So many anecdotes to share .....
One
Like Bill, my learner phase for car and motorcycle commenced when "L" plates were purchased from the local newsagent, mounted front and rear and (for the car) you went drive with or Dad (or other responsible fully licensed adult), or (for the motorcycle) went for a ride by yourself.
The m/c licence test involved accompanying a Police Officer (PO) on a ride around a couple of City blocks in Melbourne (bounded by Russel Street, Lonsdale Street, Swanston Street & Collins Street) in the morning peak traffic.
The PO had to pick something up from another location along the route. He told me to go to the other location and he would follow and observe. I said that I didn't know the other location, so he said to follow him, he then observed my riding ability in his rear view mirrors.
In VIC, no theory pre-learner test in those days - 1969.
Two
My best mate, Martin (some of you would have met on a few RTE's - he rides the Moto Guzzi) bought his first m/c from Maurie Quincey Motor Cycles in Moonee Ponds because they offered free riding lessons. After all of the formalities were finalised and cash (from memory $650 for a brand new Suzuki Hustler 250 - it was a long time ago) and keys exchanged, he asked when does he get the riding lesson.
So they took him and the Suzuki to the cobble blue stone lane way at the rear of the shop. The salesman mounted the m/c, said watch this and rode up and down the lane way, and said that's how you do it, you can ride home now. Martin called one of the other mates who bought a 6 x 4 trailer to meet and take the m/c home for him. Next weekend, he let loose in a paddock out the back of Keilor.
FMD, no wonder we had a high crash rate and road toll.
Three
- bedtime now -