Test this week

wb

Apologies, this probably comes up a lot, but I can't seem to be able to do searches anymore.

I've got my test on Thursday and I'll be doing it on my own Yamaha FZR 250. I've left it a bit late to study. Apart from the 'rules of the road' book, are there any essentials I should have? I have a CD rom also and a 'pass you test' book. However, nothing seems to be aimed at the motorcycle test in particular. For those of you who have done it, any tips on what to expect (I've no idea really) would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers.

Dorsanty

Know the parts of your bike. Be able to point to, brake reservoirs, coolant reservoir, dip stick for oil level.

Turn up in full protective gear. high vis jacket also is good.
Clean your bike a day or 2 before the test.

Rules of the road. Know your road signs.

Hope you've done a lesson or two to show you what you need to do on the road. Basically cornering technique is all important. Road position, Lifesaver are the key bits to get right.

Pre-test from a qualified instructor is the best thing it the world to get. But it might be a bit short notice to get one before your test. Unless your test is Friday.

Edit: Good luck by the way

Niall06

My advice would be

Arrive early at the centre
Wear the proper gear , inc Hivis.
Remember to do " Lifesavers"
Remember to turn off indicators after the turn.
Practice the Uturn as it could be tricky on a FZR250.
Don't speed but keep up and make progress.
When stopped at lights, bike in first gear - right foot on back brake and left foot on ground.
When turning don't cut corners.

Try and relax during the test and best of luck to you.

Steffano2002

My advice would be: book a pre-test training session with David Lyons.

You will pass your test if you do that. Simple!

As posted above get a pre test lesson, I passed my test last Thursay and owe it to the lesson I did. Turn up a few minutes early with all your protective gear and a clean bike.
When the tester takes you outside he will ask a few things about your bike such as the kill switch, checking the oil/water and will definately ask you about checking the chain. I have a shaft drive bike but he still wanted to know how I would look for the right chain tension, signs of rust or wear etc. He will also probably ask you about your tires. Know your tire pressures!
Make sure you stay calm, if you start getting really nervous you will likely start making mistakes and feck it up. Keep pace with traffic within the speed limits, don't tailgate, keep checking your mirrors and make sure the tester can see you doing this.
Get you road position right at junctions and roundabouts.
Before moving off, turning, changing lanes check mirrors,signal,check mirrors, lifesaver check etc.
Practice riding at walking pace and your u turn.
Good luck.

Steffano2002

Nialler24 pretty much said everything you needed to hear... The key is doing the pre-test course. That's what made all the difference for me! Couldn't fail after that...

murphaph

If you're doing it in Raheny (or anywhere with a similar setup) then make sure you accelerate up to the 60km/h (assuming clear road!) where permitted. They always take you from a 50 to a 60 and back to see you are heeding the limits and not holding op traffic in the 60 by doing 50. It's just little small things like that you need to remember. Dave Lyons got me through with such tidbits but I can't remember them all now! Oh, one more-mini roundabouts do NOT require you to signal left when turning right, as you do in a full size roundabout as you approach your exit.

wb

Some great tips lads thanks a lot. What's a lifesaver though?

Niall06

A life saver is the name given to a final observation taken by looking over your shoulder immediately before committing to any manoeuvre, eg changing lanes , turning or taking off.

Steffano2002

wb wrote:

Some great tips lads thanks a lot. What's a lifesaver though?

I learned about this during my Pre-Test Course which was the morning of the test! I tell you, invest in that course!

Noelie

Steffano2002 wrote:

I learned about this during my Pre-Test Course which was the morning of the test! I tell you, invest in that course!

This man speaks the truth

I taught I would pass the test fine, but I still done a pre-test a few days before the test. Only after doing the pre-test did I realise I'd of failed the test miserably if I had not done the pre-test.

seamus

Steffano2002 wrote:

I learned about this during my Pre-Test Course which was the morning of the test!

:eek:
I'm terrified that people don't know about this.
Though I'm sure that most do actually look over their shoulder, they probably don't do it quite as much as they need to, or when they need to.
I do it now no matter what type of road using I'm doing - car, bicycle, even walking. Makes every manouver go so much more efficiently and safely.

All the advice has been given here. Can't stress enough the importance of full (clean and tidy) gear and a clean bike. It instantly makes you look like someone who takes it seriously.

Steffano2002

seamus wrote:

:eek:
I'm terrified that people don't know about this.
Though I'm sure that most do actually look over their shoulder, they probably don't do it quite as much as they need to, or when they need to.
I do it now no matter what type of road using I'm doing - car, bicycle, even walking. Makes every manouver go so much more efficiently and safely.

Fully agree! Shocking really to only find out about this extremely important maneuver on the day of the test! I always do it now and its name, the "Life Saver" really is justified!

seamus wrote:

All the advice has been given here. Can't stress enough the importance of full (clean and tidy) gear and a clean bike. It instantly makes you look like someone who takes it seriously.

Fully agree! Clean bike, good protective gear, high-visibility vest and good knowledge of your bike will want to make your inspector give you a full license!

Good luck!

wb

Great advice, much appreciated. If anyone can give advice on what the U turn involves I'd be grateful.

Cheers.

Shane_C

You park in a residential area and the instructor will say U turn (he will be standing beside you). Do it slowly, and only when there are no cars about. A hint is to be constantly looking over your right shoulder, but that doesn't seem to work for me. Just make sure you go really slow. And give yourself a run of about 3-4 feet before you begin the turn.

wb

Shane_C wrote:

You park in a residential area and the instructor will say U turn (he will be standing beside you). Do it slowly, and only when there are no cars about. A hint is to be constantly looking over your right shoulder, but that doesn't seem to work for me. Just make sure you go really slow. And give yourself a run of about 3-4 feet before you begin the turn.

Thanks Shane, did I hear somewhere that you can't put your feet down or something?

Also, does the instructor follow in a car during the test or have they changed that.

Steffano2002

wb wrote:

Thanks Shane, did I hear somewhere that you can't put your feet down or something?

I don't know if this is true... If you lose your balance you obvioulsy have to put your foot down to avoid falling! I don't think you'd be failed if that happened in fairness... Then again, weirdest things have happened! Oh, and the instructor didn't get out of the car when I did my U-turn (and it wasn't even raining! Lazy b@st@rd...)

wb wrote:

Also, does the instructor follow in a car during the test or have they changed that.

Indeed he does.

murphaph

wb wrote:

Thanks Shane, did I hear somewhere that you can't put your feet down or something?

Also, does the instructor follow in a car during the test or have they changed that.

You can put your feet down, IF your bike on full lock is incapable of making a U-turn in the space provided. Mostly sports bikes have this trouble. If your bike is like this you should advise the tester beforehand so he expects you to stop and back up.

In the more likely event that you can make the turn in one move, then you can't put your feet down and to be quite honest, if you can't do this simple manouevre you don't deserve a licence! The U-turn is easy-it's making sure you look over your shoulder before moving off and making sure you don't cause inconvenience to any other road user when you do it.

At the test centre after asking you about the rules of the road and road signs etc. the tester will give you a one way radio. there will be a speaker clipped to your ear.
Then he will take you out to your bike and check that all lights/indicators are working and that you have a valid tax disc.
He will go ask you about oil/tires/kill switch etc.
You will then have to shw him how you would move the bike without the engine. This is just pushing the bike for a few metres, be sure you look around before you do though-be sure its safe to do so!
Then the test will begin. H will give you directions on where to go and what to do over the radio as he follows and observes you in his car.
You will have to do a hill start and shortly after the slow ride and u turn.
To do the slow ride keep slipping the clutch and keep your foot on the BACK BRAKE-do not use the front. When doing the u turn its the same as the slow ride, make sure its safe to do it before you start. You shouldn't have to put your foot down during the u turn. You are meant to be showing that you can control the bike at low speed. You can if you have to though but do your best to keep your feet up.
The tester might get out of his car to walk alongside you during the slow ride and u turn or you might get lucky and he won't bother.
After that you will probably be told to go back to the test centre.

You really should get lessons and if you can't get them before the test I would say cancel the test and get yourself more familiar with what you will have to do when you re-apply. If your this close to the test and are still noy sure what a u turn is, I would definately cancel and get a few lessons done pronto.
Either way good luck.

Hotblack Desiato

Deleted User wrote:

You really should get lessons and if you can't get them before the test I would say cancel the test and get yourself more familiar with what you will have to do when you re-apply.

Fail to prepare = prepare to fail.

In no other country would people think they could pass a driving test by teaching themselves.

Steffano2002

Deleted User wrote:

You really should get lessons and if you can't get them before the test I would say cancel the test and get yourself more familiar with what you will have to do when you re-apply. If your this close to the test and are still noy sure what a u turn is, I would definately cancel and get a few lessons done pronto.

I fully agree with this. You really need to get lessons wb! You will probably fail if you don't I'm afraid...

wb

Well, I didn't fail!!!















I didn't pass either. :eek:



Driving through Dundrum on my way to Churchtown, I went over some bumpy road. Next minute, all I hear is a big rattling noise. I pulled in to discover that my front mud guard had cracked and was hanging down almost touching the wheel. I made my way to churchtown at around 5 mph, and explained what happened. The guy had a look and said he'd reccommend that I get a new date soon enough which was really nice of him as I waited a year for this test.

It may be a blessing in disguise as I now have more time to do pre tests etc.

Thanks for all the responses by the way.

Good luck with the re-test.

ircoha

ninja900 wrote:

In no other country would people think they could pass a driving test by teaching themselves.

but will have no issue with spending 1000's on golf lessons where the risk of self harm is much lower!

Steffano2002

wb wrote:

It may be a blessing in disguise as I now have more time to do pre tests etc.

Most definitely wb! Now you can, and should, do a pre-test training! Call David Lyons and book a lesson with him. You will pass your test after doing that course!

Good luck to you!