Getting your learner's permit

If you’re contemplating getting your motorcycle licence or know someone who needs some encouragement, get advice from a professional rider instruction outfit like Armstrong's Driver Education.

Usually I’m happily stuck behind a steering wheel and on four wheels. But with the Bikesales Network guys nearby talking tales of two-wheel fun and all about the latest great bike it wasn’t long before I decided I wanted in on the action.

Fortunately we have some very good motorcycle riding schools here in Victoria, particularly Armstrong’s in Thomastown. The team members hold informative, well-structured classes and are qualified to award motorcycle learner permits and licences from the facility.

The motorcycle learner’s permit requires a full day (nine hours). Students must convince instructors they are able to manage a motorcycle, from riding the clutch, identifying key aspects of the bike without looking and emergency braking.

Student groups are small in number to ensure each learner receives close attention from the instructor. Our group of five consisted of two trail bike riders; two guys with “some” experience on road bikes and me, whose most recent ride was long ago as a kid on an XR80.

Each of us was given helpful tips at every step and our eagle-eyed instructor never failed to pick up bad habits that would get us into trouble on the road. The trail bike boys, for example, kept falling into the trap of braking with less than all available fingers… A definite no-no on during the upcoming emergency braking test.

Other tests include cornering control and a ‘slow ride’ where students must remain within a rectangle strip, feet on pegs, for more than 10 seconds to prove control of the bike.

Ride exercises before the test will prepare students and help build confidence. By the time we undertook the learner’s permit tests, the Armstrong’s instructor had already taken us through the requirements to ensure we had the best ability to pass. Again, if he observed some failing he was quick to offer advice to correct it.

Importantly, the advice we received wasn’t merely about passing our learner’s permit. Armstrong’s instructors will give you life-saving tips for riding on the road along with the basics in handling your motorcycle.

Armstrong’s had several well-working (considering all the hard-earned miles) Honda VTR250s for students but scooters are also available. Usefully, our instructor made suggestions for bike purchases after we all passed our test and explained the LAMS requirements.

After the ride tests you’ll have to pass the multiple choice road user test. It’s much like the version those of us did as four-wheeled learners but focuses on issues particular to motorcyclists, such as lane position. This is life-saving stuff so study your learner’s handbook even before booking your test (downloadable from state road body websites).

Other suggestions from our instructor included exercising plain old common sense and getting a grip on confidence. We were advised against becoming (or riding with) “Rossi wannabes” -- who un-do all the hard work these guys do.

It’s also important motorcycle learners get as much experience as possible during the 15-month period before they must pass the ‘full’ licence test. So I’ll do that, and buy the right gear and exercise everything Armstrong’s taught me before fronting up again for the licence. Stay tuned.