riding, which I think is smart. The instructors
run each learner through a series of practice
tests — all the way from proper mounting
procedures to countersteering, emergency
braking and, of course, the classic look-where-
you-want-to-go technique.
The great thing about the course being over
two days is that each learner really gets the chance
to perfect each part of the course with proper
guidance before being offi cially tested.
“Now that the course is over two days, it
gives the instructors time to correct bad habits
and introduce new skills. It’s not just about
ge ing them to pass the test but to make
them be er riders,” says Stay Upright senior
instructor Leigh Shields.
There is a fairly basic multiple-choice
wri en test that each participant must
complete before taking part in the riding test.
The riding test involves a series of challenges
on the Stay Upright range that incorporate
all of the things that learners are taught
beforehand. Before the permits are issued,there is an on-road test, where instructors and
students go on a group ride.
“The on-road test is mainly there so the
students can get a feel for what it’s like to ride
on the road before they are out on their own.
If a student was to crash or break the law, they
would fail, but we don’t worry about minor
errors,” says Leigh.
Once you get your permit, you are free to
ride on the roads but with a few restrictions.
All learners must wear a high-vis vest, display
the L-plate on the rear of the bike and ride only
LAMS-approved motorcycles. Oh, and you can’t
lane fi lter — sorry, guys.
Before a permit holder can go for their licence
they must participate in what’s known as a
Check Ride. This is where it gets a bit confusing.
The Check Ride is a three-hour-ish course
where an instructor tests your ability on the
range and then on the road. Once a student
completes their Check Ride, they need to wait at
least one month before taking the licence test.
“The Check Ride makes sense because wefound that many new riders would get their
permit and end up barely riding before going
for their licence. The Check Ride is there to
make sure that riders are still competent
leading up to their licence test,” explains Leigh.
A er completing the learner permit test
and then the Check Ride, most of what is
involved in the actual licence test is already
quite familiar. The test involves a similar set
of challenges on a simulated road on the Stay
Upright range and then an on-road test where
the instructor follows you as you navigate a
predetermined route.
While I do worry that the stricter licensing
structure may discourage would-be riders, it’s
clearly for the best. It’s designed to educate
riders by pu ing them in real-world scenarios
rather than just in theory.
“I believe the updated course structure
is absolutely for the be er. There is now a
guideline for every training centre in Victoria,
so each new rider will get the best chance at
being properly equipped when they get theirr Not only is motorcycling fun; it’s easy on the wallet, too.r Along with the CB125Es, Stay Upright also has Harley-Davidson Street 500s to ride.46 | AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDERGET LICENCED
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