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Thread: Question about learners license

  1. #1
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    27th August 2011 - 22:36
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    Question about learners license

    Hi there,

    I've recently acquired my learners license, on my fourth week now of riding.

    I have a simple question - the road code states that the maximum speed for a learner on the "open road" is 70km/h. I assume "open road" also means motorways. Does this mean a learner is unable to ride on the motorway? I can only imagine the frustration of drivers with a motorcyclist driving around at 70km/h on the motorway.

    Thanks for your time and I apologise if this has been answered elsewhere.

  2. #2
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    19th April 2009 - 18:52
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    You can use the motorway but you're right, the speed differential between you and the rest of the traffic is potentially dangerous. Be courteous and ride safely

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by jackboy View Post
    I can only imagine the frustration of drivers with a motorcyclist driving around at 70km/h on the motorway.
    The 70kmh limit is designed to keep the learner in safe limits, however riding at 70 on the motorway is, though legal, definitely not safe (unless everyone else is doing 30 ).

    Go on the motorway and pick a car travelling in the left lane, follow at a safe distance (2 second rule as a minimum). As long as you don't ride like a dick the police won't be interested in you.

    At on roads keep a good lookout with regular shoulder checks, be aware of the lane to the right should you need it as an emergency exit.
    Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

  4. #4
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    Like you I am on an L plate I feel it is not safe on the motorway at 70km (I’ve been known to hit half that speed in foot over the 1st 20 metres) at the speed the truck and cars go past not to mention the road rage.

    I learnt very quickly to check my mirrors for cops and attack the road at the travelling speed for my own safety.

    Not that I am supporting anything illegal or that may earn you a ticket. Just voicing my decision for my safety!
    I confess to know everything there is to know about absolutely nothing at all!!!
    “A bad tradesman blames his tools. A stupid one blames himself!!!!!!!!”

  5. #5
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    27th August 2011 - 22:36
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    I don't plan on using the motorway but I'm interested in attending some of the learners group rides on KiwiBiker. Living on the Shore, I'd most likely have to cross the bridge.

    All good advice - cheers!

  6. #6
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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by jackboy View Post
    I don't plan on using the motorway but I'm interested in attending some of the learners group rides on KiwiBiker. Living on the Shore, I'd most likely have to cross the bridge.

    All good advice - cheers!
    http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...nd-Newbie-Ride

    Latest one was held yesterday, was great fun too

    We meet at Dairy Flat on state highway 17 so you wouldn't need to worry about crossing the bridge.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by jackboy View Post
    I don't plan on using the motorway but I'm interested in attending some of the learners group rides on KiwiBiker. Living on the Shore, I'd most likely have to cross the bridge.

    All good advice - cheers!
    I/We encourage a speed greater than 70kph on the learner rides (where possible)
    I keep the speed limit to 80 for the simple reason that its the safest lower speed that (we feel) everyone can cope with.
    If the group stretches out a bit (which it does at times) use the straight bits to catch up...
    All of the learner rides we hold are north of the bridge.
    At some time we will take it south east.

  9. #9
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    19th August 2010 - 13:17
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    I ignored the 70 limit when I was on my learners, didn't get pulled over for it either. It's an outdated and dangerous law which is only enforced by a small minority of dickhead cops.

  10. #10
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    I ignored the 70k limit as well... Was on learners for over 2 years. Was never once pulled over for breaking the 70k limit.

  11. #11
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    I guess with the law changing March 25 2012 to get rid of the 70km/h limit for L platers, you'd be pretty hard done by to get busted between now and then and not just let off with a warning. I mean, if the PTB see the ridiculousness of that law, surely the cops will be more lenient on those that are flowing with traffic and not going at 120 km/h or whatever

  12. #12
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    24th September 2008 - 01:32
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    Quote Originally Posted by jackboy View Post
    Hi there,

    I've recently acquired my learners license, on my fourth week now of riding.

    I have a simple question - the road code states that the maximum speed for a learner on the "open road" is 70km/h. I assume "open road" also means motorways. Does this mean a learner is unable to ride on the motorway? I can only imagine the frustration of drivers with a motorcyclist driving around at 70km/h on the motorway.

    Thanks for your time and I apologise if this has been answered elsewhere.
    few people I have met have stuck to the 70k limit on their learners. frankly 70km on a highway etc is fucking dangerous, and it is being changed very shortly, have a read through all the recent topics and youll see it being discussed there. My advice is, if you arent comfortable at 100km, stay away from100km roads. When you ARE comfortable at 100km, DO 100km, youll be safer. thats just my opinion.

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