Just a few thoughts I've had running through my head since my 5 day course (CBT and 4 days riding, followed by a test that I failed on one silly thing).

First, if I take my test on my cg125, and get a restricted licence (which I think will be enough for my needs for 2 years) what happens when the new rules / test come in (after passing my test hopefully). Can I still upgrade my licence to a full category A after 2 years regardless, seeing as I'll have done the "old" test?

Second, parking. During my course I asked my instructor what the deal was with parking on hatched areas in public car parks, since we did it a few times. Its just occurred to me we didnt pay and display. Is this normal - to go into a pay and display car park and park in a hatched area (instructor told me that was ok) without paying? Sometimes I see bikes parked in car spaces - if the above is right does that mean you then have to display a ticket, if so, where?

Lastly, at speed I have found turning my head difficult due to the wind, it feels a little unsteady, like my head sticking out into the wind is going to unbalance me. Is that just a case of getting used to it and developing stronger neck muscles to move my head about in a 60mph wind?

Thanks in advance

At speed you only check your blind spot after a mirror check, dont do a full head turn this will make the bike wobble a bit and you could loose your line.

Yup, what Scouse said... remember you're only checkin to see there ain't anything just out of range your peripheral vision when looking straight ahead. Don't need to turn your head too much.

ah right, thats that one answered then! oops

two left, cmon biking geniuses!

parking varies from car park to car park
but if your take up a cars space you have to pay
hence why bikes park in hatched areas

so the hatching is free for bikes then?

generally speaking yes!

as they can only charge for use of a parking bay

and the hatching is areas are where you musn't park a car

if there are attendant's ask them, as they may point you to
better places that have cctv cameras
(it's happened to me a few times )

cool, it gets better this biking lark!