SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS
A1 OIL TELL
Identify where you would check the engine oil level and
tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass.
The bike should be upright and have been standing for 5 mins. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks.
For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.
A2 HORN SHOW
Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
A3 BRAKE FLUID TELL
Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me
how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. Again bike upright.
A4 LIGHTS TELL
Tell me how you would check that the lights and
reflectors are clean and working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), Stand on the right side of the bike, so that you can operate both hand and foot brakes. Ensure sidelight, dipped beam, main beam and both front indicators work. Move to rear and check tail light and both rear indicators. Operate both brakes and check brake light. Identify reflectors.
A5 BRAKE LIGHT SHOW
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.
Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
A6 CHAIN TELL
Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.
Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.
A7 STEERING SHOW
Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.
Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixedparts.
A8 TYRES TELL
Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth
and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least ¾ of the breadth of the tread and all the wayaround. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.
A9 FRONT BRAKE SHOW
Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.
Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake. Ensure it stops correctly with no spongyness at the lever.
A10 BRAKES SHOW
Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.
Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.
Ensure both brakes stop wheels.
A11 EMERGENCY CUT OUT SHOW
Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.
Start engine, operate cut out switch and ensure that engine stops immediately. Reset switch
A12 REAR FOG LIGHT SHOW
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it (if fitted).
Operate switch (turn on ignition and dipped
headlights if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain use.
A13 HEADLIGHT SHOW
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
After the usual pre-test preliminaries e.g. licence and identification check the examiner will help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece.
While accompanying the candidate to the machine the examiner will explain how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works.
HEADGEAR
The law requires anyone riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped, with or without sidecar, to wear protective headgear securely fastened. The test cannot therefore be conducted unless the candidate is wearing properly secured protective headgear.
Note:
An exemption to this requirement exists for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban.
CARRYING A PASSENGER
After the practical part of the test the candidate will be asked a question on ''balance when carrying a passenger''.
What must your bike have to allow you to take a passenger?
A proper seat
Foot rests for the passenger
You could also add that the passenger must have a British Standards or EC2205 approved helmet
What would you tell an inexperienced person who was going to be your pillion passenger?
The correct attire to wear
Hold on to the grab rails or preferably around the rider
Straddle the bike - don't sit "side-saddle"
Put their feet on the foot rests
Don't look behind you or make hand signals for the rider
Lean with you as you take corners or else the bike will want to go in a straight line. Try to sit still
Before carrying a pillion passenger, what would you consider adjusting on your bike?
Tyre pressure - inflate the tyres according to the makers recommendations
Suspension - increase the pre-load on the rear suspension to allow for the extra weight
Headlights (with a passenger, the headlights will point slightly higher)
Mirrors
Even the chain for a heavy passenger
How would the handling of a bike be affected by carrying a passenger?
Longer breaking distance. Also, under heavy breaking all the weight is transferred forward and the pillion may push into the back of the rider resulting in controlling difficulties.
Slower acceleration so look for larger gaps in traffic when pulling out at junctions and roundabouts.
Steering becomes lighter because there is less pressure on the front tyre. Particularly when going slowly or under acceleration.
Cornering. The motorcycle may lean into a corner more than you think, so you must compensate for this.
Balance. Especially at low speed, balance is affected.
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CLOTHING
Guide to suitable clothing
As a general guide the following is an indication of the minimum level of clothing acceptable:
motorcycle boots
sturdy footwear or boots that provide support and ankle protection
textile or leather motorcycle trousers
heavy denim trousers
heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath
textile or leather motorcycle jacket
motorcycle gloves
The following are examples of clothing that are not acceptable:
lightweight training shoes
canvas basket ball trainers
any form of clothing with areas of exposed skin
shell suit or lightweight tracksuit
distressed ripped jeans
lightweight fleece or hoody
no gloves or skiing gloves
In all cases it’s a legal requirement that riders wear an approved and correctly fastened motorcycle helmet,* with suitable eye protection (*an exception is made for members of the Sikh religion wearing a turban).
Cases of inappropriate clothing
Recently there have been cases where candidates have arrived unsuitably dressed for the practical test. This has included wearing lightweight nylon shell suits, lightweight canvas training shoes, or wearing no gloves.
This could result in the test not going ahead