K53 Bike Lessons

> A minimum requirement to learn to ride a Motorcycle or Scooter is the current ability to ride a
bicycle and maintain balance and forward momentum. If in doubt, please learn to ride a bicycle first.

> Take a look at www.k53bikelessons.co.za or find us on FB “K53 Bike Lessons” and give me a shout
on Cell: 082-334 9722 for a chat about your riding requirements and let's get you started.

> Book your Course/Lesson, arrive at the Training Venue with an “open mind” and come and have
some fun...! Everything else you need to know is included in the Course Modules during your
Course/Lessons.

Our 60 min Learn to Ride Beginner Course is a very basic introduction to Motorcycling or Scooter riding and is ideal for absolute Beginners who have never ridden a Scooter or Motorcycle before. It is is also recommended for those Folk who, at this stage, are undecided as to whether they will venture beyond the initial “Learn to Ride” Phase and for Folk who may doubt their ability to ride and have no idea of how or if, they will carry on into the next phase of Intermediate “riding” or not.

How many Lessons you will need is dependant on your how quick you retain your balance and to develop the required riding skills. This will include developing an understanding of the required Clutch, Gear, Throttle Controls to move forward and the correct use of the Brakes to stop. After your first Riding Course, we will set up a program of Lessons which includes various Modules and Skills Tests that have been carefully designed  to further develop your riding skills until the time that the Rider feels comfortable and competent to ride in the traffic, on a public road and/or to commence their K53 Test Prep Lessons.

For all information regarding all Drivers Licence Test Stations go onto www.capetown.gov.za and click on the Traffic Dept or Drivers Licence Tab or contact the CoCT Traffic Dept Call Centre on 0860 103 089 during Week Days - 08H00 to 15H30. If you are unsure about anything in this regard, rather just contact me on Cell 082-334 9722 or info@k53bikelessons.co.za

>The National Road Traffic Act allows for this and theRider/Driver can apply to the Traffic Dept to do his/her Learners Licence Test orally or verbally. The procedure is that the Applicant, when booking their Learners Licence Test, must supply a detailed Psychologist 's or Medical Report, clearly outlining the Applicants Learning Disability and then this Report is submitted for approval to the Provincial Traffic Department.

> Make very sure that this Medical Report has all information about your Doctors Names, their Medical Registratration Number, address, and Contact Number/details, Names of Applicant, ID, Photo's, Contact Details and a very detailed breakdown of your Learning/Writing Disability, all signed  by a Commissioner of Oaths at your nearest SAPD Police Station.

> For all information regarding all Drivers Licence Test Stations go onto www.capetown.gov.za and click on the Traffic Dept or Drivers Licence Tab or telephone the CoCT TrafficCall Centre on 0860 103 089 during Week Days - 08H00 to 15H30. If you are unsure about anything in this regard, rather just contact me on Cell 082-334 9722 or info@k53bikelessons.co.za .

No, no and hell, NO...! Don't even ask me about this option..! I pride myself in running an ethical Motorcycle Rider Training Academy and distance myself from any thing illegal like this suggestion..

We would prefer Riders to have a valid Motorcycle or Scooter Learner's Licence but as we do not venture onto Public Roads or into Traffic during the Learn To Ride Course, this is optional and at your discretion.

 However, before you may ride on a Public Road, you will need a valid Licence.

There are 4 to 5 basic “phases” of Rider Lessons, together with their relevant Skills Modules that take a Beginner Rider with no prior “riding” experience to an Intermediate Rider, capable and competent of riding in “soft” traffic on his/her own. On average, this will require about 8 to 10 hours of training, assuming that the “new” Rider already has the basic balancing skills and has the required ability to understand and co-ordinate the controls of a Scooter or Motorcycle.

This is not an easy or simple question to answer because everybody has a different way of responding to the basics of learning to ride, however, here is a very brief outline of the basics pertaining to each  of the options of two-wheeled Vehicles:

> RIDING AN “AUTO” SCOOTER

Learning to ride an “auto” Scooter is usually much easier than learning to ride a “gear” Motorcycle. An “auto” Scooter, has all it's main “controls” such as Throttle, Back Brake & Front Brake on the handlebars and once a Rider has proper co-ordination of using these Twist and Go “Controls”, together with the skills of handling a Scooter, including the ability to maintain balance whilst moving, they are usually quite capable of going onto the next phase of intermediate riding, being an Introduction to Road Riding and Traffic Safety Skills.

> RIDING A “GEAR” MOTORCYCLE

A “gear” Motorcycle is a little more complex to learn to ride, having a Throttle, Gears and Clutch, a Foot (Back) Brake and a Hand (Front) Brake. Also, the co-ordination of Clutch, Gear and Throttle control as well as keeping and maintaining your balance is a little intimidating and overwhelming to a new Beginner Rider. The initial “learn to ride” process on a “gear” Motorcycle does take a little longer to develop and to understand and requires a different style of instruction to that of an “auto” Scooter. If a new Rider has some prior understanding of the “gears and clutch” co-ordination such as when driving a car, then the learn to ride process can usually be is a lot easier to understand..

Yes, you will need to get a seperate Licence to ride a Motorcycle or Scooter. In South Africa, before you may legally drive any motor vehicle on a Public Road, you need to prove to the Local Authorities, ie: the Traffic Dept and Police,(and other Road Users) that you know and understand the “basics” about driving or operating a Car or riding a Motorcycle or Scooter on the road, that you have a thorough understanding of the Rules of the Road, know how to react and comply with Road Signs & Traffic Markings and the legal responsibilities placed on you as a Road User.

Not at all, we have a variety of Motorcycles you can use for your Courses/Lessons.

They would need to be at least 16 years of age and a parent or guardian must be present for the duration of the Course/Lessons.

They would need to be at least 16 years of age and when they book their Learner's Licence Test at your local Traffic Dept and he/she will need to be in possession of a valid Identity Document. You will need your ID Book or Card, Proof of Residence, 4 x Photos and about R150 in cash.

The National Traffic Act allows for the existing Learners Licence to Expire and only then can you re-apply for another Test Date. That would mean that the Riders takes a Risk if the intention is to plan to ride without a valid Learners Licence.

In terms of the National Road Traffic Act, any Rider, under the age of 18, they are restricted to riding a Motorcycle or Scooter up to and including a 125cc, provided they are in possession of at least a valid Learner's Licence.

Yes, you would both have a problem, your Son/Daughter, would be fined for not being in possession of a valid Licence and you also will be fined for allowing him/her to be riding on a Public road without a valid Licence.A word of caution here, in this matter, it's all “peachy” until, heaven forbid, your Son/Daughter is involved in an accident whilst riding without a valid Licence, even with or without your permission. If there are damages or injuries, then expect the wrath of both the Law and the Insurance Companies to come down on you heavily.

Yes, this is correct. The CODE A Motorcycle Licence is what most Folk here in South Africa refer to as a “Big Bike” Licence. It is an “open” Licence that permits the Rider to operate(ride) a “Gear” Motorcycle exceeding 125cc up to as big a Motorcycle they are capable or competent of riding. The only basic limit being that in order to get your “Big Bike” Licence is that you must be 18 years of age or older.

To start off, go onto www.capetown.gov.za and click on the Traffic Dept or Drivers Licence Tab and here you will find a fairly comprehensive and up to date “graph” giving you the average “waiting time” of each Test Station, until their next open dates. However, it is also a good idea to give the Test Stations a call to check up first, before going there.

       To contact a Traffic Department within the City of Cape Town, call: 0860 103 089           (08H00 to 15H30).

There are 2 x basic Codes that refer to the holder of a Code A or Code A1 Motorcycle Licence, with and without Restrictions or Endorsements.

> CODE A1 Motorcycle/Scooter is a Licence that permits the Rider to operate a “Gear” Motorcycle or “auto” Scooter up to a max of 125cc only. The restriction here is whether the Rider passed his/her K53 Test using either a “gear” Motorcycle or an “auto” Scooter. If you passed your Code A1 Motorcycle Test, using a “gear” Motorcycle, 125cc or less, then you will be authorised to ride both a “Gear” Motorcycle and an “auto” Scooter, up to but not exceeding a 125cc. However, if you passed your A1 K53 Test using an “auto” Scooter, 125cc or less, then your Licence will be restricted to that Code of Auto Scooter only and your Riding Licence will be endorsed accordingly.

> CODE A Motorcycle Licence is what most Folk refer to as a “Big Bike” Licence. The Code A Motorcycle Licence is an “open” Licence that permits the Rider to operate a “Gear” Motorcycle or “auto” Scooter, exceeding 125cc up to as big as what they can ride. The only basic limit being that the Holder of such Licence must be 18 years of age or older.

However, there still remains one important restriction and it is whether the Rider passed his/her CODE A K53 Test using either a “gear” Motorcycle or an “auto” Scooter. If you passed your Code A Motorcycle Test, using a “gear” Motorcycle, exceeding 125cc, then you will be authorised to ride both a “Gear” Motorcycle and an “auto” Scooter, up to as big a Engine Capacity (cc) you wish to ride. However, if you passed your CODE.A K53 Test riding an “auto” Scooter, exceeding 125cc, then your Licence will be restricted to that Code of “auto” Scooter only and your Riding Licence will be endorsed accordingly.

I get the impression that there is a fair amount of misunderstanding or ignorance in this regard by the various Law Enforcement Agencies and they don't seem to effectively or actively police” these endorsements on the Licences. But, be warned, this will become a serious “issue”, once there has been an accident and the huge unpleasant drama starts when the Insurance Companies questions liability.

If you are not properly and legally licenced for the Code of Motorcycle or Scooter you were riding at the time of the accident, the Law will be applied and the Insurance Companies will not pay out any of the Claims made against them.

That short trip to the Shop could be your most dangerous..! Don't skimp on your Riding Kit - dress for the fall and not for the Mall. A Helmet, correctly fastened, a pair of Riding Gloves, a suitable Jacket, Pants and Shoes that offer adequate protection, is the minimum requirement. Shorts and Flip Flops looks cool – but offer no protection.

Be sensible about wearing the correct riding gear – the pain suffered afterwards is just not worth it...!

They simple answer to this is,“they are all the same”..!

Each Test Station has the same “standardised” K53 Test Track and Test Marking Sheet that every Examiner has to work through and if you do not have the required Motorcycle or Scooter riding skills or if you are not properly prepared for your Test, then dont expect to pass your K53 Test.

For more up to date info about your K53 Test Prep Lessons, give me a shout .

Your Learner's Licence is valid for a period of 24 months from date of issue and during that time, you are expected to develop your riding skills and pass your “practical” K53 Riding Test. If not, then you will need to re-do your Learner's Licence Test, going through the full process again.

Just a “heads up”, do not expect any “sympathy” from the Traffic Authorities, in this regard as the Road Traffic Act does not allow for your Learners Licence to be extended beyond this period of 24 months.

Don't even waste your energy on “fighting the system”, there is nobody in the Traffic Dept that can legally extend your Learner's Licence beyond 24 months.

>  Minimum Protective Clothing is a Long Sleeved Jacket or Top, Long Pants such as Jeans and closed Footwear, such as Boots or Takkies.

>  No Rider will be permitted to join any Riding Course/Lessons if their Clothing or Footwear does not comply, including wearing Short Pants, High Heel Boots/Shoes, Sandels or Flip Flops.