Test advice

[Wave2k]

I passed my theory today and looking at booking a test

should i do a course or just lessons

i have been riding about a year on L's
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Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

[Bendy]

Lessons.

You don't need a course when you've got a bike to practice what you learn in the lessons, IMO.

[Dusty]

I did a 4 day course, which despite the fact I had been riding for several years before, I'm still glad I did. Yes it was expensive, but I think it prepared me really well for the test.
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Gallery

[dainesefreak]

I suppose it depends how quickly you want to pass really, an intensive can be a good way to get a quick test date as training schools tend to block book dates.

[carvell]

Training schools can't block book test dates.

You can only book one test day per theory certificate.
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Yamaha TDM 850

[Wave2k]

so how much am i expecting for lessons?
£15-£20 i need a hire bike Rs is not really suitable
and its fairly broke atm
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Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

[carvell]

More like £25 per hour, remember you are paying for the instructor, his bike, his fuel, his maintainance.

You'd probably have to add on top of this the price for hiring a bike.
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Yamaha TDM 850

[Ste]

It is perfectly possible to pass your test using an RS125, it's just slightly harder doing U turns on bikes like the RS & NSR. Most places I believe will do an assessment (for free I think ) and will then be able to tell you how many lessons you will need to get up to test standard. Just because you've been riding for a year doesn't mean you're upto test standard as it's a year to pick up bad habits which they'll fail you for . I did my test without having lessons, but I didn't pass until the third try, probably would have worked out the same cost as having some lessons and then doing my test.

[yambabe]

Depends also on which test you are going for.

If you are going to take the 125 test & get a 33bhp restricted licence (because you prefer to or because of your age, I've not looked at your profile) then go for lessons. Most instructors now offer you a free or reduced assessment, then will block-book you for as many hours as they think you need plus your test. Try to find one who will continue your lessons for free if you fail the first time - took me 3 goes to pass mine and I only had to pay for the tests not the further lessons!

If you are going for Direct Access, do a course because you're better not riding your own bike between starting to learn and doing the test due to the handling differences.

And either way, keep doing those lifesavers and ride safe.
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Sod falling in love, I wanna fall in chocolate.

[stinkwheel]

I can only say what I did which is to ride over to the local instructor on a Friday (payday) after work and do an hours lesson. He told me when to book my test on the basis of how I was doing. Once a week gave me time to practice between lessons and having my wages in my pocket meant I hadn't spent all my money on beer by the time I wanted to do a lesson..
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Frost]

[yambabe]

[nc30 chick]

I was riding on L plates for a couple of months before i got the urge to do my test. I took a 3 full day course and my test was on the 4th day, passed first time. This was the best way for me because i felt that it was all fresh in my mind rather than doing 1-2 a week and having to refresh my mind every time.
I also had to take my restricted test because my feet could barely touch the floor on the 500's the school used. So i passed on my own 125 and now ride a 400. (nice and low! )

[biketeacherda...]

Yes i am an instructor and the owner of my own bike school and i do block book test dates 2 per week upto 2 months in advance

I charge £25 quid an hour including bike hire and insurance but to be honest you are better off doing a full course, if you have been riding a year then you wont need more than 3 days at most to get you up to the test level.

Most schools do offer a free assesment as i do so it all depends on how good or bad you rearlly are?
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www.dgridertraining.co.uk

[Clanger]

I did the DAS 4 day course after years of riding around on L plates, and passed without a hitch. Guess it all depends on what stage you are at in your abilities...what Babyyam said pretty much sums it all up
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Danny]

I would say do an assessment and see what they think, but remember to take it with a pinch of salt. I did an assessment and they said I would need 3 days but in fact I passed in 2 days with only 2 minors. That’s despite me getting the dates mixed up and being woken up by a phone call from my instructor.

[Shade_BW]

Basically it depends on how you ride.

Riding round for a year don't mean squat if you don't learn about thinks like counter steering and vanishing points.

Take some formal training, but remember disreputable shops might try to sell you more than you need.

I did Direct Access, I passed first time on only five days training. It was pretty intensive, and some poeple failed after that. Only you know how you ride and how you feel.

But I would say do some training, because you will pick up things that you cannot learn on your own through trial and error, and it will make you a better, safer rider.

Shade
Here to help.

[carvell]

I didn't have any lessons and passed second time, cost me £96 total, for 2 tests. Far cheaper than lessons.

[Shade_BW]