Intensive course - test on Wednesday! Any tips/experiences?

sam.ashburner · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Karma :

Hi this is my first post so please forgive any mistakes.

I've been riding my 125 scooter around for about 3000 miles over the last 2 months and I really want to get my restricted license so I can get hold of a real bike and rid of those stereotypical scooter L-plates Embarassed

.
I've got an intensive 2 day course starting tomorrow on a geared 125 with my test at 1:30pm on the second day Confused

lol I know it's optimistic but I've been practising the overshoulder looks and lifesavers for the whole time I've been riding.
I did my CBT on a geared bike and passed that without problem having never ridden before (which I was quite proud of Wink

even if its not the greatest achievements).

Has anyone got any experience of the intensive courses? Also, I know it's been written a million times before but has anyone got any particularly useful tips/experiences for my test on Wednesday?

Thanks very much

Sam

paulodd · Crazy Courier Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Karma :

Hi mate and welcome.

You should be fine. As long as you take it easy and have a good instructor. Mine was great and got me through. You might be pushing it fine with only 2 days of lessons tho.

A little tip always over exaggerate all life savers and shoulder checks. Just ride safely, and try to relax and enjoy yourself and you will be fine. Thumbs Up

Good luck for wednesday and let us know how it goes.

Paul
____________________
Paul
1999 Yamaha R6
www.coventrybikers.co.uk / www.norfolkriders.co.uk

sam.ashburner · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Karma :

Thanks very much. Had the first day today and it was better than expected. The gears were not the problem but remembering things like cancelling indicators were whilst I was thinking about changing gears and making a clean get away from the line.
I'm optimistic for tomorrow with 4 hours of tuition before my test. Luckily I'm on an 04 plate CG so it's nice to ride.

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Karma :

Good luck with your test.

Try and make a point of cancelling those indicators, as that seems to be one of main causes of people failing their test.

Doobrey · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Karma :

I did an intensive course last week for my DAS and passed....Do not underestimate how much effort you need to put into these things. I was cold and tired by the end of each night.

Doobs....

sam.ashburner · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Karma :

I put all my effort in and was riding faultlessly the morning before my test.
When it came to the test I almost missed it because my idiot of an instructor underestimated the amount of time it would take to get there, so in the first five minutes of my test i was so on edge it was horrible. I get nervous in exams at the best of times.
On the second corner I could have sweared I failed because I forgot my last left lifesaver in a left turn.
When we got back the centre we were pulling into the car park, my hand slipped off the clutch and the front wheel came off the ground: that was the only reason I failed!! Other than I got 6 minors which I couldn't believe.
So my test is rebooked for 14th january (the earliest you can legally retake it) except I'm going on a 45min ride to aldershot as I'd have to wait another 10 days to do it in Reading again. I'll be so much more relaxed this time as I know the standard isn't as high as everyone makes out.
When you go for test this is my bit of advice: don't be rushed by any driver, and when you know you're on your way back to the centre don't be thankful its over and stop concentrating until you've actually parked. One other thing: never convince yourself you've failed halfway through your test because you probably haven't.
I've got over the fact I failed my test now as on reflection I couldn't ride properly under pressure which you need to, so I'm looking foward to my next test.

Bit of a long post but I hope its helpful to some one. Thanks.

tony532 · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

best of luck for next time

foxbat · Nova Slayer Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Karma :

hard luck sam - who tested you. Colin? I took my test there too. It's a bit narrow coming in and sure you will do fine next time. It's not difficult to pass is it.

paulodd · Crazy Courier Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Karma :

unlucky, sorry to hear mate. Good luck for the 14th

Paul
____________________
Paul
1999 Yamaha R6
www.coventrybikers.co.uk / www.norfolkriders.co.uk

Gaz360 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Karma :

That is harsh mate. I personally have just passed my standard 125 test. 5 minors...not too bad. Thought I failed when i came out of the drive as i put my foot down (lost balence Sad

)

I couldn't have asked for a better examiner though. Top man. Funny, understanding etc.

Good luck in January mate.

sam.ashburner · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Karma :

Right, got my next test tomorrow and I'm ready for the examiner to bring it on 'lol'. I went for a half hour pootle around the training centre car park and I've got no problem pulling off in 2nd or 3rd gear now; can do the u-turn in 3rd as well. So fingers crossed I'll be alright tomorrow. Good luck anyone else who has their test coming up soon.