My instructor handed me out some printed and hand written information about the motorcycle test, quite useful information (just not sure if this is the right forum for it or if its been posted before )
I will also add information about and questions for the safety and vehicle checks tommorow.

The purpose of the test
The practical test is designed to gauge whether you can ride safely. The test ensures that all riders reach a minimum standard

The order of the test
The eyesight test is first. If your eyesight isn't up to the standard the test won't continue. After the eyesight test the order is up to the examiner.

Content of the test
Apart from general riding, your test will include
· an eyesight test
· special exercises such as an emergency stop.

Special exercises
The first special exercise is usually the emergency stop. This normally comes after a short ride. The examiner will be as helpful as possible and will
· ask you to pull up on the left
· explain any one of the special exercises and ask you to carry it out.

Make sure that you understand. If you aren't sure about anything, ask! The examiner will explain again. You'll be required to demonstrate the other set exercises while riding over the test route.

Duration
The test will last about 40 minutes.

How the examiner will test you
Before the test you'll be fitted with
· a radio receiver on a belt
· an earpiece designed to be worn under your helmet.

When you're taking the test the examiner will follow you either on a motorcycle or in a car (except during the emergency stop exercise).
At the end of the test your examiner will ask you a question about balance and carrying a pillion passenger on your machine.




Special Exercises
At some stage you’ll be asked to carry out an emergency stop. The examiner will explain the signal to be used and then ask you to ride around a short circuit. The signal will only be given when the examiner is satisfied that’s it’s safe to carry out the exercise.

Emergency Stop
You need to
· apply the front break just before the rear
· apply both breaks effectively
· stop the machine as quickly as possible without locking either wheel.

Walking with your machine
Your examiner will ask you to put your machine on its stand. You’ll then be asked to take your machine off it’s stand and walk with it, without the aid of the engine.

U-Turn
At some stage the examiner will ask you to perform a U-turn and stop on the other side of the road. Rear observation into the blind area is vital just before you carry out the manoeuvre.

Angle Start
At some stage the examiner will ask you to pull up just before a parked vehicle. Before you move off again, make sure that you check
· to the rear and into the blind area
· ahead to see there’s no danger from approaching traffic.

If an angle start occurs normally during the test you may not be asked to do it again.

Slow Riding
You’ll be asked to ride along at walking speed for a short distance. This exercise tests your control, balance and observation. If you’ve already ridden slowly, such as in traffic you may not be asked to do it again.

Hill Start
The examiner may ask you to pull up on an uphill gradient. When moving off, your machine could be slower at accelerating. You’ll need to remember this when judging the moment to ride off.



What will the examiner expect?
The examiner will want to see that you ride safely and competently under various road and traffic conditions.
You’ll be
· given directions clearly and in good time
· asked to carry out set excises

The examiner will be understanding and sympathetic and will make every effort to put you at ease.

How should I ride during the test?
The examiner will be looking for an overall safe ride. If you make a mistake, don’t worry. It might not affect the result.

Does the standard of the test vary?
No. All examiners are trained to carry out tests to the same standard.

Test routes
· are as uniform as possible
· include a range of typical road and traffic conditions

Are examiners supervised?
Examiners are frequently supervised by a senior officer. If a senior officer is present at your test, don’t worry.
The senor officer
· checks that the examiner is testing you properly
· won’t interfere with the test or result

Passing the test
You’ll pass the test if you can satisfy the examiner that you can
· ride safely
· comply with correct road procedure
· obey traffic signs
· carry out the set exercises correctly

When you’ve passed
You’ll be allowed to ride
· without L plates
· unsupervised
· on motorways


Awareness and anticipation
You must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so you can
· judge what other road users are going to do
· predict how their actions will affect you
· react in good time

What the test requires
You must show
· awareness of and consideration of all other road users
· anticipation of possible danger and concern for safety

For example, the following groups of road users should be considered.
Pedestrians
· Give way to pedestrians when turning from one road to another.
· Take particular care with the very young, the disabled and the elderly. They may not have seen you and may step out suddenly.

Cyclists
· When crossing bus or cycle lanes, take special care.
· Children on bicycles can be unaware of danger from traffic. Give them plenty of room and try to anticipate any danger.

Animals
· Show care and consideration for people in charge of animals, especially horse riders.

Faults you must avoid
· Always reacting to road traffic and conditions at the last moment rather than anticipation them.
· Showing irritation with other road users.
· Sounding your horn aggressively.
· Revving your engine or edging forward when waiting for pedestrians to cross.



Making progress

What the test requires
You must
· Be able to move off safely and under control
· Make progress along the road
· Ride at speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions
· Move off at junctions as soon as it’s safe to do so.

How the examiner will test you
For this aspect of the riding there’s no set exercise. The examiner will watch your riding and will want to see you
· Making appropriate progress along the road
· Keeping up with the traffic
· Showing confidence and sound judgement

Skills you need
You must be able to choose the correct speed for
· The type of road
· The type and density of the traffic
· The weather and visability

Approach all hazards at safe speed without
· Being to cautious
· Interfering with the progress of other traffic

Faults you must avoid
You must not
· Ride too slowly – you could hold up traffic
· Be over-cautious and stop or wait when its safe and normal to proceed




Controlling your speed

What the test requires
You must make good safe progress along the road bearing in mind
· Road conditions
· Traffic
· Weather
· Road signs and speed limits

How the examiner will test you
For this aspect of riding there is no special exercise. The examiner will watch carefully how you control your speed as you ride.

Skills you need
You must
· Take great care in the use of speed
· Make sure you can stop safely well within the distance that you can see to be clear
· Leave a safe distance between yourself and the other vehicles
· Leave extra distance on wet or slippery roads
· Ride within the speed limits

Faults you must avoid
· Riding to fast for the road or traffic conditions
· Changing your speed erratically Riding to fast for the road or traffic conditions
· Changing your speed erratically






Possible Test Questions
At the end of the test the examiner may ask a question, often about carrying a pillion.

1. How does the balance of the bike get affected by carrying a pillion passenger?
2. How is a bike affected in general by carrying a pillion passenger?
3. Why is it important for a motorcyclist to wear protective clothing?
4. How does passing or being passed by an heavy goods vehicle / bus affect a motorcycle?
5. Does carrying a pillion passenger increase or decrease
a. the centre of gravity on the bike?
b. the stability of the bike?

Answers
1. The pillion passenger must be told to lean with the bike. The breaks will be less effective (breaking distance will increase), upon harsh breaking the pillion will get thrown forward. The bike might be slower in accelerating so overtaking may take longer. The steering may become lighter (with more weight over the rear of the bike), could check tyre pressures and adjust the suspension damper.
2. Read observation is restricted, throttle response is slower, bike will be less stable at slower speeds (also the answers for question 1).
3. To help prevent injury in event of an accident. Leathers are a second skin, most jackets / trousers have extra padding or body armour in venerable points (knees, elbows etc), gloves also, helmet (must be securely fastened) protects the head & boots should provide ankle protection (often also shin protection).
4. Creates a wind tunnel, can get sucked in (pressure difference may occur and pull the rider toward the vehicle).
5. Increases the centre of gravity, as the weight is higher up, decreases the stability especially as slow speeds (also makes you move venerable to side winds).

And heres the Vehicle safety checks and questions.


Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive.
The source material is to be found in the DSA publication ‘Riding the essential skills’. The manufacture’s handbook should also be consulted.
This part takes the form of the examiner asking a technical/operational type question then asking you to demonstrate another technical/operational thing.

Combinations of questions to be used on test.

Combination 1

· Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.

· Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary.


Combination 2

· Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

· Show me how you would check that the lights & brake lights and reflectors are clean and working.

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.


Combination 3

· Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.

· Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.


Combination 4

· Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least ¾ of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should also be no lumps, bulges or tears.

· Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.

Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.


Combination 5

· Same identify question as used in combination 1.
· Same show question as used in combination 2.


Combination 6

· Same identify question as used in combination 1.
· Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.

Operate switch.


Combination 7

· Same tell question as used in combination 4.
· Same identify question used in combination 3.


Combination 8

· Same identify question as used in combination 2.
· Same show question as used in combination 6.


Combination 9

· Same tell question as used in combination 3.
· Same show question as used in combination 1.

cool...... cheers for that kryptic..... very helpful

i think there are other combinations for the tell me, show me questions, as I had Tell Me from 3 + Show me from 4

i recited perfectly how you should check a chain,

but then had a blonde moment + didn;t think of taking the bike off it's stand + rolling it forward to test the front brake oops...... (think i got a minore for that), so ext time i'll read the questions properly before i go.....

I just passed my mock test


Fazer does the happy dance

Well done you

wtg fazer
mm, was yours a mock test as well, or the real thing?

Faser i dont think ive seen a pic of ur bike yet!

Kryptic dont encourage me ...I'm a bike bore lmao

oh, go on then http://www.ukbikeforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4058

mine was the real thing in november, when i falied........ (A2 test on 125)

gonna have another go soon..... just been practising + building up some confidence on my tzr125

I couldnt remember how deep the bikes tread should be and simply came out with... its in the owners manual... dunno if I got marked down but I passed so I was happy. This was back in june last year and riding over winter has put a bit of a dent into my glee at riding... roll on the summer and long riding days My bike looks a lot like yours fazer, but in dark green and without the flyscree & box... oh and with a few scratches.

I had a run in with some diesel on a roundabout, any suggestions as to how to avoid diesel ( apart from just looking for it )

Good luck to all y'all...

Also does anyone else know if I need to take my theory again if I want to learn to drive a car?

Cheers

yes, the car theory is different to the bike theory.

yuck! this thread is full of cobwebs.....

almost 2 years old.... but very good information in there.
specially the questions asked before the pratical exam...

Unfortunately nearly 2 years on, my bike no longer looks like that either

The flyscreen went in an argument with a taxi, the box is still there (if a little battered) and yesh, a ding in one exhaust (due to said taxi) and a couple of scratches too.... oh, and loads of dirt