Carma90

So after failing on my first go of the Mod 1 test by putting a foot down on the slalom (the nerves got to me/I entered the slalom too fast) my instructor was able to book me another test for this morning. So I turned up bright and early at the instructing centre ready for redemption. Now the practice yard that I had access to was only small so the layout of the cones was a bit obscure, nonetheless everything went fine. After several run through's I was ready to head off to the test centre. My instructor took me to an industrial estate to practice a few emergency stops and swerves (I nailed these on my first go of the Mod 1 so I was confident). Before long it was time to head to the test centre, 'Right, perform a U-turn and we'll head off' said my instructor. Now I've never really been too confident with my U-turns as I end up looking at the ground. Silly, I know! As we were on an industrial estate there were kerbs either side of the road, automatically before I even put the bike into gear my mind was focusing on the kerbs. I began my U-turn, chin to shoulder, looking to where I wanted the bike to go...then I glanced at the kerb, saw I was getting too close, grabbed that front brake and down she went. Not an ideal situation to be in 10 minutes before my Mod 1 test... No damage to the bike but my confidence was shaken. I had that deep sick/sinking feeling. My instructor reassured me the best he could but I thought that was game over. Rocked up to the test centre, parked up and awaited my fate. Manual handling, slalmon, figure of 8 and slow ride all went well, then it was time for the U-turn. Now one of the U-turn bays at this test centre has no obstructions either side, the other has a wonderful kerb right next to one of the boundary lines...guess which one I had to perform mine in! I took a deep breath and began the maneuver. Chin to shoulder, looking where I wanted to go...SUCCESS! Kept the kerb out of site and stopped a good foot from the boundary line. The rest of the test went perfectly and I ended up passing without any minors. I don't know if this little story deserves a moral but I guess the most important thing is to just remember what you'v been taught!