Advice To Motorcycle “L” License Holders

Owners of Learner’s Driving License (LDL) are subjected to quite a few rules and regulations.

Unfortunately, the majority of “L” drivers and riders today do not seem to know what they can or cannot do with their Ls. Therefore, with today’s article, I will try to highlight some of the things an “L” driver is permitted to do or otherwise.

A person, be it a car driver or a motorcycle rider is used an “L” license for a duration of 3 months. You can even get an L license for 6 months if you pay double the sum for the license. As a matter of fact, some people feel it is more convenient getting a license for a longer duration.

Possessing an “L” license means that a person has passed his Highway Code test, which is Part I of the Road Transport’s rules and regulations. “L” license holders should realise that one’s L license has to be one month old before he or she is allowed to sit for his practical test.

A practical test for D license (Cars) has 2 parts, Part II (Slope, Parking, 3 point turn) and Part III (Road test). A practical test for motorcycles (B2 or B Full) likewise is also divided into 2 parts. Part 1 is the part on obstacles maneuver. It comprises of circling 2 round abouts, crossing a bridge some 18 – 20 meters long, zig-zagging amongst a series of cones and finally doing emergency brakes successfully.

Part 2 of motorcycle test is essentially the checking of various parts of a motorcycle namely:
i) Headlights

ii) Indicators

iii) Horn

iv) Brake lights

v) Handle bar mirrors

vi) Right hand signals

vii) Left hand signals

This is then followed by slowing down signals, signals to stop, to turn right and turn left. For B Full, a candidate has to go through an uneven road surface. This is to test the student’s ability to control a big bike.

This article would like to concentrate solely on motorcycle alone. Candidates taking up a car licenses will be dealt with in another later.

A motorcycle who is an L rider must put L plates both in front and at the back of the motorcycle. Failure to use the L plates whilst riding is an offense.

Another thing an L driver cannot do is to ferry a pillion rider. Many L riders are not aware of this requirement. When riding a motorcycle, L riders are reminded that they must put on their headlight and tail lights 24 hours a day.

Right and left handle bar mirrors are also compulsory for a motorcycle rider. Do bring along your L license when riding your bike. The same applies also to wearing a helmet. In Malaysia, half helmet are already banned.

Although an L license I not yet a full fledged license and it is termed as a temporary license, nevertheless, its user can be fined or summoned for traffic offences they commit. In the Demerit Points system which the Road Transport Authorities practice, P license holders and CDL license holders are given demerit points which can result in such licenses being withdrawn or revoked.

However, L license holders are exempted. Whatever the situation may be, L license holders should see to it that they should attempt to ride carefully to avoid being summoned by the authorities. Riding a bike cautiously will ensure your own safety.

As a lost word of advice to all L motorcycle riders, make sure that you wear the necessary motorcycle attire that has time and again been recommended to you. A good safety helmet is a must. So are leather jackets and knee high boots. Wear jeans ideally as they provide better protection to a rider. Goggles are also recommended highly. Wear leather gloves if you possibly can.

Riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. Therefore protecting yourselves with personal accident insurance policy is highly recommended to someone riding a motorcycle.