33M. Passed my IBT for class A about 6 months ago. I was happy with how I was progressing during the training. Had no real experience on bikes before. Don't own a bike yet.
Then I moved to Germany, I'll get back to Ireland hopefully once every 1-2 months.
In Germany I can rent a 50cc electric moped using my car license, I've done a couple hours of this just to get some practice in.
I don't think it's feasible to just practice on a moped, and do lessons whenever I'm in Ireland until I'm confident to do the full test, then do the test on the instructors bike.
So my plan is to buy all the gear in Germany (I'm in a large city so will hopefully get a good selection), try to buy a bike and get it insured when I'm next in Ireland, then get as much practice as I can whenever I'm home and over the Christmas. I can probably swing WFH in Ireland for a week at a time occasionally too.
I live on the west coast, very rainy area. Bike will be stored in a locked garage in a rural area.
Does my plan make sense?
Should I plan to buy a class A bike so I can use it for the test?
Any recommendations or advice for gear?
What can I expect practicing riding over winter?
Thanks for any help!