boxermania wrote:It is possitively assinine that this country doesn't have a system like you folks have that you graduate to larger dislacement with time and experience.
It wasn't always like that, Boxermania. The UK Bike Test was, up until a few years ago, a laughable examination where the examiner observed on foot, running through alleyways as you followed a set course through narrow urban streets. An emergency stop and a U-turn and that was it.
Then the government in it's wisdom began to look in dismay at the large number of fatal and non-fatal motorbike casualties on the ever more crowded UK roads and decided to improve training and raise the riding standards.
Now, the first step is the CBT as explained above, an eight hour course which is no walkover. Elaine passed, as did one of the two young lads who were with her. Another girl of her age was failed and has to retake, as did the twenty-something lad. So the instructor passed two of the four on the course. Now, considering Elaine had never ridden a geared motorcycle before, that was no mean feat. She has 23 years driving experience, mind. As I said, she can now ride a 125cc machine displaying L-Plates for up to two years. If she hasn't passed her bike test by then, she must retake her CBT.
After the CBT, the next step is the theory test. 35 multiple choice questions (pass 30/35) on Highway Code, bike maintenance, road safety, vulnerable road users, motorway driving, first aid at the roadside and so on. Followed by 14 "Hazard Perception Clips" where you have to click on the computer screen, where videos of real life driving scenes are shown, as a developing hazard becomes a real hazard requiring action on the driver's/rider's part. The pass rate for this is 45/75. Each hazard will score from 0-5, depending on how soon you react after the hazard develops. It's actually not as easy as it sounds, as clicking too much will void that particular clip, and one clip will have two hazards on it. Sounds easy, but it was harder than I thought. The Theory Pass Certificate is valid for two years and entitles you to sit the practical examination.
The practical exam is a 40 minute ride, being followed by a DSA examiner, usually on a bike, sometimes in a car. You wear a radio ear piece, he tells you where he wants you to ride and gives directions. The examiner is always a very experienced and highly trained biker, whether he uses a car or a bike to follow the student. The standards are very high. A U-Turn (no putting a foot on the ground is allowed, and good balance and observation are essential) is required, an emergency stop (a locked rear wheel will fail you normally), and a hill start, an angled start from behind a parked car are required too. You must keep up with traffic, and ride the machine confidently and always up to the speed limit where safe to do so. All road types are covered other than motorways, and each test route almost guarantees you'll encounter most common hazards and difficulties. You'll then be asked two questions on bike maintenance (Show me how you would check the oil/tell me how you would adjust the chain etc) and safety, and one on carrying a pillion passenger. You're allowed a few minor faults, such as the occasional wobble, but missing lifesaver glances over your shoulder, leaving an indicator on, or putting your foot down on the U Turn will all fail you outright. As will any road positioning fault or breach of the Highway Code. If you fail, you cannot resit the exam for two weeks or ten working days.
It gets more complicated still.
Taking the test on a 125cc machine will entitle you to ride a machine up to 33 kW for two years after which you can ride any machine you like, or until you are 21 years old if you take it before you're 19 years old. Interestingly, the BMW R850R can be purchased in the UK in "detuned" format so that a rider who has passed their test on a 125 can then go and buy a baby boxer. I've been told that the detuned 33 kW R850R actually goes very well in spite of the reduced power. Most bike manufacturers have detuned versions of their bigger machines for this reason, or the dealers can convert them to the lower powered variant.
Taking the test on a 500cc machine will entitle you to ride anything immediately (Direct Access). This is for over 21 year olds only. The only way you can train on a 500cc machine prior to the test is being followed by a DSA approved instructor, wear an orange tabard and be in radio contact with that instructor at all times. This requires formal instruction prior to your test and will normally include modules covering all aspects of road use, including road behaviour and manners, first aid and so on.
Passing the test on a machine which is automatic will entitle you to ride an automatic only. I won't even mention light motorcycles here (machines 50cc-100cc) as it's even more complex.
So, has this worked? Well, yes, it has. The death rate and injury rate for newly-qualified motorcyclists has plummeted dramatically.
Passing mine has also made me a much better car driver. I did the Direct Access - I trained on a Kawasaki ER-5.
And this has given me quite a sense of achievement.
Sorry if that's a bit long-winded and boring but I just thought you'd like to know.
Jonothan
. She still has a keen interest for them ,i got her on the RR last year ,but that was about it ! I know she would love R1150R . Well i geuss it's just all mine !!
