My son failed his motorcycle test...

[jonothan]

My young son David took his motorcycle practical test today - and failed. I've already outlined the structure of the motorbike tests before, and at 17, he'd be restricted to a machine of 20bhp until he's 21 anyway.

But he failed the test today for locking up the rear wheel on the emergency stop. Bearing in mind how icy the roads are today - and slippery with leaves too - he did well to get one serious fault (the rear wheel skid) and a couple of minor faults.

But then again, the UK bike test is very stringent - and that's no bad thing, really. He can take it again in two weeks.

J

[riceburner]

Bad luck - but it sound's like an unavoidable incident.

If that was his only failure then he should be ok.



(I took the pursuit test 3 times )

[DJ Downunder]

But he failed the test today for locking up the rear wheel on the emergency stop.

That's very odd because over here that's what they want to see...when I re did my test a few years back I got praised for doing a skid...
and he said to the others in our group..you're not trying hard enough if you don't lock up your rear wheel in an emergency stop.

Maybe things have changed these days.

I think sometimes they like to fail first timers to make sure they really want it...or something like that.

Wish him good luck in 2 wks time.

DJ

[silver]

Liscense test! Do we need special liscenses to ride motorcycles?? I never got the memo! I would be more concerned if he failed the figure 8 or the swerving! Next time....!

[jonothan]

But he failed the test today for locking up the rear wheel on the emergency stop.

That's very odd because over here that's what they want to see...when I re did my test a few years back I got praised for doing a skid...
and he said to the others in our group..you're not trying hard enough if you don't lock up your rear wheel in an emergency stop.

Maybe things have changed these days.

I think sometimes they like to fail first timers to make sure they really want it...or something like that.

Wish him good luck in 2 wks time.

DJ

I'll pass on your good wishes, DJ.

I've already posted on the stringency of the UK bike test. I've copied that below for your interest. The back wheel mustn't be locked up, as the rider must show that they can stop quickly and safely with the bike under full control. A locked rear wheel implies (to the examiner) that the bike isn't under full control though I, like you, would dispute that.

J

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.

[Gord]

... and that's no bad thing, really.

I know how he must feel. I failed my M1 exit test on the first try. No one thing, just a litany of minor transgressions that added up to failure. I was devestated because I was so sure I would pass. But rather than get me down, it got me focused. I spent the next month working on all aspects of riding. Slow speed turns, clutch control, danger avoidance, slalom, figure 8's. You name it, I practiced it. Net result, next test I had a single demerit for a time violation. And a huge confidence level boost - and knowledge that I had the skills to survive riding - and that is what it is all about after all isn't it.

Best wishes for the next test!

[BobFV1]

My first motorcycle riding test was at the Califonia Department of Motor Vehicles in San Diego in 1980. I crashed the bike so hard I couldn't ride it home, and I turned my right arm to hamburger meat.

So Jon - tell the boy he's in good company, and it could have been much worse!

Oh yeah - I pretend I don't have a rear brake - it prevents rear-wheel lockups...

[riceburner]

FWIW I'd say that having the rear sliding is NOT being in full control, unless you're a pretty experienced rider.

Thus, for an inexperienced road-rider (off-road experience notwithstanding), sliding the rear is a "Bad Thing" (mmmmkay?).



(I have to admit I do it deliberately on occasion... Especially to startle Lemming peds when they're wandering around in the middle of the street. )

[leno]

I locked the rear on my first test and failed. I think it was more the bike than me as the rear would lock if you even looked at the pedal. So when I took the test again I just pretended to press on the rear, by covering the pedal but not pressing down. Worked a dream. So just tell your boy to do the same.

[scottybooj]

i'm sure your son will apprciate the technicalities of riding more so now that he has failed once. I'm confident that with you teaching him, he will undoubtedly pass.

[AndyfromPoland]

Hey, Jonothan, he'll pass and be safer for it.

Perhaps to get it out of his system, I could suggest finding a long flat stretch of gravel, stand up on the pegs, wind it up to about 60mph and then stomp as hard as possible on the back brake whilst shouting out "Bloody examiner!"

Obviously, without ABS

[darthrider]

Jonathon -
I too think it will be a good thing in the long range.
If nothing else it will impress on him that "Yes, the rear brake IS important!"
And not in just passing his test.
I totally agree that they should train the use of front & rear brake and monitor both during testing.
When I had the Kawasaki shop I used to see 'parents" bring a 17 year old kid into the shop for a birthday present...usually the fastest Ninja we had on the floor. Our new rider training is pretty good but does not prepare *anyone* for a sport bike, much less a 17 year old testosterone/adrenaline addled boy who is still "immortal". And generally dumb as a box of rocks in the ways of staying alive and in one piece. Our licensing system is a joke...mainly concerned with obeying traffic laws, little to do with riding well.
As a parent I think you should be proud & relieved that your country values its' youngsters enough to put them through rigourous training and a stringent test.
Tell your son to stay with it...he'll be a beter rider for it and will be glad he did.

[Guest]

buy him a car

[jonothan]

buy him a car

Well, hello there, Guest. Tell me, have you taken and passed a UK motorcycle test since 2001? If you have, then all kudos to you, my friend.

He's actually taking this test primarily because he wants to ride with me, but also because he believes, like I do, that anyone with a full motorcycle licence has better roadcraft skills which will make him a better car driver. That makes him a sensible, level-headed and considerate person in my book.

He takes his car test on Thursday (tomorrow) and his bike test is rebooked for Tuesday 13th December.

J

[socalrob]

The board seems to be drawing some irritating guests lately.

I can tolorate guests posting reasonable questions & answers, but these pot shots are really chickens--t.

Jonothon, FWIW, as a re-entry rider I failed my test riding around the loop (thats about it here in California, makes your requirements sound pretty comprehensive), felt really stupid, but I think it made me alot safer rider in that I realized how rusty I was. Of course I would have passed on a smaller bike

Keep us posted. I just got back from a 350 mile trip that my 15-1/2 yo daughter (10 day old learners car permit) drove my suburban through LA freeways & up the Califronia coast. Quite the white knockler for me at the beginning, but by the end she was doing very well.