Self teaching for the tests

[Lord Percy]

Having only just discovered I don't actually need to go through an instructor to sit all the tests, I'm wondering how possible it is, in reality, to pass without professional training?

I think my heads screwed on reasonably tight, so as long as I did all the blatant safety checks to an extreme level, and I did a lot of reading up and personal practice in car parks and things, and if you guys were to specifically tell me the downfalls of most test candidates, I wonder if I'd be able to go the solo route and save £600+ on paying an instructor to tell me things I can surely find out for free?

Is it possible..???

[defblade]

Must be, I did it that way.

Fine if you're taking the tests on your 125, more of a PITA if you're trying to do DAS though: you need a big bike to borrow, and insurance.
____________________
Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[Richtea]

Yep, very possible.

I passed first time on Mod1&2, as have many others on here. Just practice what you learnt on your CBT and download the Mod1 layout to practice in the local Tesco's* car park.

Not difficult if you practice.

*Other supermarket car parks are available
____________________
2005 Honda Varadero 125xl > 2005 GS500F > 2007 DRZ400 SM > 600 Bandit & Yamaha YP250

[janner_10]

You tube and a bit of practice in a car park with some cones - you will be sorted!

Both are not that difficult. Ignore all the swerve is dangerous guff.

Get your slow riding skills honed and you will walk it.

EDIT: Good Luck!
____________________
Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Efes123]

At the end of the day, the MOD1 is just a rehash of your CBT, but with speed checks in it. And, if you can ride safely on the road, then MOD2 is just a ride out, with someone giving you directions. I'd guess a good percentage of us on the forum passed this way.
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Barnaby]

Any instructor will happily tell you that they teach you how to pass the test, NOT how to ride a motorcycle.

It's a game, innit?

If you can teach yourself to competently ride a motorcycle, then the test itself is nothing to fear.
____________________
"I don't hate the Welsh, I pity them. Even the Scots & the Irish look down on them." Anon.

[carvell]

I passed fine with no lessons. I suspect more people do it than you think.

I just took myself to empty car parks on Sunday afternoons to practice u-turns. Everything else was just as per CBT.
____________________
Yamaha TDM 850

[Rogerborg]

The module 1 test pass rate is nearly 70% now (for chaps). Module 2 is mid 60s. Even if you fail a few, you'll still pay less than on lessons - which don't guarantee a pass anyway.

Time might be an issue though, you've only got until January 19th 2013 to get it done under the current rules. Don't hang around wondering if you're ready, just book them and find out.
____________________
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

[Lord Percy]

WOOHOO!

Yeah I was gonna say, if I fail and need to retake a test, I'd still be paying less than lessons.

So next question - this'll mean I need to get myself a 125. I don't mind doing it but I'm afraid of how hard it'll be to sell afterwards because really I wanted to own something of the almost 33bhp variety (I'll be going for restricted licence), because I intend to be doing a 40 minute ride down the M4 into London a couple of times a week.

So is it hard to get rid of a 125?

Or.... although it would be horribly slow, am I allowed to ride a 125 on the motorway at all? Not after the CBT I presume, but can it be done on the full licence?

[matto]

I did both tests without training on my little CG125, just take some time to read what's required and get practising.

125s are generally very easy to sell if they are taxed and mot'd as someone (like yourself) is always wanting to learn to ride.

You will be allowed to ride the 125 on the motorway once you've got rid of your L plates, so once you've passed the tests, not just with the CBT.

I wouldn't want to be doing a 40 minute each way commute on a 125 even only a couple of times a week, but some people are braver than me

Anyway get cracking as if you manage to pass before January you will get a restricted license (33bhp) which will upgrade to an unrestricted license in 2 years time, leave it until after January and you'll just be getting a restricted license and will have to take more tests should you get an itch for something bigger than 45bhp.

[mic]

[TomGT]

I've been self taught, did my cbt in June last year at 16, ridden a moped for a year. I've been riding my 125 since June and passed the mod 1 second time around, and have my mod 2 on Wednesday, wish me luck
____________________
1992 ZXR 400

[Richtea]

[Lord Percy]

[Rogerborg]

Mod 1 is a formal test administered by the DSA. You'll be told clearly what to do, one manoeuvre at a time, but given no advice about how to do it. If you're unsure about anything though, ask for clarification.

The contents are described briefly here with a link to a video.

I'm not aware of any available stats on where people fail, but causes of failure are:

Multiple failures to make observations. You're told to treat the compound as a road, so look around.

Dropping the bike.

Foot down in the slalom, figure 8, slow ride or u-turn. You get loads of room to do these, don't fret over them.

Not meeting the 48kph limit twice on the stop or swerve tests on (50kph is what's asked for, 48-49kph is a minor, you need 5 minors to fail). Stay in 2nd gear, carry as much speed as you can round the bend, wide open throttle all the way to the speed gates, don't roll off, don't look at your speedo (it won't make you go any quicker), job done. If you flub it, you'll be told you were too slow, and given a 2nd try.

Failure to stop quickly enough in the e-stop.

Locking a wheel in the e-stop. Locking the rear is very common, so don't actually use it! Just put your foot on the brake and use the front to stop.

Clipping a cone in any manoeuvre, the swerve being common.

Really, don't worry about it, it's not a hard test and they actually changed it last year to make it a bit easier. Anyone can fail it on a dabbed foot or limp wrist in the speed tests, but it only costs £15.50 for another go. Get your theory passed, book mod 1 and have a go, worst case is that you find out where you went wrong and need to try again.
____________________
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

[Matt-]

if i was " you "i would practice for MOD 1 in a car pack after watching some YouTube Video's here's one below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWtt6tjnK4M

For MOD 2 i would have 2 lesson's and go out and would practice myself

Matter of opinion really

Matt
____________________
RIP jack (wheelie king), you will never be forgotten.
Current Bike's - Road Legal TZR 125 Pitbike, Aprilia SR50R 2010

[Skudd]

It is very possible to pass your test with a bit of reading, youtube and luck.

With an instructor you get pearls of wisdom that you may not have thought about, you will get the right training and picked up on your weak points.

But as with everything if you fail to prepare you prepare to fail.

I just wonder what the stats are for accidents for those who have taken instruction and for those who have not in the first 5 years after passing their test?
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[dungbug]

Entirely possible, many before have done it. How long have you been riding if you don't mind me asking (?)
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Lord Percy]

[gaffa]

It all depends whether you intend to do your direct access?

MOD 1 is easily passable with your own practice in an empty car park and a set of cones.
You can get the course dimensions from the dvla website, set the course up tighter than their dimensions then when you come to do it for real you have extra room for manouvre. You tube is also a great source and there are loads of MOD1 tests on there to watch.

In relation to MOD 2 i would probably suggest a couple of lessons as if you have only ever done your cbt then you will probably pick up bad habits and like another poster has said above, the instructors will give you little tips / correct ways to do things etc...

Good luck however you choose to do it!
____________________
MOD 1 passed 30/07/12, MOD 2 passed 13/08/12. Current bike: 2008 Kawasaki ER6f

[thepuma]

The tests really arent very difficult. You just need a bit of practice and a bit of research on YouTube so you know whats expected to pass.

I had never been on a bike before..then did cbt, bought a little 125 and then within about 6 weeks id passed my theory, mod 1 and 2 with no lessons.

The tests arent difficult, you just need to know whats required to pass then make sure you do it in the 10 minute Mod1 and 40 minute Mod2.

I dont know what you have to do to fail your Mod2, but on my mod2 I rode the worst id ever ridden since buying the bike and I passed with just 2 minors...so id imagine youd have to be pretty bad to fail...OR not do enough research to know what the examiners are looking for.

Best of luck with it theres NOTHING in ANY of the processes from cbt to mod2 that is actually difficult in any way shape or form. Control your nerves, do the research and practice. ...youll be onto a winner.

Oh..and 125s are probably the easiest bikes to sell....I sold mine in 12 hours and they paid the asking price. So dont be afraid to buy one.
____________________
YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[Ribenapigeon]

Sounds like you have plenty of bike control experience so maybe just get an assesment lesson from a bike instructor before the Mod 2. If you've riden in India I doubt you would screw up the Mod 1.

Just enjoy.

[illuminateTHE...]

Try searching mod 2 bike test in youtube...

also try making lifesavers habit.. even when im not riding i try do a lifesaver (ino im a nerd ... eg when i going to the toilet before turning right from the hallway i try and squeeze in a lifesaver.

[stephen_o]

I bought a cg125 for £200, did cbt, watched youtube mod 1 and 2, commuted on bike for a few months, and practiced on industrial estates, passed mod 1 and 2 1st time with a couple of minors on each.....

And then sold the CG for £540 which paid for the GPZ I now have.

Believe in your own ability.
____________________
current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[Ribenapigeon]

I think you know when you ready to have a go at the modules. I started riding in March but it wasn't until september that I really thought I could take a shot at them. That might be slow for some people but you go at your own speed, read up, practice and watch other riders and the forums here and there's no doubt you can do it.