The purpose of the driving test is to ensure you understand and consistently apply basic driving theory.
It shouldn’t give you any problems if you are well prepared.
The test lasts about fifty minutes, including questions on Rules of the Road and basic maintenance.
On road, the examiner will be in contact using radios.
Your examiner is looking for;
You are allowed between three and eight minor faults before failing.
All these principles and routines are covered in our Beginners and Pre-Test courses.
Note: To gain a full A licence you must take the test on a bike of 150cc or bigger.
The test is not supposed to be very difficult. It's designed for novice riders, to check that you know and understand the rules of the road, and understand basic driving principles (observation, signaling, using position on the road) and apply them reasonably consistantly.
You examiner is not out to fail you, nor to help you through. They will just record the mistakes you make on your drive.
You'll be on-road for about 30 mins. The examiner will follow you in a car, using a radio to give directions. You don't have to worry about keeping them with you.
On arrival, you sign their paperwork, and show them your Permit.
The examiner will ask you questions on rules of the road, usually five or six, and road signs.
They might ask about hand signals, and correct use of the brakes.
You'll put on the radio, and the examiner will give you a brief outline of the test.
Out at the bike, the exminer will check your brake lights, indicators and tax disc.
You'll be asked about three basic maintenance checks for ;
You'll be asked to take the bike off and on the stand (centre stand if you have one), and to walk with the bike for a short distance.
The examiner will check the radio is working, and will give you any instructions you need for the rest of the test, and possibly a brief outline of the route. Don't be hesitant about asking questions or clearing up anything you're unsure of. It's better to ask in the car park than have confusion out on the road. You'll be on road for about 30 mins. The route will consist of junctions, left and right turns, with lights, filter lights, without lights, stop signs, roundabouts and so on. All the usual stuff.
You'll be asked to perform four manouvers;
Throughout the drive, the examiner is looking for normal acceleration and progress (no breaking the speed limit), and reasonable decisions and behaviour. A bit of common sense, in other words. People often fall down on the test because they're unsure of how to handle basic situations, that they normally wouldn't think twice about. Because they don't know the rules of the road properly. Or they allow nerves to cause them to make different decisions -
"Is that what you'd normally do there ?"
"No....."
"So why did you do it ?"
"Well, I thought...I wasn't sure.....are you not supposed to...."
"See you next time...."
When the examiner see's something they don't like, or doesn't get something they felt was needed,
they can mark it as one of three levels of seriousness;
It's ok to make a few mistakes, you're not expected to be perfect.
If you want a Cat A Licence, you have to do the test on a Cat A bike (150cc or bigger)
If you have a Cat M Permit, the bike must be a moped ; less than 50cc, and not capable of more than 45kph. If the bike exceeds either of these, the examiner won't conduct the test.
Power Restriction. The restriction applies to the engine power, not size. Most bikes can be retricted to comply. Some bikes which exceed the power limit are heavy enough (power to weight ratio) avoid restriction. The restriction applies to your Learner Permit and for the first two years of your Licence.
Poor knowledge of rules of the road. Doesn't have to happen.
Lack of reasonable progress ; Usually through trying to impress the examiner with how careful you can be.
Observation ; Under or overdoing shoulder checks, or poor timing of shoulder checks. Poor timing of forward or rear observation at junctions. That makes it sound more complex than it is. A bit of common sense goes a long way.
Poor position turning left or right ; Easily fixed. Reading the rules of the road is a good start, it's all in there.
