Practical Test

Dave · Guest

Im a bit new to this biking business and am in need of help. Basically i passed my CBT a few months ago and am wanting to do full test soon. When i did CBT my instructor always pulled me up for not performing life-saver looks properly.
Could someone please explain this life-saver business to me. What i wanna know is which shoulder you look over in relation to which way you're turning and stuff.

Thanks for any help, ive been pondering this one for a while.

Dan · Brolly Dolly Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

u use ur lifesaver whenever your going to make a manover such as turning right/left switching lanes/ over taking just to check there ant anything comming that u can't see in your mirrors (blind spot) you look over the sholder of the way your going so if your turning right look behind your right sholder b4 u turn and left for left etc

Rob · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Mar 2002 Karma :

Almost right dan.. when you perform a lifesaver it is to your vunerable side not necessarily the way you are turning.. eg if you are turning left and you are on the left side of the road you do a right lifesaver to check nothing is coming up on your right and if you are turning right you do a lifesaver over your left shoulder before you turn.. obviously before you move to the right or left side leading up to a junction you should do a shoulder check before you change lane position.. :o
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Viper · Get off my bloody bike! Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

The way i was told was as follows....

When turning left or right off a road, you need to do a lifesaver on the side you are turning towards, just b4 you make the turn.
Left turn = Left L/s

Then on roundabouts the reverse applies. So if turning right on a roundabout, then the lifesaver should be to the left, just b4 you move onto the roundabout.

When approaching T-junctions, apparently you do not need to do any. But should always check b4 moving into the right position on the road.

This is the way i was told, and i managed to pass 1wk ago, so i suppose its right! Confused

Dave · Guest

Im not sure i follow you Viper. How can you turn Right on a roundabout? When you think about it youve gotta follow the roundabout round which is to the right anyway. Did you mean when you leave the roundabout which would be a left turn?
Cheers

Phil. · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I think what viper means is if you are taking a turn past 12 o'clock on a round about and so are in the inside lane you should do a lifesaver over your left to makesure you dont but cutting anyone up or riding into anyone.

Is that what you ment Viper?

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

they're not gonna do you for doing too many lifesavers. so if there's the slightest chance there could be a car/bike/cyclist on your inside then have a looky. in your head imagine that there's a motorbike trying to get in your way (Will!) and look to make sure he's not there.
hope this helps, otherwise read the highway code :)

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

Lifesaver/blind spot manouvers should become second nature once you get more confident on the road...I almost always check over my shoulder before making any sudden movements...even walking down the shopping aisle!

...my instructors (at my CBT) often mentioned that they always look behind them before even leaving the garage, just in case the washing machine is gonna jump up from behind him!

Seriously though, lifesavers may seem to be chore to begin with, especially as you've got so much else to pay attention to, but try to get used to it...

Tin

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

It's true! walking around i sometimes catch myself doing a lifesaver to make sure i don't bump into anybody!
once you've been riding for a few months it's a simple case of self-preservation.
You need to live, you need to lifesave.

Guest · Posted: 22:34 - 07 Apr 2002 Post subject:

When I was learning, my instructor said it could go against you when doing the test if you do too many lifesavers.. shows a lack of confidence??

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

I don't think that it's a case of "too many", but perhaps looking for too long, or maybe doing a lifesaver when unnecessary (when your mirrors can do the job...)

Tin

McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

I do them when Im walking round as well, specially when im in asda with a trolley Razz

Sometimes feel a bit of a prat tho.
I find myself nodding at bikers all the time too, when im walking or in the car. I just cant help it.
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Viper · Get off my bloody bike! Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

I always do lifesavers whilst shopping!! VERY sad, but habit i suppose!

I think you can get failed for doing too many lifesavers at junctions and roundabouts. They justify it by saying that you are not giving the road ahead the proper care + attention, as you are too busy looking behind you!

....and to explain the previous confusion....it was like Summy said...
(cheers summy!)

If turning towards 3'o'clock on a roundabout, i was told to do a lifesaver to the left just b4 I went onto the roundabout.
If turning to 9'o'clock, you do the check to the right, just b4 you enter the roundabout.

In reality, i think it makes more sense to do the check as you leave the roundabout. I think its safer. But thats just me!