Where do take the basic handling test in Christchurch?

**robo555** · 20th June 2008, 20:03

I basically have no experience on a real bike, so would probably need to take a lesson rather than just the test.

Only managed to find one place on the yellow pages, Mainland Driving School, quoted $250 for lesson + test on a geared bike, about 1.5hrs.

Is that reasonable? Thing is, they don't do weekends, and I work all work, so wondering if anyone can recommend any places in Christchurch?

Thanks

**niero** · 20th June 2008, 22:40

Yeah, I took the basic handling skills there, its the best place, thankfully I had the balls to go out each day at 12.00am to get myself ready, go to this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdySkge4aKM
then watch the second video,
if you are brave enough... good luck, I can help you out with that if you want, always a pleasure to get newbies out on the road. But first you need to get a bike. You can buy one without a licence

**sefer** · 21st June 2008, 00:46

Originally Posted by robo555

I basically have no experience on a real bike, so would probably need to take a lesson rather than just the test.

Only managed to find one place on the yellow pages, Mainland Driving School, quoted $250 for lesson + test on a geared bike, about 1.5hrs.

Is that reasonable? Thing is, they don't do weekends, and I work all work, so wondering if anyone can recommend any places in Christchurch?

Thanks

I believe Mainland is it. There might be another in Rangioria, maybe...

While if you do the lesson it's going to be very worthwhile for you to do it on one of their bikes (they have little GN125s which are Ok to ride). However I'd actually suggest taking the test on one of the scooters, as if your new to riding using an automatic scoot takes away any issues with getting the right gear

**stevewederell** · 21st June 2008, 14:07

Yup I went to Mainland, top blokes.

I had no experience on geared bike either but did the test on a scooter, so unless you really wanna part with $250, I'd book in and tell them that you need the scooter.

Once you have that and your learners licence, you could possibly get a helpful mate to start teaching you on theirs or yours if you have one by that stage.

Good luck and ride safe

**JacksDad** · 21st June 2008, 16:56

Mainland wass the only one I could find about 8 weeks ago when did the test there. I had riden scooters before but never geared bikes, really glad a spent the extra and had a bit of instruction. Not so much for the test but the wee things he pointed out for when I'm out onthe road.

**The Lone Rider** · 21st June 2008, 22:31

Yeap, mainland is the place to go.

I've you want some run down on bikes I'm happy to do that - ie.. explaining handling, going over minor adjustments on bikes, going through gearing, clutch and throttle handling.

**firefighter** · 21st June 2008, 23:12

I'm not from chch but that sounds super expensive........only cost me $40 to do my test up this way.......I didn't bother with a lesson you'd be better to practice for a week and then do a proper course when you get your licence.

**McJim** · 21st June 2008, 23:26

I spent $170 from memory - that basically got me a morning's tuition and a certificate. That was in Auckland. They provided the bike, lid, fuel, tutor and environmnent so I thought it was a good deal.

**nigelp** · 22nd June 2008, 10:52

City Scooters (by CPIT near Madras St) ran a training day yesterday (on scooters, XT225 and VTR250) yesterday for females only. One of my workmates did the day and said it was great. They are gearing up so they can do the license testing also so may pay to get in contact with them to see with what their likely timing is. The day yesterday cost participants $20 including lunch.

**Mikkel** · 23rd June 2008, 12:27

$250 for a tuition and the basic handling skill test sounds a bit steep.

I had an hours training including the BHS test - but I can not remember how much it was, don't think it was that dear though!

But other than that, yes Mainland is the only place they do it in Chch. Just doing the BHS without tuition is quite a bit cheaper.

**robo555** · 23rd June 2008, 21:08

Originally Posted by McJim

I spent $170 from memory - that basically got me a morning's tuition and a certificate. That was in Auckland. They provided the bike, lid, fuel, tutor and environmnent so I thought it was a good deal.

Do you remember whether that was on an automatic or a geared bike?

**sefer** · 23rd June 2008, 23:46

If it was a bike it's almost a given it'd be geared.

Personally I'd just do the basic handling on one of the scooters (you'd have trouble failing on one, and they will give you a few attempts on each thing), then find someone to give you a few pointers privately once you have a bike. That's just me of course, and I' a) cheap, and b) already knew how to ride.

Frankly riding a bike isn't that hard, if you can ride a push bike and know which lever does what you'll be able to get moving (and stop). Not perfectly of course, but that's when you try to find yourself someone to help you improve, and in the end lot of practice is going to improve your skill a lot more than a morning lesson.

Don't let anyone put you off the idea of lessons though. If you think you need them go for it, but in CHCH Mainland are the only option if you haven't already got a BHC and a bike.

**robo555** · 27th June 2008, 17:17

Oh yeah, the kind person who PM'ed me regarding the bike, thanks for the offer. Didn't have enough post count to PM back a reply.

Went to a few bike shops today and hopped on some 250's and imagined the bike was moving, didn't feel 100% comfortable when I thought the bike may tip, probably 'cos I've never been on a bike before. Sat on a Scorpio, and the narrower seat felt more confident.

Another good thing about a Scorpio is that it's new. Since I know bugger all about bikes, buying a 2nd hand 250'll pretty much be a pay-n-pray.

Just to humour you all, I always thought the back brake's the left lever, you know, like the bicycles I've been riding all my life. Always wondered where the clutch is...

**sefer** · 27th June 2008, 17:42

lol, I imagine your not the only person to think the clutch is the rear brake

Your on the right track with checking out some bikes, remember that most bikes are going to feel a bit odd if they're not moving, even most light bikes are very heavy (mine is pretty light, and even that is over 150kg, add 20-30 for most 250s). Get your BHC and see if you can get a bit of riding in before you decide.

**LittleAngel** · 29th June 2008, 18:57

Just my 2c worth...

I had never ridden a bike before - except scooters many years ago. I went to Mainland Driving school and I paid the $250 for the lesson and the test. They start you off on a scooter and teach you to do cornering and lines etc (from what I can remember) and then if you want you can step up to a GN125 or GN250. I sat my test on the GN125 as I decided to get my moneys worth and learn the basics on a geared bike as I wasn't going to buy a scooter!!

I would highly recommend paying more and getting the lesson. I can still remember all the little things the instructor said to me. My husband had been riding for years and was extremely pleased with the information I received. Although then my poor husband got "the instructor said... " and.. "but the instructor said..."

:slap:

I would think it would be very hard to fail the test?? Especially if you have taken the lesson as they will tick off that component during the lesson rather than having to do it all at once.

I do remember doing the emergency stop and nearly packing myself. (remembering I had never ridden before!) He expects you to get up to 30-50 ks!!!

and do an emergency stop.. at the time I thought I was flying!! and all you can see is a massive concrete wall coming up fast

!! But all was good!

I'd give

for the lesson and the skills learnt!