Most Common Mistakes To Avoid on The DMV Motorcycle Road Test

If you’re planning to go on a motorcycle road test, then you know the merit of passing the exam is based on how many mistakes you make. If you make too many mistakes, you won’t be so lucky. Since most candidates are beginner riders, they don’t know what mistakes to avoid until it is too late. You know, like forgetting to lift the kickstand and freaking out when the motorcycle doesn’t start. But just after you start the engine, it cuts out after you put in the gear. Oooh, wait! You started the motorcycle in neutral, no wonder it behaves that way. How embarrassing! Just hope you don’t do that on your practical test or any other mistakes outlined below. Pay close attention because avoiding the following errors will determine whether you pass or fail the motorcycle test.

Performing the wrong observation/signal sequence

If you want to know the fastest route to failing a riding test, don’t observe and signal before changing lanes or merge into traffic. How hard can it be? Yes, taking your eyes off the road when riding a motorcycle is dangerous, but those mirrors are on your bike for a reason. Looking into the mirror before switching lanes will only take a second or two. But before you change lanes, always indicate the signal, briefly check out for blind spots, and if everything is clear, you can complete the maneuver. Remember, it is mirror-signal-blind spot check, so maneuver in that order. Don’t forget to turn off your blinker.

Careless road positioning

The worst thing you can probably do on a motorcycle road test is to lane-split. Examiners hate that! You shouldn’t think about it even if your instructor didn’t tell you during training. Additionally, whenever you’re riding behind a large vehicle like a bus or truck, position yourself so that the driver ahead can see you through the mirrors.

Over speeding

Most examiners like to take candidates on a downhill stretch to see if they will over speed. Usually, on a steep downhill road, a motorcycle will naturally pick up the speed quickly and if you don’t watch out, you will find yourself over speeding. If that happens, you have to switch to a gear that will keep the speed steady without the need to overuse the brake. You will also notice that most vehicles on the road will go faster than your bike, making you think that you’re slow. Most drivers on the road go past the speed limit, but it would be foolish to give in to peer pressure.

Missing the stop signs

Sometimes, the little things like failing to stop when necessary can make you fail a test. Whenever you see a stop sign, slow down and come to a complete halt just before the demarcation line. The same rules should apply when you come across a red light.

Not yielding to pedestrians

Yes, you’re riding a motorcycle that doesn’t occupy much space compared to a car. But don’t assume just because you’re riding a motorcycle you shouldn’t yield to pedestrians. If you see pedestrians crossing the road, especially at a crosswalk, stop and let them pass. Remember to slow down at school zones or residential zones too for safety purposes.

Putting the right foot down when stopping

Usually, when you’re riding, the right foot controls the rear braking. Hence, when you come to a stop and put your right foot down, the examiner will notice that you’re not applying pressure on the rear brake. Therefore, you should practice only to put the left foot down. However, if the examiner has requested you to do a balancing maneuver that requires not putting any feet down, you shouldn’t do otherwise. Additionally, most beginners like looking at the ground, especially when performing slow speed maneuvers at the skills test. Unfortunately, that will only make you put one of your feet down when cutting a corner, which will only add to your mistakes.

Improper turning technique

It is very common for candidates to jerk the throttle when making a turn. Like that is not enough, some guys even hit the brakes halfway into a turn. This usually happens when people are nervous. If you want to turn smoothly, don’t do it like you’re uncertain or unconfident. Once you’re committed to a turn, do it. You can slow down before the turn and then slowly put on the throttle at a steady pace when you’re making a turn. The last thing you want is to run wide on a corner or panic midway. You should also watch out for other vehicles by ensuring you don’t make that turn too early without scanning for hazards, you ought to avoid.

Missing out the instructions

When you’re out on the road, you will have a hearing device attached to your helmet, and the examiner will follow you closely and give you instructions. It’s easy for the instructions to fly over your head. Literally! Hence, a fully covering helmet rather than a half-faced one should be brought to hold the earbud and adequately reduce the external noise. If there is a problem with the earbud, you can stop over and communicate the issue to the examiner.

Picking the wrong motorcycle

Hush! This is a secret that most people will not tell you. The size of a bike can directly impact your performance on the road test. Think of it like a video game player level. The bigger and more powerful motorcycle you have, the higher your difficulty level. Usually, more minor or moderate motorcycles are better suited for beginner riders during the road test. Unless, of course, you’re super tall and massive like those NBA players, and a small motorcycle won’t cut it for you.