Learner bike drivers - Defensive riding tips for motorcycle drivers

BikeSafe is an initiative run by Police Forces around the United Kingdom who work with the whole of the biking world to help to lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties. Bikesafe publishes information for bike drivers.

Following are some driving test tips for motorcycle drivers.

You may find these tips helpful if you are learning to drive or preparing for your motorcycle practical test.

Junctions -

The most common accident type was another vehicle crossing the motorcyclist's path to enter or leave a side road or private drive. At roundabouts, the most common accident type was another vehicle entering the roundabout in the path of a motorcyclist already on the roundabout. Over 1 in 5 of all motorcycle accidents was of this type, where the motorcyclist had right of way.

Tips:

1. Plan ahead on approaching junctions
2. Be aware of vehicles waiting to enter the main road, or approaching it along a side road, and be prepared to stop and take evasive action.
3. In urban areas look out for vehicles emerging from driveways.
4. Anticipate the presence of drives/side roads concealed from view by bends, vegetation, or vehicles ahead.
5. Ensure that you are visible as possible to other drivers:
6. As narrow vehicles, motorcyclists can easily be overlooked, and can be completely hidden from view by intervening lamp columns, telegraph poles etc. along the other drives line of sight.
7. Choose appropriate speeds on approaches to junction. A driver emerging from a side road, cannot give way to a motorcyclist who cannot yet be seen, but which appears at high speed before the manoeuvre is completed. This is particularly applicable to slow moving goods vehicles or farm vehicles.

Overtaking -

About 1 in 5 of motorcyclist accidents involve overtaking. Almost 1 in 3 of the overtaking accidents involved motorcyclists passing stationary or slow moving vehicles e.g. in traffic queues, where the most common accident type was another vehicle turning right (either into or out of a side road or private drive) or U turning, across the motorcyclists path. In other overtaking accidents, the commonest accident type was when the overtaken vehicle turned right as he motorcyclist was overtaking.

Tips:

1. Be as visible as possible to other drivers.
2. Anticipate that other drivers may not have seen you and be prepared for their actions.
3. Do not overtake near side roads or where cars may emerge from private drives/accesses; or do so with caution.
4. Be aware of oncoming vehicles which may turn right across your path.

Bends

About 1 in 4 of motorcycle accidents occurred on bends.

Tips:

1. Ensure speed is appropriate to negotiate bend without losing control, taking account of road surface condition.
2. Anticipate hazards which may be concealed by the bend and be able to stop in time to avoid them.

General riding

Many of the riders involved in accidents were not driving appropriately for the conditions, especially with regard to speed (in 1 in 4 of the accidents excess speed was a contributory factor).

Drivers of vehicles are often unaware of a motorcyclist’s presence. It is necessary for motorcyclists to become 'defensive' drivers in order to avoid becoming casualties.

Theory test booking with DSA :

Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using our online booking service.

Tips to pass your Driving test in 1st attempt

The motorbike theory test is made up of two parts: multiple choice part and hazard perception part.

The first part in motorbike test is the multiple choice part consisting of 50 questions. This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. You need to get 43 questions right out of 50 and the time limit is 57 minutes.



The motorbike test is a computer-based test at various tests centres around the country.
This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. Before the motorbike theory test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.

You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice driving test questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.

The second part in motorbike test is the Hazard perception. This section is designed to test your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving. You will be shown 14 clips of 1 minute each having 15 hazards in all (1 clip will have 2 hazards).
The test is for 75 marks (5 marks / hazard) and pass marks are 44. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.

Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. For information about hazard perception test visit our site.

If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole motorbike theory test , and need to take both parts again.

At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer few customer survey questions.
Once you have passed motorbike test only then you can apply to take the practical driving test.

Motorbike practical test:

The aim of the new test is to improve the standard of the skill and road safety of motorbike and moped riders. This group amongst all users of the road faces the highest risk of injury or death, particularly in the case for young and inexperienced riders.

Booking driving test, preparation and DSA theory and practical test

Book driving test appointment:

The beginning towards getting a full license is to booking driving test for your Theory test exam. You need to book your test at a test center nearest and most convenient to you. You can book your test either online, telephone or even by post.

Driving test appointments can be booked and subject to three clear working days notice, be canceled or changed using the online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post. You will need to Make sure you have a valid provisional driving license before you can take your driving theory test. You can directly apply for a provisional driving license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form (form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office. If you have a valid provisional driving license then you can book your theory test. 95 percent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date but Waiting times vary from region to region.

To book driving test online and telephone you will need -

A valid UK provisional driving license
A valid debit or credit card for payment (MasterCard, Delta, Visa Electron, Visa, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

To book driving test by post you will need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted.

Prepare for DSA theory test:

After your Theory test appointment has been confirmed you need to prepare for your theory test.

The test consists of two sections:

1. The Multiple choice part: The multiple choice section of the DSA test is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. Each multiple choice test questions in DSA test vary according to the vehicle's category. i.e. a motorcycle driving test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other DSA test. A question and several answer options will appear on computer's touch screen and you have to select the right answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.

2. The Hazard perception part:

This part of the DSA driving test designed to test your awareness of potential hazards while driving. You will be shown with a series of 14 video clips. Each clip is about a minute long. which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard and you need to click the mouse when you see a hazard developing. The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score. There are 15 score able hazards in the tests and candidates can score 0 to 5 points on each hazard.

The Practical driving test:

You need to pass practical driving test, after you have passed your theory test exam.

The driving part of your test will about 40 minutes. Throughout the practical test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the practical test.

The Driving practical test will include a check eyesight (if you fail this check, your test will not continue). The eyesight check requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away. After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises.

The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

* Reversing around a corner
* Reverse parking
* Turning in the road

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the practical test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

When your practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

DSA theory test changes Jan 2012

From 1 January 2012, new theory tests will be introduced using questions and answers that the public will not have had access to, making any previous Driving theory test

Since theory tests began in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses.
However, DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.

After that date, the questions a candidate will be asked on test will not be exactly the same as those in their learning materials. So in short - Questions will be drawn from new 'live' theory test question banks, which will not be published.

DSA's chief executive Rosemary Thew said:

The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising Theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. The new books contain questions and answers for revision and also explain the theory behind each question.

This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.

The idea is that Driving test candidates need to learn and understand the driving theory online and gain the appropriate knowledge required to be a safe driver on the road and withdrawing access to the questions and answers bank will stop people from just memorising just to pass the theory test which is very common from my experience with learner drivers. But we would like to assure you that the tests will not be harder, but will support DSA's aims to move candidates away from learning questions and answers by rote and towards their gaining better knowledge and understanding of driving and riding theory.

You would need to study these practice, non-live theory test questions for revision purposes (the Official Revision Question Banks). These questions are to test your knowledge and understanding of the source material.

DSA driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres

About DSA driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres

Choosing a driving instructor for your practical lessons -

One-in-eight driving instructors 'not qualified'
According to recent telegraph news - one in eight driving instructors are not fully qualified, claimed the AA, which demanded the Government force driving schools to be more transparent.

The motoring group said the Government should intervene to insist learner drivers are told more clearly whether their instructor had yet to fully qualify or not. At present, the only legal requirement is for the trainee instructor to display an official pink badge in the windscreen.

The AA said that while trainee instructors have passed exams demonstrating advanced practical and theory driving knowledge, they have yet to sit a third exam testing their ability to instruct

You need to be careful while choosing the driving instructor.

Driving instructor role is very important while you are preparing for your driving lessons.

Approved driving instructor (ADI) can give you proper guidance on your DSA practical test.

He/She will also teach you driving maneuvers/manoeuvres.

About DSA Driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres -

In your DSA practical test, you will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

Reversing around a corner
Turning in the road
Reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. What is expected in each driving practical test maneuvers/manoeuvres -

Reverse parking -
Drive alongside a parked car and reverse back within the space of two car lengths without hitting the kerb and whilst observing for other road users.

Turn in the road -
Turn the car around using forward and reverse gears without hitting the kerb and whilst observing for other road users.

Reverse to the left -
Reverse in to a side road to your left, keep close to the kerb and observe for other road users.

Bay parking -
Reverse in to a car park bay, whilst observing for other road users.

Emergency stop -
Stop the car as in an emergency, without skidding.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

Car And Bike Learner Drivers DSA Driving theory test

Why hazard perception test was introduced?

New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.

About hazard perception test -

The hazard perception test tips are online computer-based tips, which measures a driver’s ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving.
In hazard perception test, you will see video clips of genuine, traffic scenes filmed from the driver’s perspective. When you watch the clips, you need to imagine that you are the driver.
In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. You will need to watch the clip carefully and try to predict the traffic hazard as early as you can. As soon as you predict that a traffic hazard is likely to happen, you need to respond straight away. A traffic hazard is something that would require the driver to take some action, for example: slow down, overtake or change course.

The hazard perception test process is designed to get the candidate to identify ‘Developing Hazards’ rather the potential hazards.

E.g School sign is not a developing hazard, but if you see school children about to cross the road, then it becomes a developing hazard and needs to be identified.

While appearing for the hazard perception test, watch out for following hazards, as these are the likely situations where developing hazard may turn in to actual hazard

• pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
• vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
• large vehicles moving over to your side of the road
• meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving
• vehicles make the road narrow
• loose pets and farmyard animals
• Changes in the traffic movement and volume
• junctions and roundabouts
• horse riders
• weather conditions of the day

How to score in hazard perception test -

Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5 and those in last segment a score of 1. Responses outside the window will score zero.

Scoring in hazard perception test is not difficult at all.
But you need to understand the test and practice variety of clips.

You can practice over 70 interactive hazard perception clipson our website. Detailed information on how to pass in hazard perception part of the test. We have graphical illustrations of the scoring windows on our website.

What should you know about driving practical test ?

After you pass your theory test you are eligible for taking driving practical test.

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• Can drive safely
• Know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. Duration of practical test is approx. 40 minutes.
Driving practical test will consist of

• An eyesight check (reading a number plate that is a certain distance away)
  If you fail this, your practical test will not continue
• Vehicle safety questions – These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Candidates will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’.

Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

• General practical driving test which will include some specific man oeuvres from list below.
• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking
• You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

During the driving practical test the examiner will give you directions, which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

Pass criteria:

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the DSA practical test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

After the practical test:

When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass:

If you pass and have a photo card driving license issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving license issued to you automatically.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a license issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next.

If you fail:

If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes.