New Test - not that bad

Following all the hype last week re the new test I made myself sick on my way to the test centre last thursday, I was a complete wreck given I hadnt had the opportunity to practice.

When I got there the examiner was very good, he calmed me down and i felt a tad better. I went out into the pad and to my surprise it didnt look anywhere near as daunting as I had thought, looking at the swerve test I was amazed at the gap between the cones, very big.

All in all I had a brilliant test apart from failing due to my own stupid fault (locked back wheel on emergency stop). The test is no-where near as bad as everyone is making out, in fact it actually feels much safer than doing manouvres on the road as whats the worst that can happen…….you bump down the pad if you come off (obviously unfortunate that 1st guy broke his arm).

It seems that bike schools are very quiet as everyone is afraid of doing the new test, my advice would be to get good training and give it a bash. I booked both parts a week apart so I only had to re-pay the 1st part of test which was £10.

I am no-where near as nervous about sitting test again, infact now I know what to expect I am lookng forward to it. The only think I will say is that last week when I took mine the rain was pelting down and I wasnt allowed to adjust my speed accordingly, this is possibly one of the major failings of the test…I locked the back wheel on emergency stop going at 36mph, as you all know when you are training you are lucky to get above 30mph for this…this would be my only complaint so far.

On a very positive note for everyone who thinks of the u-turn as their nemesis (yes most of us) then you will be pleasantly surprised, the space you have is HUGE! They have had to make it so any bike can turn. It is brilliant, no kerbs, lamp-posts, trees etc……..I was almost skipping when I saw it. So anyway, fingers crossed for me again and good luck to you all.