Test with no lessons. Possible?

[Major_Grooves]

Do you reckon it is possible to pass the restricted test without taking any lessons? I've been riding for a few months now and think I ride quite well and sensibly. If I got any technical points off you guys then as long as I ride well for 1hour it might be possible. Even if I failed I would find out from the examiner where I went wrong and could try again in a couple of weeks. It would still be cheaper than getting lessons for 2 days before hand.

I do intend eventually doing advanced courses to get the insurance down, but the moment I am skint but want to get the two year coundown ticking!

[TiN]

I don't see why not...you can even do your Direct Access test without lessons...although you'll have to arrange a bike and insurance on your own though
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TiN
dotgems.net

[andrew]

if you go directly through the DSA you wont have to book lessons, if you go to an Instructors they will give you an asessment and tell you if you need lessons or not...... personally i would recommend at least a days lesson it will help you get rid of your bad habbits......

if you feel confident tho go for it mate....

[Demonic69]

There are just sooo many variables. I was riding for 9 months, rode spot on on the tests and still failed. the lass who took her test before me (the 1st time) passed after some monumental fuckups. You're still gonna know shit about what the examiner wants if you don't take any lessons.
Do you know all your lifesavers?
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Major_Grooves]

I would love to do the direct access but I would need lessons to do that which I can't afford. Besides I can't afford a big bike or big bike insurance so there is no point. I might as well save my money and build up 2 years of NCB for now.

I don't know my lifesavers, but I figure they are things I can find out about.

[Robby]

i did test without lessons. passed on the 4th, it came to 160 quid.

still cheaper than having training by a way.

my mate had no lessons, a CBT and 3 months experience. he passed first time.

so go for it.

[Major_Grooves]

[Doddmaster]

I dont spose someone could explain all the times you need to do a lifesaver??

[Doddmaster]

By the way, I just got a quote for some training. £210 for 3, 4 hour sessions. That includes test fees too. Works out nearly as cheap as failing 4 times!

[Demonic69]

Every time you do ANYTHING! Change direction, change speed (signs and lights) and pretty much everything else
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Major_Grooves]

Before you drive away in your car test you have to do a stupid and unrealistic car check, such as "double check door is shut", so is there an equivalent for the bike test e.g., "check you are facing the correct direction on the bike"?

[Demonic69]

If the bike fucks up while ur riding and it's something you could've spotted then you'll fail.
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[TiN]

Make you sure have fuel!...and be sure that you're comfortable switching the fuel tap on the move, just in case...

You're responsible for ensuring that your bike is in roadworthy condition...if your brake switch sticks, and gives off a false impression that you're riding the brake lever, you can be failed...but they'll usually let you off if it's the fault of the bike school.
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TiN
dotgems.net

[Demonic69]

If you can prove you've checked the bike and the fault has just occurred you'll be ok:)
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Major_Grooves]

After doing the theory test how long do you have before you have to do the practical?

[G]

two years, I believe

[Robby]

i was disqualified from one because of the switch on my rear brake sticking. he decided that it had to be totally roadworthy for the test. aerosol.
so i did a little burnout and pissed off at 50 in a 30 zone.

then i think he remembered me on the next test.

the moral of the story is, no matter angry you are over failing, and you will be angry all day, dont let the examiner see.

[JimboJ]

simple answer, you need lessons. you need to know all the *proper* ways of doing things, its better if you pass first time i think
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[00:42] <NSR-Andy> which one's the missionary position
[00:42] <NSR-Andy> i've heard it's good
[9:42pm] <Shaun> you came first mike | <Shaun> yes gav, because I really want to fuck you

[WildGoose]

bike hire is the biggest bitch payment

so if you dont have your own bike to test on, you might as well get lessons aswell that include bike hire

[Phoenix]

I did my CBT, rode around on my TZR for 5months and was pretty sure I could just do my test without training. They said, let us give u a 1hr assessment before you make your decision.

I thought I was pretty safe rider and new what to do etc enough to pass the test. After the assessment he said that my lifesavers and stuff were all pretty well times, road position etc... But he said I really need to emphasise my lifesavers so theyre visible, emphasise my road position when turning right/left (u know, indicate, move to centre, lifesaver, look, nother lifesaver etc..). After a 3hr lesson later that week I felt MUCH more confident and passed with 1 minor, I definately know i'd have had a lot more minors without those 3hrs. Do it.

[EuropeanNC30R...]

To be honest mate, there are so many little things that they can catch you out on, and they WILL try to get you on something relatively minor. Take at least a couple lessons, if only to give yourself a fighting chance!

[G1_]

how much do lessons generally cost?
would it be possible to learn the basics in lessons as well? (would it be a bad idea to not buy a 125 and learn with lessons)

[JimboJ]

2 hour lessons = £30(inc bike hire)(average price same as car) DONT do your test on a 125 sports bike, turning circle is shite
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[00:42] <NSR-Andy> which one's the missionary position
[00:42] <NSR-Andy> i've heard it's good
[9:42pm] <Shaun> you came first mike | <Shaun> yes gav, because I really want to fuck you

[Demonic69]

I paid quite a bit for my lessons, but theye were all day (lump sum up front then £30 per day lesson). I was riding 9 moths before i passed and was safe on the road so it matters shit about experience. You'll never ride like you do on the test but you need to please the examiner. You can't do this without lessons and if you do he doesn't deserve a job. I now remember my lifesavers and they have actually saved me from a whole lotta pain once or twice. get a free assessment at a few schools near by. See what each says.
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Phoenix]

Jimbo mate, if you're referring to a U-turn, you can do one on pretty much any bike. I did my test on the TZR, and I did a U-turn on a friends 636 the first time I rode it...I think maybe it'd be difficult on a Blackbird/Busa