J
Josh Smith
Guest
Hi everyone,
I’ve been having a look at test centres which can deliver training on a bigger bike and eventually a chance to take an A2 bike test (as I turn 19 in January).
At the moment I have an A1 licence which enables me to ride up to 125cc without L plates, ride on motorways and carry a passenger. I can therefore (in theory) take both A2 tests on my 19th birthday. To take my full A licence (when I’m 21), it has to be at least two years after I pass my A2 test, so it is in my interest to pass my A2 tests as soon as I turn 19. Yes, I know, it’s complicated!
The shortest duration of training is three days, which is apparently for ‘novice riders’. I consider myself a novice rider, however I don’t think I need three days of training just to get on a more powerful bike. Since starting to ride in January 2019, I have covered roughly 2300 miles on my Yamaha FS1-E, 700 on my Vincent/NSU Fox and 4000 on my Yamaha RD125-DX (7000 miles total).
Unfortunately, I’ve hit a bit of a brick wall. The cheapest package I can find in the local area is £540 for three days of training with bike hire, insurance and test fees all included too. These prices can skyrocket to as much as £699 for four days.
Being a student at University with student debt to pay off eventually (although not soon), I don’t think I can justify spending over £500 just to get another category on my licence.
I’ve had a look at trying to find test day insurance so I can be insured on one of my Dad’s Vincents on the day (either Comet or Rapide [they are both A2 bikes]), however this isn’t something that’s offered with any bike.
If you aren’t familiar, the Mod 1 test is riding round the cones and doing controlled manoeuvres etc. Mod 2 is 40 minutes out on the road with an examiner.
In an ideal world, I would like to complete my Mod 1 and 2 tests on the same day so it is all done there and then, but run the risk of losing the Mod 2 booking if I fail the Mod 1 test (£15.50 + £75 down the drain).
The only alternative I can think of is to pay to use one of the training school bikes for the whole day while I do both tests. That would enable me to get some practice in beforehand, and then do both tests. Even if it was £100 for the day, plus Mod 1 and 2 fees, it would still come out under £200 which is significantly less than the cheapest price of £540 for three days of training.
Has anyone else been in a similar position/has any suggestions?
Josh
I’ve been having a look at test centres which can deliver training on a bigger bike and eventually a chance to take an A2 bike test (as I turn 19 in January).
At the moment I have an A1 licence which enables me to ride up to 125cc without L plates, ride on motorways and carry a passenger. I can therefore (in theory) take both A2 tests on my 19th birthday. To take my full A licence (when I’m 21), it has to be at least two years after I pass my A2 test, so it is in my interest to pass my A2 tests as soon as I turn 19. Yes, I know, it’s complicated!
The shortest duration of training is three days, which is apparently for ‘novice riders’. I consider myself a novice rider, however I don’t think I need three days of training just to get on a more powerful bike. Since starting to ride in January 2019, I have covered roughly 2300 miles on my Yamaha FS1-E, 700 on my Vincent/NSU Fox and 4000 on my Yamaha RD125-DX (7000 miles total).
Unfortunately, I’ve hit a bit of a brick wall. The cheapest package I can find in the local area is £540 for three days of training with bike hire, insurance and test fees all included too. These prices can skyrocket to as much as £699 for four days.
Being a student at University with student debt to pay off eventually (although not soon), I don’t think I can justify spending over £500 just to get another category on my licence.
I’ve had a look at trying to find test day insurance so I can be insured on one of my Dad’s Vincents on the day (either Comet or Rapide [they are both A2 bikes]), however this isn’t something that’s offered with any bike.
If you aren’t familiar, the Mod 1 test is riding round the cones and doing controlled manoeuvres etc. Mod 2 is 40 minutes out on the road with an examiner.
In an ideal world, I would like to complete my Mod 1 and 2 tests on the same day so it is all done there and then, but run the risk of losing the Mod 2 booking if I fail the Mod 1 test (£15.50 + £75 down the drain).
The only alternative I can think of is to pay to use one of the training school bikes for the whole day while I do both tests. That would enable me to get some practice in beforehand, and then do both tests. Even if it was £100 for the day, plus Mod 1 and 2 fees, it would still come out under £200 which is significantly less than the cheapest price of £540 for three days of training.
Has anyone else been in a similar position/has any suggestions?
Josh