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HELP PLEASE! License obstacles with Euro motorcycle travel HELP PLEASE! License obstacles with Euro motorcycle travel
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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  #1  
Old 7 May 2009
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Hi Chris,

I'm from the UK but living in Oz, don't have a bike licence just car, but I think the term 'provisional' has a different meaning when talking about licences in UK and Oz.

When I was learning in the UK a provisional licence was what you had before you pass the test. After you pass the test you get a full licence.

My understaning of things here in Oz is that after you pass the test the licence you get is called provisional, you have that for 3(?) years then if you behave yourself get the full licence.

I've not been in the UK for a few years, so things may have changed, but I'm pretty sure if you tell anyone in the UK you've got a provisional licence they'll think you've not passed a test yet.

Hope this helps,

P
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  #2  
Old 7 May 2009
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It is very unlikely you will be able to get a test date with only a couple of days notice. Unless you get a cancellation, you can wait 6-10 weeks for a practical test, especially in cities. Unless you want to hang around in the Uk for 6-8 weeks to get your test ??

The Motorcycle practical test situation in the UK has been F**KED up by the EU. Now there are only a few MC test centres and the waiting list is long.

Plus, without some serious swotting up, you are unlikely to pass a UK theory test and going into a practical test without knowing our road signs, laws and road system will be more difficult.

I think the best thing to do is to get your full license in Australia ASAP !!

Either that or you buy a bike here and "risk it" until you get to France. A huge amount of UK drivers are uninsured and unlicensed anyway with all the immigration.

When you buy a bike in a dealer, the dealer "should" ask to see you license. I had to when I was selling bikes. Privately it doesn't matter though.
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  #3  
Old 7 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by misterpaul View Post
Hi Chris,

I'm from the UK but living in Oz, don't have a bike licence just car, but I think the term 'provisional' has a different meaning when talking about licences in UK and Oz.

When I was learning in the UK a provisional licence was what you had before you pass the test. After you pass the test you get a full licence.

My understaning of things here in Oz is that after you pass the test the licence you get is called provisional, you have that for 3(?) years then if you behave yourself get the full licence.

I've not been in the UK for a few years, so things may have changed, but I'm pretty sure if you tell anyone in the UK you've got a provisional licence they'll think you've not passed a test yet.

Hope this helps,

P
Intertesting, hadn't thought there could be any difference in terminology. UK versions are:

Provisional license: allows you to start learning to ride a 125 under instruction.
CBT Compulsory Basic Training: allows you to ride a 125 alone with Learner markings (L plates), or a bigger bike if an instructor is with you.
Restricted license: Two years with a power to weight restriction if your age or training doesn't let you do direct access to the full license. No L-plates.
Full license: Ride anything.

If you are required to show L-plates you can't carry a passenger or go on a motorway.

If the Australian provisional is like a UK restricted you are sorted. No one worldwide recognises these minor points, so just show your International license and you are away. Any complaints and you have the Australian ticket that says you've passed the test. DVLA won't tell you this, they want your money and no comeback. You Australian/IDP is only good in the UK for 2 years and the police know this, so plan accordingly.

Andy
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  #4  
Old 7 May 2009
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provisional/restricted license and insurance
Yeah, Andy/Paul you're spot on. THis may be a bit of miscommunication in terms. A provisional license in oz is equivalent to a restricted license in UK - by your defination. (in Oz I can ride with a P plate, some bikes up to 650cc depending on power to weight ratio). This journey may still have a pulse!! I have an IDP and the oz equivalent of a UK restricted license so the key here really is: am I insurable for basic third party coverage (minimum) in the UK on a bike that is within the Australian/UK power to weight ratio limitations for my australian provisional (uk equivalnt to restricted) licence. If I satisfy both these restrictions why would they not insure me??? Is there anything Im missing?

Tomorrow I will call my local oz based inurer, my provider of IDP and some UK insurers. ANy other ideas on who I might be able to call/email to help uncover what bikes I could legaly register/insure out of London and travel across Euro on?

Thanks so much guys. If any of you are in London or along the way in Europe I'd love to buy you a and swap war stories.

Chris
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  #5  
Old 7 May 2009
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Chris, just show them your IDP in the UK. The IDP doesn't identify that your a P plater. The locals in the UK will figure you must have a full licence and Bob's yer uncle.

It worked for me, albeit a few years ago, and I can't see why it won't work for you.

Garry from Oz.
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Old 7 May 2009
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Originally Posted by farqhuar View Post
Chris, just show them your IDP in the UK. The IDP doesn't identify that your a P plater. The locals in the UK will figure you must have a full licence and Bob's yer uncle.

It worked for me, albeit a few years ago, and I can't see why it won't work for you.

Garry from Oz.
That's what I'd do.

Get your insurance online or via a call centre (Carole Nash, Bennetts, Hastings direct they are all just as useless). Answer the questions that are asked, don't confuse them with additional info. If you have a UK address and are looking at TPO all they'll be interested in is your credit card details.

Answer truthfully and stick to what your Australian license says and no one can argue.

Andy
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  #7  
Old 8 May 2009
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Hi Chris, just had a quick look at the RTA web site, there may be a way around your problem. If you have held a provisional motorcycle license for more than 12 months and have an unrestricted car license and you are over 25 you can apply for an open bike licence and not have to wait the full 2 years. You will have to be quick though they are changing the rules yet again on the first of June of July not sure which.
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  #8  
Old 9 May 2009
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Thanks all for your comments/ideas. As most of you guys prob know by now, in organising something like this it's just a case of not taking no for an answer I guess. There's always a way! WIll post an update when we find the answers. Cheers
Last edited by Chris Ball; 9 May 2009 at 04:50.
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