Full bike test

Here's a better idea, I'll paste the info below: :w00t:

If you're thinking of doing the practical auto scooter test (A2 Auto) you may find the following information priceless! Read & learn what's posted below and then go out and practice what u've learned, this is what the examiners are looking for:

LIFESAVERS WHILST MOVING:
Turning right: Left mirror, right mirror, indicate, right shoulder.
Turning left: Right mirror, left mirror, indicate, left shoulder.

Driving down the road and you want to turn right at the end so left mirror, right mirror, right shoulder and start indicating then manoeuvre to the right of the road, then just a quick right shoulder check before you make the turn.

If you are turning left: Right mirror, left mirror, left shoulder and flick the indicator on at the same time. (it you look in this order for a left turn you are turning your body in one direction only instead of doing left right left)
After you have checked your left shoulder move to the left side of the road. Just before you actually start to turn, check your left shoulder again to check that a cyclist etc isn't trying to dive up your inside.

If you were stopped at traffic lights I would just make a quick shoulder check before setting off but I wouldn't check both shoulders.

Remember after you do an emergency stop you need to do a left shoulder lifesaver then pull over to the side of the road.

You need to show that you are aware of what is going on around you, so when you do a lifesaver you need to give yourself enough time to take in the information of what the traffic is doing behind you, which means it needs to be more than just a quick glance. Make it a deliberate movement and you can't go wrong.

With the lifesaver I was told make sure there's a definite movment of the head enough so that the examiner can see and the same with mirror checks.

Practice your slow speed manoeuvres as much as possible (emergency stops and uturns) and try and ride smoothly

Biggest piece of advice is just try to relax and ride defensively. Check your mirrors often, shoulder checks at everytime
you need to change road position or turn. ALWAYS remember that final shoulder check before you turn right. Remember to put
a foot down at stop signs. Maintain appropriate speed for the road you are travelling on and slow down well before
approaching junctions and roundabouts. Finally remember to cancel your
indicators! Get into the habit of talking to yourself if you have to in order to remember.

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TOWN TRAFFIC:
If you're riding along a single lane and a car ahead is waiting to turn right it is OK to pass on the inside, the examiner wants to see that you are confident to make progress, but slow down first and left shoulder check before you move to the left to pass him and right shoulder check to regain position.



The jagged rectangle is the car waiting to turn right and the small arrow behind is you on your scooter.

FOOT DOWN AT JUNCTIONS:
You would've learned this during your CBT but when u stop at junctions or traffic lights etc only put your left foot down - not both!

WAITING:
While sitting at traffic lights use the time to have a good look around, don't just stare at the red light waiting for it to go green. Look out for any possible obstructions ahead or people thinking about cutting u up. :wink:

PARKED CARS:
You'll encounter plenty of parked cars in town blocking half the road up. :x There's no need to indicate before going round them, just do the regular mirror checks and lifesavers.

SPEED LIMITS:
In a 30mph limit you should be checking your mirrors every 10-15seconds.

Check both mirrors each time the speed limit changes, as you pass the sign before accelerating. Check both mirrors before slowing down for a lower speed limit.

If you are in a 60mph limit and it is safe to do so, then do 60mph. They want to see that you are confident in making progress.

MANOEUVRES:
You will need to be able to complete these manoeuvres:

* Emergency Stop
* Setting off from the side of the road
* Stopping at the side of the road
* Uturn
* Setting off from behind a parked car - angled start
* Hill start

Don't worry if you leave the examiner behind in traffic, that's his problem. He will either catch up or radio to you to ask you to find a safe place to stop and wait.

When setting off from the side of the road, remember to let go of the handlebars with your right hand and turn right around to do a full shoulder check. It's best to let go and put your hand on the back of the bike like on the seat or similar.

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The practical test isn't just about riding - there are questions to be answered. :?
Here is the complete (at the time of writing) list of questions & answers.
This stuff is worth it's weight in gold!

What is the minimum tyre tread depth?
1mm over 75% of the tyre in a continual band.
Checked using a tyre depth gauge.

How would you check the condition of the tyres?
The tyres must be cold before doing the following: Check that there are no cuts or bulges in the tyre, minimum tread depth and correctly inflated using a tyre pressure gauge and set to the manufactures figures! If you are asked to do it, spin the wheel and have a good feel all around the tyre.

How would you check the condition of the brakes?
Levers should have a small amount of free play, then firm pressure.
Fluid levels should be between min and max
No scores or cracks in the disks
No visible leaks.
Try pushing the bike against each brake individually.

How would you check the condition of the suspension?
Apply the front brake and push
Sit on the bike and bounce (I think)
Check for leaks and broken springs

How would you check the oil?
Dipstick or sight gauge (depending on bike)
But on level ground, on the centre stand, and should be on a cold engine.

How would you check your lights?
Put each light on in turn and check that it works, remembering to do the numberplate light and brake light for each lever.
Check for cracked lenses, lights should be clean, especially at the rear of the bike.

How would you check your chain? (not scooters)
How often would you lubricate your chain? (not scooters)

How would you check the horn?
Yes, operate the horn but remember to put the ignition on first if you need to!

How would you check the engine kill switch?
Start the engine (you have to prove it's in neutral first on a manual bike) then press the button. Remember to reset
the button afterwards!

What would you adjust before carrying a pillion?
Tyre pressures front and rear
Suspension
Headlight aim
Mirrors (easy one to forget when asked!)

How would carrying a pillion effect the bike?
More unstable in slower speed corners
Acceleration and braking will take longer so you need to allow for this.

How would you tell the pillion where to hold on and put there feet?
Show them where the foot rests are
Show them where it is safe to hold on, or they can hold on to you, but tell them to use whichever they feel more
comfortable with

What should you tell them to do when cornering?
Tell them to lean with you not against you.

Only thing to add about the questions,

The first 10 questions is everything.
You will get asked 2 from that list of 10 before the test begins.
One is a Tell Me question
One will be a Show Me question.

There are only 4 possible pillion questions.
You will only get asked 2, after you have finished riding.


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There's a few books also available which are worth a read, here's one of them: The Official DSA Guide To Learning To Ride, it's available from Play.com: Click here