Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions we get asked.  If you have a question why not mail me
Licence
Training & Riding
 The Test

What should I wear for motorcycle training?

helmet
Protective Gloves
Hi Visability vest
Boots		 If you have ever fallen over on the pavement, you know how much it can hurt. Grazed knees, scraped hands etc. and that's just at 2 or 3 mph.  Imagine the kind of injuries that could occur at 20 or 30 mph.  For the ultimate protection it's worth investing in proper motorcycling clothing, particularly if you're serious about riding a bike.  However, we accept that all this costs money, so here are a few guidelines to start with.  If you can, wear a warm sturdy jacket (it gets draughty on a bike even in the summer), thick trousers like jeans (not track suit bottoms or shorts), snug fitting boots which can't easily be pulled off, a pair of gloves and obviously a helmet.  You should also consider some high visibility clothing.  Many accidents (even if they are not the rider's fault) could have been avoided if the rider was more visible (e.g. bright florescent/reflective clothing).

We will provide a helmet, gloves and High Visibility vest during your training. For more information about choosing Motorcycle Clothing see the clothing section in our Safety and Protection guide.

I have a full car licence what sort of bike can I ride?

With a full car licence (passed before Feb 2001) you will typically have moped entitlement as a default.  This entitles you to ride a 50 cc Moped capable of 30MPH Max. (No L plates required, you can carry passengers, but you cannot use a motorway).  To ride a bike up to 125 cc, you will need to do Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) (valid for 2 years) and then ride as a learner (L plates and no passengers).  You do not currently need to do a theory test to ride as a learner.

If you are now thinking that a 50 cc moped sounds like a lot less fuss ask yourself this:
Do you really want to ride a bike capable of 30mph max, when we all know that the avg. car driver does 35 - 45mph in 30s? A 125 will typically manage at least 50MPH which should allow you to keep up with traffic.
I am worried about passing CBT - Shoult I do a pre-CBT course?

Pre-CBT training is offered by some training schools, however we feel it is an unnecessary extra cost.  Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) assumes no previous experience or knowledge of any kind.  We start with the very basics and aim to teach you what you need to know to progress safely as a learner.  Occasionally, some people don't complete the training in one day, so we give them the opportunity to come back and do the bits again that they couldn't manage.  Here are a couple of tips to help:
What does the practical test involve?

Even though different examiners at different test centres have their own unique way of running the test, it tends to follow the same basic approach and last for approx. 40 minutes covering a number of roads scenario's and exercises.

Before the test

The examiner will want to see your: If you are riding your own bike you'll need to provide proof of MOT (if the bike is old enough) and an insurance certificate.  The examiner will also check it over to make sure it is road legal.  You will not normally be asked for this when riding one of our bikes and accompanied by our instructor.

The Ride

Once outside the examiner will conduct an eyesight test and typically a radio check before briefing you.  You'll also be given a chance to ask any questions before you move off.  The examiner will normally say follow the road straight ahead unless road markings, signs or he/she tell you otherwise.  Once you move off the examiner will take up a following position on another motorcycle, or occasionally in a car.

Speed  - During the ride you will be required to observe all speed limits providing it is safe to do so.  You will be given a small section of national speed limit where you will be required to reach 60 MPH if is safe to do so.

Observation - The examiner will assess the balance between lifesavers and mirror checks being performed at the correct time etc. You can be failed for doing too few but also for doing too many so it is about getting the balance and timing right.

The ride will typically include the following exercises, although it is common to combine these tests or cover them by chance during the normal ride.  e.g. moving off from a crossing on a hill or following traffic slowly.

Emergency Stop
U turn
Moving off from behind a parked vehicle
Walking with the bike
Hill start,
Slow riding

Completing the test

When you get back to the test centre you will be asked one or two questions.  The examiner is not looking for a perfect ride and expects you to make some mistakes.   In general most examiners are looking for an overall level of competence and safety to justify a pass.  If you fail they will explain why and what needs to be addressed.  However, don't assume you've failed if they start going over areas that need improving as this is common just to bring you back down to earth, before telling you that you've passed.

The DSA have published the following guides on the practical test:
What are the common causes of a test failure?

When you start your test you have a clean sheet, during your ride you may pick up minor faults.  You are allowed to pick up 15 minor faults before you get to a fail level, but if you make one dangerous or potentially dangerous (major) mistake, you will fail.  Additionally, an examiner may move a minor to a major if you consistently show weakness in that area.  Statistically once you have got to the test centre, you have a very good chance of passing provided you stay relaxed.  You also have the advantage that an examiner following on a bike has no easy way of recording events and will generally review the entire ride rather than keeping an accurate score throughout the ride.  This can give you the chance to shine after a bad start.

Apart from being nervous, the most common causes of failure are:

Failing to cancel an indicator

If you are lucky enough to turn left and then not encounter any other traffic before taking the next left and cancelling your signal, then you are likely to get away with a minor fault.  However, encounter another road user who could misinterpret your signal resulting in a potentially dangerous situation, then you will fail.  It is important to get into the habit of cancelling your signal as part of your OSMPSL routine and check it's cancelled properly (by looking at the turn light).

Putting a foot down on a U-turn

If you put your right foot down during the U-turn then this is typically classed as a control fault resulting in a fail.  If you put your foot down, always ask for a second attempt.  The examiner may give you another try.  Even If they insist on moving on, make sure you keep focused for the rest of the test as you may be able to impress him with a good recovery.

Missing rear observations

Where a lifesaver or rear observation is deemed to be a necessity, you will fail.  This includes turning left and right, performing the U-turn and approaching roundabouts etc.  If you fail to anticipate the actions of others because your are not keeping an eye on your rear, you will also fail.  During the test the examiner may move up into your blind spot or change following position, to see how long it takes you to notice.  Again it is vital that you get used to performing rear observations.

Speed & Progress

If you miss a 40 MPH to 30 MPH sign, and continue at 40 MPH you will fail.  However the same applies to failing to make progress.  If you show a lack of confidence and fail to make progress either waiting too long at a junction, not riding up to the speed limits when safe etc., you will quickly pick up minor faults and fail.  If you are unsure of the speed limit for the road, look down any side roads, if there are no speed limit signs then there is a good chance you are in a 30 zone.  If there is a 30 limit sign, then the limit on your road is  40 MPH or more.  Street lighting (regularly spaced) is also a way of identifying a 30 zone.

What Happens if I damage the bike?

We’ve heard that some training companies operate policies that range from losing the entire deposit for minor damage to having the training terminated for dropping the bike.  We realise that accidents do sometimes happen and we won’t aim to profit from your mishap.  Where the damage is minor, we will advise you of the cost of repair e.g. a clutch or brake lever typically costs £35.  Major claims will need to go through our insurance and will involve an excess that you will be liable for.  Where possible we will try to find a replacement bike from our fleet or repair the damage, to allow you to continue.  In addition we try to fit crash protection whenever possible to bikes to minimise the likelihood of expensive damage.

Do you offer a Guaranteed Pass Scheme?

This is something that we've looked at, but the details of these schemes are often not as reassuring as you might expect.  Firstly, most schemes insist that you do the number of training days recommend by the instructor.  Secondly, they only cover training if you fail.  So you'd still have to cough up for bike hire and insurance etc.   We could offer a scheme and simply add an extra day to our recommendation like everyone else, but we prefer to be honest about how much training we think you need.

How can I reducing the amount of training I need?

Hiring a bike after your CBT is a great way to gain experience at your own pace and reduce the overall cost of getting your licence.  We are happy to reassess your training needs again after you've spent some time on your own.  Often a 5 or 6 day recommendation can be reduced to 3 or 4 days once you've had time to get some road experience.  This can be cheaper but will obviously take you longer to get your licence.
 

My CBT Certificate is about to expire, what should I do?

CBT certificates are valid for 2 years, after which you must either have passed your practical test (full licence) or renew your CBT for another 2 years.  The Government no longer requires learner riders to have a year off, before renewing, so all you have to do is book another CBT course at the end of your two years.  However, if you have a couple of months left on your CBT, you really should think about taking your full licence.  Otherwise in another 2 years you'll be doing your CBT a 3rd time.  When Booking your CBT as a renewal, please let us know that you are renewing and indicate if you intend to use your own bike.

I have a foreign Driving Licence and want to learn to ride what should I do?

You cannot train unless you have a UK licence/counterpart with provisional motorcycle or moped entitlement.  If you have a foreign licence, you can surrender or exchange it (EC/EEA citizens) with the DVLA by completing the appropriate form (D1 or D750) at the post office.  Once you have a UK licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement, you will be able to take your training.

If you have moved to the UK recently (having been permanently resident in another state of the EC/EEA) and have been resident  for 185 days in the last year, you can apply for a UK counterpart licence (D58/2).  Completing a D9 (available from Embassies or DVLA) and enclose your EC licence (which will be returned with your UK counterpart).  This will allow you to train and take your test.  However, once you pass you will need to surrender both when claiming your full UK licence. More info...

What questions will the Examiner ask me?

The examiner will ask you at least one question about carrying a passenger or load.  Here are some samples with acceptable answers (not an exhaustive list).

What safety check questions will the Examiner ask me?

From September 2003 the examiner will ask you additional safety and maintenance related questions to ensure you have a basic understanding of the workings of your motorcycle.  We will ensure you are familiar with this as part of the full licence course.  Here are some examples with answers:

How often should I perform rear observations when riding?

lifesaver!Lifesavers should be done whenever necessary.  When turning right always look over your right shoulder.  You must have a clear picture of what is going on behind you.  Remember rear observations include using lifesavers to get a view of your blind spots (areas not visible in your mirrors).  A common mistake is performing a life-saver without knowing what you are looking for.  You should perform rear observations: This is just a sample of what you need to know.  For more information read The Motorcycle Manual produced by the driving standard agency.
 

Are there any medical rules for motorcyclists?

Riding a motorcycle does demand more physical effort than driving a car, not to mention balance and co-ordination.  However, there is no reason why someone of reasonable fitness cannot enjoy riding a motorcycle.  As with all motor vehicles, motorcyclist must comply with the DVLA medical rules, which basically state that you must notify them of any condition which may affect your ability to control a vehicle (e.g. Epilepsy, Diabetes etc.).  In addition to this you will be required to pass an eye exam both for CBT and the full licence test.  This basically consists of reading a normal car number plate with or without glasses) at 20.5m (67 feet).  You will not be permitted to train, if you cannot complete this task.

What is Target Fixation?

Many publications refer to target fixation as being a cause for some accidents, but as a learner it can often be a reason for you failing to complete a U turn or not being able to corner correctly.  The basic concept of target fixation is, when you see a problem or danger, you concentrate so hard on it that you become fixated and therefore subconsciously aim for it.  For example when completing a 'U' turn you may think you are going to hit the curb and will stare at the curb.  You are then much more likely to run out of road than if you stared in the direction you wanted to go.  The tip here is always focus on where you want to go, not where the danger is.  Always try to keep your head up and don't look at the road (or worse still your feet!).

How much does road tax for Motorcycles cost?

The amount of Road Tax 'Vehicle Excise Duty' that you have to pay depends on the size of your bike.  You can buy road tax from most post offices, but you'll be asked to prove you own the bike (V5 or road tax renewal form), it has a valid MOT (if over 3 years old) and you are insured to ride it.  The cost is as follows (Apr-2002):
 
Mopeds, scooters and motorcycles (up to 150 cc) £15.00
Small motorcycles and scooters from 151 cc to 400 cc £30.00
Mid sized motorcycles and scooters from 401 cc to 600 cc £45.00
Everything else over 600 cc £60.00 
(£33 for 6 months)

This information on this site should be taken as a guide only and is open to interpretation.  You should consult one of our qualified instructors for more information about any of the advice given.  RAE cannot accept responsibility or liability for accuracy, clarity or your interpretation of this information.