[Stephen190867]

Morning all,

I just thought I'd share the conversation I had with Sandra from the RSA this morning.

I was originally told I would have a test scheduled for February.
When I hadn't heard anything I called this morning to see what the hold up was.

Sandra in the RSA informed me that Motorcycle testing is not a priority.
Given my location (Mullingar) they would have to contract someone in to conduct the test.
I was told that she would be in touch in the next 6-8 weeks!!!
I enquired about being tested at another test centre as I was planning to travel abroad and needed my licence.
Again I was told that motorcyclists were not a priority and I "might" be able to have the test location moved, but to give it a few weeks!!!!

Rant over, but I needed to get that off my chest.

[Linda]

Sadly I've heard this all too often. MAG has been told that it is a cost issue, well it's a cost issue for a rider too. We have asked that in situations like yours an alternative is offered but flexibility isn't in the RSAs dictionary.

If you PM me or send an email to the MAG office I'll see if I can help.

[Stephen190867]

Cost issue is the easy way out.
IBT - €600
Insurance - €500
Decent Helmet and gear -€900 approx.
Feeling of the open road - priceless.

[KaosTheory]

Did you apply with a letter from work saying you need the licence as part of your job? Helps big time.

[CBR 46]

Get onto your TD

[OLD LT]

Stephen190867, on 06 February 2012 - 11:34 AM, said:

...Given my location (Mullingar) they would have to contract someone in to conduct the test.

I wonder if that's the case everywhere Stephen. I did my test last Firday afternoon in Wexford. (Passed with only two grade 2 X's against me, much to my own amazement).

The test Centre appeared to be deserted, only one car outside (The examiners) and nobody ahead of or behind me. It occurrred to me that the tester had either stayed on to do it or was brought in from another Centre. I applied late Nov. so 8 or 9 weeks wait in total. I believe they don't schedule too many bike tests in the winter months. Probably due to higher risk of weather related cancellations.

Old LT

[The Greek AKA The cat]

OLD LT, on 06 February 2012 - 04:27 PM, said:

It occurrred to me that the tester had either stayed on to do it or was brought in from another Centre.

Old LT

Thats the case even in Dublin. if you apply for a particular centre then you will be doing it on a certain day because the bike tester does different days at different centers. Tuesday in Raheny for instance.

[KickStarter]

CBR 46, on 06 February 2012 - 01:43 PM, said:

Get onto your TD

- It was meant as a joke, wasn't it??

[heiner69]

Reapply in Dublin I would try church-town

[Stephen190867]

Doing a letter for myself from the job and asking for Tallaght or Finglas.

What pished me off was the "motorcyclists are not a priority" remark.
Are we that invisible or will we only count when we are hi vized to the max.

[KaosTheory]

Stephen190867, on 07 February 2012 - 11:25 AM, said:

Are we that invisible or will we only count when we are hi vized to the max.

Doesn't matter.*

*voice of experience

[fabio]

That comment makes my blood boil....ah shur they don't matter....

[junker87g]

[heiner69]

We will matter once there is more of us

[Stephen190867]

junker87g, on 07 February 2012 - 03:32 PM, said:

Do you work for the NRA or did you not get the point??
Some pencil pushing, job for life, with a gold plated pension Civil servant has control over how tests are conducted and refuses to recognise bikers.

Or have I miss judged you??

This post has been edited by Stephen190867: 07 February 2012 - 09:51 PM

[OLD LT]

Stephen190867, on 07 February 2012 - 11:25 AM, said:

Doing a letter for myself from the job and asking for Tallaght or Finglas.

What pished me off was the "motorcyclists are not a priority" remark.
Are we that invisible or will we only count when we are hi vized to the max.

Stick that letter in a day-glow yellow envelope

[Stephen190867]

OLD LT, on 07 February 2012 - 10:13 PM, said:

Stick that letter in a day-glow yellow envelope

Might just do that for the craic.

[junker87g]

Stephen190867, on 07 February 2012 - 09:50 PM, said:

Do you work for the NRA or did you not get the point??
Some pencil pushing, job for life, with a gold plated pension Civil servant has control over how tests are conducted and refuses to recognise bikers.

Or have I miss judged you??

I knew buying that violin would cause me nothing but grief.

I guess sarcasm doesn't translate well across the internet

This post has been edited by junker87g: 08 February 2012 - 01:08 AM

[Stephen190867]

Got a letter from the job and sent it in a yellow envelope (thanks Daintree in Camden st.)
Posted it yesterday and I got a test date for next Tuesday.

Fingers crossed.

[CBR 46]

Good luck with your test Stephen