Hi all, has anybody had recent experience of doing a direct access course including the mod 1 and 2 tests?

what was it like?

Dan

I have mate feel free to ask any questions and I have linked a thread below which I created when I started my journey to getting a bike license, hope it is of interest.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/361349-chunks-biker-journey-from-nothing-to-full-bike-license/

I did my Direct Access the year they introduced the Mod 1 / Mod 2 system, it was not the drama the motorcycle press would have you believe...

 

It makes sense to learn the manoeuvres in a safe and controlled environment, as long as you are keen to learn and listen to your instructor you should be fine. 

 

If you are worried about the speed for the swerve test, don't, there is plenty of space to build up speed and plenty of space to stop.

I have mate feel free to ask any questions and I have linked a thread below which I created when I started my journey to getting a bike license, hope it is of interest.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/361349-chunks-biker-journey-from-nothing-to-full-bike-license/

Very helpful thread that thank you! I am going a similar route to you in getting my full license. I bought a Honda cbf125 2 weeks ago and got my dad to teach me basic controls before my CBT , which I completed last week. Passed my theory yesterday so I'm looking into the direct access route but I didn't realise how much it was lol. So I'll probably have to do the course early next year but it will give me time to gain experience on the road with my 125.

I'm more nervous about the mod 1 test than the mod 2 to be honest. How long do the tests last?

I keep looking at the bigger bikes and fancy a bandit600 for my first big bike to gain some experience on.

From memory the mod 1 test is about 15 minutes long and most of that is the examiner explaining the maneuvers. Just remember you don't have to do your mod 1 until you want to and feel ready. I had a good couple of practice goes with my bike school on Sundays at the actual mod 1 test centre before I felt ready.

Mod 2 is about 40 minutes long and like you said above I found this easier than mod 1 as I had been used to being out on the roads on my 125 so it was the same just on a bigger bike.

Christ mod 1 doesn't last long then.

How you finding riding the bigger bike? Easier than wringing the neck out the 125 lol?

A Bandit 600 isn't a bad shout for a first big bike, I found riding the Suzuki GS500 school bikes a real shock coming from a 125, they really are much faster.

 

My first bike after passing my Direct Access was my old mans 2nd bike, a DL1000 V-Strom, probably a bit big to start with if I'm honest. I went out and Bought a Triumph Street Triple R afterwards and found that to be a brilliant machine to learn on.

Once you pass your test and get a bigger bike you will never look back! You will wonder how you managed to put up with a 125 for so long...

A Bandit 600 isn't a bad shout for a first big bike, I found riding the Suzuki GS500 school bikes a real shock coming from a 125, they really are much faster.

 

My first bike after passing my Direct Access was my old mans 2nd bike, a DL1000 V-Strom, probably a bit big to start with if I'm honest. I went out and Bought a Triumph Street Triple R afterwards and found that to be a brilliant machine to learn on.

The bandit idea came from my dad he said they easy to get on with and prices are low as well!

That bike is a big lump to be fair! Those triumphs are a lovely looking bike , just seen a few pictures of one all in black looks proper mean.

My instructor uses a Honda CBF600 for the training and test, the bigger version of my wee 125, can't wait to start!

If you're anything like me you'll find the bigger bikes far more reassuring. I never felt safe on the 125s.

 

Bandit is a good choice.

+1

I took a 4 day DAS course involving CBT and MOD1+ MOD2 14 months ago. This gives you the basic tools to handle a bike and keep you safe initially. the MOD1 was fairly easy on the training school's manouevrable 600 Fazer after 3 days of practice on a replica test area. The DVSA test area seemed new and had (I was told) special grippy tarmac for the swerve and emergency brake test. Followed up the licence pass shortly afterwards with an excellent Lincolnshire Road Safety-backed Performance Plus day at Cadwell Park, which gave me tips to read the road, handling and braking and therefore ride with a bit more confidence. I took a BikeSafe assessment 6 months after Performance Plus and I learn more pretty much each time I go out. I would echo other responses to say that once you pass the test, you should get a decent size bike, which suits your riding style and capability. I bought a VFR750 and after a year and 4500 miles I am still happy but have started to look at >1000cc bikes. On your 125 remember that whilst you might be riding in a safe manner, you must treat every other road-user as a threat, because some car drivers are blind and some bike riders take it as a personal challenge to overtake you on a country road bend as if it was the last lap of a MotoGP round. Lastly please wear proper protective gear. I am constantly amazed at the number of gloveless riders on scooter and 125 bikes who just because they are 'popping down the shop' think they have titanium knuckles. Good luck on your test.

I did the Mod 1 & Mod 2 earlier this year after pottering around on a CBF125 for 8-9 months... both tests are fairly straight forward Mod 2 being the easier of the 2 as said above. If your local training/test centre is anything like mine book well in advance as they book up early when the fine weather comes back around (especially if you want to get the tests close together)

 

I went straight on to a 600 gixxer... took a while to get the feel for it but just took it VERY easy. in fact I still am lol.

 

good luck

I didnt do direct access as i wasnt old enough at the time. When i did mine i was restricted to 33bhp for 2 years, but the test was the same.

Mod 1. Ride around some cones. At the time i did mine the swerve was the most dangerous. You had to do it at 31mph or above no matter what the conditions. People were crashing. So i think theyve made that easier now! Only lasts about 15 minutes anyway. Just basic bike control.

Mod 2. More like a car test. On the road bein watched. Easy too if you know what you're doing and what to check when.

Youll be fine.

Bike wise. Bandits are good bikes and cheap too. Have you looked at SV's? Also a nice bike with a nice engine and easy to ride.

Its all down to preference. They only go as fast as you want, but i would advise steering clear of the properly focused stuff.

I also did mine around this time last year after having a year on a YBR125,

 

If nothing else the smaller bike helps you get some motorcycle road sense and learns you to delevop eyes up your ass,

 

Altho as said once you have your test done and get out on a big bike you wont look back

I did Direct Access a year ago.

If you remember all you've been taught and put it into practice you'll be fine.

I personally found Mod 2 more demanding, but it was pouring with rain!

Remember Direct Access gives you the skills to pass your test and little more IMHO.

I enrolled on IAM advanced riders course within months and have recently passed. I found it has really improved my riding skills and confidence and I enjoy riding even more.

I had already bought a Yamaha Fazer 1000 before I passed my test because I had the opportunity to buy it was low mileage, genuine and a good price. Probably not the ideal way to start ideally.

Etither way, good luck with your tests, ride to your capabilities and enjoy biking....nothing like it.

PS. Just noticed your from Hereford, did mine with James Robinson...top people.

Edited 25 November, 20169 yr by jerbear

I can't wait to get started doing it. Shame I'm skint till after Xmas but I been riding the 125 daily to get more practice in and also given it a full service as well!

I'm doing mine with a chap in Ross jerbear, James Robinson is actually only down the road from me but I didn't realise till after I booked my cbt with this bloke in ross (plonker). Lol

I can't wait to get started doing it. Shame I'm skint till after Xmas but I been riding the 125 daily to get more practice in and also given it a full service as well!

I'm doing mine with a chap in Ross jerbear, James Robinson is actually only down the road from me but I didn't realise till after I booked my cbt with this bloke in ross (plonker). Lol

I approached him when I was looking to do my Direct Access, he sounded fine but Hereford is a lot closer to me ( and you by the sounds )

Good luck anyway

The Bandit is a very good bike to start with. It is big enough but is a comfortable general purpose bike rather than a full on racer type bike. I had a GSX600F which is basically a fared Bandit as my first bike after doing the direct access many moons ago. I had it for about a year to get used to riding a big bike before selling to a friend who had just come out of his 2 year restriction and buying myself a ZZR1100. Nice bike that ZZR but scared myself on it a couple of times, especially going over a bridge expansion joint in the damp once with it leant over and the throttle open a bit. Not only did the bikes backside wobble a bit that day!!

The Bandit is a very good bike to start with. It is big enough but is a comfortable general purpose bike rather than a full on racer type bike. I had a GSX600F which is basically a fared Bandit as my first bike after doing the direct access many moons ago. I had it for about a year to get used to riding a big bike before selling to a friend who had just come out of his 2 year restriction and buying myself a ZZR1100. Nice bike that ZZR but scared myself on it a couple of times, especially going over a bridge expansion joint in the damp once with it leant over and the throttle open a bit. Not only did the bikes backside wobble a bit that day!!

Easy done on a bike with decent power and none of the rider aids eh.

Easy done on a bike with decent power and none of the rider aids eh.

 

50p, 5p, 50p, 5p

 

It's amazing how much suction your arsehole can produce when you get it wrong  :p 

Plan on doing mine next year. Good luck Dan

Plan on doing mine next year. Good luck Dan

Get it done mate. Best thing you'll ever do imo!

It might distract you from Skodas though.. .

Get it done mate. Best thing you'll ever do imo!

It might distract you from Skodas though.. .

Don't need convincing, I have Garry constantly on my case

I am an ex DVSA bike examiner.

The test areas at purpose built MPTC's (Multi purpose test centre) Do have a special and very grippy surface, which gives very similar grip in wet and dry weather.

There are other test areas which do not have the surface.

Most are at truck MOT test centres and other DVSA sites.

Do yourself a favour and take the test at a MPTC.

For the emergency stop and avoidance, the way to crack them is to build speed round the bend so you don't have to accelerate hard on the approach to the speed trap.

This gives you more time to plan the stops.

I would say that 95% of those that crash on these two excersises do so because of one thing.

Braking whilst steering. DONT DO IT!

The Mod 1 is run as below:

wheel the moped or motorbike and use the stand

do a slalom and figure of eight

a slow ride

U-turn

cornering and controlled stop

cornering and the emergency stop

cornering and hazard avoidance.

The examiner will explain what you need to do before each part so don't worry.

Oh, and even if you think he isn't watching, he is.

My best bit of advice for both parts of the test....

If you think you have made a mistake, forget it and concentrate on the rest of the test.

It may not result in a fail and ALWAYS depends on the circumstances at the time.

Good luck and happy safe riding.

"A mistake may not be a fail depending on circumstances" is definitely true; I drove through an amber light on mine and still passed, because I was checking mirrors for following traffic as it started to change.