ave you ever thought about getting your motor cycle licence?
It seemed like a good idea at the time...
Mr J and I decided it would be fun to get our motor cycle licence -we pictured ourselves riding off into the sunset with our hair blowing in the breeze.
We were required by law to complete a 3.5 hours Pre-learner training course with the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) and a further 6 hour course - Motor Cycle Operation, before we attempt the Motor Cycle Drivers skills test.
On the first day of rider training, we met our instructor and fellow students - all males. We were issued with an approved helmet, gloves and motor cycle. Our first task was to ride the bike without the engine on – Mr J had to push me while I balanced the bike down a slight incline – all was going well and my instructor yells to me “good balance Lana, you’re doing great”. I felt good, I was initially very apprehensive about learning how to ride but I seemed to be on my way to becoming a real ‘bikie’.
The instructor orders us all to brake....I stop the bike but forget to put my feet down –first mistake. A small part of the handle bar snaps off, my knee is skinned (even though I am wearing jeans) but my pride takes a pounding. At least the bike was still functional. Our next task was to push the bike some distance (in case of a break down) – these bikes are heavy, it takes all of my strength to push the bike...I was going nowhere fast. Next – turn the engine on – learn the motions....over and over. It was now time to change gears – another stumbling block. I was having all sorts of difficulties with this task. I became the class clown without even trying! These guys were giggling like little girls!
The next part of the course involved a session in the training room. The lecture was interesting; however, the video that followed was terrifying. The aim was to encourage us to be rider aware, danger is imminent. All I kept replaying in my mind was the words, “It’s not IF you have an accident – it’s WHEN”. Maybe this isn’t such a fun idea after all!
The next day we meet again and I endeavour to master the bike. Although, I just can’t seem to get the gears happening. The instructor (shaking his head) says, “Lana, why don’t you consider learning on a motor scooter?” This seems like a good idea as a motor scooter is automatic and there are no gears to worry about.
The motor scooter was a lot of fun and easier to ride. I still have trouble turning though and my emergency braking technique still needs some attention. My instructor tells me that I am sitting too rigidly, I should relax and enjoy the experience and try not to look so petrified. I try. Our next lesson involves riding in and out of obstacles...I ran over all but one. Again, I provide entertainment for the rest of the group.
At the end of our session all the guys in our group are congratulated as they all received a pass, they can now apply for their Learners Licence (including Mr J). I’m told to come back again next week for extra-curricular activities...I guess that means I failed.
I go back to 2 more sessions before I prove that I have a high level of balance and co-ordination – a pre-requisite for passing your Pre-learners course.
I complete the computer test at the RTA office and receive a 100% pass! Hooray I get my L plates!
Mr J and I thought it would be a good idea to get some practice in before we went for our Motor Cycle Operation Skills test and we also needed to acquire some on-road experience.
We hire out a motor cycle for Mr J and a motor scooter for me. We take to the road (back streets) and face traffic for the first time – a truly daunting experience. I come to my first stop sign and as I go to put my feet on the ground the scooter starts leaning to the left. My left foot is in a deep pothole and I can’t hold the weight of the unbalanced scooter. We go down (me and the scooter). I’m not hurt too badly just a bruised knee and a slight cut. The confidence has taken a battering though and the scooter is slightly damaged. I take the motor scooter back to the hire company nearby and explain what happened. I have to pay the damages fee. I ask for a smaller motor scooter – something a little lighter and more manageable. Mr J and I are off again.
The lighter motor scooter suits me much better and I am starting to feel in control for the very first time.
I’m smiling now and I’m enjoying the experience even though my gloved hands are swimming in my own sweat.
As I turn a sharp corner in the back streets of Leichhardt, out of nowhere appears this almighty truck and he is heading straight towards me...I panic...I accidently pull on the accelerator (on the hand grip) and it throws me back – I’m now travelling at top speed and can’t seem to release my hand from my vice-like grip on the accelerator. I know what to do - but I freeze. I see a brick wall ahead and I see the road. I need to make a very quick decision...do I aim for the wall or hit the road. I’m out of control. I feel the scooter slip from under me, I slide on my face along the road (lucky I am wearing a full face helmet); it feels like I have been sliding for an eternity. I come to a stop and incredibly the scooter lands on top of me. This is not good. As Mr J turns the corner behind me, he catches a glimpse of me – sprawled out in the middle of the road, with the scooter on top of me. You can only image his feeling of shock!
The scooter and I are both quite battered. My jeans are ripped open, revealing my bloodied legs. My upper body was protected with a leather jacket (thank goodness) but I think the bruising was instant. As I cautiously attempt to move, I wonder how many bones I have broken. I monitor each movement carefully, trying to detect the extent of my injuries. I hear my horrified hubby say, “don’t move I’ll call an ambulance”. I seem to instinctively know that I am alright and I eventually get to my feet, everything intact. The scooter wasn’t as lucky though!
Right at that moment – I realised, that perhaps motor cycle riding is not my forte and really...for me, it wasn’t all that much fun.
I was picking denim fibres out of my knees for the next few weeks!
I’m no Hells Angel but I’m now a contented pillion passenger.
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The RTA states that Mature age riders (aged 30 years or over) and have held an Australian or New Zealand unrestricted driver licence for the last five years with no cancellations, disqualifications or lapses of more than six months between renewals, u may proceed directly from a learner rider licence to an unrestricted licence. However, you are still required to successfully complete the pre-learner and pre-provisional courses.
You are not required to wait three months between gaining your learner rider licence and attending the pre-provisional course.
While on your learner rider licence you must observe all the normal learner rider restrictions.
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