General Performance

Smoothness
Moving off and stopping must be smooth and safe. You must give good shoulder checks before moving off. You should be able to control the machine at low speeds. The examiner will expect a careful balance of throttle and brakes. He or she will note which foot you put down when stopping. The thinking rider will be able either to place both feet on the ground or to balance with one foot while the other works a control. To prevent the machine from rolling when stationary one of the brakes should be kept applied where appropriate.

System
The examiner will expect to see you demonstrate your understanding of the system as outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft, and the correct sequence of your riding actions. He will observe your hand and foot actions for balance and the timing of your signals. To do this the examiner may not be in the position behind you that you may expect. Do not be disconcerted. S/he may be checking that your rear observations are really to seek information and not just habitual or reflex actions. Do not treat the examiner as ‘following traffic’ when considering whether or not to give a signal.

The use of the system as described in Motorcycle Roadcraft is the cornerstone of advanced riding and inconsistencies in using it will affect any grade awarded. To achieve a gold or silver grade you should apply the system consistently throughout the test. A bronze grade may be typified by inconsistencies in its use.

Positioning
The examiner will note how you position your machine for safety, stability and view on the approach to hazards both on the open road and in urban areas. S/he will also note your use of lanes.

You should be able to position the machine in order to obtain the best view that is available all the time. You should also understand that at times a position for view or speed will have to be sacrificed for the sake of safety.

When you are riding round bends and corners, and not overtaking, you should not cross marked centre lines and you should not cut corners when entering marked junctions. RoADAR believes that to do so is potentially dangerous. Such actions may be the result of entering the hazard too fast and may confuse oncoming and following traffic. This view is supported by The Highway Code. If anything untoward happened during such a manoeuvre the rider might be seen to be at fault and might then blame RoADAR for teaching or condoning this action. If there are no centre markings then some movement over the centre of the road may be acceptable.

We emphasise again that the mark of an advanced rider is always to be able to place the machine precisely where it belongs under all conditions and that it should be in the right place, travelling at the right speed and with the correct gear engaged.

Cornering
The examiner will watch how you ride around corners and bends in both urban and rural areas. He will look at the line you take to ensure that it gives the best view and safety margins. You will need to demonstrate that you are correctly applying the principles and safety features of cornering.

Signals
You should always remember that signals are the language of the road. You will need to consider using signals to warn other road users of your presence and intentions. They should therefore be given clearly and in good time. Arm signals should be given when appropriate to reinforce any mechanical signal. The examiner will note all these points and will also be observing your reactions to traffic signs.

Speed
Advanced riders must be capable of controlling their machines at speeds up to the maximum speed limit where it is safe to do so. While the use of speed must at all times be safe and legal, the examiner will want to see a brisk ride with good progress being made where possible.

A riding plan that relies on exceeding the speed limit to complete a manoeuvre is unacceptable. If you consistently exceed the speed limit the examiner will stop the test and you will fail.

Overtaking
While overtaking manoeuvres are inherently dangerous they are a necessary element of the concept of good progress. However, they must be conducted safely and within the speed limit.

Examiners will expect you to overtake if it is appropriate but remaining in the overtaking position for long periods may indicate that you are not looking far enough ahead or may be interpreted as being aggressive. They will look for evidence that the many safety features have been applied, the main one being your ability to regain your correct position on the road before any approaching vehicles - seen or unseen - could come into conflict with you. Exceeding the speed limit in order to complete an overtake is unacceptable.