Module Tests

[nitro159]

Hey, Obviously new to here, used this great place for invaluable information for a while and thought I'd get in on the talking rather than sitting back and reading

Skip the next paragraph if you don't wish to know my riding history and I do apologise in advance to those who will read it and wonder why I went so far off of the topic!!

First off, I'm 17, completed my CBT at the end of June (What a great day too!) and Immediately off into the wild I went, unfortunately, as to be expected one particularly wet day, I was in a rush to get out of work, didn't notice my buckle on my helmet wasnt fully clicked in and went off, I noticed the horrifying knocking sound and immediately knew the problem, I slowed down and was about to turn into a side road to fix the problem (not wanting it to be a bad charm) and my front wheel locked up, I went down with my bike and luckily I was somehow thrown from it a few feet so I wasn't caught or crushed at all I was completely unharmed apart from some of the skin from my hip was now on the road, Luckily my destination wasn't far from work and I was able to wheel my bike to my girlfriends (who had come to the scene of the "RTA" with all of the chaos of an ambulance and police cars and generally the nosey public), I was obviously fine, after replacing my helmet a few days later, I decided to sell the bike for parts (too costly to repair really) and bought a new one with a better history (being brand new and all).
Since then I haven't had any accidents, the odd slip and human stupidity on the road but thats life, being 17 my road sense is, terrible by the DSA standards I guess, I try to always be aware but theres only so much you can do and I'm suprised I wasn't asked to do a theory test (I'll get to that later). I'm pretty sure I've made a good number of daft moves or not checked my blind spot before taking a risk, but I'm improving, I hope.

So its christmas, as a present, my dad has offered to pay for the Theory tests, and both Module tests so I can lose the L plates (probably boosts confidence that does taking those off for the first time) and work my way up to larger bikes over time, nothing too big (my dad is scared of anything above a 600 after owning a 1250)

No point in asking for tips as its down to me on the day, but some advice? I'd love your opinions!

I don't want to splash out on extra lessons that i may not need, also I don't fare well when I know I'm being "Judged" or assessed especially during my CBT, I was shaking like a leaf as soon as I got the bike onto the centre stand and stepped away, obviously very nervous and now this is alot bigger, adding to this is the fact I have to pass a theory test, I'm reading the book everyday, trying to memorise each question, write down my answer for that question on a seperate piece of paper and checking and checking, I'm not doing bad but its still daunting!

Basically, although obviously it wouldn't be advisable to just book the module tests myself (after having hypothetically completed my Theory test), have any of you done it? How did you do? What particulars are looked for in each module that perhaps I should pay special attention to?

Also any advice on how to calm my nerves would be greatly appreciated. It only happened after my CBT and I've never sweated so much since (Ewww I know), It was a hot day but since then theres been hotter and I've ridden for longer in the heat, but the time on that bike was probably the most nerve wracking time I've ever had

Any Input is greatly appreciated and I apologise for the very very long post.

Thanks - Wayne

[borolad]

Hi mate, first of all good post nice to see mature 17 year olds asking for advice;

I reccomend you take up at least 3 hours of lessons to build confidence up and also help with your nerves with being watched prior to doing your modules, you can also talk to your instructor about your nerves, also it is completely normal.

I was a little nervous on my cbt but my das was much more nerve racking, I failed part 2 the first time and I was very nervous, when I went back to resit it I knew it was nothing to be worried about, and passed no problem.

Glad your ok with having your 'off' and good to see it didn't put you off riding again.
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Suzuki GSF650SA

[snomag]

Hey Wayne, welcome to the forum!

I would say there's quite a lot you can do on you on your own to prepare to the test(s), but some training definitely won't hurt .

For the Theory test, just get the training kit, or sign up to a site and do as many tests as you can. Do them untill you pass all the time, and then you shouldn't have much of a problem when you're doing the actual test.

For the Module one, if you've your own bike, you can basically prepare without any training. Check out the layout for it (there's a PDF on the DSA's site, with emasurements and everything) go down to a carpark and - again - practice untill you don't get it wrong.

Once mod 1 is out of the way, I'd recommend some training with a school, to make sure you don't have any/much bad habits. It might also be a good idea to ride around with someone that has a full license and ask them to watch you while riding and point out any mistakes.

Oh and for the nerves: Try not stressing out too much by putting pressure on yourself by thinking about the guy who's there to mark you. Just do whatever you can do and pay attention it. If you fail? So what, you'll get there eventually and it's all about having fun.

Also on the mod 2, just think theinstructions are coming from a GPS and ride normally - that's all they want.

[crackfinder]

welcome to the site,

you can practice your theory test here.. https://www.all4bikers.com/theory/

here is a video clip of exactly what you have to do on the module 1 test........ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5f8YyaxqO0

here is part one of 15 parts showing exactly what the new motorcycle involves...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwYsMajnlRY&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=7E47CAC6320C820D

part 2,3 and the other parts right through to part 15 are in the righthand pane, so you can watch each section in the correct order

hope this helps.

I was told the three most important things when riding a motorcycle are......observation, observation and observation

[Ste]

If you get a copy of the DSA guide for the bike test then that has all the details of what the examiner will be looking for.

There isn't any reason why you need to do any lessons, pretty much everything that's being looked for is you doing the correct sequence of actions as appropriate, it's easy enough to learn that yourself. Getting into the habit of always checking your blind spot and things like that will come with experience, if you get the DSA book then it will give you lots of details to think about and work on getting them right.

Theory test is easy so don't worry about it. Only questions which are anything you'll need to learn the answers are the braking distances, the rest of it is just straight forward stuff.

Get your theory test out the way, but there's no point booking your pratical tests until you're up to the necessary standard. Whilst an instructor or an experience biker can watch you and tell you what you're doing right and wrong, you'll have a pretty good idea of if you're ready to try doing your test.

[DanHam]

I'm 17 myself, I used that 'all for bikers' website, it got me right through the test with 48/50. Hazard preception isn't hard, I dont think you can practice that online, but you can get a DVD for about £5-£10.

For the module test, I failed mod1 first time, I was with a training school, not a very good one, their bike was terrible (all one that they had) the brakes were non exsistant, after riding that CG for a day and then jumping onto my RS50, I nearly went over the handle bars when I got to the first roundabout.

I failed on the braking on my test to, after the avoidance and the emergency stop. So make sure you are happy with the bike your using.

Mod2 I found that to be much easier, its all about concentration, I went for training but I got really bored and I found that he was showing us round the place where we would be doing our test rather than telling us what to do. I had mod1 & mod2 booked on the same day but I never got the chance for mod2 since failing mod1.

I then went ahead and did the test all by myself, passed the whole thing in the end with just 2 minors on mod 2, 1 for steering around fuel on a round about and 1 for going to fast round around about. I'm now riding a Honda VFR400 restricted to 33 bhp.

As for the test questions, PM me and I will send you the link to another forum I posted them up on (I dont want to post on here for advertising and all)

Good luck with your test mate
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Previous - 2004 Aprilia RS50 - 2006 Honda CBR 125 R
A2 Passed - 12/11/09
Current - 1992 Honda VFR 400 R

[DanHam]

[uksteve1971]

Hi Wayne,

I tried a DAS course about 12 months ago, enjoyed the 5 days and felt everything was going OK until the test, needless to say I failed.

After spending the past 12 months commuting on my Yam Xt 125 i though it was time to give the test another go. Took the restricted A2 test and passed both module 1 and module 2 in a week.

This was 4 weeks ago now and although i am restricted to 33BHP for the next 2 years i still think it is a very good way to learn. I think the confidence i gained in the 12 months made the whole test seem very easy.

Looking for a bigger bike for Christmas...

[RoadRider]

Hi Wayne,

Well I read some of the above comments and felt it necessary to put in my penny's worth.

I have been an instructor for over 8 years now and have taught all levels and ages. Some people pick things up quickly, others take time. Some suffer badly with nerves, others slightly. But ALL needed the training!

It is certainly not impossible to pass the tests without official training. You can get information of other riders and read the DSA books to know how you will be assessed. But this does not teach you how to ride a bike! There's a lot more to it than starting, stopping, changing gears, turning and getting in lifesavers.

The most frustrating part of my job is not the drivers treating us like shit, its the wannabe riders thinking they know it all because they've driven for years or passed a CBT and gained a few months experience.

The majority of experienced riders and drivers I teach know very little about how to use a clutch, brakes, gears. How to balance and manoeuvre at slow or high speeds. But the biggest problem is that they don't understand the rules of the road, or how to anticipate other traffic.

Passing your test is just the beginning of a long learning curve. It is essential you start off on the right foot.

Training is essential to becoming a good rider not to just pass a test. If your training school appears to only teach 'what an examiner wants' and test routes, you're being ripped off!
Find an instructor who will teach you how to ride and gain from their knowledge and experience.

The accidents occurring on MOD1 tests are due to lack of training and skill. The deaths occurring on the roads are due to lack of anticipation and awareness!

Don't take the easiest cheapest route, as it will cost you in the long run, maybe with your life...

THINK and ENJOY!
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www.ROADRIDERUK.com
For the ride of your life

[nitro159]

Hey again, sorry its taken me a while to get back on here with christmas and family

I'd like to thank you all for the brilliant advice and range of opinions you've given me. I'm not booking anything yet but I'll be revising and practicing the theory test until I'm confident in my ability to pass.

To add to that I'll be taking a few hours training (3 - 5 Hours, maybe more if needed) and then going for the MOD 1 and hopefully the MOD 2 soon after that if all goes well. I will let you know how I got on whichever way the penny falls. Also thanks for the links, very informative and good to know what I'll be expecting.

Thanks again guys and I hope you had a good christmas and a happy new year is coming

Wayne