125cc test

[nsales-co-uk]

Hi everybody, and thanks for your advice re 50cc bikes. I've given it some thought and will go for a 125cc and cbt. However, I need to be able to carry a passenger, so I will need to take the test. I work full time and can't take a week off for a course, so I wonder your opinion of the following:

- I have had a car licence since 1993, very confident driver, don't feel I need to spend more hours learning to ride a bike than I did learning to drive a car, etc.
- I regularly ride a bicycle in central London traffic with no trouble
- I will do cbt and then get some experience with "L" plates

Question is... do I really need to take a course? If I book my test directly and turn up on the day, do I have a chance of passing?

Also, do I need to take a theory test?

Thanks again,

Neil

[neil.]

Hi Neil,

It depends muchly on your own self and how well you think you can study on your own. Certainly, people can pick up a book that tells them how to ride to test standard (I'm thinking the official DSA theory test books/discs and the ones that prepare you for the practical tests too), and then go on to pass. I passed my theory test based on self study, but then had 2 days intense training, failed the test on my first attempt (from stupid mistakes) then passed it on the second with 2 minors. I felt I needed to just be instructed to 'test standard' and have a second opinion on my riding.

Some people need the guidance from a real life instructor. The advantage is you can practice the parts of the test with them again and again until you get them right. It's horses for courses really, and only you know yourself enough to make the right choice for yourself.

Good luck!

Edit: Yes you do need to do a theory and hazard perception test. Similar to the car one but with more bike specific questions thrown in here and there.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[NotPamGrier]

Hiya

The theory test you can definitely do under your own steam - just buy the CDRom and practice, practice, practice - I did this for both my car and bike tests and had no problems.
For the hazard perception learn how the tests works i.e. when to click and when not to click the mouse! (I got disqualified from my last click the other week - still passed though)

As for Mod1 and Mod2 - I am going down the Riding School route - but I think what they do add, even if you have been riding for years is the experience of what the examiners are looking for in the tests and the test routes. Thats not to say you couldnt pass without knowing this, but I know for me having one less thing to worry about, i.e. the fear of the unknown, is worth it....(well that and the fact I can only do DAS with a Riding School.. )

Good Luck
____________________
only a ninja can sneak up on another ninja
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YBR125 (sold) --> GS400E (sold) --> SV650s (my silver baby!)

[Kickstart]

Hi

Even if you are capable of passing the test a couple of lessons would help even just for getting an idea of which roads you will be taken on for the U turn, etc.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Kal]

A 'bike is a different animal to a car or pushbike.

I recently failed my car test because i drove it like it was a bike after the examiner made me nervous.

Dukan on here took his Direct Access after series of lessons over a couple of months - there is no rule saying you have to take a week to do the course.
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S