Angela's UK "big bike" test

[DFS]

Congratulations to Angela Lambert on passing the first two stages of the UK Big Bike test .

The first day consisted of; a basic riding and skills assessment followed by a walk around a motorcycle show room to be shown "suitable motorcycle clothing" (I got the impression the gear she was shown didn't impress) and labouring the importance of 'wearing it for safety'. This was all done whilst she was wearing her BMW GS Dry Suit, her BMW Pro boots, carrying her BMW System helmet and BMW gloves...... can't beat the good old British spirit of "carry on regardless of how pointless this exercise is"!

The second day was the theory test; including road signs, hazard awareness, attitude, bike dynamics and the effects of road surface and camber etc. on the bike, basic maintenance, bike safety checks, road positioning, rider observation, veichle priority/junction and roundabout procedure, emergency and accident procedures etc. etc. etc. all helped along with trick questions.

She now has to do three or four (can't remaber which) compulsory training days on a 650 most likely to be a G650 GS..... recon after riding across Australia on her own G650 GS she should manage that. This is then followed by The Test. All being well, if she passes and after shelving out some $1900 plus a week off work and all the other costs she will be allowed to ride in The UK.
I dread to think what it would cost if you were a new rider and needed lessons...... got to be dedicated ! and they think you ride because you can't afford a car !!!!!!

DFS

[profoundly_disturbed]

Hi Dave

Hope you're keeping well, settled in okay?

Well done Angela, but I have a question; doesn't the WA licence just transfer to a UK licence?

Also, can you tell me what organisation is Angela using to supply her training?

[bmwlefty]

Hi Dave, Congrats Angela

[DFS]

HI profoundly_disturbed ,
Yes slowly settling in thanks, mother is reasonably sorted now and I am enjoying riding the LT in this beautiful weather. Lets hope you get some better riding weather soon.

If Angela were to pass her big bike test in WA she could transfer it over to her UK licence (may need to do a test... still not clear if they would accept the R class) ...BUT they would remove her Aussie licence from her. She cannot use her Aussie licence in the UK because she owns a house in the UK which she lives in when over here so despite also having an Aussie passport could not be considered an overseas visitor.
Then when she returned to WA as a citizen she would have a period of grace before having to reapply for her Aussie licence, (not sure, I think it maybe four weeks).
Fortunatly at present WA is much more sensible in these circumstances and will transfer the UK entitlement to her WA licence, seems to be the best option.

She used a local bike training school for her basic entitlement (near Huddersfield) and booked the theory test direct with the Driver Licecsing Agencey. These could be done one day at a time and entitles her to ride a 125.
The local training school only dose the big bike course on Mondays and Tuesdays... both days she is not able to have off work and means there will be gaps with no riding or practice throughout. She is considering going to the BMW training school, not only will she be able to use a G650GS, no need to worry about a strange bike but they also will do all three days plus the test consecutively. Personally I think this is by far the best option, the only down side is the BMW school is over four hours away. A'h well.....

[profoundly_disturbed]

How's Mum's health? I understand she was a bit poorly.

Beautiful weather? Are you sure? Adam has told me it's been a pretty good summer, must have put it on just for you!

I think you're doing the right thing pointing Angela to the BMW school, I haven't heard anything bad. You could always do a short course with Pavey while Angela's doing her thing.

Anyway, stay in touch and give Dave and Wally my regards when you're next in Dorchester.

[Speedie]

All the best to Angela! She must be one helluva awesome rider!

[RobBD]

Hi Dave,
Congratulations to Angela - let us know how she goes in the big test. I assume she needs it to ride her 650 over there?
Cheers Rob