Worth learning to ride now, or not?

[norman156]

I know you probably get first time biker's questions alot, but I don't think mine can really be answered with a search. So anyway, I've been driving cars for 3 years now, and have been tempted by the idea of learning to ride. However my timing is pretty bad given that the new test system comes in October. My first thought was to do the CBT as soon as possible and get cracking on learning, but then it occured to me that it's probably impossible for me to learn to ride to a level that will get me through the test before it all changes, especially seeming as I've never been on any sort of motorbike. Am I better off waiting until I can drum up a bit more cash to learn after the new test comes in, or start now and see how far I get?
Cheers

Edited by norman156 on Saturday 9th August 02:19

[Brite spark]

cbt 1 dat
das (if over 21) or limited access 3/4 days

you have the time....if you can find somewhere with any places left

[neenaw]

Do it.....You'll never regret it!

I know people who've never rode a bike before who've passed their test after a 5 day DAS course. It's not that dificult if you put your mind to it

[bob1179]

Do it!

I'm starting my Direct Access next week, got my CBT and teory test all booked and I cant't wait.

Don't think about it, do it!

[norman156]

Cheers for the advice chaps, wasn't aware that it could be done so quickly. Though as Brite spark suggested, finding a place on a course could be difficult at the minute. Does the new test come in on the 1st of October? Anywhere I've looked just says 'October 2008'. Also it's going to cut it rather fine as if I was to do the DAS for big bikes I'd obviously have to wait untill I'm 21, and my birthday's on the 19th of September...

[bob1179]

norman156 said:

Cheers for the advice chaps, wasn't aware that it could be done so quickly. Though as Brite spark suggested, finding a place on a course could be difficult at the minute. Does the new test come in on the 1st of October? Anywhere I've looked just says 'October 2008'. Also it's going to cut it rather fine as if I was to do the DAS for big bikes I'd obviously have to wait untill I'm 21, and my birthday's on the 19th of September...

Here in South Wales, the last old style tests are bing completed on the 29th Septemeber. If you can get your theory and CBT done asap, I don't see why you can't get your direct access done in ten days. Obviously as long as they have free test times before the end date.

Can you take a week off uni or work to get the training done? If so, you could probably get it all done within a week.

[norman156]

bob1179 said:

norman156 said:

Cheers for the advice chaps, wasn't aware that it could be done so quickly. Though as Brite spark suggested, finding a place on a course could be difficult at the minute. Does the new test come in on the 1st of October? Anywhere I've looked just says 'October 2008'. Also it's going to cut it rather fine as if I was to do the DAS for big bikes I'd obviously have to wait untill I'm 21, and my birthday's on the 19th of September...

Here in South Wales, the last old style tests are bing completed on the 29th Septemeber. If you can get your theory and CBT done asap, I don't see why you can't get your direct access done in ten days. Obviously as long as they have free test times before the end date.

Can you take a week off uni or work to get the training done? If so, you could probably get it all done within a week.

I'm fairly certain my year at uni doesn't start untill October. However, after the 19th I'll be in London, where I assume the test will be more difficult because of traffic and what not which could make things more interesting. Also, I'm assuming the courses will be more down there. I'm guessing I'll have to think about booking the course now if I'm going to do it?

[bob1179]

norman156 said:

I'm fairly certain my year at uni doesn't start untill October. However, after the 19th I'll be in London, where I assume the test will be more difficult because of traffic and what not which could make things more interesting. Also, I'm assuming the courses will be more down there. I'm guessing I'll have to think about booking the course now if I'm going to do it?

I would get hunting now for a course. After talking to the woman that runs the training centre here, she told me that most people don't seem to know that the test is changing. This could work to your advantage.

More importantly, get your teory test booked. It doesn't matter where you do that, as long as you get it done ASAP. You can then book then book your course and do your CBT and direct access in one week.

I think some places are charging more to do the training before the change. I think the best thing to do would be to call around and see who can do the best deal.

The test should be pretty much similar wherever you go, obviously in London you will have to deal with a lot more traffic and carry out more low speed manoeuvres, to be honest, that may work to your advantage as you will be thrown in at the deep end. Where I am, it is very rural so I have to deal animals in the road and tractors!

[norman156]

Right, will have to ring around a few places and see what's what. If I fail to get a place on a course before the changes, how much do you rekon courses will go up by? I'm just wondering if it's worth waiting untill I can afford it all comfortably, rather than rush it while it's a bit cheaper but when I'm no exactly flushed with cash. As it is I wouldn't be able to get the bike I'm after untill a fair while after passing

[bob1179]

norman156 said:

Right, will have to ring around a few places and see what's what. If I fail to get a place on a course before the changes, how much do you rekon courses will go up by? I'm just wondering if it's worth waiting untill I can afford it all comfortably, rather than rush it while it's a bit cheaper but when I'm no exactly flushed with cash. As it is I wouldn't be able to get the bike I'm after untill a fair while after passing

I have no idea how much the prices will increase by to be honest. It might be worth waiting if you need to save up though. I'm sure any training centres you call up will be able to give you the revised costs.

I wanted to do my bike test when I was at uni too, but I couldn't afford it, now I'm in a position where I can so I thought I'd get it out of the way. I didn't know that the law was changing regarding the test until I had a good look through the stickies in this forum a few weeks back. It has spurred me on to get it all sorted as quickly as possible!