test faults?

[speedyspeedyb...]

I recently passed my theory and because of the year or so of l plate riding under my belt I've decided to attempt my test with no lessons. The DVLA website explains the two test pretty well so I know what I'm up against. My only question is what will count as a fault? Obviously not indicating, dodgy overtakes and the like will count but I've heard silly things like putting you right foot down (and thus not covering the rear brake) count too.

My plan is to simulate mod1 on a carpark a few times and for mod2 I'll just spend a while driving within speed limits and being on top of my life savers and distance between cars in front. Any more tips I could use?

Ta.
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Country lane warrior
Lexmoto lsm125

[suburban myth]

Good luck riding a 125 for the rest of your life.

[esullivan]

As mentioned, taking the tests on a 125 will only entitle you to ride a 125 and you'll have to take them again at some point. That said, if you are 17/18, it's an excellent idea to take the tests and start your new driver probation period. Even if you older, there's no better practice for the mod 1 & 2 than to actually take them. When you are ready to trade in your tiddler for something bigger, the tests won't be a big deal. You've done them before.

If you are confident on the 125 and know the rules of the road very well, you can pass with no lessons. Just ride confidently (i.e., not half the speed limit or six seconds behind the car in front) and safely (full obs) and you should be fine. The first module is the hard one. I failed at my initial go by tapping my foot down in the middle of the u-turn.
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

[Rogerborg]

In mod 1, a foot down in the U-turn or slow speed stuff is generally a fail, as is locking the rear wheel in the stop test unless you rapidly correct it (protip: don't actually press the rear brake pedal, just put your foot on it). Most other things are minors. Remember to do shoulder checks for the imaginary traffic.

On mod 2, the big one is causing another road user to change speed or direction, i.e. to avoid hitting you. That's generally an instant fail.

Most other things are minors and you can rack up loads of them and still pass. Many DSA Dereks seem to have a rager on for "failure to make progress" or "undue hesitation", i.e. they want to see you use the posted speed as a target.

My local lot are obsessed with unmarked junctions, probably because there are so few left. Watch out for them throwing situations like that at you - it's better to get a minor for progress / hesitation than a major for shooting through a junction in front of an oncoming vehicle.

Slow into junctions and roundabouts, sharpish out. Ride confidently and safely and you'll pass, there's no real trick to it.
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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

[speedyspeedyb...]

Ta for replies so far.

I'm 21 and intended to move up to a 400 for now. According to the dvla you can take mod1 on a 125 but mod2 has to be on an appropriately big bike. I'd presumed I could do mod1 on my 125 then beg borrow or steal a bigger one for my mod2. Saying that though I'd probably need insurance and the like
So, have I got to do both parts on a bigger bike? And if so would I be provided with one (at a price) by the test centre?

I'm trying to avoid lessons because of the cost and the fact I know how to ride a bike. But it seems I might have to get an instructor involved and line their pockets...

Also, remember the tests and rules were updated this year; so although it may not be wrong, advice from a test you passed however long ago might not be relavant (I'll take it anyway )
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Country lane warrior
Lexmoto lsm125

[Matt B]

[speedyspeedyb...]

[Dave70]

I'd certainly recommend getting at least two or three lessons prior to taking your test. Of course it's not necessary but, having an instructor behind you assessing your riding and giving you some pointers of what you need to change with regards to passing your test is invaluable.

Top tip: when entering a one way road, make sure you do so on the right side of the road.

[Matt B]

OK so assuming you don't mind paying something then I would suggest talking to your local schools. If you ask then I'm sure somebody on here can suggest or recommend somewhere local to you.

An instructor would probably want to take a look at your riding out on the road. After this they could advise you on how much time it would take to get you through.

Take their advice, it's what they do. Probably at a minimum you would need one lesson preparing for mod1 then another for going to and completing the test. After that it's probably going to be a lesson preparing for mod2 test and then another to go and do the test.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[Rogerborg]

[MC]

[suburban myth]

[ithyphallic]

I rode a 125 basically every day for a couple of months and still failed my Mod 2 (A2 license) the first time on a bigger bike.

Definitely have a couple of hours, even just to get used to a bigger bike, it is a lot different. As for faults, on my first test I failed for having the front wheel of my bike go over the stop line into the box for cyclists to sit in at traffic lights.

I got zero faults on my second attempt and all I would say is ride with confidence, as other have said try and make progress as examiners love to see a fast and progressive rider, they don't want to see you pissing about at 30 mph in a 60 zone.