General Ability

Deportment
Rider and machine must blend harmoniously at all times. The controls should be adjusted so as almost to become extensions of the rider’s limbs. Posture should be natural and comfortable. Lying flat on the tank or hanging off the seat when cornering should be treated as unnecessary for the road rider. Quiet efficiency is the hallmark of the good rider. Your consideration for other road users and your self discipline will reveal itself, as will your temperament, which, at least when riding, should be calm and relaxed but alert and decisive.

Vehicle sympathy
We expect association members to respect their machines and develop motorcycle sympathy to the benefit of the current and future rider.

Observations
One of the principal differences between the novice and the advanced rider is the huge amount which the latter sees and applies when developing a riding plan. You will be expected to actively seek information about changes in the short, medium and distant views. It is not enough merely to acknowledge a change as the examiner will wish to see evidence of observation links and how you cope with what you have seen.

Judging distance
The examiner will note your ability to judge distance and the way you relate this to the speed of your own and other vehicle's, together with the way you link this ability with your braking and acceleration.

Motorways and dual carriageways
Joining the motorway can be from either lane of the slip road and will depend on traffic conditions and which lane gives the best view of the motorway. You should use acceleration sense to achieve an appropriate merge speed. Speed and following distances should be appropriate for the conditions. When leaving the motorway you should be in lane 1 before the 300 yards marker and, if necessary, signalling that intention.

Knowledge
At the end of the ride you will be asked several questions on The Highway Code, Motorcycle Roadcraft and basic motorcycle mechanics. You must be familiar with these two publications. There are a few things about how motorcycles work that every rider must know. Your motorcycle handbook should provide sufficient data for this part of the test. Know your subject well and you will not go far wrong.

It is worth mentioning that through membership of RoADAR local groups you are likely to have many questions answered by the members who have already taken a test. It is unusual for a rider without some form of advanced rider training to obtain a high grade. Local group tutors can help and their advice and support is free.