Module 1 Test Criteria

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm a new learner and have a question regarding the Module 1 U-Turn.

During my DAC I fell off at a junction - hurt pride only... I panic braked and pulled the front brake hence over I went but since then my almost perfect U-Turns have stopped and now I have palpitations at the thought of it. I can still do the slalom and figure eight and slow ride etc but just not a U-turn!

During module 1 the manual handling part requires you to put the bike on the stand but technically you can use the side stand. My question is;

For the U-turn manoeuvre does it say anywhere within the DSA (DVSA now) standards or guidance or test criteria that the U-turn must be a ride? I've checked what documents I can find and nowhere does it "actually" say a U-turn ride. It specifies it for the slalom and figure eight and slow ride (obviously) but not the U-turn?

Yes, I'm thinking of pushing the bike around... It would be funny if nothing else!!

Any help gratefully appreciated

D

[fq-craigus]

no you will fail as its stated that a foot down on the u turn would be a fail therefore if you dismount your bike and push it your feet are down.

main thing to bear in mind is that you get 7.5 meters to turn in which is mahoosive, i have no problems turning my gixer in that space so a upright bike with better turning circle is also easy.

keep practicing, and all will be fine

[Bogof]

Hi,

For the U-turn manoeuvre does it say anywhere within the DSA (DVSA now) standards or guidance or test criteria that the U-turn must be a ride? I've checked what documents I can find and nowhere does it "actually" say a U-turn ride. It specifies it for the slalom and figure eight and slow ride (obviously) but not the U-turn?

 

You're out of luck...

 

U turn

The candidate is required to demonstrate low speed balance, control and effective observation before and whilst riding a U turn within a defined restricted space.

The candidate should be asked to ride a U turn between the two marked lines, as if they were riding on a public road. The candidate should take effective rear observation. Touching but not crossing the lines should be regarded as a rider fault, crossing the lines would be assessed as a serious fault. A significant loss

of control would be assessed as a serious or dangerous fault depending on the circumstances. If not

already positioned correctly the four blue cones that form the controlled stopping box

should be re-positioned at this stage

 

Page 71 of this https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/252099/dsa-dt1-standard-operating-procedure.pdf

[Stilton Jo]

I feel your pain!

I could do U turns easily on my 125, and did Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests on it and got rid of the L plates.

I then went for DAS....on a 600. But I am a shortarse, and struggled with the weight of the bike. Whilst training, I was fine at slalom and figures of 8, but the first time I attempted a U on it, I didn't have enough revs, felt the bike wobble a bit to the right, went to put food down to save it and ended up over compensating and dropped the bike to the left (wtf?).

From then on, I had a mental block on the u turn.

It didn't help that in the carpark area we trained on, they used cones...which actually makes the area smaller.

On the actual test, I did the first few things, then the U turn. I took a deep breath and went for it. Front wheel just on the line, back wheel 6 inches to the right of it when I stopped - bike at slight angle - so a minor! Phew!

regarding putting it on its stand - side stand is absolutely fine.

Good luck!

[Guest]

Thank you for all the replies they're really appreciated.

Well... I got my answer albeit not what I was hoping for but at least I know now. I guess more practice, deep breathes and diazepam (joke!) are the answer.

I'm more frustrated than anything because I was doing them as good as perfect til I dropped the bike now it's palpitations - grrr...

Thanks again

D

[OhJay]

The U turn worries a lot of people, you get in your head and worry about it. As you've said yourself you could do it, there's just now that mental block.

Have you got a bike you can practice on? Go up the local Tesco car park when it's closed on a weekend and just ride around.

Start off riding in circles, large as you like. Round and round and slowly and steadily the circle will become smaller and smaller. It's all about reminding yourself you can do it. When you've got that practice in suddenly the U turn they want you to do on the test becomes huge

My IAM observer is threatening to do the same to me, it doesn't go away

[Guest]

I dreaded it too, seemed so unfair that one foot down and you failed, so big pressure.

I used to practice on my 125 round and round the patio table, very small circle, so when it came to test, on a wider road, it was easy

Good luck.

[Guest]

Thanks again for all the replies. Really appreciated.

I don't have my bike yet as I need a full license before the finance can be released on it! I'm thinking of hiring a 125 for a week or so & practice as you suggest. Tesco was my destination...

Soooo frustrated as just want to get my bike now