Swiss Drivers License - PASSED! - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**inspiron** · 09-07-2004, 07:44 AM

So, I did it! I am now the proud owner of a Swiss "A" License - I can drive anything with 2 wheels, regardless of horsepower and thrust-to-weight ratio!

The test included a 5-part slow-manuver test (circles, figure-8s, slalom and giant slalom, slow lane and panic stops), which I passed back in July. The second part of the test was a 20-minute ride with the instructor on the pillion seat, riding through residential neighborhoods, city streets, roundabouts, and some mountain twisties. The first time I took this part, I failed because I entered an S-curve too fast and had to break while leaning. This morning, I was scheduled for a second try - and I passed!

There were two things that stick out in my mind about the ride this morning:
First, the mountain road had just been resurfaced and was covered with small stones - the only option was to follow the car tracks and try to save traction instead of riding the ideal line.

Second was the idiot who pulled a left turn in front of me, then wanted to cut back across the street into a parking space. Since I figured that he was going to do something stupid, I was on the brakes and able to stop long before I was in any danger.

In any case, I'm stoked - I can't wait to get out and enjoy the Black Forest from the back of a bike again!

Bluejeans · 09-07-2004, 07:59 AM

Congrats! I mailed my card off this morning to schedule myself for my road test. I'm pretty sure I'm ready.

DaMaNP750 · 09-07-2004, 08:28 AM

Congratulations! I'm sure it was more involved than any test required here in the states.

I remember when I lived in Germany, I was very impressed with the general public's driver skill level. I realize switzerland is across the way, but it's in the same area.

**87gsxrnut** · 09-07-2004, 10:31 AM

Right on man! Good job!

- Nut

red7eb · 09-07-2004, 11:27 AM

Excellent!!!

Congrats, Inspiron!

**Louis** · 09-07-2004, 11:34 AM

Congrats inspiron.

I'm surprised to hear that the instructor rides pillion. I'd be scared that the person I'm evaluating would lack the skills and crash...

**inspiron** · 09-07-2004, 01:26 PM

Yea, me too...

But keep in mind, we have to pass the slow-speed manover test first, and then there is about 3 weeks wait to get the appointment for the road test. During that time, you are *supposed* to practice. Since buying my bike (took delivery on August 2nd), I've put over 1'000 miles on it - which is alot considering that it was raining most of the time...and that I was limited to riding only in Switzerland. (I live near the border and do most of my driving in Germany).

BTW, the inspector was wearing full gear, and would give directions by tapping me on the shoulder - tapping a shoulder means turn that direction, and if he doesn't specify, just keep going straight (or follow the main road when there is a fork). But this time, he was really cool - very calm, and he told us what he would be looking for before we started (drive safely, not too slow and not too fast, pay attention to the speed limit, etc.)

**Uncle Bob** · 09-07-2004, 01:45 PM

I'm moving to switzerland and becomng an instructor.

But I'm only riding the %%%%% seat for lady riders.LOL

SuzukiGirl1 · 09-07-2004, 06:21 PM

That's awesome! Congratulations!!!!

09-07-2004, 06:32 PM

congratulations! have fun!

**Uncle Bob** · 09-07-2004, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis

Congrats inspiron.

I'm surprised to hear that the instructor rides pillion. I'd be scared that the person I'm evaluating would lack the skills and crash...

On the other hand maybe that's the way to go.

If the instructor has to ride as a passenger maybe he'll make damn sure his students can really ride before signing off on them .LOL

tlwisner · 09-07-2004, 08:04 PM

Congratulations!

What a job to have, riding on the passenger seat with people trying to pass their license exam. I guess wrestling crocodiles and venomous snakes isn't scary enough for some people!

It's very easy to get a full M/C license in the US. Probably too easy...

TL chris · 09-07-2004, 09:34 PM

Sweetness bro. Enjoy your new found freedom.

09-07-2004, 07:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,947	Swiss Drivers License - PASSED! So, I did it! I am now the proud owner of a Swiss "A" License - I can drive anything with 2 wheels, regardless of horsepower and thrust-to-weight ratio! The test included a 5-part slow-manuver test (circles, figure-8s, slalom and giant slalom, slow lane and panic stops), which I passed back in July. The second part of the test was a 20-minute ride with the instructor on the pillion seat, riding through residential neighborhoods, city streets, roundabouts, and some mountain twisties. The first time I took this part, I failed because I entered an S-curve too fast and had to break while leaning. This morning, I was scheduled for a second try - and I passed! There were two things that stick out in my mind about the ride this morning: First, the mountain road had just been resurfaced and was covered with small stones - the only option was to follow the car tracks and try to save traction instead of riding the ideal line. Second was the idiot who pulled a left turn in front of me, then wanted to cut back across the street into a parking space. Since I figured that he was going to do something stupid, I was on the brakes and able to stop long before I was in any danger. In any case, I'm stoked - I can't wait to get out and enjoy the Black Forest from the back of a bike again! __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

09-07-2004, 07:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bluejeans Clunked into first gear Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 226	Congrats! I mailed my card off this morning to schedule myself for my road test. I'm pretty sure I'm ready. __________________ There are 10 kinds of people...those who know binary and those who don't ------- 1995 Intruder VS800 - Black w/blue metallic flake 2003 Savage - Teal Green

09-07-2004, 08:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
DaMaNP750 Third gear and cruising Joined: Aug 2004 Location: STL Posts: 455	Congratulations! I'm sure it was more involved than any test required here in the states. I remember when I lived in Germany, I was very impressed with the general public's driver skill level. I realize switzerland is across the way, but it's in the same area. __________________ 2004 GSX-R750 Black/Yellow MICRON slip on Frame Sliders Fender Eliminator Integrated Euro Taillights A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts!

09-07-2004, 10:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
87gsxrnut Ho Dog Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 867-5309 Location: Terror Lake Posts: 4,203	Right on man! Good job! - Nut __________________ Person or person's unknown.

09-07-2004, 11:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
red7eb Clutch Cadet Joined: May 2004 Bike: 2001 GSX-R750 Location: Maryland (Howard County) Posts: 935	Excellent!!! Congrats, Inspiron! __________________ *You know he doesn't ride when he asks to ride bch and thinks it's "cute"...***

09-07-2004, 11:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,655	Congrats inspiron. I'm surprised to hear that the instructor rides pillion. I'd be scared that the person I'm evaluating would lack the skills and crash... __________________ Louis

09-07-2004, 01:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,947	Yea, me too... But keep in mind, we have to pass the slow-speed manover test first, and then there is about 3 weeks wait to get the appointment for the road test. During that time, you are supposed to practice. Since buying my bike (took delivery on August 2nd), I've put over 1'000 miles on it - which is alot considering that it was raining most of the time...and that I was limited to riding only in Switzerland. (I live near the border and do most of my driving in Germany). BTW, the inspector was wearing full gear, and would give directions by tapping me on the shoulder - tapping a shoulder means turn that direction, and if he doesn't specify, just keep going straight (or follow the main road when there is a fork). But this time, he was really cool - very calm, and he told us what he would be looking for before we started (drive safely, not too slow and not too fast, pay attention to the speed limit, etc.) __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

09-07-2004, 01:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	I'm moving to switzerland and becomng an instructor. But I'm only riding the %%%%% seat for lady riders.LOL __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

09-07-2004, 06:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
SuzukiGirl1 Moderatrix Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 2004 SV650S Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 2,700	Swiss Drivers License - PASSED! That's awesome! Congratulations!!!! __________________ SuzukiGirl '04 SV650S, Yellow...lovely!!

09-07-2004, 06:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	congratulations! have fun!

09-07-2004, 08:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	Congratulations! What a job to have, riding on the passenger seat with people trying to pass their license exam. I guess wrestling crocodiles and venomous snakes isn't scary enough for some people! It's very easy to get a full M/C license in the US. Probably too easy... __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

09-07-2004, 09:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
TL chris Tater Salad Joined: Jun 2004 Bike: 1999 TL1000R Location: NorCal Posts: 1,926	Sweetness bro. Enjoy your new found freedom. __________________ 1999 Suzuki TL1000R, Yosh RS-3, TRE, PC II, Custom Paint, OEM sweetness

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