A friend of mine is attempting his bike test module 1. His is a very experienced car driver and has driven all sorts of vehicle inc.artics.He has failed module 1 twice so far and is now losing confidence,but I amy doing my best to encourage him to continue.Today we went onto an empty car park and placed cones in position thereby replicating the swerve test, which has to be done at 32mph,in both dry or wet conditions.I have ridden all sorts of bikes over 45yrs,and must say this test,is downright dangerous in the wet,and at best very difficult,in dry conditions. The irresponsible buffons who devised this and other parts of the test should be ashamed of themselves. Or pehaps its part of a greater plan. Have you all noticed at any bike event how the average age seems to be getting older.Dont let the bastards grind us down

I thought they'd stopped using the swerve test for those very reasons ?

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

Apparently not.I tried the swerve test using my triumph speed triple, it was bloody difficult. As for weaving between cones at walking speed.

There was a relaxation on the speed required for the run up to the swerve test which was applied about 9 months ago.

There is a 5% leeway allowed in reaching the speed (31mph/50kmh) following, I presume, the many complaints from those who came a cropper on the test.

I hope your buddy hangs in there and has another go. Plenty of people do pass this test so don't lose faith !

Jon

PS if you think this test is enough to put off potential riders, wait until January 19th 2013.

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10 XB12X
09 RS125 Stink wheels

They ought to make the test real world with a figure 8 cross over and some jumps...

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08 Specialized Langster

The swerve is difficult and I can imagine doing it under pressure could be hard. A friend and I practiced before his test and he managed it first time. The knack is to ease of the brake whilst swerving then brake hard front and rear to stop in time, also to use the pegs to swerve the bike. Tell him not to get disheartened we practised that bit of the test for weeks it's 90% confidence because it feels so unnatural. I'm glad I passed my test so long ago

After having my liscense from 1991 revoked had to retake mod 1&2 in 2009. Got a major bollocking ,but they couldn't fail me for doing the swerve at 49mph in the damp
I found that the u turn was my nemesis took ages to get it and even then was a matter of luck more than judgement.
Tell your mate to just be confident don't bottle it and don't break till after the swerve......might come in usefull when some twat pulls out on ya. Good Luck

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Buelling is exhillarating
But downhill bike racing is so terrifying it makes your arse grow teeth

I passed my test about 15 months ago and had no trouble with the swerve test key is to accelerate and once you get to the cones roll of the accelerator. I didn't find it dangerous its all about confidence