Main part of the Restricted test?

[CookMySock]

Err, didn't do U turn for my restricted

Nor I.

If you have 3 or 4 thousand km's under your belt, and you have ridden 200km's in the last two weeks, the restricted test will be a total doddle. Dont stress.

Steve

[davebullet]

I'm sitting my restricted tomorrow... so will let you know what I do (not that it sets a precedent for your test). In the rain should be fun!

Regarding u-turns, my suggestion is to practice full lock turns which are a worst case scenario. I find keeping your legs tucked in against the tank nice and tight to help balance.

When you are happy with that, practice uphill and downhill u-turns if they are a reality near where you live.

Cheers,
Dave.

[Lilly2w]

Good luck, don't worry we'll still ride with you even if you don't have a plate. (frm member of sundays L plate squad)

[davebullet]

I passed the 6r today. Did 2 u-turns (back to back, stopping in-between). The hardest part here was remembering the indicating, looking over your shoulder business - getting the sequence right.

tester said my ride was good but just needed to check side streets for hazards more. I was - but using eye glances, so as other's have said, make it obvious by slightly turning your head.

If using a headset, nod when receiving an instruction if you've got it clear - shows you are paying attention and stops the tester having to repeat themselves (which they must get sick of).

Key thing is to ride a little slower and take your time. I tend to be a person who speeds up when nervous.

PRactice your u-turns. If you are spending more time worried about gear selection, brake, clutch position and balance, then you probably need more practice. When it comes to u-turns - you are focussing on left and right, checking for a clear path, because all the other stuff has become automatic. You won't put a foot down then / stuff it up.

Cheers,
David.

[cityboy]

I passed 6R today.

Did 2 U-turn, back to back also. Stopped in between but the tester told me not to stop.
Practiced for a few weekends + weekdays whenever I got time.
- Thank for everyone's advice on that.

Went through a 70kph zone but did it at 60 only because wind was strong.

Tester said I signaled wrongly at round about. When I asked for detailed, he leatured me a while before saying I signaled right when turning left at round about. Still very confusing since not knowing exactly which one.
Anyway, just need to pay more attention to that.

Took the test at Kilbirnie, where I go regularly and tested u-turn a few times. So, quite familiar with the place and can expect what is coming.

Good luck to those coming to test soon, and thank to those shared experience and provided advices.

[Delerium]

iv heard they want you look over your shoulder before moving off from a stand still, can anybody tell me what the point of this is please?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

One thing to remember, the tester is not just testing your skill of riding (as such) but is also testing to see if you know the road rules...

My other half failed on first attempt because she didin't put her foot down for long enough at stop sign... (which I thought was rot because at a complete stop I can balance me bike for a good ten seconds... before I need to put my foot down) she sore she did and was even counting it in her head... 1, 2, 3, blah blah blah...

Make your movements obvious, when at a stop sign stop for 3 or 4 seconds and make obvious your foot is firmly on the ground before you even start to look to see if is clear.

Make your head movements looking your mirrors more obvious, one trick is to put a bright or a constrasting sticker on the back of the helment.

Remember 3 seconds warning for indicating... and if you can give a couple more (but not to many more as it can be just as confusing when you are going to turn)

Watch your speed...

Slow down before the speed signs and be doing the indicated speed as you pass the sign (not slowing down after you pass the sign)

Same with speeding up... speed up after you have past the sign not before.

[Blossom]

iv heard they want you look over your shoulder before moving off from a stand still, can anybody tell me what the point of this is please?

I assume you are talking about when you are parked on the side of the road, not just at a stop sign? From the side of the road they want you to look back as a safety precaution as a bikes blind spot is often around the middle of the road behind you when you are parked at the curb.
It looks safer it probably is safer and they want to see it so I guess that is the point.