How much training for A1 test?

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

I'm new here, so firstly I'll say hello Smile

I did my CBT about a week ago, and I've ridden 150 miles since then. I would like to become a better rider, as I notice I make a few mistakes still.

I actually had to have another hour to get through CBT, as there was a group of 3, but only 1 instructor, which meant the day ran until 7PM, as he had to take us out on the road in separate groups. I did the 2 hours on the road, but gave a bit of concern on the second ride as I messed up positioning for a right turn, and I also overtook a bus which proceeded to move as I was alongside (I was in view of the mirrors, and the bus began to move without indicating - it wasn't really my fault as such, but I should have expected it and not had to do a sudden stop, as the bus had been stationary for a while).

I am grateful that he didn't give me the CBT certificate when he wasn't totally sure I was safe, though.

As a result of this, I intend to book a few more 1 or 2 hour rides with my instructor, to get more feedback to try and improve, and eventually, once I'm more confident on handling my bike, do my Theory + Mod 1/Mod 2 to get the full A1 licence (I'm 17).

I think, if nothing else, it'll provide some good information on what I'm doing right and wrong, which should be useful.

With regard to the A1 licence, I've done a few quick sample tests and got about 70% on my first hazard perception, and I got 95% on my first theory test practice. Obviously I still need to do a lot of work there, especially on the hazard perception, but to be honest, Mod 1 concerns me more.

I've hard that the swerve test is potentially difficult (although some sources suggest if you get the angle right, it's a half-foot wide swerve at most, and it can be an issue to get up to the 32 mph in time on a 125cc (Yamaha YBR 125).

As a result of the conflicting feedback online (and the fact I needed the extra hour for CBT...), I'm not really sure how much training I need to do for the test - I notice that most training centres recommend a 4 day course to get to a sufficient standard for the practical tests, but I'm not sure if this is excessive - as I understand it, Mod 1 itself is only 30 minutes, and the Mod 2 is an hour of riding (and normally seems to include a right turn from a 1 way street, to test your positioning). That being said, if I need the training to be safe, I don't object to it.

Cheers for any suggestions Smile

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

The swerve is so easy.... I'd probably get a few more weeks under your belt.

Just pin it in 2nd gear.

zark · Trackday Trickster Joined: 18 Dec 2013 Karma :

Hi and welcome...

It's impossible to say how much training you will need...

Feeling confident and being able to handle the bike is different to passing the circus tricks you need to master for the mod 1.

150 miles in a week isn't bad - and you're still not squashed so you must be doing something right...

Road sense, awareness and positioning all come with time. If it goes a bit wrong when you're out, have a think about what happened and how you could've prevented it... Everyone makes errors, you'll never stop learning! If in doubt, just hang back and see what develops in front... there's no prizes for squeezing into gaps, filtering like a boss or winning the traffic light grand prix... just ride how you're comfortable.

If it makes you happy, get a few more lessons... But there's no need to be fixated on a test date/passing just yet... That CBT's good for another 23 months!
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CBT - Oct 13. Theory - July 14. Mod 1 & 2 - June 15.
Rides a Fazer like an idiot... Edit: Now ride a Fazer Thou...

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

looking at the dots in your profile you are within spitting distance of these folk: Hinkley Motorcycle Training Scheme, (on face-book)
An 'old-school', old school! Its a not-for-profit volunteer ATB, who still offer 125 Road-Training. Course is just £125 on your own bike, and its essentially 'train till you test', in weekly, two hour lessons every Monday evening, from aprox 6,30pm-8,30pm. You are unlikely to get more, for less anywhere else, and near enough on your door-step.. give them a call, drop them an e-mail.
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

someotherguy · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Karma :

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

Thank you for all of your help!

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

335 miles now Smile

And I'm really enjoying it. Thanks again for all of your advice and friendly welcomes.

someotherguy · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Karma :

So, theory booked yet?

Wednesday Biker · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Sep 2014 Karma :

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

riejumike · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Karma :

If it was me I'd skip the A1 licence entirely and get your full car licence- no point just to get rid of the Ls, the training will be mostly the same if you can find a good car instructor, and it's much better value for a licence that will last you a lifetime instead of 2 years (and give you cheaper insurance if you get a car later on- which can't be said for the A1 bike licence, in fact mine was more expensive if I were to get it...).

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

Passed my Mod 2 today, so I've managed to get my full licence and get the L's off. Thanks for all your recommendations!

I did end up using 2nd gear for the mod 1 high speed manoeuvres, made it easier to get up to speed.

Now to learn to drive a car, I reckon.

Evil Hans · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2015 Karma :

Well done!

Full full licence or full A1?

Photos of ritual L plate burning or it didn't happen Wink

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Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

riejumike · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Karma :

KoalaBiker · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Karma :

Val · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :