LEARNING TO RIDE

What will your friends be doing this summer? A sponsored walk? A charity bike ride? How about getting them to learn to ride a bike? Or take their bike test? Or just part of it? The size of the challenge and how to best it looks like this…

Present your non-riding family/friends with a summer challenge.

Challenge 1 Do Compulsory Basic Training

What is it? It’s not a test as such – it’s a training and assessment day based in a large car park or similar, away from traffic to begin with. New riders learn the basics of motorcycle operation and maintenance and core riding skills. When they’re up to the mark they go out for an accompanied road ride and if the trainer is happy with what he sees, he issues a CBT certificate. If he’s not, then candidates have to re-do the training. What do I need? A driving licence, full or provisional. How much does it cost? £100150 which should include bike and nd kit hire. Check whether they’ll charge for extra training if it takes longer than a day. How long does it take? Normally it can be done in a day. How much prep? None. Ring up your local school and see if they’ve got space this weekend. Where and with who? With a local training school – find one online (check their reviews), speak to local dealers or get a personal recommendation. Don’t buy based on saving 20 quid. What do you get? A certificate. It’s valid for two years and allows you to ride a 125 on the road with L-plates, and to progress to the next stage of your training if you want to ride something bigger.

Challenge 2 Theory Test

What is it? A multiple choice exam on a computer followed by a hazard perception test, also on computer, viewing various videos containing at least one hazard. What do I need? A brain and a working knowledge of The Highway Code. How much does it cost? £31. How long does it take? An hour. How much prep? Do trial tests online and revise The Highway Code. Where and with who? Local test centre. Book online at gov.uk What do you get? A certificate that allows you to book the Module One test.

Challenge 3

Pass Module One

What is it? The first part of the practical test goes back to the car park for a series of manoeuvres to test a rider’s ability to control the bike. There are slaloms, figures-of-eight, the dreaded U-turn and higherspeed emergency stops and avoidance moves. What do I need? A bike and riding kit, a theory test pass certificate

and enough experience and understanding to pass. How much does it cost? £15.50. But you’ll need instruction too and Module 1 and 2 are normally taken as part of a programme of teaching with a recognised instructor (see overleaf). How long does it take? About 20 minutes.

How much prep? You need to have decent machine control, sond practice and instruction beforehand is a good idea. Typically training schools allow at least a day of instruction before the test. Where and with who? The test happens at a Test Centre, but

often an instructor or training school will book the test as part of an instruction package. What do you get? A pass certificate that allows you to take the Module 2 test, though you need to take the test within six months.

Challenge 4

Pass Module Two

What is it? On road practical test. The final part is the accompanied ride with the candidate wired up to the examiner, who will be able to talk to them via a headset. Candidates ride ahead on a road route, following the examiner's instructions as their riding is assessed. What do I need? A bike and riding kit, a Module One certificate and enough experience and understanding to pass. How much does it cost? £75 (£88.50 for evenings, weekends or bank holidays) for the actual test. But you’ll need instruction too and Module 1 and 2 are normally taken as part of a programme of teaching with a recognised instructor (see overleaf). How long does it take? About 40 minutes. How much prep? A lot. This is the big one. The examiner will follow you on another bike and is looking for easily made mistakes. Where and with who? The test happens at a Test Centre but often an instructor or training school will book the test as part of an instruction package. What do you get? A pass certificate, a warm feeling, and the legal qualification to ride a motorcycle of the specific licence type.