I did my pre Provisional course yesterday. The day started out bad and didn't improve any. This was the first time I have ridden the bike in the rain, and about 1km from home I almost lost the back end on the first roundabout on my way to the test so for the rest of the day I was not confident with my riding. I made it to the testing place OK with only the usual hazards like car's reversing out of driveways in-front of you. Now the fun begins The first part of the day was a review of road craft, Hazard detection, etc from the L course. Next out onto the track for some slow speed maneuver revision. Back to the class room and talk about what we will do on the road ride. Off on a road ride where the instructor watches from in-front and behind every 2ND bike. looking out for buffering hazard detection and bike handling. Lunch break and then back for some practice for the MOST test. The more I practiced the worst I seem to get and the instructor surgested doing some things different to the way I practiced them which didn't help my cause at the time. But I did pass the course OK. Finally we all had to do the MOST test. This is where I completely stuffed up and tried to do it the way the instructor suggested and I failed. Although it wasn't has fault I was just having a bad day on the bike in the wet for the first time. I should have postponed doing the course when the forcast was so bad. But out today and practiced what the instructor told me and I can get through the whole test with out a fault doing it his way. So the advise was priceless once I had enough time to practice it. It was also a fine and sunny today and I have my confidence back which no doubt helped. I will keep practicing for a week or two then I need to do the test only part again.
Hey Phil I thought you had your license provisional license already ??. Wet weather riding is always challenging, oil, line paint, person hole covers etc all become bigger hazzards in the wet as well as reduced visability for yourself and car drivers. I considor myself a fair weather rider , but I have ridden in the rain many times and have a reasonable feel, it all comes down to practice and faith in your abilities and your bike. I went for my RE license during winter and had 2 of my lessons and my RE road test in the rain, if you dont feel super confident in the wet, then get someone to take you out somewhere away from traffic and practise. I guess the big question is, when are you sitting the next test ? Cheers Chris
I only have my learners permit and this was the first time it has rained since I got the bike that I have been able to get out and ride. I have ridden on a drying road before but "Thor" has been looking after me and not raining on top of me before now. I have to wait at least 7 days but with being on call with work it may be 2 or 3 weeks weather permitting (ROFL). At least I can get some more practice in in this time and ace the test. As for riding in the rain I will be out in it as much as possable to get my confidence up as it was like riding for the first time all over again. I knew I could ride harder than I was but it just didn't feel right.
Thor was on my side last Friday and I had a fine day to try again for my p's This time I was better prepaired and with a little luck on my side I walked out with my p's. just have to wait 12 months and I can get my unrestricted licence the funny thing is my p's last 18 months and they won't send you a reminder till 6 months after you are able to get your full licence.
Well done Phil, good effort. The next 12 months will fly by, who knows what awaits you then Cheers Phil
Hi mate you need to be on your L's for 3 months but you can book the pre p's course about a month out as it can be very hard to get a spot on weekends. You can down load the exercise that you must do on the day and set it up and practice before you do the course. You get up to 9 points but if you fail the last exercise you fail. The morning will be going over what you did on the per l's some riding practice and a road ride. after lunch you do the test. Good luck
Hey guys, Phil mentioned that you can download the exercises that you will be doing on the day and practice them... Where can I find these exercises? Otherwise can anyone give a detailed description of the kind of exercises I would need to practice to be ready for the day?
I would recommend practicing the cone weave u turn and the last one obstacle avoidance as these were where most people failed when I was doing mine. I still practice these regularly and the emergency stop as well it comes in handy in real life
Thanks for the replies guys, just downloaded the exercises and will be sure to practice as much as I can. Even though I have only been riding for a month or so, I think it's best if I practice these exercises and progress to the P's asap so that the time on restricted licence can progress.