Learning to ride a motorcycle is about more than just the convenience of travel. It’s about embracing the spirit of adventure and experiencing new freedom on wheels. But before finding your two wheeled freedom, you must remember that taking the motorcycle Check Ride is an essential step for any learner rider in Victoria.
This mandatory 3.5-hour session is designed to assess your practical riding skills and road safety knowledge in both on-road and off-road conditions, and this training course must be completed at least one calendar month before you can obtain your motorcycle license. Stay Upright, Australia’s best motorcycle school, provides this mandatory training, but there are some essentials you need to know before you book a ride with us. Let’s explore them in more detail.
What to Bring to Your Check Ride
If you are preparing for your Check Ride with Stay Upright, it’s important to know exactly what you need to bring. Here’s a detailed list of those essentials:
Identification
- Current Motorcycle Learner Permit and/or Car Licence issues by respective state transport department: These are required to verify your identity and confirm your eligibility for the Check Ride. You must have held a learner permit for at least three months to get a motorcycle licence in Victoria. Ensure these documents are up-to-date and valid on the day of your Check Ride in Vic.
Note-taking Materials
- Pen and Notepaper: During the session, the Check Ride instructor will provide you with valuable feedback and instructions from your instructors. Having a pen and notepaper will allow you to jot down important notes that you can review later, ensuring you retain the crucial points of your training.
Motorcycle Gear Provided by Stay Upright
Safety is a must while you are taking a check ride. You must wear safety gear like a helmet and gloves, but with Stay Upright you don’t need to bring them along – we provide both the motorcycle and some of the necessary safety gear. This provision ensures you have access to equipment that meets all safety standards and is well-maintained. Here’s what you can expect:
Protective Riding Gear
Stay Upright provides the following essential protective gear:
- Certified Motorcycle Helmet: Stay Upright provides helmets that conform to the Australian Standard 1698, ensuring your head is well-protected during your ride.
- Motorcycle Gloves: Proper gloves that secure at the wrists are essential for protecting your hands. Stay Upright ensures you have the right gloves for the job.
Riders need to bring the rest of the protective clothing:
- Long Sleeve Motorcycle Jacket and Pants: Mishaps can not be ruled out during any riding experience, so it is important to ensure you have no exposed skin and your motorcycle safety gear provides adequate protection. This is critical for protecting your body in the event of a fall.
- High Visibility (Hi-Vis) Vest or Jacket: Clear visibility is essential for road safety. Always wear a hi-vis vest or jacket to ensure you are visible to other road users.
- Sturdy Footwear: you must wear sturdy footwear with enclosed toes. Avoid thongs, sandals, or slippers.
- Eye Protection: Either a helmet visor or protective eyewear to shield your eyes while riding.
- Rain wear: Weather can be unpredictable. Bring rain gear if necessary to stay dry and focused during your training.
The Check Ride Experience
The Check Ride learners practice test itself is a comprehensive training session that goes beyond the basics. You can expect an in-depth experience during this pivotal part of your motorcycle licensing process. Here is what you can expect:
From Range to Road
The 3.5-hour session includes both on-range riding and public road components, giving you a well-rounded training experience, preparing you for on-road riding. Check Ride mimics real-world conditions giving you the skills and knowledge to apply in practical scenarios.
Instructor Feedback
Throughout the Check Ride, experienced instructors will observe your performance closely. They’ll provide constructive feedback on areas where you excel and areas that may need more practice. This feedback is invaluable as it helps you fine-tune your skills before the final Motorcycle Licence Assessment (MLA).
Why Completing the Check Ride is Important
Completing the Check Ride is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a critical step in ensuring you are fully prepared for the demands of motorcycle riding. Let’s explore the benefits of completing a Check Ride:
Improved riding skills and knowledge: The Check Ride provides an opportunity for learner riders to receive expert coaching and feedback from experienced instructors. This helps them identify areas for improvement and develop better riding techniques.
Increased safety on the road: By assessing and addressing any gaps in a rider’s skills and knowledge, the Check Ride helps prepare them to safely operate a motorcycle in real-world traffic conditions. This reduces the risk of accidents.
Greater confidence and readiness: Completing the Check Ride boosts a rider’s confidence in their abilities and ensures they are adequately prepared for the final Motorcycle Licence Assessment test.
Refresher for returning riders: The Check Ride can also serve as a valuable refresher course for experienced riders who have not been on a motorcycle for some time.
Overall, the Motorcycle Check Ride is a critical component of the motorbike licensing process that helps develop safer, more skilled, and more confident motorcycle riders.
By choosing Stay Upright for your Motorcycle Check Ride, you’re ensuring that you receive top-notch training with the best possible equipment. Remember to bring your identification and note-taking materials, and rest easy knowing that Stay Upright will provide the necessary protective helmet and gloves. With our expert guidance and comprehensive training approach, you’ll be well-prepared for your Motorcycle License Assessment and for safe riding on the roads of Victoria.