How to pass your motorcycle tests and not become another statistic

Back in the early 1990s I decided I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. probably because a mate, who was living in London at the time, had passed his test and bought an impressive 750cc Honda VFR which I almost bought but that is another story.

I was living in Cumbria and could not afford to run a car because the trainee photographer’s salary was the polar opposite of a king’s ransom so it would be an affordable transport option.

When I was with the police motorcyclist, and we had stopped by the roadside to discuss how I was doing, one of my housemates thought I had been pulled over for some traffic offence.

In 1993 I took lessons and took my test and, to my surprise, passed – I had fallen off during an emergency stop exercise the night before because it was raining.

This was my first feature which was well received by the sub editor who had to knock it into shape.

At this stage I was still a photographer with no formal training in written journalism but I was quite pleased with the resulting two page centre spread and I suppose it later fuelled my ambition to retrain as a reporter when I became disillusioned with agency work.

Not entirely sure how I got the quotes for this but I am guessing I must have written them out longhand because this was long before I got my 100wpm shorthand.

EARLIER this week Barrow police reminded Furness motorcyclists that they faced hefty fines for driving without a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. The CBT is the first step to obtaining the full motorcycle licence. Tonight we report on how to become a safe and secure motorcycle rider.

ON DARK winter mornings, with a thick layer of frost on the saddle and ice on the clocks, motorcycling doesn’t seem much like fun.

To the non biker, the summer months or a heated car are definitely more attractive.

But there is a certain breed whose life depends on a padded helmet and a leather suit, whose existence revolves around two wheels, the twist of the throttle and the roar of an engine.

From the brass-studded biker to the old man on the moped they have one thing in common — self-preservation.

I decided to join their number. But first I had to put myself through the accompanied motorcycle test, which 32,000 people passed last year.

The first impression people have of motorbikes is that they’re dangerous. In fact, motorbikes are the only group of vehicles whose accident rate has dropped nationally — by 24 per cent over the past two years compared with a 30 per cent rise for cars.

Licence

Last year’s accident figures involving motorcycles in Furness rose prior to June, compared with 1992, but fell when the police launched a campaign to target safety awareness.

Figures dropped noticeably between June and September. I was determined not to become one of these statistics.

The test is in two parts with Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) forming part one. You have to take the CBT before riding on the road, unless you have a full car licence issued before December 1990.

All licence holders must take the CBT before they can take the accompanied test.

PC Tony Foy, traffic management officer with Ulverston traffic division, said: “You can imagine what it was like before the CBT. People had no concept of U-turns or slow-speed riding.

“They were just allowed straight out onto public roads. Since the advent of CBT riders have at least had to have some knowledge of control of the motorcycle.

“We feel a more defensive approach could be taken by the rider.”

Looking ahead, lifesavers, being seen, by wearing bright clothing for example, and road position, are all steps to lessen the risk of injury.

I took my CBT with CSM, a national organisation, but Kendal-based Northern Route runs regular courses in the Barrow area.

Pillion

“Since the introduction of the CBT the accident rate has dropped by a third and we have reached figures that were expected by the year 2000,” said CSM branch manager Dave Mellors.

“It teaches good habits from the beginning.

“We cater for anyone from 16 to 66. The average age is 26 to 27, but it used to be younger. Older people are getting back into it, so-called born-again-bikers. Also there are a lot more girls learning, fed up of being the pillion.”

The CBT took a day and we were kept out of everybody’s way on a disused car park. We were taken through very basic control and shown everything we needed to be safe on the road.

As an added confidence booster we did slow control standing on the pegs. After we had been through the control exercises there was a short road trip with the instructor accompanying the students.

If you pass the CBT a certificate is issued, which validates your provisional licence. So now I could hit the open road on a 125cc monster!

Around 75 per cent of trainees pass their CBT first time and, if not, they can return for further training to brush up on certain areas.

Now, CBT certificate in hand, the real business began. Getting used to road conditions and car drivers who do not see you are all part of the training.

I clocked up the miles all over Furness and it was all the more enjoyable being out in the open and not stuck behind the windscreen — every journey was an adventure.

Headlight

The night before my test I had arranged a refresher lesson with Department of Transport-approved Northern Route. John Gowans runs the courses in the Barrow area.

It had remained dry all day but as soon as I stepped out and started the bike it started to rain and I was soon to receive my most important lesson.

As in a car test you have to perform an emergency stop. I set off around the block and John stepped out and raised his arm. I pulled the brake lever but I was a little too enthusiastic and the front wheel locked and I flew over the handlebars, landing in the road with a badly damaged ego and smashed headlight. I’ve always got to learn the hard way.

On the day of my test I was nervous. I even tried to set off with the lock still on the front wheel. It was a nightmare. Riding along Barrow’s Abbey Road is bad enough without someone following you and watching your every move and calling instructions over the two-way radio.

mare. Riding along Barrow’s AbbeyRoad is bad enough without someonefollowing you, watching your every

It was the worst half-hour of my life. I was out on the road for about 20 minutes with no real problems — I was especially careful when I had to do the emergency stop. Then a quick Highway Code test and those immortal words: “Well Mr Duncan, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve passed.”

It doesn’t quite sink in straight away but a great weight lifts from your shoulders. It definitely felt good riding home.

The ten steps to winning your full biker’s licence:

• Provisional licence;
• Acquire bike under 125cc, L-plates and helmet;
• CBT training;
• CBT validates provisional licence;
• Practise in traffic conditions (varied conditions and weather);
• Have further lessons (just like learning to drive a car);
• Apply for test;
• Sit test;
• If fail go back to step 6;
• If pass buy bigger bike and enjoy it.

DRIVING a car is no fun these days. There are endless traffic jams, delays, and drivers who get really angry if you overtake them.

The other day I was waiting at Greengate Street traffic lights, in Barrow, and when they changed to green the car in front did not move.

I beeped the horn, not in a particularly aggressive way, to let them know and the passenger gave me several V-signs.

I wouldn’t have minded but I had held back earlier to let them overtake a stationary vehicle on Michaelson Road Bridge.

There seems to be a lot more regard and respect between bikers, with a respectful nod of the head as we pass, which puts the fun back into travelling even if it is just a trip to the shops.

From the North West Evening Mail on Friday, April 1, 1994.