MC Driver's test: lessons learned

[Mavman]

Good to hear ya passed!!

[St0nkingByte]

That's awesome, congrats!

[dragbar]

Glad you passed, no breath the sigh of relief! hehe

[Clint]

Excellent effort, Mick. Welcome to the "haves".

[md2lgyk]

It's obvious the license requirements have changed since I lived in WA, but apparently the riding test is the same. I remember having a problem with the offset weave thing though I never failed the test. I've taken both the MSF basic and experienced rider courses and neither covered that particular maneuver. Nor, incidently, have I ever had to actually do it again in 30 years of riding. Makes me wonder what's the point of having it as part of the test.

[MickED]

Originally Posted by md2lgyk

It's obvious the license requirements have changed since I lived in WA, but apparently the riding test is the same. I remember having a problem with the offset weave thing though I never failed the test. I've taken both the MSF basic and experienced rider courses and neither covered that particular maneuver. Nor, incidently, have I ever had to actually do it again in 30 years of riding. Makes me wonder what's the point of having it as part of the test.

My best guess for offset weave is control at low speed. Definitely tests that with the bigger bikes fer sure.
The tester stated in the opening spiel that there would be 7 skills tests in the exam. Here they are (WA state for this exam anyway):
1): 45 ft straight at low speed with a 90 degree left turn,
2): then continue back to start and controlled (no locking brake or skid) stop with front tire inside 2x2 ft box.
3): Offset weave with cones 2 and 4 offset 2-3 ft to right of centerline, total 5 cones. Start left of #1, right #2, etc. First cone is 15 ft from start then 12 ft between the rest.
4): then finish with a U turn (smaller bikes get I think 20 ft, bigger ones get 24ft
5): Controlled "panic" stop. Get up to 12-15mph, hit the brake line, stop quickly in control. Locking rear brake ok, with a none skidding straight stop in distance allowed (varies with speed).
6): Avoidance skill. Get up to steady speed 12-15 mph, at line veer right or left to avoid imaginary brick wall.
7): Overall handling. This is subjective and the tester does not tell you he/she is watching all that you do.

So this morning I was able to drive to work in night conditions. Liekly to be the last early morning (0545) ride this year due to low fog, fear of frost as elevation gain from home to work could be disastrous! Typical early morning conditions here in E. Washington this time of year.
Yours,
Mick

[IntruderCruiser]

When I took the DMV test, I rode a Honda 750F with a Vetter Windjammer Fairing with set back on the handle bars which made turning right I think almost impossible as the clutch would not work properly. The guy in front of me failed the test riding a 750. The examiner came up to me and said "Your going to fail also", I reached around to put on my helmet and the examiner said -- "Don't do that, it will throw off your balance during the test", This time I replied, "I ride with it on, so I should do the test with it on", I am sure I disappointed the examiner as I passed the test.

[sachmo]

The TN motorcycle riding test was... go to the light, make a left... then make a left at the next corner and turn around and come back. Someone with 1/2 hour ride experience could pass it.

Congrats!

[md2lgyk]

Originally Posted by sachmo

The TN motorcycle riding test was... go to the light, make a left... then make a left at the next corner and turn around and come back. Someone with 1/2 hour ride experience could pass it.

Congrats!

Sounds tough all right. But when I got my first bike in 1974, the state I lived in at the time didn't even have a motorcycle endorsement. No written test, no riding test, no nothing. All you needed was a regular license.

[monica]

congrats

[inspiron]

From the sounds of it, no one here would be able to pass the Swiss MC driving test.

I've posted it before, but ...

First you apply for a learner's permit - where you either need a valid car driver's license or proof that you attended a first-aid course and pass a theory test.

You can drive 3 months with the permit, but you must have a big blue plate with a white L on the back of the bike, and you aren't allowed to leave the country or carry a passenger who doesn't have a valid MC license. During the first three months, you must attend an 8-hour basic course given by a certified driving instructor. When the instructor puts his stamp on your permit, it is then automatically extended for one year.

During that time, you should take driving lessons and get as much experience as possible. When you feel you are ready, you apply for the manuever test. When you get the invitation/appointment, you need to show up in full gear and a street-legal bike. The bike will be checked - lights, horn, tread depth, etc. If it isn't 100% legal, you fail immedately, without ever leaving the parking lot.

The first test demonstrates that you can operate the bike - you have to look at the inspector, and he says "blinker left" - without looking down, you have to turn on the left blinker. Same then with the horn, high beam, etc.

Next, you go up to the testing grounds - there are 5 tests to pass.
- Starting and stopping on hills (uphill and downhill)
- Slalom
- Circle and Figure-8
- Slow lane (50 feet in no less than 15 seconds)
- Emergency stop from 30mph

When you park the bike, the inspector will also check if you have secured it properly - is it in 1st gear, and pushed forward against the gear so that it can't roll forward and cause the kickstand to fold...

If the inspector feels that you have mastered these manuevers, you will then be given permission to apply for a road test.

For the road test (usually a few weeks later) the inspector gears up and rides as a passenger on your bike. (That's why any bike used for testing must have 2 seats). You are out in residential neighborhoods with uncontrolled intersections, industrial areas with blind intersections, and in the hills doing some twisties. If you master all of these challenges, you get the full endorsement.

The worst part is that hardly anyone passes on the first try, and each time you take the test it costs you about $50. And an hour with a driving instructor costs about $75. I estimate my two bike licenses (the 125 license in 2002, and the unlimited license in 2004) cost me over $1000. (But honestly, it was worth every cent!)

[MickED]

Tougher, more detailed, certainly a better test for overall ability, safety, etc.
I was most suprised inspector did not do a safety check of each and every bike (lights, horn, signals, etc.). Nor did they check to see if you had a valid learner's permit (no nights, no passenger, no freeway), although I do not think that is needed to take the road skills test which is a bit strange.
Total cost: $5.00 usd for written test. I believe I paid another $20.00 for learner's endorsement good for 90 days. $5.00 to schedule skills test. Another $20 for full endorsement = $50.oo(+-) usd
MSF basic course cost $100 for Washington state residents (subsidised by all mc fees collected above). 16 hour course that if passed, eliminates need to take state skills test, saving a whopping $5.00!
European countries in general have stiffer overall driving safety laws (alcohol related, auto inspections (brakes, tires, front end, etc.), MC skills) yet have a broader speed limit (some aurobahn type highways anyway).
Thanks for posting the Swiss endorsement criteria.
Mick

[IntruderCruiser]

a riding buddy, got his license in Germany and the story is similar as to qualifying, same as another riding partner in England --

but I understand that if I have a MC endorsement here, I can get an international license that will allow me to ride over there

[cjjtulsa]

Originally Posted by sachmo

The TN motorcycle riding test was... go to the light, make a left... then make a left at the next corner and turn around and come back. Someone with 1/2 hour ride experience could pass it.

Congrats!

Exactly. Here in Oklahoma they put a speaker on you, and follow you in a car. Turn here, turn there, stop. Going to take mine first chance I get. Just want to make sure I'm good and familiar with the bike in case they throw me some kind of curve.