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MOTORCYCLE TRAINING INFORMATION - COVERING NOTTINGHAM & DERBY
Motorcycle Training Clothing??? What to Wear!
If you have ever fallen over on the pavement, you know how much it can hurt. Grazed knees, scraped hands etc. and that's just at 2 or 3 mph. Imagine the kind of injuries that could occur at 20 or 30 mph. For the ultimate protection it's worth investing in proper motorcycling clothing, particularly if you're serious about riding a bike. However, we accept that all this costs money, so here are a few guidelines to start with. If you can, wear a warm sturdy jacket (it gets draughty on a bike even in the summer), thick trousers like jeans (not track suit bottoms or shorts), snug fitting boots which can't easily be pulled off, a pair of gloves and obviously a helmet. You should also consider some high visibility clothing. Many accidents (even if they are not the rider's fault) could have been avoided if the rider was more visible (e.g. bright florescent/reflective clothing).
We will provide a helmet, gloves and High Visibility vest during your Motorcycle Training.
I Have a Full UK Car Licence - What Motorcycle Can I Ride
With a full car licence (passed before Feb 2001) you will typically have moped entitlement as a default. This entitles you to ride a 50 cc Moped capable of 30MPH Max. (No L plates required, you can carry passengers, but you cannot use a motorway). To ride a bike up to 125 cc, you will need to do Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) (valid for 2 years) and then ride as a learner (L plates and no passengers). You do not currently need to do a theory test to ride as a learner. If you are now thinking that a 50 cc moped sounds like a lot less fuss ask yourself this:
Do you really want to ride a bike capable of 30mph max, when we all know that the avg. car driver does 35 - 45mph in 30s? A 125 will typically manage at least 50MPH which should allow you to keep up with traffic.
The Practicle Motorcycle Test - What Does it Involve? Even though different examiners at different test centres have their own unique way of running the test, it tends to follow the same basic approach and last for approx. 40 minutes covering a number of roads scenario's and exercises.
The examiner will want to see your:
- CBT certificate
- Theory test certificate
- Driving Licence (if it's a non photo id, you'll also need photographic proof of identity (e.g. passport)
If you are riding your own bike you'll need to provide proof of MOT (if the bike is old enough) and an insurance certificate. The examiner will also check it over to make sure it is road legal. You will not normally be asked for this when riding one of our bikes and accompanied by our instructor.
Once outside the examiner will conduct an eyesight test and typically a radio check before briefing you. You'll also be given a chance to ask any questions before you move off. The examiner will normally say follow the road straight ahead unless road markings, signs or he/she tell you otherwise. Once you move off the examiner will take up a following position on another motorcycle, or occasionally in a car.
SPEED -
During the ride you will be required to observe all speed limits providing it is safe to do so. You will be given a small section of national speed limit where you will be required to reach 60 MPH if is safe to do so.
OBSERVATION - The examiner will assess the balance between lifesavers and mirror checks being performed at the correct time etc. You can be failed for doing too few but also for doing too many so it is about getting the balance and timing right.
The ride will typically include the following exercises, although it is common to combine these tests or cover them by chance during the normal ride. e.g. moving off from a crossing on a hill or following traffic slowly.
- Emergency Stop
- U turn
- Moving off from behind a parked vehicle
- Walking with the bike
- Hill start
- Slow riding
When you get back to the test centre you will be asked one or two questions . The examiner is not looking for a perfect ride and expects you to make some mistakes. In general most examiners are looking for an overall level of competence and safety to justify a pass. If you fail they will explain why and what needs to be addressed. However, don't assume you've failed if they start going over areas that need improving as this is common just to bring you back down to earth, before telling you that you've passed.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Test Failure?
When you start your Motorcyce test you have a clean sheet, during your ride you may pick up minor faults. You are allowed to pick up 15 minor faults before you get to a fail level, so if you perform well on the day and are marked with 15 or less minor faults, you will have passed your motorcycle test. But, if you make one dangerous or potentially dangerous (major) mistake, you will fail immediately. Additionally, an examiner may move a minor to a major if you consistently show weakness in that area. Statistically once you have got to the test centre, you have a very good chance of passing provided you stay calm and relaxed. You also have the advantage that an examiner, who will be following you on a bike has no easy way of recording events as they happen and will generally review the entire ride rather than keeping an accurate score throughout the ride, compared to a driving test. This can give you the chance to shine after a bad start.
Apart from being nervous, the most common causes of failure are:
Failing to cancel an indicator
If you are lucky enough to turn left and then not encounter any other traffic before taking the next left and cancelling your signal, then you are likely to get away with a minor fault. However, encounter another road user who could misinterpret your signal resulting in a potentially dangerous situation, then you will fail. It is important to get into the habit of cancelling your signal as part of your OSMPSL routine and check it's cancelled properly (by looking at the turn light).
Putting a foot down on a U-turn
If you put your right foot down during the U-turn then this is typically classed as a control fault resulting in a fail. If you put your foot down, always ask for a second attempt. The examiner may give you another try. Even If they insist on moving on, make sure you keep focused for the rest of the test as you may be able to impress him with a good recovery.
Missing rear observations
Where a lifesaver or rear observation is deemed to be a necessity, and you do not perform one, you will fail. This includes turning left and right, performing the U-turn and approaching roundabouts etc. If you fail to anticipate the actions of others because your are not keeping an eye on your rear, you will also fail. During the test the examiner may move up into your blind spot or change following position, to see how long it takes you to notice. Again it is vital that you get used to performing rear observations.
Speed & Progress
If you miss a 40 MPH to 30 MPH sign, and continue at 40 MPH you will fail. However the same applies to failing to make progress. If you show a lack of confidence and fail to make progress either waiting too long at a junction, not riding up to the speed limits when safe etc., you will quickly pick up minor faults and fail. If you are unsure of the speed limit for the road, look down any side roads, if there are no speed limit signs then there is a good chance you are in a 30 zone. Street lighting (regularly spaced) is also a way of identifying a 30 zone. |
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