Getting a motorbike license

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Getting a motorbike license

Noviota

85 posts

Master Geek

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#70550 26-Oct-2010 19:22

I know there are a few motorbike drivers on here, so I thought I'd ask for some help.

My wife is looking to get a motorbike drivers license, but has never driven one before. I think she'll need some training before she does her Basic Handling Skills test. Can anyone reccomend some places in Wellington that offer this, AND supply the gear needed (helmet, gloves.)

I've found some while searching the web, but most won't supply gear and I no nothing about the quality of them.

rscole86

4957 posts

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#395962 26-Oct-2010 19:34

Your best bet would be to have a look at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/ they can be an unruley bunch at times, but just ignore those who aren't as helpful as they should be.

My former boss used, http://www.roadsafe.co.nz .

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guyz

232 posts

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#395974 26-Oct-2010 20:07

what part of country are you?

vinnieg

2260 posts

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#395983 26-Oct-2010 20:23

Roadsafe are alright, but apparently a bit of a pain sometimes as in too many people are riding with them

I used Streetwise driving school, because it was only 3 of us doing it at a time, not 20:
http://www.streetwisenz.co.nz/

Nick is a good guy and you can get a pretty good discount if you book early, gloves and helmet supplied and you can choose Porirua or Wellington

Also, she will definitely need to read the motorcycle road code, because it actually different to the car...I'm glad I looked at it the night before, questions like "how fast can you tow a motorbike, how long can a load extend out the front axle etc, how far can you park from an intersection(6M now instead of 5 3 years ago, revised edition has changed)"

If she doesn't have any gear, ask to borrow round, a jacket is always recommended for first time riders. If she's riden a quad or a scooter/dirt bike, she'll be ok :)

@Rscole86, agreed on the Kiwibikers, when it's school holiday and sometimes a full moon, a lot of the crazies come out. Making fun of people who do the speed limit or ride smaller bikes

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Noviota

85 posts

Master Geek

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#395988 26-Oct-2010 20:33

Thanks rscole86 and vinnieg.

guyz: I'm in Wellington. (As mentioned in the text, but could easily be passed over)

Any other hints and tips for her would be MOST helpful!

guyz

232 posts

Master Geek

#395994 26-Oct-2010 20:41

i strongly advise she invests a few dollars an do a riding school, preferably one where the trainer is .also gether to do the defensive drivers course..i kinow its costly and time consuming but totally worth it.

if she can join a motorcycle club even better as she will connect with other learner riders

oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek

#396007 26-Oct-2010 21:32

Some stores have notice boards where Trainers, Riding tutors, classes, courses etc are posted.
Try asking at a few stores they may be able to help

SpookyAwol

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396105 27-Oct-2010 08:43

Why not look at a scooter that you can drive on a car licence? Invest in a lot of time practicing around carparks and quiet roads. Motorcycling is not for the feint hearted at times.....

Training is good - but needs to be backed up with practice

Teeps

501 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396118 27-Oct-2010 09:07

Probably not the most helpful reply as I'm not giving any names, but my suggestion would be to go to as many bike shops as you can find and ask them about training, they will have people/places they recommend. If you do this at a few shops at least you will get a few names. Talk to them about training and see what they offer, don't just go for the cheapest. I'm from the UK so did not learn to ride in NZ but I found there was a difference in riding schools, some just trained you to pass your test, others took a more responsible view and taught you more.

If it is possible I would suggest loaning gear and having a trial lesson before jumping in with both feet and spending too much, riding isn't for everyone even if they fancy the idea of it and quite a few people decide they don't want to continue after a few lessons.

Remember, it's dangerous out there and I cannot stress enough the importance of good training. It's all worth it though :-D