted, to the point I actually asked him could I use my own as they go in the ears better, the ones he provided kept falling out. Got a blunt NO and told thousands of people use them with no problem etc. Ok whatever, fair enough, he's The Boss. He also kept mumbling, talking too fast, or not talking in my direction (beforehand). I know my hearing isn't very good sometimes but the couple of times I said pardon, sorry I didn't catch what you said? He looked at me like I was an absolute retard. As soon as we pulled out of the drive I had to pull Over almost immediately after his first Instruction cause I couldn't bloody hear him! More mucking around with the earphone Again.

Anyway as I said he talked too fast through the radio and didn't CLEARLY say, slowly, what it was he wanted me to do, I probably missed 4 or 5 of his instructions, not good, at that point I was like f this shit I've failed for sure. At some point I almost fell over while turning into a street and was like oh great... At the time I blamed it on nerves but after riding the bike home I think something is actually wrong with it, It's like it doesn't wanna go, even if I give it heaps of gas, Or don't, Or whatever, She ain't right!

Glad I passed but tbh if the way I rode today was an actual indication of how I would ride normally day to day, I wouldn't deserve to have passed based on how shit I was. Thankfully the way I was riding was FAR from normal, But he doesn't know that. And, if I passed, with how appalling my riding was (I'm my own critic), it makes you wonder what other kinds of shitty riders are progressing through the licensing ranks when they don't deserve to. I deserve to have passed based on my normal riding, but don't think I should've based on that test, not that I'm going to give it back or anything!

Other than that I think it was 30 mins, no hazard identification, rode around randomly I guess, through a few roundabouts, sets of lights, couple stop signs (I just put the left foot down which is what I'd normally do anyway, did 3 or 4 u turns in some culdersacs etc. I should be celebrating but I'm in a bad mood now lol.

[Tigadee]

Time to get a better bike, Bosslady and ride... like a boss!

284340

[Grashopper]

Congrats! Happy to hear that you passed, but can understand that you're unhappy now with the way it went. However, the most important thing is that you did pass (and can take the L off, Yay) and we both know that you're not a stupid twit on the bike and that you can ride, so you passed as you should have!

Definitely get the bike checked soon. If you're lucky it's something like my bike issue on the test day. The morning before my test I noticed that my bike was behaving strangely. It was always stalling unless I gave heaps of gas and was surging all the time. Nearly went to bother our trusty mechanic until I checked the choke again... :brick:

[bosslady]

Congrats! Happy to hear that you passed, but can understand that you're unhappy now with the way it went. However, the most important thing is that you did pass (and can take the L off, Yay) and we both know that you're not a stupid twit on the bike and that you can ride, so you passed as you should have!

Definitely get the bike checked soon. If you're lucky it's something like my bike issue on the test day. The morning before my test I noticed that my bike was behaving strangely. It was always stalling unless I gave heaps of gas and was surging all the time. Nearly went to bother our trusty mechanic until I checked the choke again... :brick:
I've never touched it is it meant to be pushed in or pulled out? The guy was pretty rude aye, Didn't appreciate the way he talked to me, Guess he thinks it's ok to Talk to ppl like that since he has All the power.

As for my loser plate, She's still on there, guess I'll take it off when I can be bbothered

Onthe upside some guy pulled up by me at the lights on the way there and started talking to me, maybe I should have got his number, he looked ok but then he was wearing a helmet so who knows

[Grashopper]

I've never touched it is it meant to be pushed in or pulled out?
I have to use it every day. Otherwise my bike won't start. If it doesn't want to start on cold mornings you pull it out. I usually push it back in when I take off.


The guy was pretty rude aye, Didn't appreciate the way he talked to me, Guess he thinks it's ok to Talk to ppl like that since he has All the power.
Hm, maybe he had a bad day. But that is still no reason


Onthe upside some guy pulled up by me at the lights on the way there and started talking to me, maybe I should have got his number, he looked ok but then he was wearing a helmet so who knows
Lol. Maybe it's a kber (He didn't ask 'hey, are you bosslady", did he) :lol:

[bosslady]

I have to use it every day. Otherwise my bike won't start. If it doesn't want to start on cold mornings you pull it out. I usually push it back in when I take off.


Hm, maybe he had a bad day. But that is still no reason


Lol. Maybe it's a kber (He didn't ask 'hey, are you bosslady", did he) :lol:
Maybe he is, I should have asked and tbh and actually I was half expecting him to ask that, Wouldn't be the first time!

[f2dz]

Congratulations on passing. Don't rush to get that L off. You think it's a target when you have it but once it's off you realise people just act like even bigger dicks to you.

[unstuck]

Should of told the prick to pull his head in then, just because he is a testing officer does not mean he is THE LAW. Be assertive when dealing with people like that, other wise they are like a dog sensing fear. Told you youd pass ya muppet.:2thumbsup

[bosslady]

Normally I would have said something but the ear piece isn't a speaker piece so I couldn't exactly tell him what for! he kept getting frustrated and shitty With me. Ah well.

[st00ji]

interesting, i had really friendly testers. for my full we couldnt get the ear piece to work satisfactorily so the guy just said to watch his indicators for which way to go. rode around in the pouring rain for 15 mins, test passed.

pretty much as long as you dont stack it or do anything plainly illegal then you cant fail. the tests are stupidly easy.

[bosslady]

interesting, i had really friendly testers. for my full we couldnt get the ear piece to work satisfactorily so the guy just said to watch his indicators for which way to go. rode around in the pouring rain for 15 mins, test passed.

pretty much as long as you dont stack it or do anything plainly illegal then you cant fail. the tests are stupidly easy.
Yea, Just no reason for it aye. Not so much as hey, How are ya, etc.

[speeding_ant]

Yea, Just no reason for it aye. Not so much as hey, How are ya, etc.

Wouldn't worry about it any further. You passed, change your train of thought to be happy with that ;)

[bosslady]

Wouldn't worry about it any further. You passed, change your train of thought to be happy with that ;)
Yea I'm not overly worried about it. Not now anyway.

[speeding_ant]

Yea I'm not overly worried about it. Not now anyway.

Good call, the tester can f*** off.

[Mom]

First off, maybe the guy who tested me was having a bad day, or maybe his life in general just sucks or something, I've no idea, but Christ all mighty was he unfriendly and grumpy. It took me ages to get the ear phone sorted, to the point I actually asked him could I use my own as they go in the ears better, the ones he provided kept falling out. Got a blunt NO and told thousands of people use them with no problem etc. Ok whatever, fair enough, he's The Boss. He also kept mumbling, talking too fast, or not talking in my direction (beforehand). I know my hearing isn't very good sometimes but the couple of times I said pardon, sorry I didn't catch what you said? He looked at me like I was an absolute retard. As soon as we pulled out of the drive I had to pull Over almost immediately after his first Instruction cause I couldn't bloody hear him! More mucking around with the earphone Again.

Anyway as I said he talked too fast through the radio and didn't CLEARLY say, slowly, what it was he wanted me to do, I probably missed 4 or 5 of his instructions, not good, at that point I was like f this shit I've failed for sure. At some point I almost fell over while turning into a street and was like oh great... At the time I blamed it on nerves but after riding the bike home I think something is actually wrong with it, It's like it doesn't wanna go, even if I give it heaps of gas, Or don't, Or whatever, She ain't right!



Hi Five! Well done you!

Complain. You should be treated well when being tested. At the very least complain about the ear piece. You need to be able to hear instructions.

I also have a bit of a hearing thing. I HAVE to see peoples faces when they talk to me or I can easily not understand what is being said to me. I have to be careful on the phone, and will frequently ask people to repeat them selves. I do it at fast food places. Subway for example, I simply can not understand what I am being asked due to back ground noise. Not my fault. Too may years in workshop environments with no hearing protection. I have used the ear pieces while training with Roadcraft, it took a bit of getting used to and adjustment, but I got there in the end.

It sounds to be the tester needs a bit of a reminder about what constitutes acceptable interaction with his clients. You are not that hard to deal with :rofl:

You probably need to clean the air filter on the mighty ginny. I have experienced the ginny naughtiness. Thrashing the snot out of it and getting a wonderful backfire on deaccelerating made me feel better. Strangely, the bike seemed to run better after that too :innocent:

[bosslady]

Hi Five! Well done you!

Complain. You should be treated well when being tested. At the very least complain about the ear piece. You need to be able to hear instructions.

I also have a bit of a hearing thing. I HAVE to see peoples faces when they talk to me or I can easily not understand what is being said to me. I have to be careful on the phone, and will frequently ask people to repeat them selves. I do it at fast food places. Subway for example, I simply can not understand what I am being asked due to back ground noise. Not my fault. Too may years in workshop environments with no hearing protection. I have used the ear pieces while training with Roadcraft, it took a bit of getting used to and adjustment, but I got there in the end.

It sounds to be the tester needs a bit of a reminder about what constitutes acceptable interaction with his clients. You are not that hard to deal with :rofl:

You probably need to clean the air filter on the mighty ginny. I have experienced the ginny naughtiness. Thrashing the snot out of it and getting a wonderful backfire on deaccelerating made me feel better. Strangely, the bike seemed to run better after that too :innocent:
You raise a good point, I just cleaned the air filter, Maybe I've done something wrong, I think I'll just get a new one when I get back from aus and hopefully she'll be right. As for my hearing it's my fault, been blasting my gangster music too loud for too many years! Oh and tthanks!

[bosslady]

I take back my comment about the guy at the lights, turns out they're a kiwi biker, Gross, Hahahahahhahaa

[Grashopper]

I take back my comment about the guy at the lights, turns out they're a kiwi biker, Gross, Hahahahahhahaa
Brilliant! :killingme

[haydes55]

I remember my restricted test. Friendly testing officer. Only instructions were don't crash and you'll pass... I got the impression he didn't know anything about bikes.

[Erelyes]

I remember my restricted test. Friendly testing officer. Only instructions were don't crash and you'll pass... I got the impression he didn't know anything about bikes.

My boss told me the story about his licence test. 'Ride up the road a bit, do a U turn, come back past, do another U turn and park here'.

He sets off and sees the guy in his rear view mirror walking back to the office.

By the time he's done his 'test' the licence is written up and waiting for him...

[st00ji]

sheesh even the licence test for a temporary one in rarotonga was tougher than that, haha.

[Mom]

My boss told me the story about his licence test. 'Ride up the road a bit, do a U turn, come back past, do another U turn and park here'.

He sets off and sees the guy in his rear view mirror walking back to the office.

By the time he's done his 'test' the licence is written up and waiting for him...

I did a figure of 8 in a car park and then rode around the block using hand signals. Them were the days :lol:

[unstuck]

For the basic handling test down here they make you sit on the little kiddie motorcycle outside new world, and you have to hang on until your 50c runs out. Sounds easy, but it isn't in full gear, with some freckly little kid with pig tails giving you the stink eye the whole time.:eek5:

[GSXR limiter basher]

Sat my R's this morning, pleased to say i passed!
Assessor's quote on return: "You've quiet obviously done a shit load of riding, I'm definitely passing that"

Adios you filthy L plate (although I must admit I never used one ever until the actual test day :killingme my bad)

As has been mentioned already, precheck of bike etc. Did a bunch of riding quiet streets around Kilburnie, L's R's etc everywhere. After doing this for awhile we went over to Miramar (70km/h zone) and did much of the same once in the residential zone. Did 2X hazard identification.

I was nicely surprised at how easy it was to hear the assessor through the headset as I had read through other threads where people found this to be an issue.

Once we got back, he said my indication out of roundabouts was a bit av/too short (one i fully forgot but flicked the indicator anyways to acknowledge what I should have done 10m out of the roundabout - assessor said that he had a laugh at that one)

In my opinion, if you daily ride u'll 99.9% pass as thats all the test really is......but if u fail its most likely due to u not being experienced enough/danger to other road users.

They key is to relax and do the basics to the T, simple as.

Stay upright, safe riding

[Erelyes]

They key is to relax and do the basics to the T, simple as.

Grats on the pass.

Have you been riding around on a gixxer 750 tho? Did you borrow a bike (with L plates) for the test?

[GDOBSSOR]

I did an assesment last Friday for the proposed new restricted test for the Porirua route they're thinking about introducing later on in the year/early next year.
They took me around the 50k industrial streets four to five times as well as on the 70k main road, and assess your ability to merge into multi-lane traffic. Then we went into the Bunnings Warehouse carpark and I had to turn around, as well as into the Megacentre carpark and up past the back of the Bunnings Warehouse carpark. Then, we went around the shopping area which has lots of speed bumps and is about a 30k speed limit. I had to stop at one point, as there were two school buses blocking my view and I couldn't see past them. Afterwards, they took me on the motorway up to Paremata Mobil, and then I had to drive through the roundabout and on to the Pauatahanui inlet. We then went on a detour through some of the streets through Aotea, and then they continue onto Pauatahanui. We continued through the village, and then drive around the coast. Eventually we saw a 60k speed sign, at which point, I pulled over and when the coast was clear, I turned back towards the Lighthouse Cinema carpark which is where the test ended. It took just over an hour, probably over an hour and a half incl all the paperwork, feedback and the time it took to fit all the headgear etc. Perhaps it was just me, but I had little trouble understanding what was said over the radio (Which others have complained about).

I've been riding regularly since the end of January - the feedback I got? This wasn't an actual test, I was a guinea pig for a proposed harder test LTSA are trying out. I am not quite ready to sit the restricted test. Hopefully will be soon with a bit of practice of the little things Roadsafe said were wrong.

[Erelyes]

Went to VTNZ for my restricted test.

Earpiece doohickey pressed on my lobe a bit, but forgot about it after half a minute and it was crystal. Chap taking the test was a gent. :2thumbsup

The NZTA website is shit at suggestions for the class 6 test (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/photo/new-tests.html#class6). The class 1 test gets a fuckin essay that nearly no-one will read, but class 6 gets nowt.

Anyways, it was basically a short jaunt around the local burbs (mixture of left and right turns, narrow/wide streets, a roundabout (twice) and one stop sign. Then onto the motorway for a while, then off-ramp and on-ramp to come straight back on the other way. Back to the testing station and the feedback consisted of 'Let's go inside and sort you out a licence'.

At one point second guessed myself coming up a hill on the motorway with a truck in the left lane, 'do I change lanes and pass?'. Of course ya do ya fucking clown. Smoothly went around truck. Ride like you normally do, just pay extra attention to speed and shoulder checks really. Also left my indicator on for half a block early on, which I put down to nerves.

I was more surprised by what the test didn't contain. No 'remember hazards and talk about them', no U-turns.

Anyway, quick formula for passing: commute a few times a week for your six months, practice low-speed stuff a couple times at the local carpark, do at least one half-day (or longer) trip. And use your common sense. :yes:

[haydes55]

I was more surprised by what the test didn't contain. No 'remember hazards and talk about them', no U-turns.

Anyway, quick formula for passing: commute a few times a week for your six months, practice low-speed stuff a couple times at the local carpark, do at least one half-day (or longer) trip. And use your common sense. :yes:

The test sounds similar to mine. Requires next to no skill to pass. I reckon from never being on a motorbike before, get your basic handling certificate, ride around the streets where the test will be taken for 2 hours then you could pass that test.

[kevinator9]

Well I am now just past 6 months on the learners.
Been riding every week commuting to uni and back and have done two trips, one to Tauranga and one to Auckland.
Hopefully this prepares me enough for the test, gonna book it in.

[GSXR limiter basher]

Grats on the pass.

Have you been riding around on a gixxer 750 tho? Did you borrow a bike (with L plates) for the test?

Thanks mate, always a good feeling to pass any form of examination ae.....I see from your recent-ish post above that you got ur now too...top man, its all pretty straight forward right?
Yeah I was riding the gixxer round for around 1.5yrs on my L's :bleh: but kept getting nailed with tickets :Police: :facepalm: (I grew up on dirt bikes so I wasnt a complete learner)....however now that Im sitting on 75 demerit points I decided to trade it in and get something legal till I pass my full but also to sit the R's test. I downgraded to a 2011 Hyosung GT250R EFI.....going from 140hp to 28hp is doing my head in lol but for what it is it rides fine. Roll on the full licence I say as Im HANGING out for some more ponies

[GSXR limiter basher]

Grats on the pass.

Have you been riding around on a gixxer 750 tho? Did you borrow a bike (with L plates) for the test?

Thanks mate, always a good feeling to pass any form of examination ae.....I see from your recent-ish post above that you got ur now too...top man, its all pretty straight forward right?
Yeah I was riding the gixxer round for around 1.5yrs on my L's :bleh: but kept getting nailed with tickets :Police: :facepalm: (I grew up on dirt bikes so I wasnt a complete learner)....however now that Im sitting on 75 demerit points I decided to trade it in and get something legal till I pass my full but also to sit the R's test. I downgraded to a 2011 Hyosung GT250R EFI.....going from 140hp to 28hp is doing my head in lol but for what it is it rides fine. Roll on the full licence I say as Im HANGING out for some more ponies

[blonderider]

Had my test this morning at 8am at the AA in Manukau. Passed.

Got there around 7.40, few other people waiting with me there. At around 8am all the testers rocked up. They looked over my bike, indicators, lights, back and front brakes, no horn check. No one had keys to get inside the building so we went off without a radio. She just told me a few instructions, I rode the route she said, then pulled over for the next set.

I've attached a PDF of the route I took with little markers of where we pulled over.

277907

Thanks f2dz, my daughters sitting her restricited car Licence next week, this will certainly help me get her prepared more than she would have. Shall let you know how she gets on.

[kevinator9]

Finally got around to getting my restricted today.

Booked it for yesterday and it was pouring down so went into the AA at the booked time. Check the bike before I left was all fine. Guess what? The tailight bulb had blown on the way to the station! Failed me but because I had turned up 15mins early the AA staff said I could get it fixed and if I was back in time for my booking I could still sit it. Did it and got back in time but the testing officer had left so couldn't do the test. Kind AA people booked me in for this morning for no charge.
Went through everything it was very similar to my full licence test in the car about 5 years ago. Riding through town. Then two sets of hazard indentification at intersections. Then open road riding, u-turn on the open road and back to the station.
Nothing that riding everyday and a few long trips didn't prepare me for so now it's goodbye to the blue licence :D

[Stevee2]

Sat my 6R at Westgate, 8am. Passed with no issues. Was a long and thorough test, 50 mins all up with 2 sets of hazard ID, 80km/ road, 3x u turns, lots of narrow 50km/h residential streets and sharp 90deg turns up and down steep hills and stop signs. The radio communication was difficult to hear so always double checked the tester vehicle behind (good as it reminds us to check our mirrors).

I'm really glad I spent the last 2 weeks practicing U-turns (nailed the full lock u-turn now). Great feeling getting rid of the L plate! :headbang:

[iranana]

When I did my restricted last year, it was out East in Auckland and I'm surprised I passed. It was a piece of piss and all it required was riding in a 50 and 60 zone, a U-Turn and that was pretty much it. However, the radio communication thing was the shittiest system ever, because I couldn't hear the instructors directions for shit, and he'd just yell at me in a thick Indian accent when I'd make a wrong turn. I told him straight up that I couldn't understand him and he passed me, despite the fact I'd gone the wrong way for most of the test. I guess that means my riding was fine, but god damnit they should get a better system, or instructors that don't have thick accents. I was hardly concentrating on the road while I was struggling to understand him.

[Jacobite]

I sat my test about a month back in Kilbirne, Wellington. Showed up at where the test was being held (the bowling club in Kilbirnie), did a quick run down with the tester and the headset then did the bike check. No issues even though I was a bit nervous about the state of my front tire. Actually I was pretty bloody nervous full stop. I've had my learners for about 18 months and it's my main form on transport so I've had plenty of practice but I hate tests with a passion. I also had a hi-vis vest with me which I wore and I mentioned that I wasn't sure if it was compulsory or not (I don't usually wear it) and the tester said no it wasn't but it was always a good idea to wear one. That might just be him though so probably better safe that sorry.

Anyway headed out and pottered around Kilbirnie for about a good 15 minutes. First thing I thought I had done wrong was at a Give Way sign near the KFC which is part of a merge I didn't stop but instead looked right as I was coming up to it, saw nothing coming and continued on through as I normally would, however we all know that some corners are cut sometimes. I made sure to indicate early to make sure I had heard correctly the direction that the tester was wanting me to go, which was a wise move it seemed as at least twice he told me one direction and for some bizarre reason I would indicate in the opposite despite fully intending to go the correct way to which he would remind me "your other left/right". I put this down to nerves as it's a pretty simple thing to do!The second time I could tell he was getting a bit pissy and I made the assumption that if I did it again he would probably fail me on "Not being confident enough to follow instructions". I then took to repeating the direction as soon has he said it in my helmet to make sure my hands did what my brain wanted them too. Why not? He can't hear me.

After about 15 minutes he directed me to Palm Ave which is a stupidly thin little street in Kilbirne and directed me to do a u-turn. Now luckily I had read in this thread that this was where the U-turns were performed so I had spent quite a bit of time practicing them here. Did it once and away we went again. We then did a hazard ID, only thing I missed was him behind me as a Hazard so be careful to mention the tester as one.

This time it was out to the round about by the ASB Sportscenter on Cobham Drive to do a bit of 70km/hr riding and lane changing. Into Miramar for a bit more 50km street stuff, did another hazard ID and a 30km area near the super market. At this point I was put a position where I had to make a choice of stop and not lose the tester or go and potentially lose the tester when a woman was taking her sweet time getting to the a level crossing. It was obvious she was going to cross it but hadn't reached the point where legally I had to stop however she would by the time I was through and the tester would have to stop. I went for it remembering what the tester had said "Drive for yourself not for me" and immediately regretted it. At this point I thought I'd probably failed it. We headed back towards the air port round about, went round it and back to Cobham Drive doing some more lane changes and then back to the testing station.

Went into the Club sat down and had a talk. He asked me how I thought I went. I mentioned the Give Way at the start (which he said was fine as you don't have to stop at one if you can safely make it through - which I had forgotten about, it's only stop signs), I also mentioned the slow woman at the level crossing. He said that was also no problem as she hadn't reached the crossing yet and therefore I didn't have to stop which is true I just wasn't sure if he had seen it from his position. He said I was generally pretty good but my road positioning was sometimes a bit off (sometimes I was to the left, some times I was to the right) and my lane changes were a bit aggressive (Well yes, I used to dodging taxi's and buses). I passed but not as cleanly as I would have liked, still a pass is a pass.

[russd7]

congrats and well done:clap:
many happy years of riding ahead of you:2thumbsup

[Peachey]

I sat my Restricted Practical test this morning at Westgate.

I was a bit nervous, but in the end had nothing to worry about, was quite a fun little ride. I had a really nice testing officer who explained he has been riding for 38 years. He checked my bike over for WOF, Rego, Indicators, Horn, etc... I was given an earpiece that wrapped around my ear which was attached to a radio that hung around my neck. The officer told me to relax, ride normally, and that he was here to pass me, not fail me. He reminded me to make sure I indicate correctly and remember to cancel the indicators, don't put my foot down when doing u-turns and as long as I didn't do anything stupid, I'd be "good as gold".

The testing officer explained what we would be doing and that the test is in 3 parts.

Part 1 - Riding Ability
Went for a putt around the area, down some side streets and did 3 u-turns at the end of some cul de saks.
A few give ways and stop signs.
Then he stopped me and explained we would be doing hazard identification next.

Part 2 - Hazard Identification
Rode up to an intersection and had to remember all moving hazards.
Vehicles, animals, people, in front, beside, behind (don't forget the tester).
Just need to remember what they were and where they were coming from.. not colour and registration number :)
Rode a bit further, then stopped and relayed the hazards to the testing officer, then did it again at another intersection.

Part 3 - High Speed Riding
After the final hazard identification, the testing officer told me where we would be going and that he was looking for how I merged with traffic.
Rode for a few kms in an 80 km/h zone, through a couple of roundabouts, through road works (down to 50 km/h) and around a final roundabout and back again.

When riding, the testing officer repeated each instruction clearly twice and wanted me to respond with a head nod or thumbs up to ensure I heard him. The radio broke up a bit in the highspeed part because he was keeping a safe following distance and must have been just out of range, but was doing regular mirror checks and also watching for his indicators. The officer asked me after the test how the radio was, and said they were trying to get new ones because they drop out at times.

Test was about 45 minutes all up. All in all, was pretty easy, and in the end didn't know what I was nervous about.

Good luck for anyone going for their practical test.

[TheDemonLord]

BUMP

Anyone got any recommendations for Pre-Test training? anything that I should be Practicing (like U turns)?

Any Gotcha's or things to look out for?

(and the first person who says 'don't fall of your Nonda' gets a pair of sweaty testicles to the face)

[Grashopper]

If you're riding/comuting regularly the test shouldn't be a problem for you.
The following list shows examples of things that the testing officers look out for during the test, so it might be a good idea to incorporate them into your riding before the license test, so you can get used to them.

If you don't do it yet, make a habit out of checking your mirrors regularly (and during the test visibly) and stop with both feet down at every stop sign (a good habit to get into before the test, otherwise you might forget about it during the test, like me...).

Don't ever go over the speed limit during the test.

And if you turn right, don't cross the centre line of that road you're turning into.

Definitely practise slow riding at walking speed, slow speed handling and u-turns. At the beginning of my test I had to ride into a back carpark in the town centre and then get out of it by crossing a very busy foot path. It really helps if you can do things like that slow and smooth, without waddling. Hillstarts could be another one.

And some people had to list the hazards they had seen on a certain bit of road, some people didn't. You never know though, so that could be something else to practise.

Oh and have a look here for some training: http://www.prorider.co.nz/motorcycle-training-courses.php?course=31

[Stevee2]

Just with the above post, great tips but I have had different advice about putting both feet down. I was advised by Riderskills that you should have one foot down and one foot on the rear brake to show you are using both brakes at stop signs. I did this during my test and nothing was said as to if it was ok or not (passed fine with no 'strikes'). I'm assuming its a personal preference thing with the tester as the logic for and against feet up and down makes sense.

[kinger]

I did my restricted a few months ago, in Wellington's Kilbirnie suburb. Here is the route I took: http://goo.gl/maps/BtNW7

Shit colour choice mate.

[Grashopper]

Shit colour choice mate.

Hehe, some people have different background colours. For him it probably looked great.

[TheDemonLord]

Chur for responses, when the Hand heals and I have my bike Repaired - might book one of those Pro-Rider things

[Jackpot]

Going for my Restricted Test next week. I daily commute into Wellington, practice in streets, and have had full car licence for 6 years. Perfect road record (thus far...). I do constant head checks, indicate, ride on the right of lane.

Some questions though... When you do the U-Turn, can you pull over to set up a full-lock turn? Both feet or one foot on rear/one on ground? Hazards are now in restricted? Rev-matching OK?

Any other tips?

[f2dz]

Going for my Restricted Test next week. I daily commute into Wellington, practice in streets, and have had full car licence for 6 years. Perfect road record (thus far...). I do constant head checks, indicate, ride on the right of lane.

Some questions though... When you do the U-Turn, can you pull over to set up a full-lock turn? Both feet or one foot on rear/one on ground? Hazards are now in restricted? Rev-matching OK?

Any other tips?

Don't see why not. You are supposed to indicate and pull over to the left then indicate right for 3 seconds before turning anyway so that gives you plenty of time to lock your wheel, if that's how you prefer to do it. I usually find it's easier to go to full lock after you start moving though.

If it's a stop sign I put both feet down. If you're waiting at the lights on a hill then one foot down with one on the brake should be fine.

Not sure about hazard IDing. I didn't do it but I've heard it may be a part of it. Might pay to practice it in case.

Rev-matching should be fine. I did it on my CBTA2 and didn't get picked up on it. Don't see why it wouldn't be allowed.

[Jackpot]

Don't see why not. You are supposed to indicate and pull over to the left then indicate right for 3 seconds before turning anyway so that gives you plenty of time to lock your wheel, if that's how you prefer to do it. I usually find it's easier to go to full lock after you start moving though.

If it's a stop sign I put both feet down. If you're waiting at the lights on a hill then one foot down with one on the brake should be fine.

Not sure about hazard IDing. I didn't do it but I've heard it may be a part of it. Might pay to practice it in case.

Rev-matching should be fine. I did it on my CBTA2 and didn't get picked up on it. Don't see why it wouldn't be allowed.

Cheers. Just want to be mentally prepared. I would rather not lose points if I don't perform the tasks correctly if he/she is having a bad day. Thanks for the feet down advice. I have 10 days to get more U-Turns under my belt but seems width of road/street varies. Now to pray the headset is working... :)

[f2dz]

Cheers. Just want to be mentally prepared. I would rather not lose points if I don't perform the tasks correctly if he/she is having a bad day. Thanks for the feet down advice. I have 10 days to get more U-Turns under my belt but seems width of road/street varies. Now to pray the headset is working... :)

Plenty of time. Just take a couple hours on the weekend to try a couple turns on some quiet roads. Generally I've heard that they tend to get people to do more uturns in cul-de-sacs than normal uturns.

When I was practicing I just used carparks at the mall on the weekend and the lines as guides. I also practiced uturns on a few hills, in case the tester wanted to be a dick.

In terms of being mentally prepared, the thing that usually helps me is to start the test knowing that you can ride, knowing that you can pass the test and you'll be preprogrammed from the get go to be less anxious about it all and to perform at your best.

[speeding_ant]

Don't stress - it's easy (mine got cut short, gave me license on the spot). My U-Turn was on 100km/h road. As per road code... pull over to left and stop, indicate, look, turn, go.

It's easier than the car license. It's just like riding your bike with someone yapping in your ear.

[Scubbo]

got my restricted booked for start of april... soonest possible, seems to be a long queue for anyone in south auckland, I needed to do it in penrose if I wanted to sit the test before July?!? :eek5:

my bike struggles to go past 80ish with me on it or moreso it's very uncomforatable --- i'm OK with doing that on the motorway :sweatdrop --- will this be a problem for the test? (not being able to do 100?)

[Jackpot]

Gonna say yes... Maybe (idk if good idea) mention to instructor? Could be worth it but then you may get him/her to judge you :(

PS - What bike is it?

[weber civic]

Hello learner riders,

I sat my 6R test at North Cross, Auckland early March 2014. They use the EAR PIECE

So the Restricted Test:

Turn up, dude takes my licence
Quick check of bike - lights, indicators, horn, wof, reg
Dude gives me ear piece and tests comms. He jumps in his personal vehicle
We go for a 5 min drive around quiet streets, culdesacs, turns, to make sure I can handle a motorcycle
Next step about 15min, two hazard tests. Dude tells me where to drive and pull over, then tell him what hazards there was
Then a decent ride into an 80k zone, then a U-turn back to North Cross with a few more turns and u-turns, which takes about 20min
Dude tells me I've passed and writes a paper licence. Note, make sure you process your application at an AA prior to the test.

So all up, about 40min. Seemed simple and the guy (older guy, drives a silver bmw) was really nice.

[DIYDan]

Took my 6R practical test in Invercargill a few days ago.

I didn't sleep much the night before, the nerves got the better of me. As I live an hours drive out of town 99% of my on road experience has been in 100kph roads. So I drove into town both evenings before the test to get a bit of practice in.

The week before the test I had a car drive into the back of me while waiting at lights (he swore the lights changed, they didn't), I ran out of fuel 1km from home and lost the adjustment bracket for the back wheel the evening before the test, so had to make one (painted black you can hardly tell).

I turned up at the AA just after lunch to do the paperwork thing. I wore all my bike gear which came with a fluro bib (first time I've worn it).

I had to park my bike around the corner as there were no parks out front, he had me bring it out back where did what looked like a full WOF inspection on the bike.

He gave me an ear piece and radio and started giving me directions while following in a car. I lost him after two turns so stopped so he could catch up.

We went through three give ways, left, right and straight on. Also two stop intersections. Through a round about into a 70kph, then 100kph road.

We then turned into a 70kph road, where he asked me to pull over. Then he just sat in his car, so I got off the bike and went over to him to make sure everything was ok (I was thinking sh*t maybe we hit a 50 zone, I missed the sign, he's probably calling the cops who'll come and take me away). He says "so you've been riding bikes for a while", which I responded "yes all my life". He then says "sign here, this is your temporary license".

All that worry for nothing. Now I've got to wait 18 months to do the full or go up to Christchurch to do the CBTA after 12. 18 months seems like a lifetime, I want a CBR600RR now. I wonder if anyone would notice if I scratched the RR off the side :msn-wink:

[resolutionx]

Pretty good test, clear instructions though one direction was a bit early so just got to practice another U-turn!

Was nervous had a few faults but once I got in to the ride I was enjoying it!

Good luck to anyone sitting these tests! The feedback from the instruction is worth the extra money for the CBTA!

No more sexy L plate for me! :banana:

[resolutionx]

got my restricted booked for start of april... soonest possible, seems to be a long queue for anyone in south auckland, I needed to do it in penrose if I wanted to sit the test before July?!? :eek5:

my bike struggles to go past 80ish with me on it or moreso it's very uncomforatable --- i'm OK with doing that on the motorway :sweatdrop --- will this be a problem for the test? (not being able to do 100?)

I just sat my restricted today and I had to do 80km +. Approximately 1/2 the test was done on the open road. You will get penalised if you cannot get up to speed and hold up traffic (makes you a hazard).

I did the CBTA learners test though but I know that the Restricted test is done on open road also...

Can you borrow a bike of a mate or from one of the instructors on here (for a small fee of course)?

Good luck for your test!

[Jackpot]

Passed the test last week but just got my physical licence Friday.

6 U-Turns, 5 roundabouts and the rest was a mixture of 50/70 km/h zones. They are there to pass, not fail so be pleseant and polite :)

[oneblackflag]

Did my restricted in Te Rapa Hamilton today.

Just my luck the battery died once I got to the testing station (has been playing up so should have got a new one prior:facepalm:. The instructor pleasantly waited while I got the bike bump started (no kicker on the WRR), had to run around the carpark a few times to get it started:rolleyes:.

Was a very basic test, 45mins of driving around quite areas, a couple busy intersections, a 100k zone, hazard identifying and 3 culdesac turns. The radio communication was horrid... Staticy and too quiet even at max, so there were am few worng turns etc. but the instructor is cool with it, keep an eye on thier indicators or point to your helmet and pull over.

[arcane12]

Just thought I'd check in with an update, just sat and passed my full test this week! Yay :)

The only comment the tester made afterwards was I was a little slow (70-75) in the 80 km zone. Well that won't be a problem! I was just going _under_ the limit so I didn't get failed for speeding! :P

[russd7]

Took my 6R practical test in Invercargill a few days ago.

I didn't sleep much the night before, the nerves got the better of me. As I live an hours drive out of town 99% of my on road experience has been in 100kph roads. So I drove into town both evenings before the test to get a bit of practice in.

The week before the test I had a car drive into the back of me while waiting at lights (he swore the lights changed, they didn't), I ran out of fuel 1km from home and lost the adjustment bracket for the back wheel the evening before the test, so had to make one (painted black you can hardly tell).

I turned up at the AA just after lunch to do the paperwork thing. I wore all my bike gear which came with a fluro bib (first time I've worn it).

I had to park my bike around the corner as there were no parks out front, he had me bring it out back where did what looked like a full WOF inspection on the bike.

He gave me an ear piece and radio and started giving me directions while following in a car. I lost him after two turns so stopped so he could catch up.

We went through three give ways, left, right and straight on. Also two stop intersections. Through a round about into a 70kph, then 100kph road.

We then turned into a 70kph road, where he asked me to pull over. Then he just sat in his car, so I got off the bike and went over to him to make sure everything was ok (I was thinking sh*t maybe we hit a 50 zone, I missed the sign, he's probably calling the cops who'll come and take me away). He says "so you've been riding bikes for a while", which I responded "yes all my life". He then says "sign here, this is your temporary license".

All that worry for nothing. Now I've got to wait 18 months to do the full or go up to Christchurch to do the CBTA after 12. 18 months seems like a lifetime, I want a CBR600RR now. I wonder if anyone would notice if I scratched the RR off the side :msn-wink:
theres a guy in dunners who can do the CBTA now, ex invers and gets down this way from time to time

[Erelyes]

theres a guy in dunners who can do the CBTA now, ex invers and gets down this way from time to time

Two that can do CBTA here I think http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/cbta.html?r=1#Otago

[russd7]

Two that can do CBTA here I think http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/cbta.html?r=1#Otago
nice:2thumbsup only one i knew about was countyman, good to see another:2thumbsup