View Full Version : Subversive L-plating from experienced bikers
klingon
7th December 2006, 14:01
I would like some help, please, from experienced bikers - preferably riders of big bikes. In fact, preferably big, hairy Harley riders. :yes:
I'm a learner. I'm such a newbie that I'm doing the 'right' thing and wearing an L plate in a prominent position on the back of my bike. Today was my first ever experience of riding on the road. I got tailgated the entire length of Mt Albert road by a large truck.
This kind of behaviour makes me furious. :angry:
This morning Dave C (a very experienced biker) borrowed my little Volty to run an errand. As the L plate is securely bolted onto the number plate, he didn't bother removing it. Obviously people thought he was a learner because they carved him up, cut him off and tailgated him the entire time he was on the bike. He was amazed when he came back to report what had happened. This never happens when he's riding his big grumbly SV100S and wearing full leathers and a black helmet with a mirrored visor.
So here's my request: Experienced riders, whenever you get the opportunity, borrow a newbie's little 250cc putt-putt bike, get out there and TAKE BACK THE STREETS on our behalf. Monster the drivers who try to monster you. Putt-putt up to their windows and holler at them.
Better still, get an L plate and stick it on your big hairy Harley. Let's see if they'll take a learner on then.
Thanks for listening.
PS I had a great ride (apart from the truck) and got nods from two fellow bikers. :sunny: My first two nods ever! :D
** klingon puts two notches in belt
ManDownUnder
7th December 2006, 14:22
So here's my request: Experienced riders, whenever you get the opportunity, borrow a newbie's little 250cc putt-putt bike, get out there and TAKE BACK THE STREETS on our behalf. Monster the drivers who try to monster you. Putt-putt up to their windows and holler at them.
I WOULD LOVE TO.
I'll even pay for fuel. Where are ya - I'm central city during the day... does that work?
davereid
7th December 2006, 14:24
I ride a 50cc scooter to work as my daily transport, and the difference in treatment I get from motorists compared to when I'm on my Harley is incredible. I get tailgated, Cars back out of angle parks in front of me, and the most common one, they pass me then cut me off as they turn left in front of me. And I'm not holding anyone up, my scooters pretty quick, even with a big bastard like me on it.
But on your 250, most car drivers wouldnt know you from a Harley - they will see you as a biker, so its certainly your L plate causing the problem.
On my scooter, I have mounted my rego on the right hand side swing arm.
If you were to mount your L plate in the same place, it would not be seen by those following you, or in front of you.
I'm not a traffic cop, but I'm sure it would be legal.
Glad to see you riding !
Dave
Sanx
7th December 2006, 14:25
Don't worry, it happens to non-learners too. In my experience, it's buses who are the worst culprits. However, I live three minutes from their depot off Mt Albert Road, and I find going in there in all the bikey gear and berating their supervisor and driver in front of all the other drivers does a pretty good job of getting them to apologise.
But, for amusement value, the worst ever incident of tailgating I've suffered was from a driving test tester - whilst I was taking my full licence test. 80kph, and he was less than a car length behind me. Fan-fuckin-tastic.
I ride down Mt Albert road to and from work every day. Watch out for a loud red VTR. And then point out the wanker who's just dissed you.
imdying
7th December 2006, 14:56
Cutting up cars and generally trying to monster cars in that fashion will only lead to what we don't want, more dead KiwiBikers.
If they're honestly endangering you, let them past, get their number plate, and report them. I suspect there's even an online form you can now use to report them.
I sympathise, but being in the right was never much use to a dead person.
/edit: One other thing... most of the complaints about road service and general driving standards seem to come from Auckland. Sure, there are more KBers in Auckland, but man... if you guys really really like biking, take the plunge, motorcycling in Chch is still a pleasure.
McJim
7th December 2006, 15:01
I used to ride pushies 100% of the time in Glasgow and then in London - having a motorbike with an L plate on was bliss compared to that - however I hear what you are saying - it's something you have to deal with and you have to consciously own your space on the road. I always used to own my space on a push bike which caused drivers to hurl abuse which caused me to confiscate their wing mirrors which caused them to chase me which caused us to end up face to face in an alley where they would realise they were about to embark in an arse kicking contest with an athlete.
It would be a lot easier if road users would just respect one another in the first place.
The whole retribution thing is overrated and will just cause the cager to hate motorcyclists in future - no one really wins.
It's only for 6 months and I suspect 80% of motorcyclists don't wear their L plate anyway.
klingon
7th December 2006, 15:37
Cutting up cars and generally trying to monster cars in that fashion will only lead to what we don't want, more dead KiwiBikers.
The whole retribution thing is overrated and will just cause the cager to hate motorcyclists in future - no one really wins.
oooh no I didn't mean cut them up and retribution... I'm as peace-loving as the next biker! :innocent:
It's just that some people seem to think they can intimidate me because I'm on a little bike with an L plate. And to a certain extent I suppose they can. So all I'm asking is for some un-intimidatable more experienced riders to call the bluff of the cowards behind the wheels of the larger vehicles. No need to rip off their mirrors & suchlike. Just give them a hairy-Harley snarl close up to their driver's window, and make them think twice before they're mean to the next little biker who comes along. :D
Like I said, today was my first ever ride on the road so I'm not really in a position to filter up to them at the lights and yell "OI! BOZO!!" Just give me a week or so to get the hang of it.
klingon
7th December 2006, 15:42
I WOULD LOVE TO.
I'll even pay for fuel. Where are ya - I'm central city during the day... does that work?
Thanks MDU, but it will be a little while before Volty and I go to the central city. Unless I bring her in on the train of course :) When I have more than one day of street riding experience I'll be sure to come and see you and we can swap bikes for a day :D
ManDownUnder
7th December 2006, 15:43
Thanks MDU, but it will be a little while before Volty and I go to the central city. Unless I bring her in on the train of course :) When I have more than one day of street riding experience I'll be sure to come and see you and we can swap bikes for a day :D
Where are you based - N S E W?
WickedOne
7th December 2006, 15:46
I would like some help, please, from experienced bikers - preferably riders of big bikes. In fact, preferably big, hairy Harley riders. :yes:
I'm a learner. I'm such a newbie that I'm doing the 'right' thing and wearing an L plate in a prominent position on the back of my bike. Today was my first ever experience of riding on the road. I got tailgated the entire length of Mt Albert road by a large truck.
This kind of behaviour makes me furious. :angry:
This morning Dave C (a very experienced biker) borrowed my little Volty to run an errand. As the L plate is securely bolted onto the number plate, he didn't bother removing it. Obviously people thought he was a learner because they carved him up, cut him off and tailgated him the entire time he was on the bike. He was amazed when he came back to report what had happened. This never happens when he's riding his big grumbly SV100S and wearing full leathers and a black helmet with a mirrored visor.
So here's my request: Experienced riders, whenever you get the opportunity, borrow a newbie's little 250cc putt-putt bike, get out there and TAKE BACK THE STREETS on our behalf. Monster the drivers who try to monster you. Putt-putt up to their windows and holler at them.
Better still, get an L plate and stick it on your big hairy Harley. Let's see if they'll take a learner on then.
Thanks for listening.
PS I had a great ride (apart from the truck) and got nods from two fellow bikers. :sunny: My first two nods ever! :D
** klingon puts two notches in belt
Take off the L-Plate (just a suggestion)
Ghost Lemur
7th December 2006, 16:00
That is exactly why I've not put an L plate on. I'll plead my case and take the concequences if necessary.
But where as the L plate is supposed to advise other motorists to be kind to an indervidual, more and more seem to take it as an invation to bully and badger the indervidual.
Take it off, you'll be safer being anonymous.
imdying
7th December 2006, 16:01
Like I said, today was my first ever ride on the roadRoad positioning and stance has a bit to do with it, you'll pick it up as you go. Of course, you probably won't have your L plate by the time your done that... :D
bert_is_evil
7th December 2006, 16:02
I reckon risk the fine and ditch the L plate personally. And perhaps act more menacing, dirty up your leathers and tuck your hair in your jacket, paint an obscene word on the back you your helmet too.
Ixion
7th December 2006, 16:23
I kept meaning to put an L plate on Ratty when I owned it to test this. But never got round to it, and now I don't own a 250 any more (alas).
I could try puting one on ffwabbit, but it's probably not a valid test.
bell
7th December 2006, 17:11
I'm a learner. I'm such a newbie that I'm doing the 'right' thing and wearing an L plate in a prominent position on the back of my bike. Today was my first ever experience of riding on the road. I got tailgated the entire length of Mt Albert road by a large truck.
This kind of behaviour makes me furious. :angry:
This seems to be quite a characteristic-fucked-in-the-head-couldn't-learn-to-try-and-drive-safely-if-I-tried type Kiwi attitude that about 70% of drivers in this country display.
70% +/- 20% depending on where you are in the country, but, in my experience it's about half of the cars on the road that follow too closely. Hitcher offered some sage advice on another thread recently: Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.
Tailgating is a bit tricky for the police to do anything about, except maybe when thos actions cause/contribute to an accident.
Pull over, let em go, if they really pissed you off and you've got a good memory report them. Try here: http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html
Swoop
7th December 2006, 18:34
No need to rip off their mirrors & suchlike.
Correct. Mirrorectomys are for those cagers who do not use (and hence "need") them.:shifty:
Driving a cage like a twat, deserves "other" attention...:whistle:
klingon
7th December 2006, 22:07
Where are you based - N S E W?
I'm Westish, not far off Mt Albert Rd in a general westerly direction.
I was originally not going to put the L plate on at all, after hearing of others' experiences. But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!:shit:) stalled.
I'll make the call when I've had a little more riding experience - I think I'll lose the plate within a couple of weeks if things carry on like this.
Big Dog
7th December 2006, 22:46
I'm Westish, not far off Mt Albert Rd in a general westerly direction.
I was originally not going to put the L plate on at all, after hearing of others' experiences. But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!:shit:) stalled.
I'll make the call when I've had a little more riding experience - I think I'll lose the plate within a couple of weeks if things carry on like this.
In my experience the whole dominion road to mount albert area is riddled with tailgating truckers.
i complained to a tow company who promptly sent me a voucher for a free tow.
Other Companies have sent me various petrol / movie vouchers. Companies prefer you complain to then than the police or potential customers.
Best advice I can give you is three simple tricks I learned the hard way and still employ today, in spite of being suitably hairy.
* learn the flashpoint of your brakes (where your taillight comes on but your brakes are not engaged yet).
* avoid the temptation to ride in the extreme left or right.
* when you are being tailgated move to centre stage.
* wobble a bit from time to time - Freaks them out, but please practice without a truck following first).
* Slow down gradually if they are still in your 2 second space again until you stop. You can pull away faster than they can and you should end up with a more tolerable driver between you.
Resist the urge to road rage:
*Consciously relax your elbows and shoulders - you will feel better and be less likely to fall of in their way.
* count your breaths.
* if you feel stressed let them pass or turn off and take another route.
Your safety is paramount. Never hesitate to make someone else wait or be late yourself, if you have to be the bigger person so be it.
As an old road campaign went, many a man has died defending his right of way.
Disco Dan
7th December 2006, 23:09
* Slow down gradually if they are still in your 2 second space again until you stop. You can pull away faster than they can and you should end up with a more tolerable driver between you.
Ive been tempted sooo many times to stop smack bang in the middle of the lane, kick out the stand.. and ask the driver if he still thinks hes going to be late/get there any faster!
But i guess it would be just my luck for a massive government dole abusing westy to hop out... :dodge:
Or even pull off your L plate, slap it on his/her windscreen and tell him/her that they need it more than you!!!
:innocent:
Viddy
7th December 2006, 23:31
Not that I'd want to be seen promoting Hamilton, but I just don't seem to get that kind of crap here - people let me in, and generally seem to be reasonably curtious 'round here.
Could be because I'm a reasonably big dude on a little bike though ;)
I'm also on my learners with a L plate on the back, and ride with my lights on - something that I noticed when I was push biking - lights off, get buzzed, lights on, get a decent wide berth.
I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.
(I'm usually wearing a black riding suit, with a bright yellow bag on my back)
Big Dog
7th December 2006, 23:36
I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.
Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.
Disco Dan
7th December 2006, 23:39
Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.
bring a pillow and make yourself at home :scooter:
What?
8th December 2006, 05:20
... As the L plate is securely bolted onto the number plate, he didn't bother removing it. Obviously people thought he was a learner because they carved him up, cut him off and tailgated him the entire time he was on the bike.
Interestingly, that is exactly why L plates were gotten rid of way back wheneveritwas (early 70's??). Their re-introduction is a symptom of the level of intellect housed within LTNZ.
ManDownUnder
8th December 2006, 08:39
Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.
VERY VERY TRUE
Applies to all aspects of riding but most notable in crowded/congested situations. Motorway riding, Dom/Mt Albert Roads and the like
Indiana_Jones
8th December 2006, 09:28
It's only for 6 months and I suspect 80% of motorcyclists don't wear their L plate anyway.
I had mine on for a month or so, and then I said fuck it, it makes more problems then it solves (if it solves any at all :shutup: )
-Indy
Dodger
8th December 2006, 09:44
Well I've still got mine on the back of the bike.
I do my restricted test next week :rockon: , so I think I can stand it being there for 6 more days.
I've not had any problems with cage drivers tailgating me or anything, although maybe the yellow bike helps hide the L-Plate. <_<
Who knows, maybe there's less pricks driving around in Wellington than in Auckland? :yes:
klingon
8th December 2006, 09:46
Confidence and "ownership" really make a bike difference.
Yep. I was consciously riding in the right hand tyre track and doing the same speed as the rest of the traffic (around 55) but I definitely think the truckie could have sensed my newbieness (even if I didn't have a giant yellow LEMON bolted to my bum). Just like a dog can smell fear.
Looking back on my ride from a bit more distance (and getting over the adrenaline I guess) I'm sure there were other drivers on the road who were more cautious and courteous when they saw my L plate.
There was one car that followed me quite a long way on my return journey and gave me heaps of space behind me. Dunno if that was his usual driving style or if he was doing it because of my L, but either way I appreciated the space.
Of course I had the usual people pull out in front of me at intersections, but that's just what I was expecting. If nobody had done it I would have been secretly disappointed because I was so mentally prepared for it!
Thanks for your encouragement by the way. I guess hopping on a bike and riding a couple of kms is as natural as breathing for you lot.... but for me it's a big deal. I hope I always remember this feeling. :)
imdying
8th December 2006, 10:31
I try to move about my lane a bit (not weave) so that cages behind me are well aware that that's my space and not to intrude. Works ok, keep an eye on your mirrors though, plenty of cars try to squeeze you out if you're tardy.
Rosie
8th December 2006, 10:34
But being a real real newbie I would like people to understand why I may be a bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!:shit:) stalled.
Even with the L plate people don't seem to quite understand that you are new and require a bit of patience. I stalled once at a give way sign (with L plate attached), I was frantically trying to kick start the bike and several cars were honking their horns at me. Hell-ooo people, that isn't a strange nervous twitch in my leg, my bike isn't going, and I'm trying to start it. Honking your horn won't help it to start.
Roj
8th December 2006, 10:57
Not that I'd want to be seen promoting Hamilton, but I just don't seem to get that kind of crap here - people let me in, and generally seem to be reasonably curtious 'round here.
Could be because I'm a reasonably big dude on a little bike though ;)
I'm also on my learners with a L plate on the back, and ride with my lights on - something that I noticed when I was push biking - lights off, get buzzed, lights on, get a decent wide berth.
I also tend to own the space that I'm in, and essentially make like I'm a car, so some retard won't try to force me to lane split.
(I'm usually wearing a black riding suit, with a bright yellow bag on my back)
Nah I drive a cage round hamilton lots and do my best to be nice to bikes may be it was me:woohoo:
Hamilton drivers to appear to be getting better with driver courtesy, must be the relaxed lifestyle in the 20 minute city
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 11:03
Is it legal to wear an L plate when you are not a Learner?
Swoop
8th December 2006, 11:06
Legality of having a full licence and having an "L' on the back???
I think it stands for "Looney" quite nicely and could be an interesting talking point when pulled over :Police: for doing 100 in a 100kmh area!
Edit: Damn Marmoot asking the same thing while I was typing!
Indiana_Jones
8th December 2006, 11:10
Is it legal to wear an L plate when you are not a Learner?
More importantly, is Helen Clark's face legal? :sick:
-Indy
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 11:13
Edit: Damn Marmoot asking the same thing while I was typing!
Now you ought to green-bling me m8 :)
Swoop
8th December 2006, 11:17
Now you ought to green-bling me m8 :)
Asking for greenies is a red reppable offence!
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 11:18
Asking for greenies is a red reppable offence!
Your post is asking for a red rep :p
KLOWN
8th December 2006, 11:24
When I started to learn I had my L plate on and got the same treatment as you, when I took it off all the tailgating etc stopped its un fucken believeable the difference it makes. But I did the same as you, kept it on for my first week until i felt able in my ablities not to stall at the lights etc. When a car was tailgating me on a single laned road (one each way) i slowed down very slowly until i stopped put the stand down got off my bike and approached the car ( i was really mad) I yelled abse at him as he would not roll down his window to have a 'discussion' but he didn't tailgate me anymore when i started off again. Act like a crazy cunt and even bigger people than you will think twice
klingon
8th December 2006, 11:45
Is it legal to wear an L plate when you are not a Learner?
Legality of having a full licence and having an "L' on the back???
[Quoting both of you so you don't get upset and start pulling each other's hair lol]
I've never seen any reference to it being a problem (and I have been reading the road code for motorcycles recently :innocent:)
Consider the situation when I lend my bike to an experienced rider and he doesn't happen to be carrying a spanner to undo the thoroughly-bolted-on L. I look forward to the day we're riding 100kph on the motorway with me as a pillion and the L plate prominently displayed. Preferably after 10pm. :)
Maha
8th December 2006, 11:54
bit slow off the mark at the lights, or even (eep!:shit:) stalled.
Wait till you are at a red light and THINK you are in 1st?
Only to realise that you are in fact....in neutral.......:o
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 11:55
Umm.....I am actually planning to put the plate on my Hayabusa. Hence the question.........
Ixion
8th December 2006, 12:18
Is it legal to wear an L plate when you are not a Learner?
Technically, no. Unless you are a driving instructor.
Swoop
8th December 2006, 12:24
Technically, no. Unless you are a driving instructor.
For what reason?
It says a learner must have an L, but where does it say that at such-and-such a time it gets removed?
Or does it state categorically that a rider with a full licence must not have one fitted?
Toaster
8th December 2006, 12:29
If you were to mount your L plate in the same place, it would not be seen by those following you, or in front of you.
I'm not a traffic cop, but I'm sure it would be legal.
Glad to see you riding !
Dave
I understand it needs to be displayed in the 'prescribed manner', which I gather is prominently displayed, which by my logic means it should be visible to other road users..... the other option is to 'lose' the plate and say, gee, it seems to have fallen off, if you ever get asked!! Hope this helps :)
Toaster
8th December 2006, 12:31
PS I had a great ride (apart from the truck) and got nods from two fellow bikers. :sunny: My first two nods ever! :D
** klingon puts two notches in belt
I chucked at reply re the plate thing to Dave's comments.... hope it helps ya mate. "nod" Toaster.
Ixion
8th December 2006, 13:03
For what reason?
It says a learner must have an L, but where does it say that at such-and-such a time it gets removed?
Or does it state categorically that a rider with a full licence must not have one fitted?
Yep
LAND TRANSPORT (DRIVER LICENSING) RULE 1999
PART 16 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF DRIVERS
104.Prohibition on display of ``L'' plate except in appropriate circumstances—
A person must not drive, on a road, a motor vehicle that displays an ``L'' plate as specified in clause 66 unless that person—
(a)Holds a learner licence of the class that relates to that vehicle in accordance with Schedule 3; or
(b)Immediately prior to driving has been, or is about to be, accompanying the person in paragraph (a) in accordance with clause 16(1)(a); or
(c)Holds a driving instructor or testing officer endorsement and is driving a vehicle used for purposes connected with that endorsement.
Swoop
8th December 2006, 13:13
There it is then.
The idea goes no further than an elusive dream of baiting cagers.
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 13:22
Thanks. That answers my 7 year old question. Bling awarded.
klingon
8th December 2006, 13:59
A person must not drive, on a road, a motor vehicle that displays an ``L'' plate as specified in clause 66 unless that person—
(a)Holds a learner licence of the class that relates to that vehicle in accordance with Schedule 3; or
(b)Immediately prior to driving has been, or is about to be, accompanying the person in paragraph (a) in accordance with clause 16(1)(a);
Being a paragraph (a) person, I hereby volunteer to be 'about to be accompanying' you at any time that you get pulled over for displaying an "L" plate.
Just gimme a call and I'll tell the nice occifer that I'm on my way, and could he please wait with you until I get there, which might take a while because I'll be walking now that he's interrupted you on your way to pick me up.
Marmoot
8th December 2006, 16:00
You are, however, aware that L-platers are not supposed to carry passenger (or 'being accompanied') on a motorcycle, aren't you?
Ixion
8th December 2006, 16:02
Yes, but TECHNICALLY a full licence holder could carry an L licence holder as a pillion , on the grounds that the full was instructing the L . Not totally stupid taking a learner for a blat on the pillion is not a bad way to teach them lines and stuff.
Big Dog
8th December 2006, 20:29
Yep. I was consciously riding in the right hand tyre track and doing the same speed as the rest of the traffic (around 55) but I definitely think the truckie could have sensed my newbieness (even if I didn't have a giant yellow LEMON bolted to my bum). Just like a dog can smell fear.
I reckon learning in Auckland you could do worse than to take a "tail gunner".
Someone with a little more confidence and presence to sit behind you and give you room.
Far better to get your bio mechanical practice out home, in streets you already feel confident in.
I find tracking the right wheel gives the peeps behind all the encouragement they need to try a little lane splitting themselves and to tailgate.
In heavy traffic I sit in the same lane position a cage driver would be in (about a foot to the left).
There are plenty of people who will tail gun for you. Including me.
Indiana_Jones
8th December 2006, 20:39
Wait till you are at a red light and THINK you are in 1st?
Only to realise that you are in fact....in neutral.......:o
lol done that a few times. Or missing 2nd and hitting Neutral when taking off lol
-Indy
Big Dog
8th December 2006, 21:15
lol done that a few times. Or missing 2nd and hitting Neutral when taking off lol
-Indy
Or get too enthusiastic and launch a riderless bike into an intersection (seen it)
Or get too enthusiastic and drop the clutch before the engine is up to speed (anyone who says they have never done it is lying, I last did it after lane splitting past amongst other things a group of L plates
Cue next intersection giving it too much and then dropping the clutch while it was still coming down and stalling it again......)
But that's what they call charachter building.
klingon
8th December 2006, 21:32
Or get too enthusiastic and launch a riderless bike into an intersection (seen it)
Or get too enthusiastic and drop the clutch before the engine is up to speed (anyone who says they have never done it is lying, I last did it after lane splitting past amongst other things a group of L plates
Cue next intersection giving it too much and then dropping the clutch while it was still coming down and stalling it again......)
But that's what they call charachter building.
:lol: ooh yeah in that case I just can't wait to develop a bit more character.
klingon
8th December 2006, 21:38
I reckon learning in Auckland you could do worse than to take a "tail gunner".
Someone with a little more confidence and presence to sit behind you and give you room...
There are plenty of people who will tail gun for you. Including me.
Aww thanks Big Dog. Actually I just had an offer of a couple of 'tail gunners' - an SV1000 and a TL1000 to take me for a little tootle on the motorway on Sunday. That would look very comical with me wobbling along in the lead on my Volty doing 69.5 kph and the two big bikes straining at their bits and never getting out of second gear.
Needless to say I turned them down for now. If the sun's shining I'll just head off at my own pace and, like you said, stick to roads I know. :scooter:
Big Dog
8th December 2006, 21:49
Nice work, as I always say ride your own ride and let me ride mine.
RiderInBlack
8th October 2007, 18:56
Yep
LAND TRANSPORT (DRIVER LICENSING) RULE 1999
PART 16 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF DRIVERS
104.Prohibition on display of ``L'' plate except in appropriate circumstances—
A person must not drive, on a road, a motor vehicle that displays an ``L'' plate as specified in clause 66 unless that person—
(a)Holds a learner licence of the class that relates to that vehicle in accordance with Schedule 3; or
(b)Immediately prior to driving has been, or is about to be, accompanying the person in paragraph (a) in accordance with clause 16(1)(a); or
(c)Holds a driving instructor or testing officer endorsement and is driving a vehicle used for purposes connected with that endorsement.Thanks Ixion. Bloodly annoys me that they don't make these rules easy ta find. Could have been pinged for that (see: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1236842&postcount=1 ).
surfchick
8th October 2007, 19:33
I would like some help, ...
Better still, get an L plate and stick it on your big hairy Harley. Let's see if they'll take a learner on then.
** klingon puts two notches in belt
ummm...unless they bring out an "L" plate in red, the "L" plate will not be doning the rear of my ducati... may-be you could ask someone with a yellow 996?:bleh::bleh:
but...some sympathy for the cause I must admit...although i noticed (as I wore my L plate for 2 years...) that as you get to be a meaner rider the "L" becomes pretty invisible and no-one tailgates at all. i just had a few horrid drivers yelling at me on my very first outing in te atatu pen the day after I brought my first bike home... which was fair enough cause I was wobbly unco blah blah...:pinch::baby:
not now tho:devil2: no siree-bob now I end up in motorway showdowns with holden ute drivers. who loose.
90s
9th October 2007, 09:34
So all I'm asking is for some un-intimidatable more experienced riders to call the bluff of the cowards behind the wheels of the larger vehicles.
We are all intimidatable (is this a word?) on a bike. Even the biggest, hairiest Harley rider is going to come off much worse than a car in any smack-down. And we've got to remember that when we are out there.
I did 4 yrs in Ackl on a cycle before getting a motorbike again last year. Generally cars push around smaller things more. Learners have smaller bikes. You wouldn't believe the crap you get on a cycle. The 'L' seems to infuriate some driver - why, who knows - but there are enought random ones around anyway for that to not matter.
ImDying is right - there is an online form. If you google #555 you get straight to it. For the first time in 20 years on bikes this week I reported a driver to the cops (using the form) because I was subjected to sustained dangerous driving my a Mitsi Pajero (driven by a woman concentrating on eating her breakfast) from Titirangi Rd right through to the SH16, where she attempted to push me off the entry slip-road by undercutting me.
Things might improve when you loose the L-plate. But there are still loads of nutters. Take care.
Stickchick
9th October 2007, 09:47
This is not just an Auckland Problem either. I get tailgated goin for Hastings to Napier, mainly but Flash Holdens or Fords with V8s but i won;t take my L plate off as there are actually considerate drivers that when passing me give me alot more room due to it.
Badjelly
9th October 2007, 11:32
I've got half a mind to put an L plate on the Scorpio as an experiment.
I gave up cycling & motorcycling around Wellington 20-something years ago because I'd decided it was just too dangerous (the cycling especially). Plus the motorcycle didn't fit into my life, with small children to cart around. And having children made me more cautious. I took up motorcycling again a month ago because ... I love it (always did, still do), my kids don't rely on me for material support any more, I'm not going to live forever anyway, if I don't do it now I never will. When I rope the demo machine from TSS Motorcycles over Haywards Hill a van driver talgated me for several kilometres even though I was at the speed limit and there was absolutely no room for him to pass or for me to pull off (not that I would have). Ah, old times.
My advice:
Don't retaliate, don't make obscene gestures, don't bother trying to tell them how much it irritates you, don't kick the car door when they squeeze past. They won't understand and road rage never (seldom) achieves anything worthwhile.
Occupy your lane, drive confidently, weave around a *little* bit perhaps to make it clear that you expect to have some room around you. Otherwise don't react. Why does it matter if someone is tailgating you? It only matters if you have to stop in a hurry. Try to make damn sure you *don't* have to stop in a hurry. Drive a little more conservatively.
Whatever you do, keep paying attention to what's in front of you! That's normally way more important than what's behind you.
The Scorpio mirrors are pretty crap. That helps, too.
Also realise that a lot of people are just bad drivers. It's not necessarily personal (though occasionally it is.) Commuting in Karori, back in the 80's, I used to get seriously irritated when I was on my bicycle or motorbike about the stupid things people did. Turning left without a signal from the middle of the road was a favourite. I used to yell at the silly buggers & get upset. Then I started commuting by car (as well as foot and bus) and realised that they still did all that stuff, it just didn't upset me because I didn't feel so endangered me so much.
People are going to do silly things around you when you're on a motorbike. Focus on ensuring that *you* don't get hurt.
Ocean1
9th October 2007, 11:40
There it is then.
The idea goes no further than an elusive dream of baiting cagers.
Yes, but TECHNICALLY a full licence holder could carry an L licence holder as a pillion , on the grounds that the full was instructing the L . Not totally stupid taking a learner for a blat on the pillion is not a bad way to teach them lines and stuff.
Is there any such thing as an "R" plate in NZ?
Swoop
9th October 2007, 11:57
Is there any such thing as an "R" plate in NZ?
Not to my knowledge. There is a restricted licence, but no plate to go with it.
It would confuse too many kiwi drivers....:whistle:
Ocean1
9th October 2007, 12:56
Not to my knowledge. There is a restricted licence, but no plate to go with it.
It would confuse too many kiwi drivers....:whistle:
So it would therefore not be an offence to display such huh?
Wonder how many drivers thoroughly deserving of a wee educational chat might know there's no such thing as an "R" plate....
Maki
11th April 2008, 16:39
I used to live in a country in Europe where people learning to drive cages are meant to put magnetic signs on the trunk of the cage saying "Learner". On one or two occasions I borrowed one of those from my kid brother and put them on my sportscar and then proceeded to drive around with my usual agressive style. I can tell you I saw some stares of disbelief.
I have an L on my bike and I don't have any problems. I don't ride much in heavy traffic though.
PrincessBandit
11th April 2008, 16:43
My very first thread on this site was very similar to this one, so I hear ya all the way. The trick is to know when not to be intimidated and when to allow discretion to be the better part of valour. Let them know you own your patch of road! :2thumbsup
Watchers
22nd April 2008, 22:12
Ditch the L. Mine's in the cupboard waiting for restricted test day. Was talking to a cop a while back and we got on to my bike and he asked... so where's your L?...
after an awkward moment he said not to worry as he was only on his learners and didn't use an L either.
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