New biker

[Pjay]

Hi, my history:
I'm 47 and enjoyed having bikes in my teens and never progressed past a 125 on the road as I soon passed my driving test and then kids came along. I had a few motocross bikes after, but my road biking had come to a premature end. I always intended to do something about it and never did, until last year when I passed my CBT and purchased an Aprilia RS4 125, with the intention of riding it for around a year and then doing a Direct Access course and then moving up to a GSX R 600.

The reason I am posting this, is mainly to ask if there is anything I should do specifically before I book my DA course? I have little to no idea as the few bikers I know passed their tests a long time ago and have no idea what lies ahead for me and none of them even own a bike anymore.

I have ridden my bike as much as I can to gain experience and now feel comfortable that car owners are not going to kill me anytime soon (even though they try with alarming regularity) and as such I want to start looking at moving to the next stage and doing my theory (I didn't even have to do a theory test in my driving test, and I've never been involved in an accident or had a point on my licence, but hey, they know best). So people, any guidance or tips on what to look for in a test centre, or tips on what I might find useful/helpful?

[Silver_Fox]

Theory test
CBT (Basic bike lesson/controls/road sense)
Lessons
Module 1 (basic manoeuvres)
Module 2 (Ride out with an examiner)


I'm 35 and hadn't even ridden a bike last May. I didn't know anyone that rode and so it never really crossed my mind to take it up. I'd Google "CBT" and your area and see what comes up. Then do a bit of searching for reviews from people who've used them. Get cracking so you're ready for summer when the proper weather arrives

[Ste]

Ahem, he did his CBT last year.

[Pjay]

CBT done last may, I am specifically wanting to know about DAS related info. I am also on the Herts/Essex border, so any info about reputable companies to use would be ace too.

[Rogerborg]

Might as well book your theory test online:

https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

It's a daft waste of time, particularly the hazard perception where you'll find yourself not scoring due to clicking too early (figure that one out), but try not to rage about it. Just treat it as a game, and learn how to play it. There are plenty of practice sites, apps and what-not around.

Doing the training and tests, don't be in a rush to throw £600+ at a training school because they've got a frippet with a nice voice answering the phone. You'll want to meet the actual instructor who you'll be out with. Ideally pay-as-you-go as well in case the bromance doesn't last.

The actual tests aren't that bad, and DVSA have some surprisingly helpful videos:

Theory and hazard perception:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BxQr4k8n8M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdQRkmdhwJs

Module 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf8qoQ5d3rA

Module 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs2p2_sVaDc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNd_bgwzJLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N88ziqbZWHc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PtdEr457qU

It's a bit of a slog, but it's definitely worth it at the end.
____________________
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

[pig hog]

CAMRider in Harlow did a good job, in my opinion. Check them out--their office staff are helpful, too, and should be able to answer any questions you've got.
____________________
A2 Licence: 18/10/2013
A Licence: 01/12/2015
'13 Yamaha XJ6N '15 Daytona 675R / '16 MT-07 dead / '17 MT-07 / '18 MT-10

[SethWhite]

[Rogerborg]

<technically>DAS refers to the test, not any training that you may or may not do.</technically>
____________________
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

[Pjay]

Great info guys, and yes Roger, I have the same problem with the Hazard perception DVD I use, it was constantly failing me for clicking before the allowed zone by .5 of a second. Quite how you fail for noticing a potential hazard early, is amusing, but I have no noticed that if I wait 2 seconds and then click, I pass every time!

I will look into the clips and links provided.

Thanks for a speedy response all.

[Pjay]

[Pjay]

Booked my Theory for monday, so this might go good/bad depending on how much free time I can dedicate to revision between now and then, but I am doing well on my mock tests and am yet to fail.

Has anyone just gone and done their Mod1 and Mod2 without the need of a training centre?
I know this might seem a little bit of over-confidence, but I really dont think I need as much training as someone that needs a CBT (which is all most seem to offer on a DAS).
Are there any places that will just give you a little bit of training on the day of the test?
I have ridden often over the past year, clocking up over 5k miles on the road, with no problems and as I have had motocross experience in my past, I cant imagine having many problems on mod 1 at least.

[CKBear]

[Reg]

A mate used camrider Harlow, I used the Cambridge franchise. Both of us were more than happy with the training and cost.

[sleasyrider]

Thanks for a speedy response all.[/quote]

The hazard perception is a video game for chavs on mopeds. Its harder for those with some idea of road sense. Its all about learning the rules of the game and applying them. I did mine in August last year after having driven cars since '88. Its stupid, makes no sense and is a bit of a box ticking exercise for the government to try and say they are looking to reduce accidents.

MOD 1 is like the first part of the CBT but on a bigger bike. MOD 2 is like a normal ride, but with an expensive 1 hour rental of a human SATNAV.
Good luck [/quote]

Best description I've seen on Hazard perception.
Got mine on Monday aaaaaaaargh. I just can't seem to master the technique of clicking at the right moment, not looking too good for me at the moment.

[Silver_Fox]

Try this. See a hazard, CLICK, pause briefly (half a second), CLICK...

Say this in your head as you do it; CLICK Pause CLICK.

I failed first time because being a car driver for so many years, I saw things way before the actual scoring zone, and actually clicked too early. Using the method above, my partner scored 70/75 first time the other day because it ensured she was in the scoring zone even if she clicked too early in the first place...


*Edit* I say actually too much it appears

[Pjay]

[Rogerborg]

I'd give it a good "elephant" between clicks as you can get a 0 score on that clip if it thinks you're spamming clicks.

Also, remember that one of the clips has two hazards, so keep looking out for hazards in every clip even if you've already responded to one.
____________________
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

[Silver_Fox]

[Pjay]

[Rogerborg]

Have you heathens not even memorised Gregory's Girl?
____________________
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

[Bigvern72]

I'm 43 - started riding a bike last September, completed my CBT, bought a 125 for self training/confidence, then decided in October if I didn't do my DAS straight away I never would.

So I booked up with CAMrider Warwick and did a 5 day course. Passed early December and now twizzing round on my triumph America and yammie xj6 divvie.

I (like you) have been a car driver for over 25 years and I found it proposterous that I had to take a theory/hazard test. But it's amazing how much I had forgot over those years so it was a good refresher if nothing else. Hazard perception though is utter bollox in my opinion. It teaches you nothing as there is no danger and as a species we react differently when there is real danger. Still.....all you can do is keep testing yourself on online examples......I did. Must have worked lol.

Personally I wouldn't recommend doing the tests without using a school; but that's just me. I like the confidence and preparation I got for dealing with the test itself and what to expect. You might be the worlds best rider but more training is always useful......always (unless you get a bad instructor......you just need to vet them well; I got lucky).

Good luck and hope to see you on the road soon on your big bike

[Pjay]

[winz]

[Bigvern72]

[Pjay]