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Could do with some advice, thought I'd ask the question here!
A year and a half ago, I bought my first scoot, in my naivety I thought I could slap it on the van! 176Kg me thinks not! Later got a 50cc for the van, all is good, BUT it could do with a bit more oomph, especially when both of us are on it .
I'm not really interested in riding a geared bike, but with my CBT running out soon and needing to take my motorcycle test, so we can be legal on 125cc [pillion] so I'm thinking of doing the 'big' test.
Called a couple of bike places and I'm looking at around £700 to do the direct access.
I didn't really want to spend this much, as I only want it for pootling around here and abroad.
Would it be a stupid idea to not do the lessons, and put straight in for the tests?
I was thinking I could do the test on my 125cc scooter, whilst my CBT is still within the two year limit.
I realised I'd be stuck to 'twist & go' but I don't think I'm worried about it.
My scooter Piaggio X8 125cc is classed as an A2. Therefore IF I passed, I could only ride 125cc for two years, then I'd get an upgrade to allow any size.
I suppose you could risk it! then all your gonna lose is the test fee, but!!! amazing the the little habits we pick up and stuff you forget, mate of mine did that and he was a good rider but on the test let his front wheel go over the white line on a stop sign, immediate fail was on one of those corners where you need to go over it to see properly but should have stopped first then moved over it. Lots of riders forget the Life Saver, yet when doing your advanced last thing they want to see is a nodding donkey, you should know whats behind you at all times.
When we bought a motorhome three years ago we wanted a scooter so we could access local attractions and shopping where perhaps the m/home could not go. Not having any previous motor-cycle experience I went through the CBT, theory and single test on the Yamaha Cygnus 125cc we had bought (needed to be less than 150KG for the rack) . I soon discovered riding around on two wheels was quite fun and attracted to the motor bike my son had just bought decided to take the full motorcycle test on a geared machine. I took the Direct Access route on a big bike. I did not have to take the theory again. I failed the Module 1 the first time through not having enough experience of the slow speed manoeuvring on a big bike, although passed the second time after I had more experience of slow city traffic in the company of my instructor. The Module 2 was a lot easier having years of normal driving experience. All told the cost of this Direct Access route came to about £800, (inclusive of two Module 1 tests)
If I was only interested in riding scooters and I had some experience on the scooter I would avoid the £700 training costs. There is plenty of material on the web to prepare yourself, in particular on YouTube (look for the DSA official videos for Module 1 tests). You used to be able to download the test routes that the local DSA examiners used for the Module 2 tests but I think these might have been removed.
Good luck
Philip
I have been riding bikes for many years, had a long layoff from them, but 3 years ago decided to take my test.
As we had purchased a MH, I decided to do my 125 test, this allows you to use a bike up to 25 Kw for 2 years, then after that you may use any size bike.
I believe it is best to do the proper test (Gears) then you have the option of twist and go and geared machines, totally flexible.
PS. I did my CBT, then purchased my bike, rode it for a few months very regularly, then put in for my test, passed first time, total cost, £200.00 approx
Last edited by steco1958 on Tue Jul 26, 2011 11:32 pm; edited 1 time in total
I would just put in for your test and have a go. Obviously practice your riding beforehand, and remember the basics - positioning on the road, lifesavers and general confidence! You could always try and find an instructor and see if he will give you an hours instruction/ insight and then go for the test
I'm tempted to put in for the test[s] as the costs are minimal.
Perhaps IF I screw it up I'll then have to have the training and go the expensive way round.
Well I booked my theory test yesterday, and I sat it today and passed. Booked online, lets you check cancelations!
It was straightforward, I had done the example tests on the directgov website, [and watched youtube clips as recommended!] so thought I knew what was what
I wasn't however expecting the hazard perception tests!
A series of 14 video clips where you have to click the mouse when you see 'potential' hazards!
Will be putting in for the Module 1 now! I think again I can get a cancellation early next week! Once I find my CBT certificate.
The test is not that difficult, and only around 20 mins.
The rules for clothing look like they will be changing, you are strongly advised to have ankle type boots... can't believe the examiner didn't like my flip flops
As mentioned before the videos on You Tube are very good to show you what's what.
I've had no tuition so far [other than CBT]. I will now try for the module 2 [on road test].
Being as I started riding in 1980, I have never had to go through all these hoops - I took my bike test in '81 when I was 18. All it consisted of was the examiner standing on the pavement giving instructions to 'turn here, turn there pass along this or that street and come to rest by here....'. Then I would carry out his instructions - but even out of his sight you had to not exceed the speed limit as he knew to the second how long the 'course' should take!!!!!
However, after 30 years or so I think it probably time I took a little instruction so I will now be looking to participate in one of the Ride Safe schemes that the local Plod Traffic Divisions run......
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Later got a 50cc for the van, all is good, BUT it could do with a bit more oomph, especially when both of us are on it 
.
was on one of those corners where you need to go over it to see properly but should have stopped first then moved over it. Lots of riders forget the Life Saver, yet when doing your advanced last thing they want to see is a nodding donkey, you should know whats behind you at all times.
