Not the horror story and lots of cake!

I have recently had the opportunity to do a practice run on the new test site covering Module 1.  I have also just passed using the old test so can easily compare the two, and I have to say I actually think the new test is the easier.  The advantage of the new test is that you can get all the slow manoeuvring over and done with, walking the bike, slalom, figure of eight, slow riding and U turn.  Even the emergency stop and the dreaded swerve manoeuvre are made easy with the site’s porous tarmac.  No lumps, bumps, debris, potholes or cambers to worry about!  At first it seems a little confusing as to which way you have to go, but with clear instruction from Roy and different coloured cones, it all makes sense in no time at all.

The U turn area has no cones, only yellow painted straight lines with no kerbs to distract you.  It is a fact that nobody in the history of motorcycling has ever been more nervous about U turns than me and yet here they were - A PIECE OF CAKE!

The cones for the slalom and the figure of eight are generously spaced and, despite not having done any since my CBT near on a year earlier, the manoeuvres were easy. 

Now for something new, the swerve - its really not as daunting as it sounds.  When you are reminded that you are on non-slip tarmac, it becomes quite easy to get up enough speed to go through the speed trap at a minimum of 50 kph  (I was told that despite wearing a helmet, I could be seen grinning from ear to ear!)  going straight into the swerve manoeuvre.  Good advice from Roy here got me through it easily after only a few attempts.  When you come out of the swerve you have to slow down and stop with your front wheel in between four cones ready to do the U turn followed by the slow ride.  The emergency stop follows the same lines as the swerve manoeuvre but without the swerve.  Truthfully, I was left wondering what was all the fuss about.  CAKE OVERLOAD!

One section of the test flows easily into the next and before you know it, its over.  You’ll need to remember that while you’re doing your test ‘off road’, you still need to do safety checks and lifesavers as if you were ‘on road’ even though there is no traffic or pedestrians - its only you and the examiner within the enclosure.  Getting all the nitty gritty over and done with in Module 1 will allow you to concentrate on (and enjoy) the road riding in Module 2.

I hope this has helped all of you prospective bikers to realise that the new test is not the horror story you have probably been hearing and reading about.  If I had to sit Module 1 for real, sure I would have ‘test nerves’ but there would be no fear of incapability even though I’m relatively new to all this.  Don’t let it put you off.  Go for it and enjoy it.

 

Mandy Bell, Ayton, 24th April 2009