A small milestone was passed today in our biking household as Rachel (significant other) passed her motorcycle theory test! She's one step closer to her Speedmaster dream, possibly via my Street Triple. Next up, a direct access course.
Congratulations Rachel, well done! Hopefully she will attend next years GMU on her own wheels - Triumph not Ducati
Thanks. I've passed on your congrats. At this rate she'll be more popular than me next year. Oh hang on...
Way to go, Rachel! Another woman added to the fold. Soon. Is the "theory" course the classroom / didactic part of the course? And the "direct access" the range / riding part?
The theory part of the test here is in two parts; a set of multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test video. You take them both on the same day and have to pass both to obtain a Theory Pass. This lasts for 2 years, so you need to pass your practical test before then or you’ll have to do the theory again. The practical test is in 2 parts as well, Mod 1 (manoeuvring and bike control - not on public road) and Mod 2. (on road riding) You do these on separate days and must pass Mod 2 within 6 months of passing Mod 1 or you’ll have to do Mod 1 again. The ‘Direct Access’ bit refers to being able to take your test on a bigger bike if you’re old enough (over 24) whereas young ‘uns are restricted on bike size/power for a period before they can progress. There’s also the Compulsory Basic Training that everyone has to do now before being able to ride on the road at all. It’s certainly much more difficult to get a full licence now than when I were a lad. Some would say it’s why there’s less youngsters riding but I think it’s better to have the enhanced training. BTW, forgot to say, Congratulations Rachel, well done.
Bit of an update - direct access booked for September. What a faff it is getting your licence these days.