Category: Travels

Am back from my riding exam, check out what I’ve got!

Okay, I look like an alien in this pic, but who cares! Hehehehe! Class A3 babeh! Now I can officially ride a moto of any class here in Italy. Even a 1000cc moto and more! Like this Ducati that I’ve seen at the Big Bike Fest in Singapore.

Now that that’s over, I can focus on the rest of my 2011 goals.

I have to say though, the exam wasn’t as difficult as I anticipated. Before my training strarted, I was worried because I’d be practising with a Transalp (their smallest model is 500cc) which is more powerful than any motorcycle that I’ve ever used. Moreover, I’ve been using an automatic scooter for a long while. But after a couple of rides, its like a power trip, I guess. Anything less feels kind of puny now. Gosh, I’m really turning into a biker chick

This is me getting scolded by my instructor. “Yew musta go near da birillo! Understand!”

But apart from getting used to a heavier and more powerful machine, the exam was quite a breeze. It could partly be because compared to the riding test in Singapore, there are less challenges, and also it could partly be because I’m an experienced rider, so it wasn’t anything new.

Check it out, there are only 4 inner challenges to do – The slalom, the figure 8, parallel cones at 2nd gear and finally breaking at the lines. And yes, my drawing skills are rudimentary, but I try

Although, admittedly, I was quite worried mainly because of the street route. When I asked my riding instructor, he said that only the invigilator knew. So Cart and I called up the theory school and we were informed to call back to talk to the invigilator on Friday. When Friday arrived, they said they did not hear from her. Called back on Saturday, and nothing. Even on my exam day itself, nothing was heard from here till close to lunch time!

Not knowing made me feel jittery. Probably because I’m very accustomed to the Singaporean systematic ways – everything was already laid out to you in advance. Every plan, every syllabus, where points will be allocated, where points will be demerited. At the very least I wanted to know at least which route we would be going to, and what exactly they will be checking.

The only thing we knew was that the street route would be around the riding school, so the day before, I took out my stepson, Sam Kymco, and looked out for every street sign, every markings till we were very familiar with the area.

By the way, something interesting about Italy is that you could drive/ride even without a license. This is a foglio rosa. Literally translated as pink paper, this is given to you by the driving theory school. And this allows you to train and practise with your vehicle in your neighbourhood.

Its only valid for 6 months though, and you should try to get your patente in this duration.

Anyway, after we heard word of when the examiner would arrive, I got ready. I showed her all my documents such as the Carta D’Identita, Permesso Di Soggiorno as well as the Foglio Rosa. Just the same as when taking the driving theory test.

There was another candidate with me. She checked all the documentations, and then all of a sudden, she asks us to start. “Go through the challenge, don’t put your feet down,” she instructed. Uh? Didn’t we get a practise try first?! I was starting to bum out. Even my trainer started to add in, “Don woori! Is juz likeda evariday”

Ok lor. Luckily I didn’t fall or hit any cones or put my feet on the ground.

And then it was time to go through the street route. I was still confused. Fortunately for me, we went together as a group, so I more or less followed the other candidate, obeying street rules, using the correct signals when it was time to turn, going at a safe speed of about 50km/hr. (Felt so slow to me!) The examiner was behind us all the while, in a car.

The feeling was a lot different compared to back in Singapore, for some reason it was more festive because there would be about 15 of us at a time with about 100 candidates in total. Maybe it’s just me

After following us halfway, suddenly the examiner went past us, waving her hands around. I guess it was a sign for us to take over? So we signalled left, took over, and signalled right when re-entering the lane. It was so wierd. She should have briefed to us what she wanted before we started. Its a good thing that I’ve experience in riding before, because the entire situation was so confusing. I’ve no idea what she wanted.

And when we arrived back into the riding school, I was still confused and wondered about my future. But luckily after scribbling down in her notes, she was satisfied enough and gave me and the other candidate our patente!

And here I am, sharing this good news to you and I’ve been calling up as many people as I know!

Car next. And then helicopter!

When I first saw him, I thought that he’d bring me joy into my life.

At first sight, he didn’t look too bad, but I was still a little doubtful. “He’s got character!” Cart said, and eventually, I thought, a bit of a spruce and polish would nurture him back to a semblance of normality again.

And after a week of deciding, Cart and I decided to adopt him.

The adoption process was such a hassle. First we had to head to the adoption center where he was, and then to another agency for a handing over transaction, and then to another agency for insurance! And then finally I brought him home.

This is my new stepson, Kymco.

He is a People 125 model which originated from Taiwan. He’s a used scooter that I bought for cheap from my driving school. He looks all battered up, probably from being mishandled from other riding students.

The brake clutch is broken and all mangled up. Urgh! And I cannot adjust the mirror, so I cant see what’s going on behind me.

The speedometer keeps being at 0km/hr regardless of what speed I go. And the fuel guage is forever showing 1/2 full regardless even if the tank is completely full.

I’m pixelling the number of the school because I don’t want to give them additional publicity! There is a huge-ass hole near the right side foot rest. I don’t understand how it could humanly be possible to do that?! Did a riding student took a hammer and beat it up?! And the cover for the power box has been ripped off.

Initially I thought that for 350 euro, the scooter was good enough. I saved enough money from what Cart gives me monthly. I’ll just close one eye at how ghastly he looks. But when added with transfer fee of 190 euro, and a year of insurance of 633 euro. I feel like crying!

I am beautiful! And I deserve better than this unglamorous thing! Look at how happy I was when I got my first scooter back in 2006!

But what to do? I’m stuck because that’s the best that I can get at this point of time till I get a regular job. And as crappy as it is, Kymco runs well. And now that I’ve a scooter, I’m on the right track to my 2011 goal. Also, another advantage is, seeing how battered he is, I’m sure no one would want to steal him.

But for sure, my inner minah-moto is telling me that I need to spruce up Kymco a little. Most importantly the brake clutch and then the mirrors. And we’ll see what we can do next. And in time slowly, maybe I’ll begin to love my stepson.

P.S : If you’re wondering why I’m calling him my stepson, its because the term stepchild has this unfortunate connotation to mean someone that you’ve inherited unwillingly. Its a bad stigma in real life though, and I’m probably perpetuating a bad image by using this term, but I really don’t have any love for him!

Sidenote :

Check out this nice scooter I saw near the fake colosseum

Ok, to counteract my previous post, here is something happier!

Now that I’m done with my driving theory test, I’ll be starting my motorcycle practicals soon and I’ve been searching around for a while for a motorcycle helmet. Unfortunately, the prices here in Italy are pretty expensive. We were in a motorcycle shop and I was enamoured with one that looked like a soccer ball. But at 200 Euro, it was a bit over the budget for me.

Anyway, Fabrizio, a friend of ours adviced us to try to look in Via Portuense. So yesterday, Cart and I were in Via Portuense. According to Cart, it was a rough area. I didn’t snap a picture, but here’s one screenshot from google maps to give you an idea.

It was a good place to buy stuff like bicycles and motorcycle acessories. And while the area didn’t look classy, it reminded me of Lim Ah Boy Shop – a place where me and my brother sometimes head to, to get motorcycles accessories. Even the insides of the shop was exactly like a typical motorcycle shop in Jalan Besar – all crammed full with motorcycle goods.

And some minutes later, I chose this simple matt black helmet from Vemar.

It costs 60 Euro (discounted from 75). While in Singapore, I would never pay anything more than 40 Singapore dollars (about 20 Euro) for a helmet, this was still relatively the most affordable brand new helmet that I’ve seen so far.

Now I’m looking forward to making it more special by sticking a rinaz decal over it to add to my rinaz stuff collection. I’m sure it’ll look spiffy!

Cart on the other hand wants an afro-hair helmet. I can’t find one so far, but this is the closest one resembling one. Would take a while to glue all the hair pieces together though.

And now that I’ve seen this, as well as the sunflower motorcyclist I’ve spotted out on the Singapore roads. I think I’ve pretty much seen everything

Anyway, one step closer to getting a motorcycle!

Update : From January 2011, theory tests are required to be done in Italian.

Back when I was living in Singapore, I went through the usual routine of getting a motorcycle license – registering in Bukit Batok Driving Center, taking the driving theory test, going for practical motorcycle lessons and then getting a license after passing the practical motorcycle test. And since then, I’ve been riding and having fun in my journeys such as the Vespa Ladies day out and the trip to Malacca with my fellow Vesporeans.

But since coming to Italy, I thought that it would be as simple as to just convert it. But in the end, it seems that my riding license isn’t valid here. I’m not certain why, but it could be partly because as a commonwealth country, as we drive on the left, like in the UK. Moreoever, conversions can only be done for people staying for less than a year in Italy. Since I’m staying here long term, I just might as well take retake my license.

Hence somewhere early June, I registered at a driving school to undertake the A3 license which will allow me to ride all types of motorcycles.

Anyway, when enrolling you’d need to get ready some items :

• Permesso di soggiorno – Your permit to stay in Italy
• Carta D’Identita – The Italian Identity Card
• Codice Fiscale – This is similar to the Social Security Number
• Marca da bollo – This is a stamp that can be bought at Tabaccaio. Costs about 14 euro
• 3 nice ID sized pictures of yourself
• Money for the driving school. It costs 180 Euro for my entire lessons.
• Money for the driving theory test. It costs 80 Euro.

After which, you’ll be given an appointment with a doctor. He will do a colour blind check, blood pressure check as well as an eye sight test. Once he’s validated your physical fitness, you will get a paper certifying that you are physically able to drive.

And then you can commence with the theory lessons.

The driving school that I go to, L’ACI was publicised as having English speaking staff. As I am still not very fluent in Italian, I thought that it would be better for me to learn in English. Unfortunately, the staff are not very fluent in English either so I had to rely on Cart on helping me. But the staff were friendly and patient, and there were always someone to assist you when you need help.

My only qualm is that my lessons doesn’t seem to follow a table. You only get information when you start each day itself. I would have preferred to know what I was studying in advance.

But in any case, it wasn’t too bad. As mentioned, the staff were patient so I can always ask to clear any doubts. And because they are not fluent in English, I was able to learn more Italian words and terms. So it was a fair trade-off. Regardless, it would be useful to supplement your learning with a textbook. I recommend reading this book, L’Esame Per La Patente di Guida Per Cittadini Stranieri – Inglese by Essebi.

This book is supposed to be translated from Italian to English by Simon Creasey and Mike Farrell who gives me the impression that they are native english speakers but the translated part doesn’t sound very smooth or natural. You’ll see instances in the book where they spelled Motorbikes as Motorbykes. And Kilometer as Chilometer.

Regardless, it is still very useful in knowing the rules and terminologies needed for the theory test. The proof is in how my book is starting to get frays from all the flipping and turning.

Most importantly though, I recommend that you do as much sample quizzes as possible. Its NOT ENOUGH just to read the book. With over 300 quiz combinations, it’ll test your road-worthyness knowledge.

In each quiz there are 10 questions. And each question, there are 3 parts where you answer Vero or Falso. The school provided me with an online simulation of the quiz which made me solidify even more what I’ve learnt. And one thing that I’ve realised is that the test is really tricky mostly because of the play in words as well as signs that look similar to each other. So you have to be very very vigilant and not be tricked.

And again, the English translation sometimes are really frustrating. Hence I feel that its very useful if you know at least a basic amount of Italian, just to flip the translation from English to Italian once in a while so you don’t get tricked by this.

I’m quite annoyed with this one because of the translation. Tempo in Italian means time, not speed. So I should have gotten another point

Nevertheless, do as many quizzes as possible. Aim for less than 4 errors as you only pass when you get 26 points and above. And don’t feel too deflated when you don’t do well in the beginning. Better to do mistakes here than to pay an additional 80 Euro for a re-test! Soon you’ll get a feel of the mechanics. I only felt a little more confident as my statistics went better as I went along.

So continue to do the simulation tests. As my friend Lynn would say, do it in the toilet even! Seems very fastidious, but trust me, when the day comes you’ll feel more confident as you have enough artillery to go to war.

On the day of the exam, you could do some last minute quizzes if you like to, but I’d rather spend the last few hours before the exam to relax and listen to some music to calm my nerves.

To take the exam, you’ll have to reach a place called the Motorizzazione Civile – for the one in Rome, it is located at Via Del Fosso Dell’Aqua Acetosa Ostiense 9. Try to be there at least 15 minutes before your allocated time as they don’t allow late candidates inside the hall.

And don’t forget to bring along your original copy of your Permesso Di Soggiorno and your Carta D’Identita as well as the documents (such as the medical certificate) that the driving school has provided you.

When you see a plentiful of people carrying books, trying to do some last minute cramming, you know you are at the right place.

Anyhow, an invigilator will come out to take your attendance after which, you’ll enter a room full of monitors. The monitors do not display anything at the moment. You’ll be allocated a seat and after which you’ll need to show your documents. And then you’ll be handed a white smart card. This card will be used to be inserted in the central processing unit and you’ll see your monitor starting up. For the first few minutes, the invigilators will explain to the candidates on how to use and navigate through the touch monitor.

And then you do your quiz in 30 minutes. Read calmly. After doing your regular quizzes, this should be second nature. As always, try to compare the english translation with the Italian one just to double check. Even when you see people completing their quizzes in less than 30 minutes, use your remaining time to double check your answers because sometimes there could be some careless mistakes done in haste. No point doing it fast anyway because its not like you’ll get additional points for completing it fast. Moreover the results will be announced after everyone is done.

Once the time is almost up and you are ready to lock in, click on the confirm button. You hand the smart card back to the invigilator and exit the hall where you and fellow candidates wait for the results to be announced. After a while, the invigilators will announce your result. But they will only tell you if you got a pass or a fail though. I tried to ask how many points I had in total but the information wasnt delved and details will only be known after a day or two online.

Anyway, for now, I’m happy to let you know that this lady is one step closer to riding a scooter because …

I passed my Driving Theory Test! yay!

Update : I passed my riding test too! AND my driving exam! 🙂

Even though I’ve already a class 2B license and am an experienced rider in Singapore, turns out that my license isn’t valid here in Italy. Perhaps it is because in Singapore, we drive on the left as Singapore is a commonwealth country.

So had to start all over again and I’m just starting to learn riding theory in a private school which was supposed to be an English speaking one but turned out that they were as fluent in English as I was in Italian. It isn’t necessarily bad though, since its actually useful for me as I could polish up my Italian by learning about road terminologies.

I’ve learnt to be a lot more patient and not to laugh because now that I’ve been thrown on the other side, I understand how difficult it is for non natives to learn another language. Even if I think sometimes it sounds really strange and non fluid. Like the book that I’m reading from.

Considering that it is supposed to be translated by a native speaker, it sounds quite babelfish to me.

In any case, some of the signs were familiar to me, many of the signs are pretty universal, pretty much most of the symbols on this page below.

There were some signs that I’ve never seen before though, for example, in Singapore there are no trams like as there are towards the Rome city centres.

Recently, I’m learning about the right of way – which vehicle has the precedence to go first and it confused me as I was taught a little differently when I was back in driving school in Singapore. It took me one whole minute just to compute. I cant imagine how it will be like in the actual exam.

And speaking of exams, Lynn passed me her driving theory quiz book for me to borrow. And I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. Blog reader Roberto said that its not difficult, but I still feel apprehensive. My theory test is in a month’s time and I’ve yet to cover 1/4 of the books. So much to read and study!