Notes for candidates taking the full practical test

[Slavo]

The motorcycle test is now very similar to the car test. The most obvious difference is that the examiner will follow you on a motorcycle, or in a car, giving directions by radio. Instead of the parking, reversing and three-point turn exercises in a car, you will be asked to show that you can safely park the motorcycle on it's stand, push the motorcycle, usually in a U-turn, and complete a ridden U-turn in the road. You will also have to answer a simple question on the theme of "balance", usually concerning the carrying of a pillion passenger. The test normally lasts 40-45 minutes of which approximately 30 minutes is spent on the road. Before the ridden part commences the examiner will:

Check your documents - If your have the new photocard license then you will need both photocard and paper parts of it. If you have the old paper license then you need photographic proof of identity (e.g. Passport) You also need to show a current CBT certificate and Motorcycle Theory Test pass certificate.
Ask you to sign an insurance declaration at the top of the marking form (they do not ask to see a certificate of insurance)
Brief you on how the test is conducted and how directions will be given.
Fit you with one of their radios and test it.
Note down the motorcycle registration number and check to ensure that it has a current tax disc.
Ask you to take an eyesight test.
Ask two questions relating to safety checks on your motorcycle, one "show me..." and one "tell me..." question.

In the briefing the examiner will explain that you should ride "as if you are on your own". This is important because they want to see normal riding. It is expected that you may leave the examiner behind sometimes, and they will try to catch up, but if not, they can easily ask you to pull over and wait as their radios have a range of about 1 mile. You must not stop because you think you have lost the examiner. Directions will be simple and brief. You will not be asked to go straight on - you should continue straight ahead until told to go in a different direction or to pull over. Do not over-react to directions - identify your turning first, so that indication is given at the correct moment. Likewise, when asked to "pull over somewhere safe", wait until you find a suitable spot. Do not stop on double yellow lines, keep-clear zones or bus stops unless in an emergency, or unless requested to do so.

In the ridden part of the test you will follow one of a number of standard routes. All routes start in a 30mph speed limit. Some routes will not leave this limit and may not exceed 5 miles in length whereas others contain a variety of speed limit changes. The routes are designed to include the same types of highway features as the car test, i.e. at least one roundabout, pedestrian crossing, traffic light, stop-line and so on. During the route you will stop, usually in a quiet residential area, and undertake the stand, pushed turn, ridden turn and emergency stop exercises. Most people say that the ride goes very quickly and feels more like 10 minutes long.

Use of speed & maintaining progress
You should aim to do the maximum legal speed for the road providing that it is safe to do so. This means that you need to watch out for speed limit changes. Try to avoid playing it safe and hovering just under the limit, as this will irritate following traffic (including the examiner). Slow acceleration will have a similar effect and so you should aim to get up to speed promptly. There is now considerable emphasis on "making good progress" although you must respond to hazards and congestion by slowing down appropriately. Avoid hesitation at junctions and roundabouts, as you will be expected to take the first opportunity to go that presents itself. You will normally only be penalised if you pull out in front of another vehicle forcing it to brake. By careful control of your approach speed and good observation you may avoid stopping at give-way lines but if you cannot see well enough to make a safe decision, then do stop for a better look.

Slowing down or stopping
You must warn following traffic that you are slowing down by activating your brake light. Therefore, you should practice slowing down by using your brakes, and not a combination of engine braking and gear changing. You should use the brakes in such a way that the brake light stays on consistently whilst slowing down. The combination of brakes required to achieve this will depend on how quickly you are slowing down. Don't forget a rear check before you slow, and before you speed back up again. When speeding up, move your foot away from the rear brake lever so that the brake light is not accidentally operated in normal riding.

Normal positioning
You should normally ride in the centre of your lane. This will allow half a lane's width between you and any oncoming traffic. You should aim to preserve this margin of safety and move to the left if oncoming traffic has to move out wide. You will frequently need to move out wide yourself, to overtake stationary objects such as parked vehicles. Anticipate the actions of oncoming traffic before doing so as you need to keep a margin of safety, and if you cannot then you should give way. Never assume that an oncoming car will give way to you. Normally you should allow for a door opening when passing vehicles, but if you are forced to choose between being close to oncoming traffic or parked cars then go closer to the parked cars but slow right down. After you have passed a parked vehicle, return to your normal position unless there is another such vehicle within 200 metres in which case stay out but only if it remains safe. Examiners do not like to see normal riding in the right hand half of the lane and so if the road surface of the lane centre is poor, then ride to left of centre. You should also position yourself to the left of centre on wider roads, when going straight on at traffic lights and junctions, maintain your normal position.

Positioning for left and right hand turns
After appropriate indication and observation, you should move to the left for left turns and the right for right turns as far as it is safe to do so. This will allow traffic going in other directions to continue past you, however if you are in a lane that only goes in one direction then stay in your normal riding position. When turning into a right turn position make sure that it is safe relative to oncoming traffic and that no part of your motorcycle projects over the centre-line. The correct sequence for turns is mirror/Signal/Observation/Change position/Adjust speed/Lifesaver/Turn. You must avoid swinging out wide before left turns or running wide after them. On right turns avoid turning early and cutting off the corner or turning late and running wide.

Rear observation - mirrors
Examiners encourage the use of mirrors wherever appropriate as looking over your shoulder involves taking your eyes off the road ahead. You should check your mirrors every 10-15 seconds when proceeding in a straight line, and before slowing down or stopping, for example when approaching junctions, traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. Most of the time you will be checking following traffic and your right mirror will show you all you need to see, but do use the left mirror if required, for example when there is a lane or slip road to your left, or you are in slow traffic and need to consider cyclists and moped riders. Examiners need to see that you are using your mirrors and so you will need to visibly nod at them.

Rear observation - when changing position
If you change position within your lane, or change lanes then you will be moving across into your mirror blind spot and therefore you should look into that blind spot before you move. This requires a brief sideways glance only as to do more could affect your steering and your observation of the road ahead. This observation complements mirror observation and should not be confused with a 'lifesaver'.

Rear observation - lifesavers
The lifesaver observation is required in situations where the rider is stationary or nearly so and is just about to move across or into potentially faster flowing traffic coming from behind. The observation needs to take in the mirror view and the blind spot in one glance and therefore a proper look over the shoulder is appropriate, and it should be performed immediately before the manoeuvre. Lifesavers are essential before turning right, pulling away from the kerb and turning in the road. Lifesavers are also required on some left turns where other two-wheeled traffic needs to be considered, and on roundabouts, although you should not attempt to look too far behind as this will effect your steering. A missed or very clearly early or late lifesaver will normally result in test failure.

Rear observation - when moving forward and accelerating
When moving away, say from traffic lights; check both sides of the bike, particularly for other two-wheelers. This must not affect your progress, so try to anticipate the lights changing so that you are away promptly on a green light (if safe to do so). When accelerating, check your right blind spot for traffic trying to overtake, as it is an offense to accelerate when being overtaken.

Response to signs and signals/Awareness and planning
Read the road ahead so that you don't have to make any hasty decisions. Remember that a lot of important information is painted on the road, and so look out for lane markings, keep-clear and cycle-only boxes, grid boxes, 'slow' markings and stop-lines at junctions. Remember that in Bristol, motorcycles can use bus-lanes at all times. Avoid excessive response to amber traffic lights and continue if necessary. Examiners would regard an emergency stop for an amber light, with no rear check first, as dangerous. You should look to move forwards promptly on a green light. Only go through a red light if the green filter pointing in your direction of travel is lit.

Following distance
Observe the two-second rule as examiners are strict on this. Don't get too close in traffic queues as you will then be unable to see road markings - allow just under a car's length when stationary, or more if behind a tall vehicle which has a large blind spot behind it. Don't forget that the two-second rule applies to good conditions, and following distance should be doubled when riding in the wet.

Moving away safely
You may be asked to pull over to the kerb on a number of occasions so the examiner can test your judgement in moving away again. Good observation is vital. Make sure that you have checked thoroughly in both directions before you go, and do a lifesaver immediately before committing yourself into the road. Make sure that you have correctly assessed the speed of other vehicles when you make your decision, as speeding traffic is one of the most common reasons for misjudgment in this situation. You should aim to get up to speed quickly once committed. Even if you have misjudged the speed of following traffic, prompt acceleration could compensate for it. You should indicate to move away if required. If you can see anyone in either direction that might need to know of your actions, and that would include pedestrians waiting to cross the road, you should indicate, but not until you observation tells you that it is safe to do so. Do not sit on the kerb with your indicator running and with approaching from behind, as this may cause confusion.

Judgement when overtaking, meeting traffic and crossing traffic
If a vehicle in ahead of you is travelling at significantly (e.g. 10 m.p.h.) below the appropriate speed for that road, then you will be expected to overtake if it can be done safely. You should plan this in advance so that you have time to assess the situation with regard to following and oncoming traffic. On a single carriageway road, move out in the lane so that you can see ahead and to make your intentions clear. On a dual carriageway, change lane at the appropriate moment (mirror/signal/obs/manoeuvre). Avoid indicating before you are clear to go as this might make traffic in the right hand lane brake. Look out for speeders - good mirror observation should enable you to spot traffic moving abnormally fast. Avoid closing on the slow vehicle to less than a two second gap whilst you are considering overtaking - be decisive. Don't stay in the overtaking lane for longer than is necessary and move back as soon as possible with appropriate indication and observation, making sure that you have left a two second gap behind you. When meeting oncoming traffic, remember not to sacrifice your safety margin, and be prepared to move to the left or give way to retain it. When crossing traffic the golden rule as in all of these judgement based situations, is not to make another vehicle brake. Remember to allow time for any lifesaver(s) that may be required when deciding whether you have a sufficient gap to go in.

Negotiating crossroads
Most problems in tests occur when waiting to turn right at a traffic-light controlled crossroad. On a green light you should move as far forward towards your exit as it is safe. Although the highway code recommends turning behind oncoming vehicles turning right across you, (offside/offside pass) in practice most oncoming vehicles will turn early across your front, and you will have to do likewise (nearside/nearside). It is therefore important that when you turn in this way, you show that you have considered the possibility of vehicles coming through on the inside of a vehicle waiting to turn right across your front. If you have been unable to turn by the time the lights change, then as soon as oncoming traffic has stopped, you should complete your turn unless there is a very compelling reason not to. All of the above equally applies where there is a diagonal grid box in the junction, provided that your exit road is clear, and when there is an unlit right filter arrow but the control light is green. If the control light is red, you must wait for the filter arrow to light before moving forwards, but then oncoming traffic should be stopped on a red light. In all cases, avoid turning too early and cutting the corner, and do not forget your lifesaver.

Pedestrian crossings
Make sure that you are familiar with the various types of crossing and that you only stop or wait for pedestrians who are in a position to enter the crossing and who clearly intend to do so. If the situation is unclear, then slow down. Remember that you must wait for pedestrians to complete their crossing before you move on but don't overdo it, examiners like you to be moving as the pedestrian is just stepping off the crossing. You cannot pass the lead vehicle at, or nearest to the crossing. Watch out for zebra crossings with islands, as they count as two separate crossings.

Emergency stop and U-turn
You will only be asked to do these exercises once in the test, and so they will be practised throughout your training. Your instructor will aim to strike a balance between this and more general aspects of riding. If however you remain particularly concerned about these two things and would like more practice, please let your instructor know.

Angle start
You may be asked to pull over to the kerb, and then pull away again in circumstances where your forward or rear vision is obstructed by another vehicle. You will either be asked to pull in behind a parked car (leave about a car length space in front of you) or the examiner may position his or her vehicle in order to create an obstruction to your view. You will be expected to pull away safely which will usually involve creeping out from the kerb until you can see past the obstruction. Do not commit yourself to go until you are sure that it is safe to do so.

Slow riding
During the test you must show that you can ride your machine under control at walking pace. If this is not seen during normal riding, the examiner may ask you to ride along side him/her as he/she walks along the kerb for a short distance. This is normally conducted in the U-turn/emergency stop section of the test.

Control of motorcycle when stationary
When stationary with your engine running, you must remain in full control with your hands on the handlebars. Always switch the engine off before dismounting.

Ancillary controls
Use of the stand is marked under this section, along with use of other controls. Please so not forget that you have a horn, which should be used if the occasion arises. If your motorcycle is capable of running with dipped headlights in the test without affecting the visibility of it's indicators in daylight, then you should switch them on.

Dress for success
Examiners will expect you to go at least some way to reflect the advice on clothing given in the first part of the CBT course. Your instructor can give you further advice on this subject.

The 'Pillion' question
This should not be a problem for any candidate. You will be coached on it *see further on *

At the end of the test
After you have answered the pillion question, you will be notified of your result, and be given a copy of the test report on which any faults will be recorded. On the report sheet there are three columns for recording minor, serious and dangerous faults. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults but no serious faults in order to pass. A dangerous fault could result in the test being terminated on the spot. If for this, or any other reason such as mechanical breakdown, you are left at the roadside by the examiner, don't worry as your instructor will be notified by the examiner, and they will collect you as soon as possible. Such events are thankfully extremely rare. Remember that statistically, the odds are well in favour of your passing first time - Good luck!



THE PILLION QUESTION

At the end of your test you will be asked a short and simple question related to some aspect of carrying passengers or loads, or some other balance related matter.
Here are some examples.

Q - What instructions might you give to a pillion passenger who has not been on a motorcycle before?

A - They must wear an approved safety helmet which must be fastened correctly. They should wear eye protection and protective clothing, gloves and boots. They must sit astride the motorcycle, facing forwards, keeping feet on the footrests at all times and holding on to the rider or a grab rail at all times. No arm signals should be given. They should look over the riders left shoulder, and lean with the rider in corners.

Q - How may a pillion passenger affect your riding of the motorcycle?

A - Increased stopping distance - leave bigger gaps - 4-seconds instead of 2. Lighter steering - slower acceleration, again leave bigger gaps when emerging into traffic. More top heavy - be more careful at low speed. Possibly obstructed mirror view - may need to look over shoulder more.

Q - What would happen in a left hand corner if your pillion did not lean with the rider?

A - The motorcycle would steer in a straighter line onto the wrong side of the road.

Q - How would you adjust a motorcycle for carrying a passenger or load?

A - Stiffen rear suspension, increase rear tyre pressure, check headlamp and mirror alignment, put pillion footrests down.

Q - How would you load a motorcycle with luggage?

A - Equally on both sides, weight kept as low as possible (i.e. in side panniers).

Q - How would you deal with crosswinds when riding?

A - Lean into the wind, slow down if necessary, take care when passing gaps between buildings, bridge supports, high-sided vehicles etc...



SHOW ME/TELL ME QUESTIONS

At the start of your test you will be asked two questions to do with vehicle safety checks, one will start with "Show me........" and the other, "Tell me ..........." This is a new addition to the test from September 1st 2003. The following questions may be asked.

Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Show me how you would check the operation of the emergency stop switch.

Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.

Show me how you would check the steering for excessive freeplay.

Show me how you would check that the lights and the brake lights and reflectors are clean and working.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off-road only).

[Rollins]

When I went for my test, I didn't even get as far as Show & Tell...

I tried to take my test on my RS125, with all round L plates of course. The examiner asked me,"Is the bike restricted?" Kind of a stupid question, I thought. Turns out, there's nothing on the bike which tells me, or anyone else, that it's been restricted. So I ended up not being allowed to take my test, lost my 40 odd quid fee for test, cause I couldn't prove that it was restricted, and therefore, suitable to take my test on.

Considering that I bought the bike from new this year from my local dealer, surely they should have restricted it? Or if not, then they shouldn't have sold me the bike in the first place?

Anyway, my wallet is nursing the loss of £40, my CBT expiry date is looming, and I'm generally feeling a bit crap. Oh well, it looks like I'll be jumping back on the 10 year old CG125 at the local training centre for the foreseeable future....

[Shaun]

Exactly the same thing happened to me when I had my RS.

[Frost]

Is proof of restriction allways required no matter what the bike?

[carvell]

No.

Well, I took my bike test twice on a 125 trail thing and was never asked for proof of restriction. But then it was obvious by looking at the bike that this was the case.

It's not mentioned in any DSA book, so it's probably down to the examiner.
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Yamaha TDM 850

[MarJay]

Um, you should have just said that the powervalve motor had been removed before the bike was delivered.

Thats the usual method of 'restriction' for RS125's afaik.

I wouldn't even called that a restriction as such because you add something to the bike to derestrict it... this makes it logical to think that they would have to prove a powervalve motor had been fitted!

I'e got a feeling that RS125's come without the powervalve motor as stock anyway... but don't quote me.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[tatters]

the rider tranning school l went to said that l could,nt ride a sports 125 (mito,rs,nsr,tzr,rg) for the test or tranning unless l had a certicult to prove that the bike was under 33bhp ,WTF so l told them that it was impossable to get ethier one of those bikes over 33bhp so l had to fork out £120 to use a yamaha SR125
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Rollins]

Well, I've now got written proof from my dealer that it's restricted, but the examiner wanted to see a plate? Kinda like one you would see on a Yoshi full system saying 'NOT FOR ROAD USE', but saying something obvious like "RESTRICTED" - never heard of that ever being the case.

Well, my CBT tuns out in 45 minutes, so that's another £110 down the drain for an orange piece of paper which says that I can ride a bike. Thanks Mr Pedantic Instructor.

[Frost]

He wanted to see a plate on the frame of the bike stateing its power and capacity.

[Shaun]

[Dr Nick]

I did my test on my NSR with a 180 Bore kit on it , i took the Nikon Pipe off because it was pretty loud and he would no doubt notice, he told me he was going to take me where he takes the 500 commuter bikes for U turns, as the turning circle on an NSR isnt that good
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is that it

[scswat]

In the US unless you take your test at a school you have to use your own bike for the test... which left me doting around pylons and cones with my nearly 500lb Katana, which when you only weigh 173 lbs yourself is sometimes a feat. Slavo, I can tell you are a bit of a perfectionist... my compliments on your outline, very well done. I must say that you chaps have a tougher test to take, like I stated in another post, we have a 25 question multiple guess written test, and a 10-15 minute ridden skills test which is actually done in a parking lot! Both of which are easily done in one day. Then you guys get mauled for insurance... but then again if you are inexperienced anywhere they will slip it to ya.
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The world is full of stupid people, lest target practice be a moot point.

..."Nothing screams poor workmanship like wrinkles in the duct tape"...

[Rollins]