Restricted Test at North Cross (Report)

[chasio]

I took my restricted test at North Cross (Albany) on Tuesday. It was very straightforward, and I'm happy to report I managed to keep my speed down enough to get through it

They only have one earpiece and it went to Darren from Beachaven taking his full on a GN250. Lovely chap and he passed his as well - not surprising given his experience and the 750 Virago (IIRC) waiting for him at home!

So the instructor looked over the GT*, tested the horn (I decided to warn him about the Stebel upgrade) and then he explained what the route would be and what he was testing for. I was familiar enough with the area to map it out in my head before we set off. For those who are interested (maybe for a dummy run), here's what we did. I'm sure there are many alternative routes, but anyways:

Try this link: North Cross Test Route on MapMyRide

- Right out of the test centre car park (it's a soccer club)
- Left onto East Coast Road
- Straight through North Cross lights
- Up the hill and left onto Lonely Track & pull in immediately to layby.
- Set off again - beware the low sun behind (8am test)
- Steady along Lonely Track.
- Into the 70 limit, increasing speed but pull over again before crossing the motorway
- Set off in the 70 zone so he can tick that off.
- Into a temporary 30 limit (I backed right off but it should be gone by now)
- Left onto Gills Road at the 'triangle' junction (you'll know when you see it)
- Carefully wind down the hill towards Albany village - construction zone and school kids here
- STOP, then turn left onto the main highway.
- Left again to pass in front of the Speights Alehouse (if memory serves)
- Left again onto Oteha Valley Road
- Straight along OV Rd being sure to signal off the roundabouts and hitting 60 where permitted.
- Up the hill and right at the North Cross lights.
- Right again onto Andersons Road
- Left into the test centre car park

He hadn't asked me to do a U turn so I did one to park up, like I always do if there's space.

Wait 20 minutes while he has a chat with someone on the phone, thinking 'what did I do wrong?'. Start to think I'd left my indicator on somewhere, or wonder if he clocked when I got up to nearly 60 over a crest. Meanwhile Darren got back, got his slip (despite dodgy headset) and we had a yarn until I got mine.

The tester was a nice bloke with a chopper moustache and was totally reasonable. The rest of the experience was as reported by others (e.g. watch my indicators, don't sweat a couple of ticks above 50 on speedo) but he also made a note of my mobile number and told me to make sure it was on loud in case I lost him.

Also turning up at 7:30 does not seem to be essential. No-one spoke to me until 8:01, so I wouldn't rush if you're not going to be there til 7:35!

Good stuff. Now off to find a course and I'll go back for my full in 3 months.

Cheers and if you've booked it, don't sweat it! They're reasonable people.

Chasio

*GT = Vespa Granturismo 200. Italian style and 3l per 100kms

[Stromble]

Congratulations! now to enjoy the evening classes of the DDC eh....