GETTING ON TWO WHEELS Module One Motorcycle Test
Thinking about getting on two wheels? This step-by-step guide will cover compulsory basic training, the motorcycle theory test, and module one and module two of the (full) motorcycle test.
Alright? My name’s Ross and I’m the new staff writer for Motor Cycle
Monthly. I’ve been riding a used 2007 Yamaha XT125 on a CBT for the past 18 months and have just passed my full motorcycle test – so I have a pretty good idea of just how daunting a looming test date can be. I wanted to try and break down the process, share some of my thoughts and experiences and hopefully ease some worries while I’m at it. In the last issue of Motor Cycle Monthly we looked at the Motorcycle Theory Test, this time we’re looking at the Module One of the practical Motorcycle Test.
Module One Motorcycle Test
The Module One motorcycle test is simply an exercise in bike control – the examiner will instruct you to complete a number of slow and high speed manoeuvres around a selection of cones (in a closed, off-road environment). It might look pretty complicated, but don’t panic, broken down to its individual elements it’s all relatively straightforward.
The module one test is made up of nine individual elements – and typically takes around 20 minutes (though I was actually done and back in the examiner’s office within 10). Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be getting up to:
Wheeling the motorcycle Using the stand Riding a slalom Riding a figure of 8 A slow ride A U-turn Cornering and a controlled stop Cornering and an emergency stop Cornering and hazard avoidance It’s worth noting, that for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises you must ride at a minimum speed of 19mph on a moped and 31mph on a motorcycle. The examiner will be looking out for dangerous faults (these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property), serious faults (these are potentially dangerous), riding faults (these aren’t potentially dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake). You’ll pass module one if you make no serious or dangerous faults and five or less riding faults.
If you remember that the test is simply about showing that you have full control over the motorcycle, while constantly assessing your environment for risks, then you should be fine.
If you’ve already been out on the road regularly (riding on a CBT certificate), you should already be pretty well equipped to deal with the module one test – but no matter your level of experience, make sure you put in the practice and get some proper training before taking your test (to ensure any bad habits are picked up
and worked on in time for your test).
If you pass the examiner will tell you what faults you made (if any) and give you a pass certificate which you’ll need to take with you to your module two test. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to book another module one test and try again. A couple of things to note:
It’s quite a good idea to swing by the test centre and watch a few other people taking their module one bike tests. You can learn a surprising amount by simply observing what others do and why they pass and fail.
Make sure you’re kitted out with the appropriate safety gear. Although you are not officially being graded on what you are wearing, you need to ensure your gear meets your examiner’s expectations.
Make sure you’ve got your UK photo card driving licence, theory test pass certificate and your Compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate (unless you’re taking the test to upgrade your full motorcycle licence).
You’ll find out if you’ve passed on the day.
To book your module one motorcycle at a specialist centre near your, visit: www.dvsa.co.uk. It costs £15.50. With your CBT, Theory Test and Module One certificates in hand, you’ve only got one more step to go to get your hands on your full motorcycle licence!