THE MOTORCYCLE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST.
GETTING READY TO TAKE YOUR MOTORCYCLE DRIVING TEST
Before you can book a motorcycle-driving test you must have passed the theory test. A
test booking will not be accepted if you have not previously passed the theory test.
You can book a driving test over the phone if you have a credit or debit card. You should
have your DVLA driving license number to hand & your credit card details with your
theory test pass details.
The motorcycle test is a 40-minute (approximate) pursuit road test with the examiner
following behind you on a motorcycle or sometimes in a car.
Ensure you arrive at the test center EARLY; your test will be cancelled if you are late and
you will loose your test fee. Allow time for traffic, nerves, loosing your keys etc. Do not
end up in a rush! On arrival at the test center, park your motorcycle correctly and ensure
it is not obstructing any entrances or other vehicles. It is easier if you park it so it can be
ridden away without having to push it back.
Wait in the waiting room and the examiner will call you to a briefing room when he is
ready. The examiner will introduce himself and ask you if you mind being called by your
first name. Forget all the old wives tales you have heard about examiners and tests, it’s
all done in a friendly manner, all you have to be is SAFE!
The examiner will check your provisional license and DL 196 certificate. If you do not
have a new style photo license (you MUST bring both parts) he will want to see
photographic evidence, such as a passport. You will also be asked to sign a declaration
that your bike is insured and has a current MOT if required. The examiner will briefly
describe the test and what he wants. He will also fit you with a radio & explain how he
will give directions. Remember, following directions are not part of the test, if you do
make a mistake and take the wrong turning you will not be penalized.
Outside the test center the examiner will check that you can hear him and give you an
eyesight test with a car registration plate.
The test has now started and you will be observed on everything you do, until you arrive
back at the test center and dismount.
The examiner has many different test routes but aims to cover as varied a pattern of
roads as is possible, in the time allowed. Expect to go through the town as well as a
housing estate.
DRIVING TESTS FAULTS
Failing to take rear observation before pulling off the kerb. (Move your head around!)
Failing to cancel indicators after a maneuver. (Double check EVERYTIME)
Crossing traffic lights at amber when you should have safely stopped.
Locking the rear wheel up during the emergency stop (BIG effort front brake, SMALL
effort rear brake)
Failing to take rear observation before pulling away on the hill start.
Failing to take rear observation before the u turn (Remember if you ride forward first,
you must take another rear observation before turning)
Failing to take a right lifesaver before turning right.
Failing to take shoulder checks before pulling away after being stopped at traffic lights
or across a junction.
Exceeding the speed limit.
Failing to make progress by riding at less than the speed limit when safe to do so.
If you do make a mistake on test, and most riders do, don't dwell on it. The examiner
may not have even noticed it. It may only be a minor mistake and your allowed plenty of
those anyway. Remember the examiner knows you are not an experienced rider; he is
just looking for you to ride the course safely.
After the test the examiner will ask you some questions regarding carrying a pillion
passenger or load on your motorcycle.
If carrying a pillion passenger or load you might want to consider adjusting the following
on your machine (Refer to your owners manual)
1. You may need to increase your tyre pressures, consult your owner’s manual.
2. You may need to adjust your rear suspension, again consult your owner’s manual.
3. You may need to adjust your head beam aim.
4. You may need to re-adjust your mirrors.
Whenever you carry a pillion or load the control of the machine will be effected in the
following way:
1. The acceleration will be slower.
2. The braking distance will become longer.
3. The handling of the machine during slow riding will become more challenging, as the
center of gravity will be shifted towards the rear of the machine.
Before allowing pillion passengers on your motorcycle you should brief them as follows:
1. Always tell me before you are going to mount or dismount, or ask. Don’t just suddenly
get off or on, you may catch me off balance.
2. Do not give hand signals for me.
3. Do not sway around on the machine; keep still and in corners lean with me, not
against me.
4. When I stop do not put your feet down, keep them on the pegs.
5. Hold on tightly to either the grab rails or my waist.
6. Always mount & dismount from the curbside.
You should also remember the law in regard to pillion passengers. Your pillion passenger
must sit astride the machine on a proper seat and should keep both feet on the
footrests. (Don’t forget to fold the pegs down before the pillion mounts!)
Your pillion passenger is also subject to the same law as the driver. The passenger must
wear an approved safety helmet, correctly fastened, unless a practicing member of the
Sikh religion and wearing a turban.
