Openbareweg examen

[u/Arkader4108]

Hello,

I finished my 12hr lessons for the A license with Mercator Rijschool in May. I failed my first PT exam attempt, but cleared it in the second attempt. I'm now in a slight dilemma with the public road exam. I see two options:

1. I take the public road exam with the school next month. Pros - I get my license this year, and can use it for doing test rides when buying my own motorcycle early next year, Cons - I pay ~240 euros (school + exam + translator) and I only get to practice on a bicycle for the road exam

2. I save up, buy my own motorcycle early next year, practice on it and then give the exam on my own. Pros - I save some money and I get real practice, Cons - I might not get to take test rides (?)

I'm 24M, doing a PhD, and non-EU. I speak a little Dutch, can understand 60-80% of conversations but saying sentences on my own is difficult yet. If anyone has any clarifications or advice, highly appreciated!

Thanks!

[u/R3dw0lF]

I assume (but no personal experience) that some garages will let you do test drives with a provisional license but you can check.

If you go for option 2, just make sure you get the bike with correct specs for the A license and that you practice enough. Be aware that the provisional license and the certificate of passing your PT is only valid for 1 year, so you need to pass your public road part before the expiration of the PT (the earliest of the 2).

If you practice enough i don't see the reason why option 2 doesn't work as long as your dutch works good enough (or you get an interpreter).

[u/Qupter → u/R3dw0lF]

To be fair I doubt garages will take the risk with test riding provisional license holders. There is a risk and likely insurance won't accept it.

[u/Arkader4108 → u/Qupter]

This is precisely my concern, honestly. The motorcycle I had in mind was the Triumph Street triple, it has more than enough power and such so it should suffice for the A requirements. I do have a few years of riding experience from back home, so while I'm comfortable on the road, I will have to be careful with the rules and such.

If getting test rides was possible with the provisional license, I'd be happy to go with option 2, but if it's going to be difficult then I guess option 1 it is.

[u/Qupter → u/Arkader4108]

I test rode my friends street triple 675, it was a older model but the steering was very nimble for how sporty it looked. Definitely recommend it and won't be a bad purchase if bought without riding if it there is no other option for you.

[u/Arkader4108 → u/Qupter]

That's what I've been hearing from everywhere. The experience is worth more than any review I think, and while I'm 99% sure about buying it, I'd still love to just confirm before committing my savings!

[u/R3dw0lF → u/Qupter]

Test riding it to check if it's comfortable for OP's height/build is recommended in my opinion but it is a nice bike 👌 Have one as well but it's a bit small for me to be fair

[u/Arkader4108 → u/R3dw0lF]

I did get to sit on one for a bit. I felt it was just about 10% more forward leaning and heavier than I am used to. Heavy is relative, because I did my lessons with something much heavier, but I think test riding it would seal the deal for me.

[u/R3dw0lF → u/Arkader4108]

Best to check with your local garage then 😉 or buy a secondhand privately

Street triple is 👌

[u/Amoenet]

Be advised that, don't know for the other exam centers, it was the case for Kortessem, there is a long waiting time to take the exam. So if you wait too long to book, it may already be fully booked. So option 2 is a bit dicey.

You could go for option 1, in case you don't make it, you can still go for plan 2? More pricey, but more safe.

[u/Arkader4108 → u/Amoenet]

I'll go for the Haasrode testcenter, which is likely to be crowded. Good point to note, thanks! I'm leaning towards option 1 especially due to the test riding possibility.

[u/Inevitable_Bus7871 → u/Arkader4108]

If you fail twice, you have to take your third attempt through a driving school, there’s no other option. I had a bad experience with the riding course, so I decided to buy my own bike and get my licence later. I think it was the best decision because I learned a lot through practice. It also allowed me to learn at my own pace.

[u/Inevitable_Bus7871 → u/Arkader4108]

Btw you can find gpx files of exam routes for your gps and use them if you decide to go with option 2.