About the practical tests This is in two Modules Mod 1 Off Road This will be conducted at the Driving Standards Agency test centre at Burgess Hill and consists of :- Manual handlingSlow speed manoeuvring and ridingA U turnHigh speed cornering and a controlled stop (between 20 and 30 mphHigh speed emergency stop (minimum of 30 mph)High speed avoidance (minimum of 30 mph) Mod 2 On Road  You will pass the test if you can  ride safely demonstrate through your riding you have a thorough knowledge of the Highway code The test will last about 40 minutes The test will include  an eyesight test (read a number plate at 20.5 metres) two question on carrying out simple safety checks on your bike A question on carrying pillions on your bike As with your tuition the examiner will give you clear directional instructions in good time over a one way radio—always continue ahead until told otherwise. This instruction can be individual, in a block of 3 or 4 or to follow a location by signage i.e. take the London Road A23. The examiner assesses you on the errors you make and you will fail if you commit any serious or dangerous fault. You are allowed to make 5 driving errors on the Mod 1 test and 10 on the Mod 2 test Driving errors—a less serious fault  Serious fault—a potentially dangerous incident occurred or a habitual driving fault indicating a serious weakness in your ride  Dangerous fault—causing actual danger during your test What to bring  your driving licence—both parts of the new photo card type and are a matched pair. Please check that your

photo is up to date if not is still a true likeness and or bring a valid passport  A valid passport if you have the older style of licence, which must be signed theory test certificate CBT certificate The module 1 certificate for the module 2 test What the Module 2 test requires  alertness and concentration courtesy and consideration

 care in the use of the controls awareness of stopping distances and safety margins in all conditions hazard awareness correct action concerning pedestrians and other vulnerable road users dealing with other vehicles correctly rules regarding speed limits and stopping restrictions the law regarding you and your vehicle Safety Questions

Identify where you would check the engine oil level andtell me how you would check that the engine hassufficient oil.

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

 Show me how you would check that the horn isworking on this machine (off road only). Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell mehow you would check that you have a safe level ofhydraulic fluid. 

 Identify reservoir, check level against high/lowmarkings.

  

Tell me how you would check that the lights andreflectors are clean and working

  

Explanation only: Operate switch (turn on ignition ifnecessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.  Show me how you would check that the brake lightsare working. 

 Operate brake, place hand over light or make useof reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or asksomeone to help.

  

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

  

Check for chain wear, correct tension and rearwheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted asspecified in the machine handbook. Drive chainshould be lubricated to ensure that excessive weardoes not take place. Show me what checks you would make on the steeringmovement before using the machine.

  

Handlebars should be free to move smoothly fromfull left lock to full right lock without any controlcables being stretched, trapped or pinched andwithout any snagging between moving and fixedparts.

  

Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure thatthey are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depthand that their general condition is safe to use on theroad. Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in theowner’s manual. Pressures should be checkedusing a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be atleast 1mm deep, forming a continuous band atleast ¾ of the breadth of the tread and all the wayaround. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.  Show me how you would check the operation of thefront brake on this machine.  Wheel the machine forward and apply the frontbrake.  Show me how you would check the operation of thebrakes on this machine.

 Check for excessive travel on the brake lever andthe brake pedal and for unusual play orsponginess.  Show me how you would check the operation of theengine cut out switch. Operate switch, without the engine beingstarted. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lightand explain when you would use it (if fitted). Operate switch (turn on ignition and dipped

headlights if necessary). Check warning light is on.Show me how you switch your headlight from dippedto main beam. Operate switch (with ignition or engine on ifnecessary), check with main beam warning light. Carrying a pillion passengerYou will be normally asked one of four questionsWhat to adjust on the bike to compensate for the extra weight tyre pressures suspension setting  mirrors head lightWhat should you tell a novice pillion must wear an approve safety helmet correctly fastened should wear appropriate safety clothing to get on the motorcycle after the rider from the curb side, sitting astride, on the pillion seat , feet on the foot

rests and hold on to the grab rail or loosely around the waist of the rider not to make any hand signals to lean with the rider for bends to look ahead so as to anticipate the actions of the rider, bracing for acceleration or braking they don't have to support the weight of the rider when you come to a rest only get of fwhen told to do soHow does a pillion passenger affect the balance due to the centre of gravity being higher and moved backward the motorcycle will be less stable especially at

slow speed when manoeuvringWhat changes does the rider have to make due to the weight of the pillion passengerYou should brake earlier due to the extra weight and leave more distance between you and the vehicle ahead leave more time to pull away from stationary and to increase speed What the examiner is looking for in the practical riding, in conjunction with the advice

given in the Highway CodeThe motorcycle controls  Throttle and clutch  balance the throttle and clutch to pull away smoothly accelerate gradually to gain speed pull the clutch in before stopping Faults to avoid  accelerating fiercely using the clutch in a jerky and uncontrolled manner Brakes and gear  use both brakes correctly and in good time brake lightly in most situations choose the right gear for your speed and road condition change gear in good time so that you are ready for a hazard or junction Faults to avoid  brake harshly, except in an emergency use either the front or rear brake alone (excludes rear brake to ride slowly) select the wrong gear

 coast with the clutch pulled in or the gear lever in neutral (excludes block changing of gears) Steering  keep both hands on the handlebars keep your steering movements steady and smooth begin turning at the correct time when turning a corner show awareness of the road surface Faults to avoid  cutting the corner when turning swing wide on turns braking and steering together move out before turning left Moving Off You should be able to move off safely under control on the flat from behind a parked car on a hill You will be examined on - The use of the controls making balanced use of throttle clutch brakes steeringObservation of other road users by  using your mirrors and checking over you shoulder for any blind spots for traffic and pedestrians signalling if necessary Faults to avoid  immediately signalling without first taking an observation pulling out without looking causing other road users to stop or alter their course accelerate excessively move off in too high a gear fail to coordinate the controls correctly and stall the engine Rear Observation You will be required to take an effective rear observation by mirror or looking over your shoulder (life saver) before manoeuvre to keep aware of what is happening behind you and act sensibly on what you seeCheck carefully before moving off signalling changing direction turning left or right overtaking or changing lane increasing speed slowing down or stopping Faults to avoid

 manoeuvre without taking a rear observation Fail to act on what you see behind Giving Signals You should signal using only the signals shown in the highway code to let others know what you intend to do so that they can react safely to help others road users including pedestrians in plenty of time   Faults to avoid give signals carelessly mislead other road users forget to cancel the signal wave at pedestrians to cross the road Acting on Signs and Signals You should be able to understand and react to  all traffic signs all road markings You will be asked to follow the road ahead, being given plenty of warning to make a turn, looking out for lane markings and directional signs Taking extra care and obeying police officers traffic wardens school crossing patrols 20 mph speed limit zones speed restriction humps and other traffic calming measures Controlling you speed You should make good progress along the road obtaining the national speed limits if possible bearing mind road conditions traffic weather road signs and speed limitsYou should  take great care in the use of speed make sure you can stop well within the distance you can see leave a safe distance between you and other vehicles leave extra distance on wet or slippery roads approach junctions and hazards at the correct speedFaults to avoid ride too fast for the road and traffic conditions change your speed unpredictably Making Progress You should make reasonable progress alone the road drive at a speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions move off at junctions as soon as it's safe keep up with the traffic show confidence, together with good judgement comply with the speed limits 

Faults to avoid driving too slowly, holding up other traffic be over-cautious or stop and wait when it’s safe to go prepare too early for junctions by approaching too slowly and holding up traffic The Emergency Stop In a emergency you should be able to stop the motorcycle as quickly as possible safely and under control  without locking the wheels without risk to other road users Your examiner will ask you to pull in at the side of the road explain the procedure and demonstrate the signal to youYou should react quickly try to stop in a straight line take special care if it is wet pull to the side of the road after stopping, with observations over both shouldersThe examiner will check that the road is clear behind before signalling  Faults to avoid anticipate the signal by slowing  skid out of control pull up slowly Special exercises Walking the machine your examiner will ask you to put the machine on its stand . You will the be asked to take the machine off the

stand and walk with it, normally in a U-turn, but with out the aid of the engine. Riding U-turn your examiner will ask you to ride a U-turn. Direct rear observation in to the blind area is vital just before you

carry out this manoeuvre. Faults to avoid putting a foot down using excessive throttle hitting the curb or running up a drive way looking down at the front of the bike Angle startYour examiner will ask you to pull up just before a parked vehicle . Before moving off you should  check to the rear and into the blind areas ahead to see there is no danger from approaching trafficIf a angled start occurs normally during the test, you will not be asked to do it again Slow rideYou will be asked to ride at a walking speed for a short distance, to test your control, balance and observation. If you have already ridded slowly such as in traffic you will not be asked to carry out this exercise Hill startYour examiner might ask you to pull up on an uphill gradient. When pulling in to stop at the side of the road to complete any of the special exercises, stop only where safe ,avoiding bus stops

 driveways parking restrictions  within 30ft of a junction near a bend 

HazardsThe correct routine A hazard is any situation which could involve adjusting or altering course. road junctions and roundabouts parked vehicles cyclists or horse riders pedestrian crossingLook well ahead, identifying a hazard early so you will have time to take appropriate action. Always use your initiative and common sense Always use this routine when approaching a hazard Observation—check behind using mirrors or looking over you shoulder Signal—if necessary signal that you are changing speed or direction in plenty of time Manoeuvre—has three phases Position Speed Look Road junctions and roundabout You should use the OSM routine when you approach a junction or roundabout position the motorcycle correctly, adjust your speed and stop if necessary use the correct lane if the road has lane markings. In a one way street choose the lane as soon as you can When turning left keep to the left watching out for cyclists pedestrians crossingCheck the blind spot if requiredWhen turning right keep to the centre of the road if safe to do so  make a ‘lifesaver’ check over your shoulder before turning from a major to minor road You should be able to observe road signs and markings and act correctly on what you see judge the correct speed on approach slow down in good time without harsh braking judge the speed of other traffic, especially at roundabouts and when joining a major road position and turn correctly  Faults to avoid approach the junction at the wrong speed position and turn incorrectly enter a junction unsafely stop or wait unnecessarily 

  

Unless signs or road marking dictate otherwise the first exit is a left turn the last exit is a right turn the interm exit would be ahead (do not signal on approach) with more than one intermediate exit ,ahead would normally the continuation of the entry

road or any road around the 12 o'clock position would be ahead. Roads well past 12 would normally be right. Please use local or instructed knowledge

 you may go ahead from the right lane if the left lane is blocked or unavailable to you or more normally used by other trafic

 treat mini roundabouts in the same way, but when turning right without signalling left on exit

 always use common sense and initiative

Overtaking When overtaking you must observe any signs and road markings which prohibit overtaking allow enough room give cyclists and horses at least as much room as cars. They might swerve or wobble suddenly allow enough space for overtaking—don’t cut in use the OSM/PSL routine react to road and traffic conditions judge the speed and position of vehicles behind and in front overtake only when safe without causing other vehicles to change speed or direction Faults to avoid

 You should not overtake when your view of the road ahead isn’t clear you would have to exceed the speed limit there is oncoming traffic and you are squeezing between the oncoming traffic and the vehicle you are

overtaking Meeting and passing vehicles You should deal with oncoming traffic safely and confidently on narrow road where there are parked cars or other obstructions If there is an obstruction on your side of the road, or not enough space for two vehicles to pass safely, you should use OSM/PSL be prepared to give way to oncoming traffic If you need to stop, keep well back from the obstruction to give yourself a better view of the road ahead room to move off easily when the road is clear You should show judgement and control when meeting oncoming traffic be decisive when stopping and moving off allow enough room when passing parked cars Watch out for doors opening children running out into the road pedestrians stepping out from the pavement vehicles pulling out without warning Crossing the path of other vehicles You should be able to cross the path of other traffic safely and with confidenceYou normally need to cross the path of other traffic when you have to turn right into a side road or driveway. You should use the OSM/PSL routine position correctly and adjust your speed watch out for oncoming traffic and stop if necessary watch for pedestrians crossing the side road or on the pavement if entering a driveway and stop if required Faults to avoid cause another vehicle to slow down, swerve or stop cut the corner go beyond the correct turning point before beginning to turn Following behind at a safe distance You should always ride so that you can stop in the distance you can see to be clearAlways keep a two second time gap between you and the vehicle ahead. Four seconds in the wet.In slow moving traffic it is not always possible to leave so much spaceTake extra care and consider changing road position when following high sided and large vehicles Watch out for  brake lights ahead direction indicators vehicles ahead braking without warning 

Faults to avoidYou shouldn’t follow too closely brake suddenly stop too close to the vehicle in front in a traffic queue Position and lane discipline You should  normally keep to the middle of your lane or side of the road keep clear of parked vehicles avoid weaving in and out of parked vehicles position your vehicle correctly for the direction you intend to take obey bus and cycle lanes which should not be entered unless it is unavoidable obey lane marking in one way streets and left or right turn arrows at junctions select the correct lane in good time use the OSM/PSL routine position you vehicle sensibly, even if there are no road markings Faults to avoidYou shouldn’t ride too close to the kerb ride too close to the centre of the road change lanes at the last moment without good reason hinder other road users by being badly positioned or being in the wrong lane cut across the path of other traffic in another lane at a roundabout Pedestrian Crossing You should recognise the different types of pedestrian crossing show courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians stop safely when necessary approach a pedestrian crossing at a controlled speed move off when it’s safe, keeping a good lookout At Zebra crossing you should slow down and stop if some one is on the crossing slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross wait till all pedestrians have cleared the crossing before moving off At pelican, puffin and toucan crossings stop if the lights are on red give way to any pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber light is flashing give way to cyclists on a toucan crossing, as you would a pedestrians Faults to avoidDon’t approach too fast ride over a crossing without stopping or showing awareness of waiting pedestrians block a crossing by stopping directly on it overtake within the zigzag white lines leading up to a crossing wave pedestrians across Don’t hurry pedestrians by sounding you horn revving your engine edging forward  

Awareness and Planning You should be aware of other road user at all times and always plan aheadYou should judge what other road users are likely to do predict how their actions will affect you react safely and in good time give way to pedestrians when turning from one road to another take particular care with the very young, the disabled and the elderly take special care of cyclists when crossing a bus or cycle lane, with cyclists passing on your left and child

cyclists take special care with animals and give them as much room as possible Faults to avoidYou shouldn’t react suddenly to road or traffic conditions show irritation with other road users sound the horn aggressively 

Unless signs or road marking dictate otherwise the first exit is a left turn the last exit is a right turn the intermexit would be ahead (do not signal on approach) with more than one intermediate exit ,ahead would