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Test candidates are being asked to show more than their riding
skills to the DSA with the introduction of questions on basic vehicle
safety as part of the test, writes Bob Pickett.
Two questions - based on a 'show me' and 'tell me' format - will
be asked at the start of the practical test. The topic areas are
tyres, brakes, fluids, lights, reflectors, direction indicators,
horns, chain and emergency stop switches.
The change is a move to make the roads safer by educating drivers
about the importance
of keeping their vehicle in working order as a way of avoiding accidents.
The new questions and answers are:
Q. Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell
me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A. Identify where to check level, ie dipstick or sight glass. Explain
that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove
dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level
against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when
checking.
Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this
machine (off road only).
A. Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q. Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how
you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.
A. Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q. Show me how you would check that the lights & brake lights
and reflectors are clean and working.
A. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors.
Check visually for cleanliness and operation.
Q. Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on
this machine.
A. Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment.
Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook.
Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does
not take place.
Q. Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement
before using the machine.
A. Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock
to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped
or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.
Q. Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they
are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their
general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner's manual.
Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth
must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least three-quarters
of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should
be no lumps, bulges or tears.
Q. Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake
on this machine.
A. Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.
Q. Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut
out switch.
A. Operate switch.
A glance at the motorcycle test structure can send a shiver down
the spine of even the most clued-up among us, writes Phil Turner.
However, don't be put off. All the changes mean you can now
choose the type of bike you want to ride and tailor the training
to suit your needs.
So, if you've been bitten by the bug and fancy yourself on two wheels
this summer, here's a guide to getting started.
The licence
Before you can even think about riding off into the sunset you
must have the correct licence. If you already have a full car licence,
you are automatically entitled to ride a learner bike (up to 125cc
and 14.6bhp) with 'L' plates and no pillion passengers but you must
still undergo and pass compulsory basic training (see below).
Moped licence
A moped is defined as a vehicle that must not exceed 30mph, weigh
more than 250kg or have an engine over 50cc. The definition for
machines registered before 1 September 1977, also includes its propulsion
by pedals.
You can ride a moped at 16 years old on a provisional motorcycle
licence with moped entitlement. You must complete CBT (compulsory
basic training), the theory test and the practical moped test to
get a full moped licence.
Once qualified, you may ride a moped without 'L' plates and carry
a pillion passenger. You must not, however, ride on motorways.
If you have a full car licence gained after 1 February 2001 you
must complete CBT before riding a moped. If your licence
was gained before 1 February 2001 you are entitled to ride a moped
without taking CBT.
Again, once qualified you can ride a moped without 'L' plates and
with a pillion, but not on motorways.
The A and A1 licence
At 17 you can apply for either an 'A' or 'A1' licence.
To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must complete CBT,
the theory test and a practical test on a vehicle between 75cc and
125cc.
A full 'A1' licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc
and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without 'L' plates,
you may carry a pillion passenger and travel on motorways.
For the category 'A' licence you must complete CBT and pass the
theory test followed by the practical test on a motorcycle of over
120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph.
A full standard category 'A' licence permits you to ride motorcycles
with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp), and a power-to-weight
ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg, without 'L' plates, carry a pillion
passenger and use motorways.
The 33bhp ceiling applies for two years (not counting any periods
of disqualification). After that you may ride a motorcycle of any
capacity and power.
Direct access
At 21 or over you have the option to take a test on a larger
machine. On passing the test you will be qualified to ride any size
of motorcycle without restrictions. This option is called direct
access.
You must complete CBT, the theory test and a practical test on a
motorcycle of at least 35kw (46.6bhp) to qualify for this licence.
You are exempt from taking the theory test if you already hold a
motorcycle or moped licence.
When you are training for direct access you are not permitted to
ride on the road unless accompanied by a qualified instructor
Accelerated access
If you already hold a full standard category A licence and you
reach the age of 21 before the two-year qualifying period is complete
you may go for accelerated access.
As with direct access you will take a test on a machine with a power
output of at least 35kW (46.6bhp) and once qualified you can ride
any size of machine.
Again, you can practice for this test on motorcycles above 25kW
only if a motorcycle instructor accompanies you and you are displaying
'L' plates.
You do not need to complete CBT again or pass another theory test.
The training
There are three main elements to motorcycle training, the CBT,
the Theory Test and the Practical Test:
Compulsory basic training: You must complete a course of compulsory
basic training (CBT) before you can ride a moped or motorcycle (with
or without sidecar) on the road.
The CBT can be taken on your own machine or one hired from a training
centre and usually takes about a day to complete.
The CBT is designed to get you up to speed with the basics before
you venture out onto the road.
The instructor will check your licence and documents, then you'll
learn about clothing and equipment, be given safe riding tips and
be shown what does what on a bike.
Next comes basic machine control: pulling away, stopping, turning
and so on, all done on a training pad (usually an empty car park).
Once that's out of the way you'll be allowed on the road with your
instructor, to get to grips with riding in traffic and real road
situations.
When the instructor is happy with your performance you'll be issued
with a DL196 certificate and you can go on to the next stage.
Remember, the CBT certificate lasts only two years and if you don't
pass your test in that time you'll have to retake CBT.
You do not have to complete CBT if you have already obtained a full
moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after
1 December 1990, or if you are riding a moped with full entitlement
given automatically with a full car licence.
The Tests
Theory test: Once the CBT is out of the way you will have to take
a theory test. The test consists of 35 multiple choice questions
to test your knowledge of road signs, elements of the highway code
and the theory behind riding safely on the road.
The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists book is readily available
in shops and libraries and contains hundreds of sample questions
and answers to help you prepare for the real thing.
Practical test: Once you've had a bit more training on the road
with your instructor or on your own, the last step towards motorcycling
freedom is the practical test. Remember, if you're going for a restricted
licence you'll be taking this on a 125cc, but for direct access
it will be on a bigger machine.
On the day you'll be taken to the test centre where the examiner
will check all your documentation is in order (be sure to take some
form of ID with a photo and your signature on it if you haven't
got a photocard licence (this is to prevent test fraud).
Next you'll be kitted up with a two-way radio so the tester can
give you instructions during the test and then you will be required
to take the same eye test you took at CBT level.
After all that, it's out on the road. The examiner will follow you
on his machine and issue instructions over the radio - take the
next left, take the next right, things like that.
There are certain elements you must complete to pass the test: a
U-turn, an emergency stop, an angle and hill start and also a slow
ride to test your machine control. But examiners are generally looking
for a safe, sensible and confident rider overall.
Hopefully at this stage you will be celebrating, but don't go overboard.
If you pick up six penalty points within the first two years you
will lose your licence and have to do the whole thing again.
And don't forget the life of your CBT and theory certificates -
two years for the theory certificate and two for the CBT (unless
your CBT was issued before 1 February 2001, then it's three years).
If you fail, get back into the saddle as soon as you can. You won't
regret it.
RESCOURCES
• For information on compulsory basic training or the theory
and practical tests you can call the Driving Standards Agency on
0115 901 2515 / 2516.
To book a theory or practical test or for any test enquiries call
0870 010 1372.
The DVLA website is packed with information and links, go to www.dvla.gov.uk
Your local instructor or training centre will give you advice on
any aspect of the bike test and details on courses.
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