Jump to content

TPP87

Registered users
  • Posts

    2
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Personal Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Chester

TPP87's Achievements

0

Reputation

  1. Evenin all, Just thought I'd return to provide a pleasant update to my failure post on July 21st. On my third attempt I finally passed my Mod 2 at Shrewsbury! Following my second failed attempt (resulting in a termination of the test) my confidence was very badly shaken. But I knew I couldn't give up so I found a new school to have a lesson and booked the test again. I learnt more at this place in 1 lesson (RJH) than I did in all my lessons with the previous school. If you are in the Manchester/Chester area I would highly recommend these guys. They are highly professional, very friendly and lack the over familiarity of some of the less salubrious establishments who frankly will talk to you like an unwanted child. They teach you to ride safe, not just to pass the test. They also have a whole range of instructional videos on YouTube which were invaluable for me. I took the advice given on here and had a friend who lives near the test area drive me around, showing me all the tricky areas particularly things that had failed me before like complex roundabouts. I took my time to learn all road signs and the many types of junctions (I rode out into oncoming traffic on last test!). I experience anxiety in everyday life and under test situations it increases with the added pressure. To counter this I used meditation and avoided all forms of caffeine and alcohol until the test. This may seem excessive to some but I overthink everything and my brain is always going a 1000 mph, so I am in a constant battle to stay calm. Doing the above has brought a lot of benefits aside from the test and I will be continuing with it. I booked the entire day off for the test even though it was early in the morning so I didn't have to worry about getting to work afterwards. I prepared and double checked everything I needed was ready the night before. Got to the school in plenty of time and had a lovely ride down to Shrewsbury with the instructor and another trainee in the morning sun. I amazed myself at how calm I was when I got there. Knowing I had some knowledge of the area and had done everything I possibly could to fill my gaps in understanding removed a lot of the usual anxiety. Previously I'd followed this idea of my brother's on the last two tests to not tell anyone when the tests were. The point being there would be less pressure to pass. All this did was make me feel like I was alone in the experience! Knowing I had the support and well wishes of all my friends and family really gave me a positive mental outlook for this test and I'm certain aided me in passing in a big way. Anyway I passed, the guy who did my test was a really friendly bloke and put me at ease right from the start. I did get 9 minors, mostly caused by being overly cautious (not wanting to take any risks) but a pass is a pass! I really hope my methods above will help someone else in a similar situation. I have spent most of the last 24 hours on my 07 Ninja, on my second tank already and my face hurts from grinning!! Good luck! Tom
  2. Hi guys, New to the forum and felt I should share my experience. So I have failed two Mod 2 tests so far. The first was in Chester; did absolutely fine but unfortunately I entered a wrong lane to turn right on a roundabout and a vehicle had to brake behind me meaning a fail. The second, and by far the worst experience and performance, was at St Helens. To give some background I am 30, never driven a car except a few lessons and only ridden a 125 on the roads for around 9 months. The instructor I had for lessons prior kept forgetting I didn't drive and in the lessons was always telling me 'just do it like you do in your car'. So a little advice for someone doing your bike license with no driving experience - some instructors will expect you to already know how the roads work as for most people the bike is a weekend only deal. Get the highway code and learn it. Anyway back to the test. Everything was going fine, up until the independent ride. I came to a 4 way junction and stopped at the traffic lights waiting to turn right. As the light turned green (no filter light) I moved off and proceeded to turn right. It was during this turn I realised to my horror the traffic from the opposite junction was also travelling towards me. I should have given way to oncoming traffic. A car had to brake and if the driver hadn't seen me I'd of been off the bike. The sense of disappointment in myself as I realised my mistake was profound. Later the test conductor took me through a similar junction and I made the same mistake. I was then asked to pull up to the side of the road where he advised I was driving dangerously and would hurt myself and the test had been terminated. He then went through the score sheet with me and explained why he ended the test. I was left at the side of the road with the bike whilst he rode back to the test centre to advise my instructor. This really means a lot to me for many reasons. Over the last couple of years bikes have become all I can think about. I have a Ninja 600 at home locked up at home waiting for me. To fail so badly was devastating and really made me question if I should even be on the road. It's taken me almost a week to feel like I'm ready to look at booking again but I know I can't give up. Taking the emotion out of it and looking at this logically the reasons I failed are clear and as explained above. Experience and knowledge. Now I'm studying everyday to increase my understanding of road rules and correct riding and watching hours of test/lesson footage. I have a lesson booked (with a new school - have issues with the place I was training but that's another story) and if they think I'm OK I will be booking my next test. Hopefully in a few weeks I can update this story with a happy ending. Anyway hope someone benefits from the above. Thanks for reading, Tom
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Guidelines We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Please Sign In or Sign Up