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

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by 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.

Well one of my mates failed his driving test for lack of observation, so can never to be too little as long as you can justify knowing whats around you.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by jamesterror

Well one of my mates failed his driving test for lack of observation, so can never to be too little as long as you can justify knowing whats around you.

So perhaps your instructor isn't that clever then?

I found it helped tonnes been riding for 7 years and passed my car test with 6 lessons and no minors by a guy who was supposed to be an evil examiner!

I knew how to drive a car though from off road driving, but the observation and 6th sense (the just knowing someone would do something) helped no end.

Works wonders for your obs, it really is beneficial.

Originally Posted by 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.

When did you do your bike test?!?!?

[ophic]

Originally Posted by BanditPat

When did you do your bike test?!?!?

1960-something by the sound of it. My dad did a similar thing...

I found having a fork-lift licence to be of great help.
Steve

I had my first lesson today, it was on an off road track (cardrome).

I found the observations easy, the only difference is to check the rear-view mirror. I need to get used to the sensitivity of the brake mainly, and the accelerator, and the fact you dont seem to need much clutch at slow speed.
I had a lot of confidence and didnt seem nervous at all, if anything i was too relaxed at some points because i kept driving with one hand.

I feel more ready now for my first road lesson on thursday in the BMW 1 series.

Best of luck from then on till your test chap - keep us updated!!

I passed my bike test just under a year and a half before my car test and the things I had to get to grips with were:

• Having 3 mirrors and the amount I needed to move my head to see the passenger mirror.
• This is going to sound wired but getting used to having door pillows in my view.
• Lack of engine braking meant I had to learn to use the brakes alot more then what I would on my SV.

My instructor let my drive straight from the off for half an hour and said all I'll need is 5 lessons consisting of 2 hours a lesson. All of which were done in winter in the pitch black. The only time I got to drive the car in the daytime was the hour before my test.