DAS 1st day training

[Magnet]

Today was my first day training for my DAS. I was an absolute bag of nerves when I got there and cocked so many things up. I was convinced I would drop the bike which was made worse by the fact it was raining heavily. Halfway through my road ride I started to relax with the odd ticking of for road position and a few reminders to use my mirrors more often. We then went back to practice the slalom and figure of 8. I really stuggled at this, but after a few tries I got the hang of it and went on to the U-turn, emergency stop, slow ride etc all of which I did ok. Problem is I am petrified I will mess it up on the actual test as I seem to end up making silly mistakes which make me flustered and end up making even more stupid mistakes. I am normaly confident on the road in a car or on my 125cc so why am I so stressed doing this on a 650cc? Has anyone any tips on how I can chill out and stop panicking? When I started my training today I was convinced there was no point in carrying on at first and felt like giving up. By the end of the day I felt I had learnt quite a bit and was more positive.
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It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[ThoughtContro...]

[Magnet]

Thanks for the reply, I will give this a try. I suspect I will probably feel more confident tomorrow anyway as I felt better at the end of today. If I start feeling flustered I will take your advice onboard.
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[Rogerborg]

[Squircle]

Hi pal. I did my tests a couple of weeks ago, probably in a similar situation to you; I'd been riding a 125 for about a year (commuting every day) and driving a lot longer. I had the same problem with nerves, and my riding over the first day, whilst not terrible, wasn't anywhere near as good as it normally was.
Thing is, that boost in confidence you got over the course of today, you'll most likely build on that in the coming days. Over the course of the three days training I had, my riding and confidence improved no end. Anything the instructors tell you will only be to help you get through the test, and shouldn't be racked up as 'minus points' or ticking offs in your head. I realised once I'd passed that my instructor (who pointed out everything I did right or wrong) had been training me to a much higher standard than required.
You'll be doing everything a few more times over the coming days, and by the end of it, you'll know you can do it, it's just proving it on the day. Treat the Mod 1 just like a training run through, relax and take your time, remember observations etc and its over in no time. If you fail you can just work on the element that let you down and re-take, it's no big deal. After that the Mod 2 is a walk in the park. Any time you make a mistake, just put it out of your mind immediately, and concentrate on what you are doing.
At no point think of giving up though, that feeling when you pass is worth all the stress and afterwards your confidence will be much higher. Good luck pal, let us know how you do!

[Magnet]

Cheers, I am feeling better already. I think my main worry is because I have MOD 1 and 2 on the same day. If I fail MOD 1 then I can't take 2 and I lose the money I paid for it I don't want to bleat on about how I can't afford to fail, but I really can't lol. Tomorrow I am doing a full mock MOD 1 test and some road riding so will let you all know how I get on. I have been driving for 18 years and riding motorcycles since I was 6 years old. Then on the road since 16 on and off, but always on 50cc or 125's. I have been meaning to do my DAS for years now and have already bought an old GPZ600R, fingers crossed
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[ThoughtContro...]

Chill out. If all you're focusing on is failing, then you will fail. The bike goes where you want it to go, and that's usually where you're looking.

Just make sure you know all the tips for mod 1.

Do all your shoulder checks before starting ANY manoeuvre on the test course.

If you're on a big bike you'll breeze the speed trap.

The swerve is an absolute doddle. If you can ride, you can swerve.

Cover your back brake for the emergency stop, but don't use it, then you can't lock up the back wheel If you stall it doesn't matter, you used the engine braking. Just go down through the gears to first, restart the engine, and do your shoulder checks before pulling away.

Use all the space you want on the figure 8, it doesn't have to be a tight circle.

And the bike goes where you look. That means if you look at the cone and go, "I'm not going to make it, I'm going to hit it", then that's exactly what you'll do. Look for the centre of the gap and you'll make the gap.

And always do all your shoulder checks before starting any manoeuvre on the test course. That goes from entering the course to leaving it.

If you've been riding smaller bikes for a while you'll breeze it, so there's no need to stress about it.

And breathe
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Prize cunt
--
"In a world of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act" - George Orwell

[Rogerborg]

Why are you doing them on the same day then?

Actually, why do DAS via a training school? You could have passed on a 125 for £121.50, got a 25kW license then rocked up on your restricted or 'restricted' GPZ, said "Yeah, it's 35kW+ right now" and got your 'Accelerated Access' for another £90.
____________________
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

[Magnet]

[quote="Rogerborg"]Why are you doing them on the same day then?

I am doing them on the same day because the test center is like 35 miles away from where I live and it saves money assuming I pass MOD 1. I went for the DAS as I would rather not be restricted and have the expense of paying for a bike to be restricted or paying a premium for one that already is.

I have paid for 3 days training plus a couple of hours on my test day as the training school I am with has a very high pass rate. They advised me to go for the DAS. I couldn't take the test on my 125 anyway as its a complete heap lol....
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[Magnet]

If you've been riding smaller bikes for a while you'll breeze it, so there's no need to stress about it.

And breathe [/quote]

hah, cheers I feel better now
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[Shinigami]

Flap your arms a bit like chicken wings while riding, you'll look a nob but it will loosen you up
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[Dazbo666]

[Magnet]

Today thanks to bits of advice given here I did a lot better. I did several mock MOD 1 tests and nailed every single one with ease. My road riding was a hell of a lot better, sorted roundabouts and high speed riding My instructor said I just need to maintain a better road position and stop missing the odd lifesaver. Overall I am feeling far more confident for my last day of training tomorrow. I will have an hour before my MOD 1 on Tuesday to practice and an hour before my MOD 2 so am hoping that will be enough to get me into it. I will update again tomorrow.
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[Squircle]

Thats great pal, sounds like you've got it sorted, just keep all the positive things in mind, it's clear you can do it so there's no reason you shouldn't pass. I think a lot of it is just getting used to having someone watch you ride and judge your riding, that can be pretty nerve racking on the first day!

Have a great day tomorrow.

[janner_10]

Good luck for the tests!
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[psychodame]

Thank you for posting this thread - I'm due to re-take my part 1 soon, and basically I'm crapping myself at the thought of failing it again. It was nerves, pure & simple that made me stuff it up before, and I'm terrifed that the same will happen on #2

Anyway, I've read all your replies, and I actually feel a lot more confident after what you've all said, and I'll try to follow the advice given. I KNOW I can do it, I've done so many poxy figures of 8's and U turns that I've got dizzy... it's just that on the day I panic....

Fingers crossed that you get through yours in the week.
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Motorcycling is not, of itself, inherently dangerous. It is, however, extremely unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence or stupidity.
-Anonymous

[Magnet]

[Englishman]

[Rogerborg]

It bears repeating that there's nothing hard in either test module.

Yes, anyone can dab a foot down, but there's no reason to suppose that you will do so. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. And possibly coffin dodgers.
____________________
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

[Magnet]

Well today was my last day of training for my DAS, other than the hour before my test tomorrow. My instructor can see no reason why I shouldn't pass my MOD 1, He is a little concerned I think regarding my MOD 2. On my mock test I picked up a few minors and missed a lifesaver = instant FAIL! I have however an hours ride to the test center to practice and another hour after my MOD 1 on the actual test route to practice. SO fingers crossed I will nail it. I feel semi confident at the moment. I am hoping tomorrow I will be almost certain of a pass.
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[recman]

[Rogerborg]

Well, you can't pass on a lesson, so (barring riding into taxi) it doesn't matter a damn. You'll be all right on the night, day, whenever. Smash it in.
____________________
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

[Magnet]

I can't believe it myself, but passed!!! No minors on MOD1 and only one on MOD2 I got the minor for not overtaking a road sweeper lorry on a country road. I was going too, but decided I would rather risk a minor than mess up an overtake. I don't know how I did it, but I managed to get rid of all my nerves on the MOD2. on the MOD1 I took a deep breath before each move and talked myself through it ( thank god the examiner can't hear ) lol. My GPZ600r is still in the garage being fixed so I nipped outside and tore the L-plates off my GS125 I feel great, but too shattered to ride my bike now haha
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600

[kotachi]

[Magnet]

Wow that seems a bit mental lol... I suppose in a way it would make my insurance invalid!
____________________
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

GPZ600R Sold, Now ZZR600