Enforcement on Learners???

[clint640]

70 kph is pretty dumb in my opinion because it puts the rider in a vulnerable position, (being passed by trucks etc). I don't think this would be policed too hard by most cops, particularly if you don't give the cop any reason to ticket you, (smart attitude etc).

Yep, thankfully that seems to be the prevailing attitude. I got pulled over at a warrant & reg check when I was on my learners, the officer asked how fast I was going, I told him: "about 100, being passed by logging trucks isn't pleasant" which he seemed to think was reasonable 'cos he didn't give me a ticket. I think the graduated licence system is good & the rules should be followed apart from that issue.

Cheers
Clint

[Posh Tourer :P]

70 kph is pretty dumb in my opinion because it puts the rider in a vulnerable position, (being passed by trucks etc). I don't think this would be policed too hard by most cops, particularly if you don't give the cop any reason to ticket you, (smart attitude etc).

Just dont go in a 100kmh zone.... = no getting passed by trucks. It is like driving/riding at night. Sometimes you think you need to do it, but more often than not there are other ways around it. Of course this only works when you live in a city. Hence it is a stupid restriction for anyone living outside a major centre.

Go for it on trying to get it removed

CSL: Car licence is only a scratchie, and they rely on parents to teach good driving . M/C at least you do a practical for your learners

[thehollowmen]

As much as there might be a way up to christchurch from dunedin only in 70km/h zone... I'd hate to think where it took me.

[scumdog]

Haha I love the people who think arguing with an officer will some how see them back down. Creative excuses and greasing are all good though!

I tried to explain that his threats and ranting (sounds like some KB threads!!)did not impress me and that no, it wasn't going to make me go away and no, I couldn't just give him a lift home (he had crashed into a ditch).
And yes, he could call me a pig and that I was born out of wedlock and that I was a wanker (we all know that!!) and my gender preference was for males etc. but he was still coming back with me.



If he was sober, driving a warranted + licenced car, and polite to you do ya reckon you might have applied your discressionary powers about the L plate?

Hell yes but some people can't help themselves and just talk their way into a fistful of tickets.

[FlyingDutchMan]

I got done once on my learners. I suspect the only reason he pulled me over in the first place cause I was doing 70km/h (poor bike wouldn't go any faster ). Gave me a ticket for no L-plate ($400) and WOF that had expired by 9 days ($200). He asked me how fast I was allowed to go on me learners, and I said 70 of course. So he had to check it... to him 10 friggen minutes just to find in his book of rules... I would have been pissing myself laughing if I didn't alreadly have $600 worth of fines already. Luckily I wrote in and managed to get off both - apparently my L plate had "fallen off", and I got a wof the next day.

To boil it down, some (lots?) cops don't know about the 70km/h limit. Anyway, by my understanding the 70 limit only applies in open road areas (mentioned as the "open road speed limit")... so you're allowed to do 80 in a 80 zone.

[The One]

I reckon you should stick the plate on, because if you get caught without 1, the fine is $400 dollars. Which is alot of dosh you don't need to pay. Spend it on getting better tyres, or beers on the weekend. Good riding and hurry up and get the full licence. And if the cops see you with 1 on they will think you are a law abiding rider and are more likely to leave you alone. Trust me.

[Slim]

Haha I love the people who think arguing with an officer will some how see them back down. Creative excuses and greasing are all good though!

I actually got off a ticket after arguing with the officer!

Actually it probably wasn't arguing, it was more like stunned disbelief that he was accusing me of doing 130kph on SH1 south of Meremere (who would be that stupid :spudwhat: ), and an honestly indignant refusal to accept the blame!

He checked my licence & sent me on my way.

[Slim]

Although I guess the logic is that to get your learners car license you need to have a practical test (is that right??) but to get your bike learners license you just have to sit the scratchie test.

I think you got that backwards.

Car drivers just do the scratchy/aural test, while bikers have to pass a Basic Skills and Handling certificate before they can even book the scratchy test.

[Stevo]

I have a velcro thing for for my L plate and would say it blew off, as it was on when I left home??? LOL. Reason for not fixing it permanently "So my gf with full licence can ride without the L plate............" (As if she would ride my 250 when she has the ZX9R as an alternative Hahaahahaah).

Mind you I must admit that when I was down South and travelling into Chch to see the lady I used to stop at Hornby and put the L plate on because 1) If I got stopped on an odd chance of being picked up by police, ie making a silly mistake, and 2) Insurance purposes in case some incompetent fool pulled out on me.

I agree Celtic Sea Lily that if you have not ridden much the 70kph limit is appropriate? Personally I feel the limit could be raised and the Basic skills test be a little more of a challenge as I felt it a waste of time by being able to pass it (possibly with half an ounce of luck) with no experience at all??

[spudchucka]

Anyway, by my understanding the 70 limit only applies in open road areas (mentioned as the "open road speed limit")... so you're allowed to do 80 in a 80 zone.

No......a learner rider is restricted to 70kph. The restriction applies to any speed zone where the designated speed limit is above 70kph.

[riffer]

I have a velcro thing for for my L plate and would say it blew off, as it was on when I left home??? LOL. Reason for not fixing it permanently "So my gf with full licence can ride without the L plate............" (As if she would ride my 250 when she has the ZX9R as an alternative Hahaahahaah).

So what is the police line on a fully licenced rider stopped for doing 100km/hr on a bike displaying a Learner plate.

Is that an offence? Exceeding 70km/hr while displaying L plate?

[Gasman]

I think we're pretty lucky in NZ. I have heard horror stories (and some have appeared on this site) about cops in other countries who are absolutely paranoid about bikes. They seem to go out of their way to stick it to us. I've been lucky so far. Never had a speeding ticket of any sort, bike or car. I reckon the trick is in watching the conditions, and not doing stupid things in the wrong place. BUT, a lot has just been plain luck!

I believe in the old saying "look where you want to go". If you always do that you just might see more than a corner that's tighter than you think. You also just might see that white car or van tucked in behind a bush!

[Slingshot]

I'm on my restricted at the moment (due to sit the full test on the 20th).

I think the engine size restriction is a good one...I wish I could get a bigger bike now...but it's probably a good thing that I can't. I took a mates 750 gixxer out for a blat, OMG it was fast!!! I don't need that kinda power, I'd rather push my 250 as hard as I can and master that before moving up.

The hour restriction is a pain, I'm 27 and I now have a curfew again

When I was on the learners, the L-Plate was never attached (except when I sat the restricted test...it was then promptly removed).

The 70Kph IMHO is simply dangerous, other road users expect traffic to be traveling at 100Kph and most probably expect bikes to be going faster still.

When I first started riding I only rode 1-up, now I'm quite happy carrying a pillion, I've gone for a frang over the takas with my wife on the back and had a great time...sure the stopping takes a little longer and cornering feels different but you have to get used to it at some stage. I've even got away have the wife on the back when I got pulled over for speeding..."she's aloud on the back cause she's my wife" I couldn't believe that line worked

Maybe it's because I'm getting old but the rules are a bit of a pain. Although thinking back to when I was 15, if I had got a bike back then these rules would have helped keep me alive.

[riffer]

How long do you have to wait between getting your learners and sitting your restricted?

Is it six months? Or can you sit your restricted almost immediately.

Its been 20 years since I had my learners - I've forgotten.

[dveus]

yup, 6 months on your learners, then another 18 on a restricted license.