Preparing for Your Motorcycle

Learner Permit Test

Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a little

intimidating. The learner permit test exists to make sure that you are safe

on the roads. The test looks at your practical skills as well as your road

skills and your ability to understand the rules of the road in theory and in

practice.

To get a motorcycle permit in Victoria, you must be at least 18-years-old,

and you must pass several tests. There are two knowledge tests - one for

the Victorian Rider Handbook and one for the Victorian Traffic Handbook -

if you already have a car licence you won't need to take this test again.

In addition to the theory, there is the learner permit test. This test

requires you to operate the controls of the bike including the indicators,

lights, horn and fuel tap. You will be required to use these confidently

without having to stop to look at them.

In addition, you will be expected to perform some exercises to show you

can control the bike, including a left turn and normal stop, a right turn

with a quick stop, and a slow, controlled ride at walking pace over a short

distance.

These tests are designed to show that you can control the bike in traffic,

even if the traffic is going slowly because of hazards in front of you. They

show that you can stop the bike safely to park, and that you can stop if

you run into a hazard.

Theory and Practical

Falling off the motorbike

Having to put your foot on the ground to keep your balance.

Stalling the engine, unless the stall occurs during the quick stop part of the

test.

Turning in the right or left turn section of the test without using the

indicator at the correct time.

Riding outside of the lines marked on the test course.

Stopping outside of the marked area for the stop in the Normal Stop section

of the test.

Completing the slow ride within less than ten seconds.

Failing to stop within seven metres for the quick stop part of the test.

If you pass those tests then you have

proven you have basic control of your bike

and can go out onto the roads. You will

need to be re-tested if you fail any part of

the learner permit examination. Reasons

for failure include:

Reasons for Failing

If you fail your test, you will be allowed a re-test. Most test centres in

Victoria offer short courses for confident riders, (which can act as a

refresher for people who failed on just one module of the test) as well as

full day courses for people who have no experience with bikes or

motorbikes and people who do not have a car licence. Everyone should

take this learner test seriously, because the skills that you pick up during

the day could save your life or the life of other road users. They are skills

that you will use during every moment of your motorbike career.

Ride-Tek - Motorcycle Training Academy Address: Noble Park, Gate 3A Sandown Racecourse, Princes HWY Noble Park, Victoria 3171 Phone: 1300 788 382 Website: http://www.ridetek.com.au/