Practical Motorcycle Exam Explained - Part One
After successfully completing your motorcycle theory test you're eligible to take the practical exam.
When taking your motorcycle theory exam you will have noticed that it's very different to the car theory test.
These differences also expand beyond the motorcycle theory test and into the practical motorcycle exam.
How? The practical motorcycle exam is separated into two parts.
The first is a manoeuvre based assessment and the second is 'on the road riding'.
The car test on the other hand is one continuous test with manoeuvres incorporated into the exam.
Why? Riding a motorcycle is very different to operating a car.
First and foremost a motorcycle is much more powerful, with riders much more exposed.
Therefore, knowing how to handle a motorcycle is why the manoeuvres test is so important.
If you're unable to manoeuvre a motorbike appropriately you could present a danger to yourself and other road users.
What does the manoeuvres test consist of?
This is to verify that you meet the standard eyesight requirements.
Following eyesight verification you will then be asked to answer motorcycle safety check questions before riding.
The safety check questions were introduced for every vehicle relatively recently.
Failure to answer these questions correctly may mean failure of the exam.
Therefore, it's important to absorb all the information you can when preparing for, and taking, your theory test because therein lies the knowledge that you need.
" You can expect the assessment to last approximately 40 minutes.
Your exam invigilator will check your identification and licence.
Upon request, you will also be informed of how the test is conducted.
You will then be assisted with fitting the radio and earpiece required to receive instructions.
You will then be told how they function.
You will be legally required to wear securely-fastened headgear.
However, if you're a follower of the Sikh faith exemptions apply if wearing a turban.
The assessment will begin: Step 1 - You will be asked to make an angled start (pulling off from behind a parked vehicle).
Step 2 - You will be asked to perform several 'normal' starts' (simply moving off from the side of the highway).
Step 3 - You may be asked to perform a hill start or pull away from the side of the highway while on a hill.
Step 4 - You will then proceed with 'normal' riding, following the road ahead, unless otherwise instructed via the radio.
Finally - Following completion of the exam, you can expect a question about motorcycle balance when transporting a passenger.
When taking your motorcycle theory exam you will have noticed that it's very different to the car theory test.
These differences also expand beyond the motorcycle theory test and into the practical motorcycle exam.
How? The practical motorcycle exam is separated into two parts.
The first is a manoeuvre based assessment and the second is 'on the road riding'.
The car test on the other hand is one continuous test with manoeuvres incorporated into the exam.
Why? Riding a motorcycle is very different to operating a car.
First and foremost a motorcycle is much more powerful, with riders much more exposed.
Therefore, knowing how to handle a motorcycle is why the manoeuvres test is so important.
If you're unable to manoeuvre a motorbike appropriately you could present a danger to yourself and other road users.
What does the manoeuvres test consist of?
- A slowing riding exercise, where you will be asked to ride alongside your examiner at a gentle pace
- You'll be asked to tackle a slalom and figure of eight exercise, riding around traffic cones
- You will be asked to perform walking and riding U-turn exercises, featuring use of motorcycle stands
- You will need to perform a curve, whilst riding in second or third gear, maintaining a minimum speed of 30kph (approximately 19mph)
- A joint avoidance and breaking exercise at a minimum speed of 50kph (approximately 31mph)
- Performing an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 50kph (approximately 31mph)
This is to verify that you meet the standard eyesight requirements.
Following eyesight verification you will then be asked to answer motorcycle safety check questions before riding.
The safety check questions were introduced for every vehicle relatively recently.
Failure to answer these questions correctly may mean failure of the exam.
Therefore, it's important to absorb all the information you can when preparing for, and taking, your theory test because therein lies the knowledge that you need.
" You can expect the assessment to last approximately 40 minutes.
Your exam invigilator will check your identification and licence.
Upon request, you will also be informed of how the test is conducted.
You will then be assisted with fitting the radio and earpiece required to receive instructions.
You will then be told how they function.
You will be legally required to wear securely-fastened headgear.
However, if you're a follower of the Sikh faith exemptions apply if wearing a turban.
The assessment will begin: Step 1 - You will be asked to make an angled start (pulling off from behind a parked vehicle).
Step 2 - You will be asked to perform several 'normal' starts' (simply moving off from the side of the highway).
Step 3 - You may be asked to perform a hill start or pull away from the side of the highway while on a hill.
Step 4 - You will then proceed with 'normal' riding, following the road ahead, unless otherwise instructed via the radio.
Finally - Following completion of the exam, you can expect a question about motorcycle balance when transporting a passenger.
Source...