Tips to Pass Your Motorcycle Test: Module 1
88On your motorbike
Britain has recently changed its motorcycle test exam an introduced a new module 1 motorbike test that you have to pass at a test center before you are allowed to take the main riding test. Here are some pointers and tips to help you pass the module 1 motorcycle test.
Before you can even think about doing this
test you have to have completed a compulsory basic training (CBT test)
course that covers basic safety. Remember to bring your CBT certificate
with you or you won't be allowed to even take the module 1 of the new
DSA motorbike rider's test. You'd be surprised at just how many people fail because they arrive at the test centre without all the right documentation. That includes your photo drivers license and the paper part too.
An introductory video to the official DSA motorcycle test
All ready to go
Tips to help you pass the module 1 motorcycle test
This test introduced two new manoeuvres carried out at a minimum
speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph) on a special test track. These are the emergency stop and obstacle avoidance. Both are actually pretty easy but are the main reason that many people either fail their exam or hurt themselves. The test is the same whether you are on a motorcycle or scooter and is also the same if you are riding a geared bike or an automatic. The only difference is that if you take the test on an automatic you will be limited to riding one once you get your drivers license.
The biggest reason for people failing their motorbike module 1 exam is they do not do the exercises at the minimum speed. In both cases you are told by the exam instructor to take your motorcycle around a bend, accelerate towards a speed trap and then either do an emergency stop or avoid an obstacle by swerving through some marked cones. Both are simple to do and if you have any time on the road have done both many times without thinking about it. But in a test situation your mind often jumps to the second part of the test (avoiding the obstacle or stopping) so you are subconsciously slowing down through the speed trap in preparation. The trick is simply to open up the throttle as you come round the bend (on a 125cc bike or scooter that most people will be using you can open it right up full) to accelerate to the speed trap. At this point concentrate only only speeding up and passing through the trap (some people have hit it because instead of focusing on it they look down at their speedometer). Only once you clear the trap do you do the next part. If it is the avoidance you just want to tilt your bike gently, as if going around a manhole cover in the road. Don't ease off on the throttle and do not hit the brakes - this is the cause of some of the accidents that have happened since the test was introduced.
If you are doing the emergency stop also focus on accelerating towards the speed trap. Only when through it should you even start thinking of rolling off on the throttle and getting ready to brake - lots of people do this too early and come through the trap at 49 km per hour - if you do this twice you will fail.
When the signal is given to stop be firm but don't jam down down too hard on the brakes and put your motorcycle or scooter into a skid. The instructor wants to see a controlled stop, not a skid. You are more likely to fail by skidding then by taking an extra meter or two to stop.
The final tip is to always remember you are being watched and to behave as if you are on the road whenever you are on your motorcycle. This means doing shoulder checks for traffic (yep, it feels stupid in a test center that isn't on the road) and watch your mirrors when slowing down. Stupid as it may feel, if the instructor thinks you aren't watching your blind spots or doing lifesaver glances over the shoulder then you can be failed.
Practice the basic exercises on a quiet road or parking lot including the low speed stuff (moving at walking pace, figure 8s and u-turns) and go through the exercises in the test at a high enough speed and there is no reason you should not pass the module 1 of your UK motorcycle riders test the first time you take the exam. Good luck!
A few more module 1 bike test tips
- Try to go to the test centre and watch a few other people taking their module 1 bike tests. You can learn quite a lot by watching what others do and why they fail. There are often a couple of instructors there with students, and the instructors are usually a friendly lot who won't mind giving you a few pointers.
- Dress the part. Although you are not officially being graded on what you are wearing and you only have to comply with the legal minimum (in the UK that's a helmet) you will not impress an instructor if you arrive dressed in motorcycle gear that will not protect you.
- Double check that you have all the documentation with you. You don't want to arrive there on time only to get sent home again.
Please come back to this Hub and let us know how the test went for you in the comments. You can also share any other tips that you have or mistakes you have seen made. Lets all make this the one-stop-shop of motorcycle test tips.
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Hi David. You are very welcome and good luck taking the test. Come back here and let us know how it went and if any of the information here is getting out of date.
HI. Great hub. i have been interested in doing my test for ages now, i used to race motocross when i was young and grew up on bikes so hopefully it should be fine its just getting the cash etc to do it and the bike etc but thanks for the info.
I've tried my module 1 - x3 now and I've failed each time. It's because of the hazard avoidance it's a joke! I've completed everything else as per instructions, but I cannot achieve 50kmph on a 125cc without feeling uncomfortable -ane when you think that is above the legal speed limit then I'm not being unrealistic!
It get's me down because this is such a waste of money, time and effort on an otherwise safe rider.
(p.s.I intend to have my 4th test soon!!)
Hi Lisa - I know it is hard and good luck next time. One tip that really seems to help is not to look down at the speedometer but just keep your eyes on the road and the gap you will take between the traps. Let us know how it goes!
Hi Lisa.........I can sympathise with you, I am a mature rider done 2 cbts as just nevr got round to doing the test, but have done the theory and tried Mod 1 about 4 months ago (wasnt sucsssfull)!! got up to 49km drat!!I understand you feeling uncomfortable at that speed, if they would put the speed down to 30mph (like on our roads) then I would have passed,I hate the thougt of taking it again,and thats me a 35 yrs car driver! so you go girl keep at it, good luck :)
I agree. The new 32mph manoeuvres are difficult to achieve if you aren't confident enough. I'm doing Mod 1 for the third time. The first time I failed because of putting my foot down during the slow ride. The second - didn't achieve the 32mph speed on both manoeuvres. Such a shame ... but I guess it's one way for the DSA to make money. I've heard of some horrific accidents caused by the 32mph manoeuvres - makes you wonder why Health and Safety regulations would allow such dangerous tasks.
Hi Sue and SeaWychie - and good luck. I agree with you both about how stupid it is having a test that is faster than the limit. I've also heard about some pretty terrible accidents. It seems mad that they have a test that actually puts people in danger instead of one that builds them up safely.
I spoke with an examiner the other day about this, and he said this new test was specifically designed to stop learners who are not ready to ride on the road.
He said that too many people who weren't quite ready for real road situations were passing the old test. Those who fail the new test, fail for a reason. So he says.
I did my test again on Wednesday and everything was perfect - I did really well, except one thing ... I knocked a cone over by accident, and for that, I fail.
It's so frustrating, but I guess at the other end of the scale, the rules are the rules.
He did say that the DSA are looking at amending the 32mph speed avoidance manoeuvre - but I'm not holding my breath.
I've just come back from the test centre with a clean sheet aside from the "49K" in the box where the "50K" should be! Yes, that's a fail!
Our examiner was off sick so we were made to wait in the wet for three hours while a replacement made his way down. Eventually I got to do the test and nailed all the manoeuvres with no faults but only reached 49K in the avoidance, even though my speedo showed 35MPH!
The avoidance rules are a joke! Going too slowly through the trap should be a minor not a fail!
Mac, I couldn't agree more.
Thanks for tips guys. Failed mod 1 twice owing to avoidance test. Been drivin for 20 years. Always told drive within ur limits and vehicle limits. My instincts as a professional driver , on road 8 hours a day, tell me its dangerous . Cheers burnsy
I have now taken and failed the module one test twice. The first time was due to me putting a foot down during the turn and then not achieving the speed required during both of the 50kph bits. The second I failed because I decided to use third gear (500cc machine) for the 50kph avoid and passed through the speed sensor at 61kph hitting the blue cone with my left foot (the blue cone right next to the red one) on the avoid in the process. Maybe third time lucky - and in second gear, but more revs.
I took my mod 1 for the first time yesterday and failed on the slow ride because the examiner walked soooo slowly I wobbled and had to put my foot down; everything else was faultless apart from lacking in observation a couple of times. There were several people watching who commented that he walked slower for me than anyone else and than any of the other examiners.... really unfair!!
I must be a real numpty, I failed Mod 1 last week, can managed all the speed stuff, figure 8 and U turn. but need tips for the slalom. Somehow seem to approach at the wrong angle and can't correct it!!!! :(
Hi Fairybiker and Fizzbut - so sorry to hear about your bad experiences. The slow ride is really tough and nearly knocked me out. I guess the only solution here is just to keep on practising on a quiet stretch of road. Same goes for the slalom. I'm not on the payroll of any riding instructors here, so nothing gained by me saying so, but if you are really struggling a half day or full day of instruction with someone really skilled can help a lot.
Thanks for the info :) Vote up + Useful!
I have given myself 10 weeks to get myself ready for the module 1 test, the only thing that I am concerned about is, getting up to speed for the avoidebce and emergency braking on my 125cc bike. Any advice would be most greatful.
Thanks.
Billy.
Hi Billy
I guess just practise over and over again and on the day of the test don't be afraid of opening it up (within safe limits)
I did my bike test back in 1999 so obviously the Module 1 wasn't in place then, although a u turn and emergency braking were part of the on road test. The manoeuvering, ie slow riding, weaving around cones etc were part of the CBT and were done off road at the training centre. With regard to slow riding and U turns, clutch control is key, so find an instructor who can teach you good clutch control. I don't know whether its still the case but when I did my test part of it was to go on a road with a national speed limit ie 60mph where you had to ride the bike just below 60.
As far as the hazard avoidance goes, though I don't have any experience of what's involved in the test I can assure you there are plenty of hazards to avoid in real life riding, with the ever growing number of potholes appearing, along with road humps and idiots opening car doors in your path and people driving cars with no idea of what's going on around them you certainly need your wits about you at all times and need to be ready to brake and avoid things when riding at 30mph. Some roads are still 40mph and if you dawdle along at 30 you're going to irritate the car driver behind who may then do something stupid out of frustration, putting your safety at risk. So though I can imagine how frustrating it is (not to mention very costly) to keep failing on what seem trivial matters, it can only make you a better rider in the end. Good luck everyone.
I did my module 1 a few days ago and failed spectacularly.
When I came out of the curve for the avoidance I accelerated into the straight and found myself looking straight into the morning sun. I decided to abort because I couldn't see clearly. Unfortunately I clipped a cone with the front wheel which knocked it under the back wheel and the bike flipped sideways. The bike was fine but I'm somewhat bruised.
Hopefully when I go again in a couple of weeks it will be cloudy!
I failed the module 1 yesterday. As most people wrote above, slow control was ok (examiner walked soooo slowly, but somehow managed it). The first time the speed was only 46km/h. Than I speeded up and made 56 (wow!), but the field was too short, so I skidded. Failed... I really was badly shaken during that exercise, even if I had a formal four days training before.
A tip that I found useful: look at the GAP between the cones, where you want to go through, not the cones. Waching them drives you directly into them.
Hi, I passed my Part one this morning. Was very nervous. Had to do the avoidance twice as I was only at 49kph the first time round. Got a minor on the turn in the road. Do not worry if your front tyre touches the white line, thats what I did and still passed. Slow control tips, look into the distance and not at the examiner, much easier. Good luck everyone...
I did my mid 1 today and failed on hazard avoidance test just by 1km, I did 49km. 2 minor marks. Apparently in 3 weeks time they are reducing the speed limit. So if I did what I did today it would've been a pass for my self and many 49ers!! Arggg. Nevermind I'll just keep trying until I get it right
I had my first mod 1 lesson on Saturday. I was screwing up the avoidance manoeuvre and wasn't getting the speed up. I found it very frustrating and came looking for tips. I see both sides of the argument and think there is a central ground which would lead to appropriate changes to the test.
I think it is a useful addition and I wouldn't give me a license yet either. You should need to be able to perform an avoidance manoeuvre at those speeds and I think with a bit of practice I will be able to and will be a better rider for it. However I have two issues
1) Ok 32 is a reasonable speed, but the stressful part is having to accelerate so viciously to approach the speed out of a bend. I'm a calm person and am not going to be doing that on a road. On a 125 you have to stay in second to achieve it. So the bike is screaming, you're trying to race out of a bend and then deal with the obstacle. That is what feels unsafe. If instead i had a normal run up to approach the hazard in a gear I would actually do that speed in then the hazard would not be such a problem and would be realistic. I expect the problem is the size of the test centres.
2) Being a couple of miles an hour under the minimum is a ridiculous major point. They could easily relax it to say up to 4 km under the limit is a minor (so you have to try to make it) anything over that could be a major.
Hopefully I will gain enough experience and pass anyway. But I think changes along those lines would satisfy both the people who think it is unsafe and unrealistic and those who rightly say that bikers should be able to deal with hazards at those speeds.
I failed my mod 1 two weeks ago on the avoidance I had a clean sheet but had only reached 49 on my avoidance so had to do it again, opened up the throttle completely lost control and left one HUGE skid mark on the test centre road, but failed because I hit the cone!!!!!
On a lighter side took it again last week and passed!!! Had to do the avoidance twice again. After passing I told the examiner that I would NEVER come out of such a bend and accelerate to 32mph in such a short distance. He agreed and informed that this month they are removing the first two cones so the bend is not as severe. Mod 2 this week everything crossed.
Also when I took my first test another person put his toe down on the fig 8 and failed, the 2nd time I took it a person stopped on the u turn told the examiner it was nerves, was given the chance to do it again at the end of the test!! Two different examiners, I guess it is the luck of the draw on the day.
i took the test on 125 as legs are too short for any bigger bikes:( but my instructor told the ones on the 500cc to use 3rd gear for avoidance.
Anyone got any ideas on something to take to calm nerves. I did my mod 1 this morning and totally mucked it up. Even though I have been practicing it for weeks. Got to the figure of 8 and was into the second one and the bike went to the left and down went the foot. Instant fail. Then he wanted me to carry on. Everything went blank after that. Nerves got the better of me. So need something to calm the nerves. Any ideas
I passed my mod 1 today first time so i was very pleased. My advice would be to make sure you practise the slow maneuvers. Balance was what i struggled with and riding slow in the figure of 8. I had clocked up 2000 miles on my 125 but didnt do enough slow practise. Its easy to ride fast.
Hello all. I did my Mod 1 Tuesday morning at 9, was very nervous, anyway I was called for the paperwork check and then out to the bike. To cut the a long story short I did everything very well no minors, then the examiner told me that he would open the green gates to let me out. So as he opened the gates I headed to exit as I rode out the test area a learner driver started to pull out of the bay beside me and my attention went to what she was going to do and as a result the bike slipped out my hands and I FAILED! All I had to do was park the bike :( Was so so gutted as the examiner told me that you rode perfectly in the test area.
Hi RAAJ-R6
You really must have been gutted. What a terrible way to end a perfect test.
Nice to have read this article, I did my Mod1 test twice and failed due to lack of speed during the emergency stop, never got to do the avoidance was only able to reach 47mph on the emergency stop, yes my eyes were on the speedometer as you said. but still nervous and doing it for the third time tomorrow. I still think that doing it on a bigger bike could be easier than my 125cc.
I took my test yerterday, I failed the avoidance part by riding at only 44kph
My tester marked faults also on both my slow control, slalom and emergency stop.
I dont know what I did wrong on those...
Im retaking in a week... wish me luck!
failed module 1 4 days ago, put foot down on fig 8 and not the best emergency stop I've ever done. Obviously my fault but sickening as did so many perfect ones during training the day before - taking again this week - gulp!
Finally passed mod 1 after the 5th attempt, its alot harder than it looks on the internet and on the cards the examiner shows u!!
Congrats Darren
Glad to hear you did it and well done for trying again until you got it.
Your hub is very informative for everyone. Thanks for the shearing information.
Passed mod 2 on Friday, 2nd attempt. Deffo recommended anyone going to Enfield test centre. Routes are simple, no tricky points, no dodgy winding country lanes. All straight forwward town riding.
The emergency stop in the exam
The hazard avoidance part of the test
Further reading
- Motorcycle practical test explained : Directgov - Motoring
The practical motorcycle test is made up of two separate modules that have to be passed within two years of you passing your motorcycle theory test. The first module will test you doing set manoeuvres on the motorcycle in a safe off road area. The se - Learners and new drivers and riders : Directgov - Motoring
Learning to drive or ride, taking your driving test and information for new drivers
David 17 months ago
Thank you for the tips - very useful advice.