If you’re planning on taking your practical bike test, then it is a good idea to become aware of the common mistakes that can cause you to fail. This will help you prepare better and make sure you don’t repeat the mistakes.
#1. Incorrect sequence and use of motorcycle controls
Once you decide on a change of direction, then the right way to go about making it is by checking the mirrors to see what is behind and what is in the intended direction of travel first. After this, signal for three seconds, take a lifesaver check right before making the turn to confirm that what you saw in the mirror was accurate and then move into the space you wanted.
You have the responsibility to periodically check on the state of traffic flow behind you. This allows you to read the flow of traffic. It gives you the ability to know when to drop-back or speed up again and gives you the information and time required to respond if any hazardous situation arises. You also get sufficient time to change directions after checking the mirrors.
Similarly, leaving your indicator on gives the impression that you are not paying attention to everything around you as you should be. While this is not one of the biggest mistakes that you could make, it could nevertheless result in the devaluation of your total performance. It could even be the tipping point that leads to failure.
#2. Riding too close to the other traffic
There should always be an adequate gap maintained between you and the rest of the traffic when riding. There is no excuse for not doing so. The most basic rule you can follow to avoid this is commonly known as the two-second rule. With this, wait for the nearest vehicle in front of you to pass by a lamp-post. You shouldn’t be passing that same post any sooner than after two seconds. The dangers of being too close to the next vehicle are obvious. Not only are you allowing an obstruction of your view of the road ahead, you are also taking away any chance of being able to prevent an accident from happening.
Another thing you should be aware of is understanding and responding in a manner to ensure that you are always away from danger. This is especially relevant when you are about to make turns or traveling at an intersection.
#3. Pulling away from the side of the road without looking behind you
When the examiner asks you to move off, you may end up being so engrossed in doing as you’ve been asked that you forget the very basics. Make sure you ingrain in yourself that no matter what happens, you do not leave the curb-side without first looking behind you.
Similarly, it is also important to make sure that you keep your gaze ahead at all times. This helps in giving you the bigger picture required to identify potential hazards and properly engage in target fixation. If you do not maintain a straight gaze, it may end up causing you to run wide on corners or destabilize the bike on corners.
Keep in mind that the most fundamental rule of riding a bike is always that you should look where you go. After all, where you look will lead to being where you steer the bike as well.
#4. Traveling on the wrong speed
Pay attention and make sure you know how to identify the speed limits of the road you’re traveling on. Ride at an appropriate pace while making sure that you stay within the speed limit at all points. It can help if you keep repeating to yourself exactly what the signs and markings on the sides of the road mean and what the speed limit on this stretch of road.
#5. Cutting right-hand turns
If you are riding on the main road and then need to turn into a side road while giving way for the traffic in the opposite lane to go ahead, always make sure that you never cut across the center line of the road you are turning into or turn in too early. This would generally result in a failure to look into what cars are coming out of the side road and open up the possibility of an accident occurring. Therefore, always look for any potential hazards that you may need to avoid before you make the turn. You need not rush the turn while compromising your own safety. After all, this is not a race.
The failure to scan sides can ultimately result in many collisions and therefore, it is important to never forget to scan and check mirrors before entering a turn or intersection. After all, this is the only way you can accurately maintain a spatial awareness of the surrounding traffic. Never assume that you have right of way and therefore also are secure from any risks on the road.
