Taking the bike test

[steven_191]

Quite basically I've been riding on the chat for almost two years and feel I've got a fair bit of experience. I want to take the tests but don't want to pay £600 for the direct access course. I spoke to a guy at the local test centre who said I won't pass without doing the extra training as I won't know what I need to do to pass. Now on the dvla.gov site or whatever it is sys you can book the tests individually but this guy says you can't. At least you can't there

I was wondering what these things are that I don't already know in order to pass. A general list I've thought up so far seems reasonable

Don't crash
Don't kill yourself
Don't kill anyone else
Follow the highway code
Don't forget the indicator cancel

What am I missing?

[bencav]

[Im-a-Ridah]

No need to do training, book the test online. Give it a go and see how you get on after practicing yourself for a bit. For the price of the training it's worth having a go at the test yourself first tbh!

[Teflon-Mike]

You dont have to do an intensive DAS course to 'Do' DAS.
DAS is simply that you may, if over 21,
> ride a big bike on L's if supervised by qualified & approved DAS instructor
> take Mod 1 & Mod 2 tests on a big bike (if appropriately insured) & you can get the bike therelegally
> Passing Mods on big bike, get full A entitlement without two year 33bhp probation restriction.

Otherwise there is no reason why you have to train, and you can self book tests; either 125 'light-bike' 125 for 33bhp restricted A, 'standard Bike' or DAS.

Self tought; learning by your mistakes and no training beyond your first lesson of CBT?

Its pot luck. A lot of what you have learned the hard way will stand you in good stead, a lot may be unhelpful.

Get and read 'Road-Craft' or DSA "Motorcycle Riding: The Essentials' (RoadCraft for Dummies!) there is a lot of stuff you probably have never done or got in the habit of doing that examiners will look for in there. This is all points of technique. This si what you mainly get on Intensive DAS courses, the test-tips that teach you what examiners are looking for to help you pass; and a lot of it is 'riding to the book'.. so get one, read, consider and try and apply.

Lessons are good, and can be worthwhile. If only to confirm what you are doing good. But as like as not likely to dress up some stuff you aren't, and as often offer stuff that may make no odds to tests but that can be helpful.

Prices vary; but a couple of two hour lessons, possibly as little as £60 each, is a lot less than a £600 DAS course. Hinkley Rider Training offer an accompanieds test course for £125, price of two lessons, that's 7 (notionally) two hour lessons and very good value; if you have any-one like them, (HRTS are a volunteer school and part of the BMF) offering that kind of training for that kind of money, it's worth doing. It IS only the price of a couple of check lessons, but you get a full course for it, and does really up your chances over purely DIYing... though as Roger keeps harping, you cant pass a test in a lesson, but you can learn during a test....

But, that's my tuppence worth; training is good, and whether helps pass a test or not, worthwhile.
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[steven_191]

I have until the end of february to take the full test otherwise do the cbt again.

I think its worth doing the mod one as its something like £20. The only issue is do I need a big bike and if so I use theres and pay rental or use a friends and get insured. But dinyu need isnppnsurance for riding on private land?although to be honest the mod one isnt an issue. Its just this 'things you need to do to pass' the proper test. I would have thought good anticipation and preperation and using your eyes is the best practise. I can definately say as I've been driving for many years, since riding the bike the car driving has massively improved as i ve had the chance to see everything from another perspective and vice versa the driving without knowing anything about bikes means I know what to look out for when on the bike as its stuff I used to do or at least know of.

I was thinking about a few lessons before the test but realistically I've left it quite late as when it gets too cold it probably won't be till after January or February until its good enough weather again.

I have until I think Feb 28th so its at least the full month.

[Alex_B]

You can pass a Mod 1 and 2 without lessons, I have (1st attempt on both cos I am awesome that way ) and many others here also. That doesn't mean it's a walk in the park though.

You have to do the Stupid Mod 1 and then you gotta do the Mod 2 the way the Examiner wants you to do it. Using "your eyes" might not be enough.
He doesn't ride like that in real life of course but you just gotta show, 1 time that you can.

The trouble with going to a 'School' is that they will want you to show you can handle their bike, it's their money after all. They aren't just going to give it you without a making a few quid!
So, they will want you to book a few lessons, one to make (said) a few quid and 2, to ensure you don't stack their bike...fair enough tbh!

Your options are do it on a 125 and be restricted or pay the man for his bike.

Hurry the F up though, don't wanna be doing that CBT again if you can help it
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My Lane Position is always AWESOME!!

[blade023]

I went straight for a DAS course with my local school that cost me £500. I'd done my CBT with them a while back so I knew they were a good choice. Doing the mod1 is easy enough if you're confident on the whole manouvers thing, but I wasn't so confident so it helped me loads to have someone experienced and knowledgable giving me advice on how to do it.

Having said that, there's nothing to stop you practising the mod1 with a friend's bike and picking up tips and advice from other riders (on here and anyone you know who rides). I'd suggest people who have recently done the tests, as they probably have it fresh in their mind still. I'd also suggest doing a bit of research, the dsa site has all the info on the tests, then going for a mod1. Worst case is you don't pass it and then have experience of what the test is like and what you might need to work on; you can have a chat with the examiner afterwards to see what he thinks you need to improve.

I'm not so clued up on bike hire and insurance matters I'm afraid, but I can give you pointers on the tests if there's anything you're unsure about. You do have a better chance of passing if you train with a good school, but I've also heard stories of people training themselves and passing within the first 2-3 attempts. Depends on your commitment and how well you self teach I guess.

Whatever you decide to do let us know how it goes! Always good to hear about people getting that new license, it's such a good feeling when you have it.
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Current: VFR800 2008 13.7k and rising rapidly!
Sorn: 2003 FZS1000 30k(ish) looking to sell.

[steven_191]

To be honest I'm confident. I'm not saying that I'll definitely pass but the only thing I'm unsure of is why the guy said I wint know how to pass without paying him £600. It sounded half like a way to make some money but then also made me think if I turn up somewhere without paying them money for the initial lessons will that make them bias towards failing me cost they don't make as much money? Or am I just being sceptical?

I could quite happily go and take the test now and see how it goes really. I've ride a hornet. Not properly but around the block a few times. The only difference is that its heavier when not moving. It also had a better turning circle than my mito.

Ive also looking through the DSA stuff about the test. It all look relatively simple and mostly common sense driven as with most things but I do get the 'what the instructor wants to see' side of things. This of course I won't know.

I might just book the mod 1 and mod 2 a week apart just in case for some reason I fuck up as you need 3 days to rearrange it for any reason.
See how it goes then decide either do it again or have a lesson or do the cbt and worry about it next year.

Just need to find somewhere to book it.

Anyone have any tips on what the instructor said that you had to watch out for or if you failed what they failed you on?

[SirToU]

[Teflon-Mike]

[steven_191]

Now that its been mentioned, the only thing I don't think about is road positioning but I do do it. Just seems common sense as to where you want to be to give the best view, be seen, avoid dangers and prepare for the next manuver.

I think I'll get it booked and read up on the tips etc beforehand. Just need to be less lazy and actually get on with arranging things.

Cheers everyone

[waffles]

There are videos on youtube that show you the layout Mod 1, would definitely be worth a watch so that you can see what will be expected of you.
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[SirToU]

Just to clarify.

Road positioning is important during both DSA and Advanced Training. But it is very different between the two.

Neil
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Ride it like it was stolen.
2011 Motogymkhana UK Competition Winner
2012 Motogymkhana UK Series Champion

[bigguy]

speaking from experience and thinking i knew it all i done everything by myself on my own bike,part one i failed the first time then passed second time.part two i failed miserably because i never knew the routes although some folk say it doesnt matter if you know the routes or not as you should still be able to ride like its a sat-nav telling you where to go and you just follow the directions you are given, i dont think so as a bit of knowledge of the areas will definitely help your ability to know where you are going and the examiner told me straight that i need a few lessons on the routes, having redone my cbt 2 weeks ago i now look forward to when the weather breaks and will sit my test again but i will take a few lesson's beforehand just to be sure and it wont have cost me the earth,there is nothing but great advice on this site although some folk are a bit hot-headed and must have plenty of cash the way they say get back in for your test straight away, but not all of us can afford the prices right away these days if we fail first time around.

[Apexes]

IMO £600 is a small price to pay for the knowledge and experience of qualified instructors who do this day in day out, especially if your going from a 125 upto a 5/600, it isn't quite as easy as just jump on a bigger engine bike and away you go.

A standard 600 will be twice, if not more times the weight of a small 125, the power difference is tremendous, cornering is completely different, basic tasks such as manouvering the bike backwards etc can take some time to get used to on the MOD 1 if you haven't done it before - Certainly moving my Z750 is a task compared to a 125.

Not saying don't do it - but for your own safety and experience i think it's worth doing

[mossi123uk]

go down to your nearest testing place and watch them do the MOD 1 and follow someone do there MOD 2 to get the hang of it free lessons? lol

[Richtea]

[Rogerborg]

You can learn during a test, but you can't pass during a lesson. ( to Mike)

The first thing you'll need is a theory pass, so book that now. Get a theory test DVD from any supermarket, and practice the hazard clips. Treat it as a game: in most of the clips you have to click when a learner would notice that they're about to die, not when you actually spot the hazard.

There's nothing complicated in either mod 1 or mod 2. The DSA videos on YouTube will show you everything in mod 1, and it actually got slightly easier last year. Mod 2 is just a ride out.

The only real issue is whether to sit a "standard" aka A2 test on your own 125 and get an A license with a 2 year 25kW / 0.16kW/kg restriction, or (if you're 21+) to blag a 35kW+ bike and sit a "large" aka DAS test to get an unrestricted A license.

If you go the DAS route you'll need to get your hands on a 500cc+ bike which you're insured to ride on your provisional, get it to the test centre legally (i.e. van or have someone else ride it), and put L plates on it for the duration of the tests (at least for the mod 2). Also wear hi-vis, which isn't strictly necessary but best not to argue the toss.

I'd wear hi-vis regardless of which route you go since it'll tick the right box in the informal attitude section of the test.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[steven_191]

So I've booked a half days training for next weekend. It will start in the car park going over the mod 1. Hopefully no more than an hour then go on the road for mod 2 training for the remaining time.

I might booked the mod 1 for the following Monday morning to get it done sooner and get ready for the mod 2

[EazyDuz]

I know i would have failed mod2 once or twice without any training. It is quite easy to fail if you dont have any lessons.
Luckily my local training centre only charged £125 to teach me mod1 and mod2 until i passed both.
I'd book some lessons but you could give it a go.
Just bare in mind £75 plus whatever it costs to hire a bike for the test is a lot of money if you do fail.
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To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

[steven_191]

It seems the way the test centres look at it is once you do some training with them, it qualifies you to do the tests. Without training they don't seem to interested which is fair enough.

I'm looking into the cost of insuring myself on a friends bike for the tests. It looks like if the insurance it less than around £50 for the day it should be cheaper to borrow.

[pinkyfloyd]

I'd trawl through Youtube and get all the info about what you need to pass mod 1, take yourself down to a car park on a quiet sunday when the shops are closed and have a practice at the slow control. Book yourself in for the test and get it passed.

For mod 2 I would recommend at least 1 lesson so they can assess you and show you where your weaknesses are and what bad habits you need to stamp out for mod 2.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[steven_191]

Got some training tomorrow. Was looking a bit frosty out this morning. But I think it should clear up pretty soon as it seems to be doing today. Will have to wear the base layer for a bit more warmth I think.
I was also thinking of getting some wintery gloves instead of the ones I have which are more 'fast bike' gloves. They let the cold in a bit. It will be noticeable after the hours I'll be out.

There also seems to be a lot of people passing recently. So here a communal well do e to everybody. Well done.

[Alex_B]

So, taking some tuition then?

All good mate.

Good luck with it all.

How much did you end up paying?
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My Lane Position is always AWESOME!!

[Scythe]

I had been riding my 125 for 18 months after doing my CBT. I'm under 21 so had to a restricted test on a 125 (my own).

I did the Mod 1 on my bike, just rode to it, tried it and passed. Look at the youtube video by tarmacscratcher for the Mod 1. I used this to see what they were looking for on the Mod 1. Turns out, that tarmacscratcher actually ended up being my instructor for Mod 2 (I found out after passing my mod 2 so it was coincidence).

Back to Mod 2, I went to the instructor and asked to do a whole day worth of lessons (5 hours) in order to tidy up my bad habits. The day got off to a late start so the instructor said he'd give me an hours lesson the morning before my test. I then went and did my lesson that morning, which I'd strongly recommend. This got me in the right mental attitude and along with what I'd learnt the day before, put me in good stead for Mod 2, which I passed.

I passed both tests first time (failed my theory by one mark after loads of revision - god damn!). My road experience on my 125 (8000 miles, and plenty of long journeys) REALLY helped me out. The final touch were those few hours of lessons to tidy my riding up.

In the end, I spent about £200-250 for my licence (excl. CBT). In your case, you'd have to spend a little bit more as you'd have to have the instructor with you for the Mod 1 as you have to rent the bike. My lessons cost about £100, or £120 with bike rental for a 500cc.

Good luck!
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2009 Yamaha YBR125 -> 2000 SV650S -> 2005 Kawasaki ZX6R 636