How much does riding a bike help in passing a car test?

Originally Posted by Magnum

Is the car not very good? (not being rude lol)
Some cars feel a lot more solid than others, epecially over 60mph. Ive been in a fiesta that rattled after 70.

Aye the cars sound, it isn't a rustbucket etc..

Its not the car that doesnt like going fast, its me..

Just don't gell with cars, it seems more a effort than a pleasure to drive compared to riding.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by ophic

I did my bike test first, at 17 - and then my car test about 4 months later. I found riding a bike helped loads - only had about 6 driving lessons - basically just to get used to the handling of a car, as the road sense and knowing all the rules etc, you've already got.

+1

I only needed ten hours to get my car licence, which included the half hour each way to the test centre and the test itself. Got mine at 18 after getting the bike one at 17.

My instructor treated my like a complete novice at first in lesson 1. Get to deserted back road, I get behind the wheel, we pull away then stop, pull away then stop... After the third time I got bored and changed up instead of stopping, reminding him that I already had one licence and only really needed to learn the car control bit. We were in fourth by the time he realised I was right. Trouble is I then blew it all at the first junction - I turned the wheel a little and leaned. We didn't hit anything and after we'd both stopped p1ssing ourselves laughing I didn't do that again!!! Laerning roadcraft on the bike before starting off on the car help enormously. Go for it.

[timwilky]

Ride 4 times round the block in 10 minutes without falling off, get a bike license, have to drive through town, traffic lights, unmarked crossroad, reverse round a corner, 3 point turn, hill start etc. with the examiner sat next to you watching your use of mirrors etc

getting a bike licence does not equip you to drive.

The road experiance will help, you'll be more comfortable. And at least you'll understand how a clutch works!

But there are other things to contend with; using your feet in a more precise manner (throttle and clutch), getting used to that big empty space next to you, not being able to manouver about in your lane to get a better view ahead, etc etc

[jamesterror]

After I ride, then get into my instructors car he says I do everything a lot quicker, going into roundabouts espically. The only pro to driving lessons is when its raining your dry, but I don't mind being out on my bike in the rain.

My instructor says my observations comes from learning on the bike and being aware of whats all around you, he tells me off for checking blind spots when changing lanes because I should already be aware of whats there but you can never be 100% aware.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by jamesterror

My instructor says my observations comes from learning on the bike and being aware of whats all around you, he tells me off for checking blind spots when changing lanes because I should already be aware of whats there but you can never be 100% aware.

your instructor is weird. Does he realise that if you don't do the "lifesaver" they'll fail you?

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by ophic

your instructor is weird. Does he realise that if you don't do the "lifesaver" they'll fail you?

No in the car he means, I check over my shoulder as a precaution just by nature I think, its more a glance but he thinks its because of whats ahead.

He only critised me once for it and I explained to him and he agreed with my arguement.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by jamesterror

No in the car he means

so did I

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by ophic

so did I

Oh. Yeh I thought you had to do some sort of "LifeSaver" in a car, he encourages looking fully round whilst stationary or having been waiting for traffic.

I always thought it was a bit silly not checking over, easily knock somebody off a bike or hit another car due to lack of visual in the R mirror.

[ophic]

i could be wrong about that, thinking about it - but i've always done the lifesaver glance in any vehicle, and they didn't fail me for it. All my non-biking mates who did their tests at a similar time to me, do the lifesaver as well. But as to whether its actually an observed part of the car test... no idea. Seems a bit silly if its not. No wonder cars keep wiping off motorcyclists.