so i went along to take my theory test today in preparation for doing my das in a couple of months, and failed. i was so pissed off as soon as i found out, but whisky and cigarettes has sorted that, but heres the rub, so i passed my multiple choice section, and failed my hazard perception test.
i then left the test center, strolled outside, got in my car, and drove off!
this really gets me. how can this even be possible? the hazard perception is even filmed from a car, so has sweet fa to do with being on a bike!
what a farce. just need a place to vent, and you guys are good, so... re booked for later in the month, and have my cbt booked for tuesday, so it isn't holding me back, just hate the system we have for learning to drive, based on some young 'uns i know that have pased their test it has sod all to do with being a good driver..... and i'm £31 down!
annnnnnnd breathe

craig

Feel gutted for you mate. When I did my DA it was all booked in such a rush that if I had failed the theory I would have been unable to do the course I had put a deposit down on

The HP is a load of **** by how much did you fail?

Hazard perception is a ballache to be honest, I had a really good DVD that helped me, I'll dig the name out of it if you like? The clips were almost identical to those shown at the test centre.

Another top tip (The Misses told me this one) is to click when you see a hazard, then click again about 0.5 to 1s later. This worked for me, as it seemed my ninja like reflexes (that were absent when I wrote my bike off last year!) meant I was frequently clicking too early, but the follow up click caught it if you get my drift.

nearly 50%! basically when i have been practicing online i found i was clicking too early wtf? so found myself clicking in two's and three's. that was fine online, but on my third videon i was disqualified and given zero points for that clip. naturally this sh1t me up a bit, and i ended up clicking here and there, and obviously too late in each scenario. rubbish

I think your supposed to click once when you see a hazzerd, and then once again when and if it developes?

I buggerd it up first few times when I did my car test

thanks chaps, as i said, i clicked in two's and three's, but the pooter deemed it too much and didn't like it, now i've failed, i should have just carried on doing my own thing, but, well, roll on the 24th, and until then i'm doing my cbt on tuesday, so that should feel like progress....

The cbt was quite fun, is it your first time on a motorbike?

I took an example theory test, just for the hell of it. I failed, despite the fact that I've passed my Advanced driving test.

The reason - I was clicking when I spotted a hazard, but it was WAY too early. For example, I saw a car approaching a side junction, so I clicked (on the IAM test, I would have been expected to say "spotted a vehicle approaching from the left - possible hazard") However, on the "normal" test, you're only expected to actually click to say its a hazard when the car has actually pulled out in front of you! Daft, and penalises exceptional observation and anticipation.

Hazard perception is a load of shit. It is nothing like driving in a real car as for starters, the clips are so small that you can't see the hazard developing!!

My missus failed hers the first time too, but passed the second time.

well thanks for the input and advice guys. nigel this is exactly the problem you have as a road user. very very frustrating, and took all my strenght not to rant at the guy about how shit the whole test is (not his fault of course, but he was there) still, eyes on the prize.
and yes it will be my first time on a bike. cannot wait to be honest.

The problem with Hazard Perception is that it's designed for people that have never driven before. I recently did my DAS and found it best to click the mouse as soon as I had spotted the hazard (this was before the scoring period every time), wait a second. click again, wait a second, click again etc until the hazard had gone. You can click a good few times if you feel the need to, people seem to think it's a one click thing.

I thought the hazard perception test was good and not too difficult. If you understand the instructions and remove all the advice on when to click and when not to from other people, then it's obvious. It's about observation, not trying to beat the system.

Nigel is right, you need to click on actual hazards not just cars/people appearing in the clip, otherwise you are applying your own logic to it (everything is a hazard), which isn't what they're asking you to do.

In fact, the test should be easier than real life as you are concentrating on what might happen all the time, something which you probably wouldn't do every day.

I think once you've done your CBT and DAS and ridden around for a bit, you'll have a different viewpoint on the matter as a biker. As just a car driver, you don't have to be as observant to stay safe (although you should be).

Thanks again for the comments. i think im just frustrated that to my way of thinking, i have to learn to pass a test and little else. as a motorist and keen cyclist i am very aware of what can happen on the road and the need to have eyes in the back of my head.i just dont think this test helps or confirms anything as its so far detatched from road craft in real life. i also cant believe i can fail my test, leave, and drive off. totally underminds the whole thing.

Be thankful they don't take away your licence to drive!

well, un detered i have my cbt tomorrow, and i can't wait! the next theory test is booked, and then will go for my das. the more i do the more i want a bike!

on reflection to the HP i have bought a revision cd for the pooter, and though i did quite a few of the online trials, the government one does seem to have a different style. i still think it's dumb, but well, something i need to get done.

in terms of bikes, i've spoken to a few bike mates and a couple of bike shop guys, and the general concensus is to go for a 600. i know a few of you guys on here ride bikes, so will be happy to listen to your opinions on the matter also, i'd really like a zx6r, or a cbr600, but am not too fussed, though i do prefer bikes with fairings. my budget is a poxy 1.5-2k so if you can recommend anything then i'm all ears.

craig

I started off on a cheep Yamaha diversion 600cc It was a solid bike, nice and light with plenty of bits about. I then went to a bandit 600cc

The Yamaha was a better commuter bike but the bandit was a lot of fun. I think 600cc is the upper limit of what you should be going for for a first bike, the only other recommendation is getting something cheep that you wont mind bashing up a little for your first bike as at some point, you will likely drop it.

thanks sam, i think i'd prefer a 400 (vfr) but finding one on my budget that hasn't had a bazillion owners and 40k on the clock is a tall order!

The VFR 400 is a pretty small bike, I'd sit on one before you buy one and make sure it feels ok. I tried a few bikes but settled on a CCM R30 supermoto as my first bike. It's a 650cc single, not the quickest thing in the world but I don't do any great distance.

I think a 600 is about right for a first bike, but if you think you can handle something bigger then go for it, although they are generally more expensive anyway.

I learned to ride on a couple of 600s and bought a z750 when I passed. It's not an outright sports bike so is on a par wih a 600. The good news is there's loads of choice out there for that engine size! I haven't ridden too many bikes to offer much advice but I would recommend a z750, they are good fun and cheap to run. They did a faired version, not sure if it's in your price range?

Are you sure you can't find an NC30 for 1.5k ?? Mine cost me 700 albeit from a work colleague, but when I was looking around last year I'm certain 1.5k would have bagged you a decent one.

Loved mine, plus it was 1/3rd of the cost to insure compared to the likes of zx6r and GSXRs. There's also a very good forum for them and lots of support. As above though, they are a small bike, but it never really affected me (5tt11 15.5st with All the kit on)

They sound amazing by the way!

Well, just looking about they seem to have appreciated a bit. in terms of size i to am the short side of 6foot, and weigh about 11st so thought a bike of this size would make an ideal starter bike.

Ill post up how i got on later. for now though i just want to get started.

well i passed my cbt, an it was a hoot. great instructor, and a good laugh too. interesting to feel the difference in sensitivity too! i can rememer the first time in the car, and the throttle was sooo seneitive! now i never notice it, same on the bike today! it was either bogging down on pilling away, or a comedy panic rev to begin

as the day went on my confidence grew, and felt really happy by the time it was over. really enjoyable experience and even as a cyclist it's interesting to have another perspective as a different road user.

i'm naturally curous, and love learning, and cant wait to get my teeth into the das. just need to brush up on my theory then there's no stopping me!

many thanks to all who have posted on this thread, i'll keep you posted on my progress.

craig

Good work Craig

I knew you'd enjoy it, everybody does! Now get that theory sorted and you'll get through the DAS ready for Spring riding

If you want any advice on the DAS then let me know. It wasn't that long ago that I did it so it's still pretty fresh in my mind.

my budget is a poxy 1.5-2k so if you can recommend anything then i'm all ears.

craig

Have a look at a Triumph TT600, I had 1 for a number of years, it rode really well and never missed a beat. The TT is a bit bigger than the other bikes you mentioned. They stopped making them in 2002, £1,500 should get you a nice one at this time of year

ooof good shout, i really like the look of those. do you know how they are for insurance?

sorry to crash your thread mate.
im planning on taking my bike theory soon, isit true that all january and later tests are case study?

Mine had one, made no sense at all? Though i passed that section i need to look into it further for my retake

Ok cheers craig

Spoke to one of my mates who rides already and apparently its not in place untill the end of this year when the practical will change to

i'm new to bikes, and aquireing kit at the moment, i know there are a few bikers here, just wondering if any of you could give me an idea about what i intend to buy.
i went to about three different places on monday to look at kit, and the best feeling i had was from hein gericke.
the guy spent a good hour off and on talking me through various bits, and what works and doesn't.
after trying on a good few bits, i got the best fit and feeling from this helmet

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/hjc-fg-15-black-helmet.html

it's at the upper end of what i'm prepared to pay, but fitted like a glove, better than some lids twice the price.

these trousers fitted nice and had good support

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/m...se-schwarz.html

and a couple of choices for jackets depending on budget, but something like this was a nice sturdy feeling, well fitting jacket

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/m...hwarz-grau.html

also a pair of gloves they had for about £35 again sheltex commuter type gloves

my total kit budget is £400 and this lot comes in a £425 after the no vat deal. the bloke was keen that he could do me a deal on top of the no vat, and possibly throw in a few bits too (pin lock and back protection) so my question is, is this a good shout? and about the right price?
over to you lot for your thoughts.

craig