Standard A2 bike test?

[Lucia]

Wanted to ask anyone who's taken their Standard A2 bike test recently which manouvres they had to do on their test, and how long did the test take itself? Taking mine on the T5 soon

[Feed Your Head]

a friend took hers recently...had to do u turn and walk around, hill start, start from a parked/stationary position, emergency stop. passed second time coz she apparently manouvered off from the stationary position even tho the lorry flashed its lights to indicate her to go...the bloke who tested her followed in a car!! took hers on a t5

[Lucia]

Thanks for the info - I've been reading a few other bike forums about the test, some passed their test with one lesson, some with no lessons, some with a weeks worth of lessons...hmm. I better get practising!

[Feed Your Head]

i told my friend "ride by the book, lots of observation, keep to what's expected." i think the dsa have a good handbook which has everything in it...alll faults not to do etc.

[Lucia]

Good advice - I seem to remember applying that to my car test. I've got the dsa book - I better finish reading it

[andy1]

best of luck lucia for whenever you take your test,im sure you"ll do well.

[bryno]

Took my test a few months ago, had not ridden for something like 20 years bought myself a T5 to take the test. I went for lessons, needed 3 plus a session before the test, gotta say I would never have passed without, it's all the 'additional' stuff you need to do on a bike in order to pass that you really need to be shown, i.e. perfect position on the road, at junctions and roundabouts, looking over your sholder every time you pull out and pull in again or make a turn etc.. also making sure if it's a dual carriage way you do exactly 70 and not 60-65mph (or get marked down for going too slow). You can get away with IIRC 15 minors on the test, but these are pretty easy to rack up, personally I'd say go and get a lesson and see what the instructors think...

Have you done the theory as yet?

Oh, in the end I used a bike for the test rather than the T5, found it a bit easier to at least look like I was under control LOL

[Lucia]

(thanks Andy)

Bryno - thanks too. Yes, I passed my theory back in February - one less thing to worry about.

I've had a couple of lessons recently, and the instructor was trying to get my to use a bike too, but I told him he was already ripping me off, so he let me off ;D. Seriously though, his only issue was that he thought my clutch lever reach was too far for my girly hands.

Oh well, if I fail, I'll just do it again, I'm sure some of it to do with luck on the day.

[bryno]

Sure you'll be fine if you've had a few lessons

The clutch problem would probably be worse on a bike as they expect you to slip it pulling over junctions etc you can get away with just dropping it soo much easier on a Vespa ;D

[Lucia]

bryno said:

Sure you'll be fine if you've had a few lessons

I must admit - the lessons put me right about observations over the shoulder etc, got rid of a few lazy habits.

I think the instructor was a bit gobsmacked that I'd been riding around without mirrors too , but he said it's probably a good thing as it forces me to look over my shoulder.

[dazh]

good luck lucia, did mine on a motorbike, not that bad once you get used to it, remember them "lifesaver looks", they will also ask you some questions about riding / serviceing the machine before your test for example...........
what would you do if you were to carry a pillion passenger?
what checks would you do before setting off on a journey?
how would you check for any play in the front forks?
daz

[Lucia]

;D ;D YAY - I passed me test this morning!!!!

A bit blustery, but no rain. Had 2 minors - one for speeding and one for bad position in road.

Phew!

[dazh]

well done chick, may i be the first to congratulate you,

[Feed Your Head]

CONGRATS LUCIA! WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NO L PLATES.

[Lucia]

Thank you - what a good feeling to rip off those Ls!

[Spence]

Someone's left a T5 with no L plates on it in my garage, does anyone know anything about that?

[andy1]

well done lucia on passing your test,how did you find it then??(the test!)-im thinking about doin mine now!!

[Lucia]

Thanks again

Andy1, I found the test hard work, and I was concentrating so hard my nerves didn't kick in. It took 30 - 35 minutes. Got the eye test first, then the technical question about 'what do I check for on my tyres', then rode around the streets for about 10 minutes and he stopped me on a quiet side street to walk a u-turn with the bike, park, then start up and ride the u-turn (bit wobbly, but the street was bloody narrow!). Then I had to ride round the block and do the emergency stop. Then more riding for 10-15 mins and back to the centre when he asked about taking pillions. I didn't go on a dual carriageway because it was a bit windy. Just made sure I did lots of observations (which I kind of do anyway having no mirrors ). I didn't take an instructor with me - they usually wind me up anyway, but I did half an hour on my own before the test to calm my nerves - worked for me anyway. Definitely recommend it to anyone - if you can drive a car, it's not any different to a car test.

[Lucia]

spence said:

Someone's left a T5 with no L plates on it in my garage, does anyone know anything about that?

the mudflap was filthy underneath the L plate and it's a bit faded round the edges too

[Spence]

Ah yes that reminds me, some joker left two filthy old L plates on the arm of my sofa too, does anyone know where I can send the bill for upholstery cleaning?

[Lucia]

[Lucia]

Forgot to say a huge thanks to Spence for putting up with me to get me through the test. Couldn't have done it without you

[bryno]

Fantastic well done you ;D

I also got two minors on mine, one was for speeding - actually marked me down for not going fast enough ;D

[Lucia]

Thanks

I did mess up my 2nd-3rd gear twice, but got away with it until I managed to clunk the handlebar in place. I think it's due for a service

[Spence]

You were an excellent pupil, took to it like a duck to water. I can't take the credit.

[dazh]

for sale one lady owner mk1 t5................



.............................................................................thats a new gearbox and clutch then :-(

[Lucia]

I shouldn't have mentioned the gears - I forgot us that us girls usually bugger up gears on any vehicle