Full License Test

**Toecutter** · 6th September 2009, 20:47

I will be taking my full license test in about 3 weeks in Howick and I am after a few pointers.

When I was first taught about positioning on the road at speed, I was meant to do a head check before manoeuvring within the lane for each bend.

However I don't see a lot of bikers doing this and was wondering if anyone had any experience with the instructors/testers looking for this during their test.

I have tried this in practice and when you get a few twisties it is difficult to maintain and still concentrate on whats in front. It obviously has its place.

**mattian** · 6th September 2009, 21:03

it was mentioned after my test that, I didn't always head check after 2 lanes merged into one......... only because it was only me and the testers car on the road at the time and he was well back. It was never mentioned with regards to shifting position within your lane. I would imagine if you were riding with other bikes it would make sense to do it.
The full test (for me) was exactly like the restricted test..... only much longer and more time spent in the high speed zone.
I only did my full a few months ago as well.

**YellowDog** · 6th September 2009, 21:17

The headcheck or lifesaver should be used for changing lanes or making turns on to other roads causing you to leave your lane.

It should also be used before moving off.

If you are not chaning lanes or turning, you don't need to do a headcheck.

Like you say, it can affect your balance.

**Ms Piggy** · 6th September 2009, 21:19

I'd recommend over exaggerating everything a bit. I was completely nervous and worried prior to my full test (passed about a month ago) and it turned out to be fine, not at all difficult.

Do your head checks, put both your feet down when you stop, make sure you STOP completely at compulsory stops and basically follow the road rules. You'll be sweet as!

**Toecutter** · 6th September 2009, 21:35

Putting both feet down.....that's one habit I need to change. I keep my right foot on the brake.

**modboy** · 7th September 2009, 09:20

For me it was the same as restricted but with hazard identification, and just slightly longer.

Rider a bit slower than normal, be defensive, look around from time to time, before changing lanes etc. I agree with everyone here. Both feet down. Don't be afraid to stop and wait at give ways etc.

When asked about the hazards mention everything no matter how insignificant it seems, like a person walking on the footpath over there, little kids playing on the side of the road. Car approaching in the distance etc. Some people say to mention the testers car.

You'll be fine. Just try to relax and ride normally and you'll be sweet.

Good luck

**CookMySock** · 7th September 2009, 09:24

Originally Posted by Toecutter

When I was first taught about positioning on the road at speed, I was meant to do a head check before manoeuvring within the lane for each bend.

I don't think you should be doing full head checks on the open road at speed entering corners. I think you should be looking where you are going at that critical time. You might take note with your peripheral vision, but full-on head checks, no way.

If you are worried about others in your group passing you at that critical point, you might review who you ride with.

Alternatively, consider staying in your half-lane and not taking the whole road when cornering.

Steve

**Toecutter** · 7th September 2009, 19:18

I should perhaps clarify that when it was explained to me, the idea was to do a headcheck prior to repositioning in the lane for the corner way before the bend. Not to do a head check at the start of the corner or during.

Anyway thanks for everyone's feedback, much appreciated. General consensus appears to be that it is not appropriate.

I will let you know how the test goes and hopefully provide some useful feedback for someone else doing the full test in the future.

cheers

**Toecutter** · 1st October 2009, 20:13

Passed my Full License on Tuesday.
Everything went well and was just like the Restricted plus the higher speed section through Whitford Gorge.
Now riding the the 650..Yippeeeh!!

**Felix52** · 2nd October 2009, 09:18

Congrats, and nice choice of bike!

The test really isn't that bad if you just relax and keep the shiny side up.

**Ms Piggy** · 2nd October 2009, 17:28

Originally Posted by Toecutter

Passed my Full License on Tuesday.
Everything went well and was just like the Restricted plus the higher speed section through Whitford Gorge.
Now riding the the 650..Yippeeeh!!

Well done! Very nice choice of bike too!

**paddy** · 2nd October 2009, 17:59

Originally Posted by Toecutter

Passed my Full License on Tuesday.
Everything went well and was just like the Restricted plus the higher speed section through Whitford Gorge.
Now riding the the 650..Yippeeeh!!

Great job! How are you finding the F650 - I wouldn't mind one of those. I passed my full a few weeks back, but at this stage I'll still be tootling around on my DR250. :-)