Training or not?

**DanielM8** · 15th October 2012, 13:02

Hi,
I'm interested in getting my bike learners, and wanted to come ask for some advice..

I've been riding a little 50

for about a year now, and am looking at getting my bike learners. I won't be able to afford a bike for a while yet, but I want to get my license as step 1.

Anyway, I've been saving up for training & the BHS test at once. Now, after reading a bunch of KiwiBiker topics, I am thinking of just going the test. What is the opinion of the pros on this... is it necessary to get training to be able to pass the BHS test? I'm obviously fairly confident on 2 wheels having ridden a scooter, however the thing that would concern me is the gears. Is it hard to get used to, do I get some time to practice, am I going to look like a fool to the test instructor, etc? Advice really appreciated

Thanks

**Banditbandit** · 15th October 2012, 13:11

Training is Always useful

**Haggis2** · 15th October 2012, 13:21

Training is commonsense. KB is full of it. Don't listen to KB!

**DanielM8** · 15th October 2012, 14:44

So, you think I need the training to take the test? I plan on riding only in quiet streets where I live.. when nobody's around.. I'm not going on the road for a while even when I get the bike.. so the concern isn't whether I'll be okay for the road, only whether I'll be okay to pass the test.

**Drew** · 15th October 2012, 14:54

Getting training is good.

**bogan** · 15th October 2012, 15:02

Originally Posted by DanielM8

So, you think I need the training to take the test? I plan on riding only in quiet streets where I live.. when nobody's around.. I'm not going on the road for a while even when I get the bike.. so the concern isn't whether I'll be okay for the road, only whether I'll be okay to pass the test.

My BHS test was done on a scooter (6ish years ago), so you'd be alright if that was the case; ring around and see if you can find a BHS place that uses or allows you to do it on your scoot. If it is bike with clutch and gears you'd want a bit of practice, some of the slower stuff requires a bit of clutch control.
Imo, better to get training on your own bike once you get one

**Fast Eddie** · 15th October 2012, 15:06

they don't use scooters or anything without gears now a days.

when you go for you BHS they usually give you some practice time and some training, u basically pay by the hour. So instead of just paying for the BHS, save a little bit more and get an extra half hour or hour prior to the BHS test and get them to teach you how to ride..

my mrs got her BHS first time she ever got on a bike. She rocked up to instructor, he taught her how to ride the bike and then she sat the test and passed, took less than 1 hour all up. You'll be sweet as.

**Drew** · 15th October 2012, 15:10

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

my mrs got her BHS first time she ever got on a bike. She rocked up to instructor, he taught her how to ride the bike and then she sat the test and passed, took less than 1 hour all up. You'll be sweet as.

That's fucking terrible!

No dis respect to yourself or your missus, but I'm pretty fuckin afraid if riders can have one hour practicle experience, and then get on the roads.

It's an hour more than a car driver needs, but fuck, a car won't fall over and slide into one of my kids!

**Maha** · 15th October 2012, 15:23

Originally Posted by DanielM8

Hi,
I'm interested in getting my bike learners, and wanted to come ask for some advice..

I've been riding a little 50

for about a year now, and am looking at getting my bike learners. I won't be able to afford a bike for a while yet, but I want to get my license as step 1.

Anyway, I've been saving up for training & the BHS test at once. Now, after reading a bunch of KiwiBiker topics, I am thinking of just going the test. What is the opinion of the pros on this... is it necessary to get training to be able to pass the BHS test? I'm obviously fairly confident on 2 wheels having ridden a scooter, however the thing that would concern me is the gears. Is it hard to get used to, do I get some time to practice, am I going to look like a fool to the test instructor, etc? Advice really appreciated

Thanks

''I'm obviously fairly confident on 2 wheels having ridden a scooter, however the thing that would concern me is the gears''

Which is why (at the very least) you need to sit you BHS...no question.
The instructor will know in very short time frame, if you are confident enough to be on the road on a bike with gears.
I bought a bike over the phone on a Saturday, went a sat (and passed) my BHS on the Sunday.
Once you have the your learners, enquire and get some one on one tuition from a registered instructor....no question.

**Tricia1000** · 16th October 2012, 07:26

You may sit your BHS on an automatic scooter, as long as 1) you provide your own scooter and 2) it is a minimum of 125cc.. (We are not allowed to provide auto bikes for BHS.
There is a very low pass rate for people who just show up to do the test.
Riders who have been riding for a long time, can usually ride fast, but struggle when it comes to the slow speed exercises. (had one last weekend. Rocked up, thinking what can a woman teach me....... he learnt an amazing amount about his bike, and how to ride it, even though in his mid 50's he thought he knew it all, from his life time of riding experience)
The best way to stay safe on the road, is Training.
The BHS at the moment, can be achieved, normally, within a two hour span.
The BHS starting on November 1st could take up to 6 hours to pass successfully.

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

they don't use scooters or anything without gears now a days.

when you go for you BHS they usually give you some practice time and some training, u basically pay by the hour. So instead of just paying for the BHS, save a little bit more and get an extra half hour or hour prior to the BHS test and get them to teach you how to ride..

my mrs got her BHS first time she ever got on a bike. She rocked up to instructor, he taught her how to ride the bike and then she sat the test and passed, took less than 1 hour all up. You'll be sweet as.

**sinfull** · 16th October 2012, 07:34

Originally Posted by DanielM8

S so the concern isn't whether I'll be okay for the road, only whether I'll be okay to pass the test.

Originally Posted by Tricia1000

.
The BHS at the moment, can be achieved, normally, within a two hour span.
The BHS starting on November 1st could take up to 6 hours to pass successfully.

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

Well if that aint motivation enough to get ya shit together, i don't know what is !

**Fast Eddie** · 16th October 2012, 10:38

Originally Posted by Drew

That's fucking terrible!

No dis respect to yourself or your missus, but I'm pretty fuckin afraid if riders can have one hour practicle experience, and then get on the roads.

It's an hour more than a car driver needs, but fuck, a car won't fall over and slide into one of my kids!

lol, I didn't make the system up.

point was to the OP that he need not stress, just go to the driving school and tell them you want to get your BHS and pay accordingly. - OP said something like "..the concern isn't if I'll be ok on the road, but just if I'll pass the test.."

It was bloody easy though but now things are changing.. they are trying to reform the licensing procedure eh

**george formby** · 16th October 2012, 10:53

My G/F had training & did a lot of practice prior to her BHS. She was riding sminky until the big day. Nerves kicked in & she had a tough time but passed.

Set yourself up to succeed, get training & do some practice.

**Drew** · 16th October 2012, 19:43

Originally Posted by Tricia1000

Rocked up, thinking what can a woman teach me.......

Did he say that, or are you just assuming that's what all guys over 30 are thinking?

Bet it's the latter.

I'm cynicle, and I believe I've seen enough of humanity and it's short comings to justify it!