Avoid making these mistakes on your motorbike test
As professionals supporting students to develop and build their motorbike skills before going on to pass their test, there isn’t much we haven’t seen people do! If you are looking to avoid making silly mistakes on your motorbike test, take a look at some of our top tips.
Preparing for your motorbike test is often one of the most exciting yet stressful periods of your life. Therefore, it is no wonder that many first-time test takers fail based on things that could have been completely avoided. To pass your motorbike test, you not only need to prove that you are a good rider but that you will remain safe when on the roads alone.
- Putting down the wrong foot when you stop
- Speeding
- Failing to notice a stop sign
- Looking in the wrong direction
- Having a lack of road safety awareness
Nobody is perfect, and quite often, we will have things to improve on before taking our motorbike tests. If you or your instructor have noticed a skill that needs some improvement, make sure you work on this before taking your test to be confident you are doing things right on the day. By creating a routine when getting on your bike, you will get into riding safely, not just during your test but once you have passed.
Motorbike riding is much better than a car journey!
This year, we gave you all the reasons why we think that motorbike riding is so much better than jumping in your car to get to your destination. Let’s look at some of the reasons why!
Motorbike riding is cheaper
Motorcycles are cheaper to maintain and insure than cars, even if you’re riding a top-of-the-range sports bike. Similarly, motorbike tyres are significantly cheaper than car tyres, and it’s easier to find a garage that will do an MOT on a motorcycle.
Easier parking spaces
Parking, particularly in big towns and cities, can be an absolute nightmare, and you often pay through the nose for the privilege. When you’re riding a motorbike into town, you are much more likely to find a parking space, and you may not even have to pay as much to park there!
Mental and physical health benefits
Two huge benefits of riding a motorbike are the improvements to your mental and physical health. Riding a motorbike will improve your core strength, your knee and neck strength and your coordination whilst also helping you to de-stress and let go of your worries.
Commuting to work
Commuting is something many of us still have to do – even after the pandemic. If you are someone who has to commute to the city multiple days a week, you will know all about the traffic, congestion charges and spending more time in your car than at home or in your office! Commuting is a lot easier when you are on a bike. You can filter through traffic and get to your destination much faster.
Protect the environment
Riding a motorbike uses fewer fossil fuels and emits much less pollution than cars and other modes of public transport. Riding a bike also causes less damage to roads and motorways, meaning maintenance teams don’t have as many roads or potholes to fix!
Avoid the traffic!
We are sure you will have sat in your car in traffic, only to see a motorbike come up the outside of your – easily navigating its way around the long line of cars and no doubt reaching their destination much more quickly! Well, when you are riding a motorbike, you are less likely to have to sit in a queue of traffic, waiting for someone to move forward! Simply weave your way (SAFELY!) in and out of the traffic and get home quicker.
Motorbike riding is not without its challenges
Although riding a motorbike is often the most thrilling thing in the world, there are some challenges that motorbike riders face that are often outside of their control. This year, we made sure you were vigilant when out on the roads.
Car drivers not looking out for motorbikes – If another driver is not looking out for a motorcyclist, you won’t be seen. Always be aware of your surroundings! When changing lanes, consider that your motorcycle may be in the car driver’s blind spot. Never change lanes unless you’re absolutely sure that it is safe.
Wearing the wrong-sized clothes – Around 50% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve a crash with another vehicle. The motorcyclist is far more likely to be seriously injured because of inadequate clothing protection. Ensure your helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots are of the best quality you can afford.
Rushing to get to your destination – Rushing can lead to serious injury and risk to others if you are not concentrating or staying alert to your surroundings. Motorcyclists should take extra care on the roads as other vehicles are less likely to spot them. Stay alert!
Riding the wrong bike – The size and style of a motorbike is part of what makes motorcycling so appealing to riders. However, driving the wrong bike for you can cause serious accidents, so make sure your bike is suited to you, your age, skills, experience and driving qualifications.
Tiredness – Tiredness is a major cause of road accidents on a daily basis. Tiredness makes you less alert and affects your judgement. If you feel tired, you should take regular breaks throughout your journey, have a coffee and rest.
Speeding – Speeding reduces a rider’s chance of seeing and reacting to other drivers in time to prevent a collision. It stands to reason that the higher the speed, the greater the impact and the more severe the consequences.
This may also interest you:
3 reasons why you should learn to ride a motorbike in 2023
How to keep warm on your motorcycle this winter
Ten reasons why riding a motorbike is better than driving a car
Merry Christmas from all at AVSCO Bike Courses
We have been so proud to support so many of you with your motorbike riding tests throughout 2022. If you are keen to get started on your motorbike license in 2023, book your course with AVSCO today. Until then, the whole team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!