Brush Up for Motorcycle Test

dwelby101

Hi all,

I am sitting my test in a few days and I wanted to put up a post to re-cap on the basics before the test, I'm going to put up some of the things i remember, if I left anything out please feel free to remind me.

Theory

1 - P.O.W.D.E.R

P = Petrol
O = Oil
W = Water / Coolant
D = Damage
E = Electronict
R = Rubber


2 - Things to know about the bike

A) Where and how the oil can be checked /added
where and how the coolant can be checked / added
C) Where and how to check the break pads
D) Where and how to check the break fluid levels
E) Where and how to check the tire pressure
F) How to check tire thread depth
G) What to look for in chain slack & how to adjust


Practical


Before moving off
(ensure you have a "L" learner bib & Personal Protective Equipment)
1. Ensure bike is in good working order before getting on.
2. Ensure lights are on before moving off.
3. Ensure mirrors are correctly adjusted before moving off.

While Riding
1. Always stop completely and put a foot down at a "Stop" sign
2. Before turning off / changing lane always "M.I.L.M"
M = Mirror - check them / it
I = Indicator - use it
L = Lifesaver - check blind spot before moving
M = Manoeuvre - move into next lane / turn off (or move into position for turning off)
3. Never break speed limit & don't go too slow
4. When stopped in traffic ensure a safe distance is between the vehicle in front and you.
5. When stopped in traffic try to position yourself so that you are visible to the driver in front.

Wonda-Boy

People seem to get caught up in the "LIFESAVERS" business, you do not have to do them as frequent as checking mirrors. A lad on here failed for too many lifesavers when they were not warranted. Lifesavers are kept for moving off and changing direction....not for little adjustments along the way.

Best of luck.

lostboy75

Dwelby,

will be doing it the same day, this is a good idea, I have notes taken from the IBT, but this is quite a good Condensed list

good luck with Tuesday!

Lost

underwaterdog

Don't be afraid to use your horn. I got a mark docked on my test for failing to alert others to my presence as a car pulled out in front of me.

Also don't be afraid to continue at a YEILD if appropriate

Other then that, lots of observations, exagerated enough so the tester won't miss it but not enough to compromise your control.

dwelby101

Ouick Update:

I passed. woo! I got no marks at all, couldnt believe it! he even said after that it was a nice ride, caught me by surprise because the testers are usually quite stern.

StaggerLee

Well done!

Is there a standard list of questions they ask you prior to getting on the bike?

dwelby101

Yeah they ask a few questions about the rules of the road, reoad markings, signs, reasons why breaking might be affected, alot are fairly self explanatory but some of the signs could catch ya out if youre not prepared... you can download the rules of the road here and I would recommend taking a look over it before hand.

StaggerLee

Thanks. Doing my test for an A2 license on a scooter in January. Just wondering should I bother with a pre-test lesson.

Do they do any bike handling type exercises? Like in the car test where they reverse around a corner (obviously not applicable to the bike!) etc?

dwelby101

Yeah i would always reccomend to anybody on 2 wheels, take a course, they will show you the correct way to do things.
Handling exercises: U-turn, emergency break, slow moving(stay at testers walking pace), walk with bike, overtaking

P.C.

dwelby101 wrote: »

Ouick Update:

I passed. woo! I got no marks at all, couldnt believe it! he even said after that it was a nice ride, caught me by surprise because the testers are usually quite stern.

Well done!

RosieJoe

dwelby101 wrote: »

Ouick Update:

I passed. woo! I got no marks at all, couldnt believe it! he even said after that it was a nice ride, caught me by surprise because the testers are usually quite stern.

Congrats!

Wonda-Boy

Lovely Stuff....very well done.

serious3

lovely job! great feeling ain't it!

dwelby101

serious3 wrote: »

lovely job! great feeling ain't it!

yep, it sure is... next step, start planning a road trip through europe

KwackerJack

Stay in-between the line and curb.........I failed mine for going on the inside as I went around the corner!

OK on a grade 2 or advanced test as it allows you to see around the bend but its not allowed on the 'more advanced' RSA test :rolleyes:

dwelby101

KwackerJack wrote: »

Stay in-between the line and curb.........I failed mine for going on the inside as I went around the corner!

OK on a grade 2 or advanced test as it allows you to see around the bend but its not allowed on the 'more advanced' RSA test :rolleyes:

What do you mean by the grade 2 test? for an A2 lisence?

KwackerJack

dwelby101 wrote: »

What do you mean by the grade 2 test? for an A2 lisence?

No the Grade 2 for insurance...full days riding where your told to forget everything you learnt in pre-test lessons.

It was a full days riding. radio contact and and for example you would pass 4/5 road signs and he would ask you after a few minutes to tell him what they were!

Looking as far ahead as possible and using trees/poles etc. to judge the road direction.

Going over the white line in a serious of twisty for example to allow you to corner at speed safely, when clear to do so!! Going wide enabling you to see around the bend.

The riding with out using any brakes what-so ever, that one was interesting to say the least.

Tons more on road training + Class room..... a must for any biker I think!!

I done mine with Peter Bookey, top chap and excellent rider/teacher

Only problem is the above riding will make you fail your test......just shows you??

V.W.L 11

i have the old style paper permit,is it true that pasding a test with that licence is only an a2 since the category changes???

serious3

dwelby101 wrote: »

yep, it sure is... next step, start planning a road trip through europe

:Dcome join me and the civvie on this in sept http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056990604:D

daveyjoe

Positioning was the only thing I got marked down for on the test. When you're at a junction make sure that you go to the extreme left or right of the lane to indicate which way you are turning (or in the middle if straight on). I didn't go quite to the edge of the lane so I got marked down a bit for that.

Also I was taught that it was:
M = Mirror
I = Indicator
L = Lifesaver
F = F*CKING Manoeuvre

The 'F*CKING' was to emphasise that you manoeuvre confidently and without delay but really I think it's just because my instructor wanted the acronym to be MILF. :-D

dwelby101

Nice one davey! I have to say each time I thought "MILM" i thought, it would be much more memorable as "MILF" i like it!

Serious, that does sound like it could be interesting but some friends from germany and I are toying with the idea of going from Germany to Turkey... A gang of them usually fly over each year to a holiday home they own there, this time we're thinking about touring there, them in an old VW camper and the rest of us on bikes... if it happens it could be awesome!

lostboy75

Passed my test yesterday!
and this post was one of the last things I read before it, its a handy collection of things to think about.
new license, new bike, new weather, what more could you ask for.
the third one was more a request, please some new weather

Lost

Wonda-Boy

lostboy75 wrote: »

Passed my test yesterday!
and this post was one of the last things I read before it, its a handy collection of things to think about.
new license, new bike, new weather, what more could you ask for.
the third one was more a request, please some new weather

Lost

Well Done...its a great feeling isnt it.;)

lostboy75

it is indeed, was smiling like a loon for the rest of the day

minidazzler

So, I'm doing my test soon, booked today, so just waiting on a call or email saying when I am booked in for. I can't fookin wait

Wonda-Boy

minidazzler wrote: »

So, I'm doing my test soon, booked today, so just waiting on a call or email saying when I am booked in for. I can't fookin wait

Good stuff, do they test you in cars down that neck of the woods or have they saved up enough for bikes?

Seems the testers are gradually getting bikes to do the tests at last...:rolleyes:

daveyjoe

Bikes. If it's Ballincollig then the tester is very good in my experience. I guess I would say that considering he passed me but he gave some good feedback on more advanced skills too which was appreciated.

Starscream25

Have mine tomorrow in ballincollig, I feel unprepared, have been bogged down by college work big time. Reading through this thread is great tho for a bit more preparation. One thing I know I'll have trouble with is putting the centre stand down, I couldn't do it before due to my slight build and feel I might topple it over, my own bike has the side stand( won't be using it)

Roadcraft

Starscream25 wrote: »

Have mine tomorrow in ballincollig, I feel unprepared, have been bogged down by college work big time. Reading through this thread is great tho for a bit more preparation. One thing I know I'll have trouble with is putting the centre stand down, I couldn't do it before due to my slight build and feel I might topple it over, my own bike has the side stand( won't be using it)

You will not be asked to put the bike on the centre stand.

Starscream25

Roadcraft wrote: »

You will not be asked to put the bike on the centre stand.

Phew, that's a pleasant surprise. I think I should do well and pass, just have the last minute jitters.

robinwing

Let us know how you fared . Good Luck !

Lockstep

Got my test coming up fairly soon. Fairly nervous.

Do you have to be able to do the U-turn to pass the test? I'm using an instructors bike which is much bigger than mine and I'm having a lot of trouble doing u-turns.

Also, how many grade 2 faults can you make without failing? Is it the same as a car (8)?

Thanks!

serious3

its not a fail its a grade 2 fault, as long as when your foot goes down, you do your lifesavers etc you'll be fine

gerrowadat

How long are tests taking these days? I boked mine 2 weeks ago and all I have is the acknowledgement, nothing close to a date yet.

AgileMyth

gerrowadat wrote: »

How long are tests taking these days? I boked mine 2 weeks ago and all I have is the acknowledgement, nothing close to a date yet.

Depends where you are.

AgileMyth

Roadcraft wrote: »

You will not be asked to put the bike on the centre stand.

But you should learn anyway. Its all technique.

Roadcraft

AgileMyth wrote: »

But you should learn anyway. Its all technique.

No thanks, I know how to, he was asking about the test.

AgileMyth

Roadcraft wrote: »

No thanks, I know how to, he was asking about the test.

Wasn't suggesting you didn't. I meant himself. He doesn't have to know it for the test but its no harm knowing.

Roadcraft

AgileMyth wrote: »

Wasn't suggesting you didn't. I meant himself. He doesn't have to know it for the test but its no harm knowing.

Yes I agree, good to know how for parking, chain adjustment, chain lube, etc

gerrowadat

AgileMyth wrote: »

Depends where you are.

Naas. Not impatient, just seeing I should expect to be doing my test on ice in the dead of winter :-)

AgileMyth

gerrowadat wrote: »

Naas. Not impatient, just seeing I should expect to be doing my test on ice in the dead of winter :-)

I know when I was waiting it was a long time as they only get a tester down when there's enough booked to keep him going for a couple of days. Can't see that being the case over your side though.

Your local bike instructor would probably have a fair idea.

stanley1980

I've my test coming up and am starting to get nervous. To be honest I have a classic bike and it only comes out when it's sunny and even then just for spins up to the shops! I did the IBT early last year and to be fair (despite the expense!) I found it very useful. I've booked at least one pre-test with the same instructor but am worrying now my lack of real experience may cost me. It's not life or death whether I pass but I'd love to get just to tick it off the list and feel like I've accomplished a long-held goal.

Some great tips here- I especially liked the 'M.I.L.F'....that's stuck firmly in my head now!

Richard tea

stanley1980 wrote: »

I've my test coming up and am starting to get nervous. To be honest I have a classic bike and it only comes out when it's sunny and even then just for spins up to the shops! I did the IBT early last year and to be fair (despite the expense!) I found it very useful. I've booked at least one pre-test with the same instructor but am worrying now my lack of real experience may cost me. It's not life or death whether I pass but I'd love to get just to tick it off the list and feel like I've accomplished a long-held goal.

Some great tips here- I especially liked the 'M.I.L.F'....that's stuck firmly in my head now!

Firstly I would get out on the bike every day up until the test. Its good that you booked a pretest.

Cienciano

Have a few whiskeys before the test, calm the nerves :pac:

Ayrtonf7

Richard tea wrote: »

Firstly I would get out on the bike every day up until the test. Its good that you booked a pretest.

+1

Nothing better than some time in the saddle. You'll need it to remember all the bits and bobs for when your taking your test too.

fiestaman

Hi, I have my test next Thursday 20th in Kilkenny. Is there any particular questions they ask before you go driving?

Lockstep

Like a car test, they'll ask you to identify roadsigns and some questions like when can you cross a white line or when to dip your headlights. You'll also be asked to do hand signals and motorbike questions like which break is the strongest.
You'll then head out and do some stuff like show where to check the oil level and take the bike off its stand.

bran_flake

Did my A test last Friday in Shannon. He asked hand signals, road positioning, box junction, when to dip your headlights and what causes skidding. Then asked about 10 road signs. Technical checks at the bike he asked how to check your tyres, check oil and check break fluid. Had to take bike of stand walk with bike and then bike back on stand.

blade1

bran_flake wrote: »

Did my A test last Friday in Shannon. He asked hand signals, road positioning, box junction, when to dip your headlights and what causes skidding. Then asked about 10 road signs. Technical checks at the bike he asked how to check your tyres, check oil and check break fluid. Had to take bike of stand walk with bike and then bike back on stand.

It's donkey's years since I done my test and just wondering if he asks how to check the oil must you actually do it or just explain it?

Wonda-Boy

Just explain it....its gas when I did my test only 3 - 4 yrs ago the instructor asked my how do I know when I am low on fuel. I told him that the LCD display shows the fuel in bars and when I get low the last bar starts flashing. He actually started laughing......he was totaly clueless and taught I was taking the piss. He was expecting the old needle and the E and F jobbie.

True story I swear to god, very nice fella but he was late 60s and followed me in a Toyota Corrolla. Have bikes now by all accounts.

blade1

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Just explain it....its gas when I did my test only 3 - 4 yrs ago the instructor asked my how do I know when I am low on fuel. I told him that the LCD display shows the fuel in bars and when I get low the last bar starts flashing. He actually started laughing......he was totaly clueless and taught I was taking the piss. He was expecting the old needle and the E and F jobbie.

True story I swear to god, very nice fella but he was late 60s and followed me in a Toyota Corrolla. Have bikes now by all accounts.

Yeah,that's why I was wondering about the oil level.
There wouldn't be much point checking a bike with a dry sump if the engine was after cooling down as it wouldn't be accurate.

I wonder how many testers would know how to check the level on a bike with a dry sump?