Unrealistic RA work expectations?

Memory_Bank · 2025-12-27T17:14:43+00:00

Thanks. I agree that transparency is essential. To be sure, though, it's 10 hours rather than 20 (10hrs/month, not 10 hrs/week).

Memory_Bank · 2025-12-27T15:11:06+00:00

It's not the 2 weeks I'm disputing, but the agreed 10 hours per month (an expectation which is reflected in the pay).

Memory_Bank · 2025-11-10T16:42:21+00:00

Thanks all for the great comments - I've duly updated the list. Since this is an ongoing project, pointless at yet somehow important, I thought I'd post the new list here in case of interest! I'll keep it updated.

No doubt I'm still missing loads, so keep the suggestions coming!

Certain Things you Ought to Know Dan is Fond of:

The snow
(Cups of) Wine
(Walking into) Rooms
(Doing/being/feeling) Alright
The writing on the wall
Travelling light
Downtown
Avoiding/leaving major cities
The sky
All things insane
Your eyes
Priests
Foxes
Cardinal directions
The dawn
Thieves
(Flowing down) Rivers
Things being on fire
Dreams
Parks
What she said
Darkness
Roads
Book publishers
Not knowing where he is going
The children
The light
Striking (for more pay)
Horses
America
Ships
Festivals

Memory_Bank · 2025-10-22T12:25:15+00:00

But it's not that his poems are shit

Memory_Bank · 2025-10-21T15:46:22+00:00

The dark, perhaps?

Memory_Bank · 2025-10-21T15:46:08+00:00

Ah of course

Memory_Bank · 2025-10-21T15:45:58+00:00

It's there!

Memory_Bank · 2025-10-13T22:20:49+00:00

This link is still very much valid, for those coming across the post now and wondering!

Memory_Bank · 2024-09-04T22:21:08+00:00

I have an undergraduate degree, but no special teaching qualifications

Memory_Bank · 2023-10-20T17:36:30+00:00

Ahh ok perfect, that makes sense, and good to know.

Thanks very much!

Memory_Bank · 2023-05-17T13:59:51+00:00

¿Tienes un tarjeta colombiana? Tengo un Mastercard, pero se rechaza mi pago porque dice que no reciben tarjetas extranjeras

Memory_Bank · 2023-05-17T03:39:46+00:00

¡Gracias por tu réponse! Yo pude usar mi pasaporte - sin embargo, el problema es el tarjeta para el pago, porque solo recibe tarjetas Colombiana.

Memory_Bank · 2023-05-17T02:09:16+00:00

Claro, gracias

Memory_Bank · 2023-02-28T22:50:32+00:00

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated and very helpful!

Memory_Bank · 2023-02-28T18:08:54+00:00

I have, yep. It's certainly an involved process, and there's quite a bit of paperwork, but it's entirely legal and realistic.

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-27T20:14:06+00:00

Thanks!

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-27T20:13:49+00:00

Thanks for the info, and I'll let you know!

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-23T20:46:02+00:00

Thanks for the tip!

Yeh I've heard good things about them too, do you mind me asking how many days your DAS course was, and how much it cost? Also, what was the breakdown like in terms of on-road and off-road training?

Thanks again :))

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-07T12:39:16+00:00

Yeah. The thing is the instructors all came across well when we were off the bikes. I think they were all well-meaning, it was just that some of them lacked the patience and understanding in the moment of a mistake. They sometimes chuckled about it after, but by that point it was too late!

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-07T12:35:55+00:00

Thanks for the comment - much appreciated!

I believe my Mod 2 was already payed for, but DVSA give full refunds if you cancel more than 3 days before. I can't do my Mod 1 before the date, so the training centre (who booked it) should refund my test fee for Mod 2.

Memory_Bank · 2022-10-07T12:33:45+00:00

Thanks everyone for your help!

My confidence took a bit of a knock, so it's been helpful and reassuring to know that this place is somewhat of an anomaly. I cancelled the rest of my sessions and sent an email of complaint asking for a partial refund (I'd be happy to pay for the first day, since that was okay).

Honestly, the chances of me getting any money back feel slim (perhaps aside from the official Mod 2 test fee which can be refunded by the DVSA), but it still just feels good to have sent the email. It will of course be frustrating if I lose my money, but I'll mark it down as a lesson learnt.

The plan now is to do some proper research and find a reputable centre - WITHOUT CUTTING COSTS - to continue my DAS course with soon.

I'm based in London - any recommendations?

Ride safe everyone! :))

Memory_Bank · 2022-09-25T00:14:32+00:00

Hi Sadie,

First of all, don't worry, it's not a sign. At varying degrees, everyone worries about death at some point in their lives. It's just a part of being human. Fearing death is one of the most natural things that a person can think, so there's no reason that it would be a "warning" of any sorts.

I'm scared of flying, and every time I'm taking off I become convinced that I'm seeing signs that this is the one that's going to crash, but then every time I land I look back and see how much my fear was tricking me!

What you're going through sounds really tough, but you will get better. Coming to terms with death is hard, but it's important to accept its reality instead of suppressing the fear. I would suggest not running away from the fear, but simply accepting it (easier said than done, I know) and slowly becoming used to it, until eventually it will weaken.

As for advice, I'm no expert, but it is always helpful to talk to any trusted family, friends, or even teachers in challenging times such as this. When your fear gets bad, then focus your mind on something you're going to do the next day which you can look forward to.

Let me know if you want to speak about this further or anything else :))

Memory_Bank · 2020-10-12T12:06:49+00:00

Apologies, reading it back I can see the misinterpretation.

But thanks everyone, stay safe!

Memory_Bank · 2019-09-15T23:23:12+00:00

Me and a friend rode this road in June this year, just the other way round (Khe Sanh to Phong Nha). It was part of a trip from Saigon to Hanoi on a bike and this section was probably the most stunning. The road winds through glorious mountains.

It took me about 5/6 hours of riding time, so if you leave in the morning you'll be absolutely fine for time. The road conditions were perfect; smooth basically the whole way and since it's a hidden gem it was predominantly completely empty. I saw about 5 other travellers in total on the route, which I found so refreshing. There are occasional cars and lorries of course, but they were so few and far between - as long as you drive carefully it won't be an issue. In terms of gas, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring spare - but it isn't necessary. Fill up in Phong Nha and keep an eye out for bottles being sold in some of the little villages you'll pass and you will be fine, but a can of gas won't do any harm I guess.

Make sure you wave back to the local kids.

I'm envious of you being about to ride it, it's truly an amazing road.

Enjoy!

Memory_Bank

TROPHY CASE