Thinking of doing direct access
Discussion
Hi,
I'm thinking about doing a direct access bike course soon. Very soon - next month in fact.
Been toying with the idea for years (I grew up with a couple of field bikes and rode a DT50 around when I was 16!) but I've just accepted a new job and part of it involves bikes, so now seems like an ideal time to get my license!
What are peoples' thoughts on direct access? Is it a good way of learning? Anything to watch out for?
I'm not likely to have much spare time after I start the new job at the end of next month and I thought about doing an all-in package and hiring absolutely everything to get me on the road before then.
I also seem to remember hearing that direct access is about to get much harder in a short while?
I don't have to ride for the job (it's writing about car and motorcycle technology basically), but I'd feel a bit of a fraud if I couldn't!
I'm thinking about doing a direct access bike course soon. Very soon - next month in fact.
Been toying with the idea for years (I grew up with a couple of field bikes and rode a DT50 around when I was 16!) but I've just accepted a new job and part of it involves bikes, so now seems like an ideal time to get my license!
What are peoples' thoughts on direct access? Is it a good way of learning? Anything to watch out for?
I'm not likely to have much spare time after I start the new job at the end of next month and I thought about doing an all-in package and hiring absolutely everything to get me on the road before then.
I also seem to remember hearing that direct access is about to get much harder in a short while?
I don't have to ride for the job (it's writing about car and motorcycle technology basically), but I'd feel a bit of a fraud if I couldn't!
Direct Access is a great way of learning how to pass your test, and the subsequent riding is a good way of learning how to ride 
Get it done - you may not be able to get a course and test prior to the new tests coming in (and yes, they'll be harder and more expensive), but you never know.
Aside from anything else, if it doesnt improve your driving and situational awareness skills, I'll buy you lunch.
Get it done - you may not be able to get a course and test prior to the new tests coming in (and yes, they'll be harder and more expensive), but you never know.
Aside from anything else, if it doesnt improve your driving and situational awareness skills, I'll buy you lunch.
It seems you're right.
Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Chris71 said:
It seems you're right.
Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Do you mean "didn't realise I could do a 5-day course over something other than 5 consecutive days"? What you said was "it's not possible to do a 5-day course in 5 consecutive days" - which it is, AFAIK. The only things separate on mine were the theory and CBT, but I'm sure the CBT can be done at the start of the course & the theory...well, if you timed it right Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Btw direct access refers to the type of test so if you learn over a longer period it's still direct access if you do the direct access test.
Muffles said:
Chris71 said:
It seems you're right.
Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Do you mean "didn't realise I could do a 5-day course over something other than 5 consecutive days"? What you said was "it's not possible to do a 5-day course in 5 consecutive days" - which it is, AFAIK. The only things separate on mine were the theory and CBT, but I'm sure the CBT can be done at the start of the course & the theory...well, if you timed it right Also - don't laugh - but I didn't strictly realise it wasn't possible to do a five-day direct access course in five consecutive days.
Hmm, see how the job pans out - I might be able to do evenings and weekends.
Are their any inherant advantages to direct access against learning over a longer period?
Btw direct access refers to the type of test so if you learn over a longer period it's still direct access if you do the direct access test.
Not too worried about doing the new test - I'm told it just includes a bit more low-speed bike handling in a car park somewhere (CBT stylie)? Is this an over-simplification per chance?
Either way - doesn't sound like I'd be able to have it booked, completed and done before the 23rd of September given waiting lists and so on. I'll just see how my spare time works out when I get going. Of course the irony is I'm going to be writing about bikes before I can legally ride one!
I did my CBT on a saturday, and then did 20 hours of lessons on the following sat, sun, mon, tue, wed with my test on the Thu.
The downside of this was when i went to bed on Mon night i was only days away from my test and i'd yet to even sit on a 600 (i did 10 hours on a 125 and then 10 on a 600) and as such got quite worked up about the test and stuff. Althoguh i was better after the next few days experience i still coudnt shake the "i've only had 2 days worth of lessons" from my head.
With the benefit of hindsight i'd probably space my lessons out a bit more and give me more chill out time. UNfortunately i was so worked up I put my foot down on the u-turn (which i'd hardly done all week) and thus failed
The skills were all there (i've been driving for 16 years which helped) but the confidence was shaken by the whistle stop scheudle.
Now 3 weeks on my next test day is getting closer but i'm far more relaxed about things.
The downside of this was when i went to bed on Mon night i was only days away from my test and i'd yet to even sit on a 600 (i did 10 hours on a 125 and then 10 on a 600) and as such got quite worked up about the test and stuff. Althoguh i was better after the next few days experience i still coudnt shake the "i've only had 2 days worth of lessons" from my head.
With the benefit of hindsight i'd probably space my lessons out a bit more and give me more chill out time. UNfortunately i was so worked up I put my foot down on the u-turn (which i'd hardly done all week) and thus failed
The skills were all there (i've been driving for 16 years which helped) but the confidence was shaken by the whistle stop scheudle. Now 3 weeks on my next test day is getting closer but i'm far more relaxed about things.
Lazydonkey said:
I did my CBT on a saturday, and then did 20 hours of lessons on the following sat, sun, mon, tue, wed with my test on the Thu.
The downside of this was when i went to bed on Mon night i was only days away from my test and i'd yet to even sit on a 600 (i did 10 hours on a 125 and then 10 on a 600) and as such got quite worked up about the test and stuff. Althoguh i was better after the next few days experience i still coudnt shake the "i've only had 2 days worth of lessons" from my head.
With the benefit of hindsight i'd probably space my lessons out a bit more and give me more chill out time. UNfortunately i was so worked up I put my foot down on the u-turn (which i'd hardly done all week) and thus failed The skills were all there (i've been driving for 16 years which helped) but the confidence was shaken by the whistle stop scheudle.
Now 3 weeks on my next test day is getting closer but i'm far more relaxed about things.
relax, there was more than enough training there- you passed the test bar the u turn- most people do the das as a three day course, with a day for the cbt before hand. Das is normally 2 full days riding and then some riding and the test on the 3rd day (some have added a 4th day for extra experience on the bike) so you have already spread it out a littleThe downside of this was when i went to bed on Mon night i was only days away from my test and i'd yet to even sit on a 600 (i did 10 hours on a 125 and then 10 on a 600) and as such got quite worked up about the test and stuff. Althoguh i was better after the next few days experience i still coudnt shake the "i've only had 2 days worth of lessons" from my head.
With the benefit of hindsight i'd probably space my lessons out a bit more and give me more chill out time. UNfortunately i was so worked up I put my foot down on the u-turn (which i'd hardly done all week) and thus failed
The skills were all there (i've been driving for 16 years which helped) but the confidence was shaken by the whistle stop scheudle. Now 3 weeks on my next test day is getting closer but i'm far more relaxed about things.
In terms of hours on the road das will be comparable to many peoples car experience with an instructor. Yes you could spread the das out a bit more, but would that help? Could you then argue that you'd forgotton stuff in between the lessons from one week to the next?
just relax and enjoy it- you've nearly passed once. When the test is out of the way then you can consider if you want more training or not.
Edited by Brite spark on Monday 25th August 11:04
Chris71 said:
I don't have to ride for the job (it's writing about car and motorcycle technology basically), but I'd feel a bit of a fraud if I couldn't!
can you not do a review of the new motorcycle test and claim expenses than as it's for work, or atleast use it as a tax write off at the end of the year?
In all seriousness it could make an interesting article if it's within the scope of your publication
[quote=Brite sparkjust relax and enjoy it- you've nearly passed once. When the test is out of the way then you can consider if you want more training or not.
[/quote]
Cheers for the advice! It's funny i make presentations all day long at work, have had lots of job interviews and cope really well with pressure and stress........until my car test and bike test - the only occassions when I've ever been really nervous. Wierd !
I'm already sold on doing further bike training after i've got some more experience.......i've been doing trackdays and training in my VX220 for a few years now and it's done wonders for my car driving...........i'd expect the same would be true on the bike.
Edited by Brite spark on Monday 25th August 11:04
[/quote]
Cheers for the advice! It's funny i make presentations all day long at work, have had lots of job interviews and cope really well with pressure and stress........until my car test and bike test - the only occassions when I've ever been really nervous. Wierd !
I'm already sold on doing further bike training after i've got some more experience.......i've been doing trackdays and training in my VX220 for a few years now and it's done wonders for my car driving...........i'd expect the same would be true on the bike.
Lazydonkey said:
Brite spark said:
just relax and enjoy it- you've nearly passed once. When the test is out of the way then you can consider if you want more training or not.
Cheers for the advice! It's funny i make presentations all day long at work, have had lots of job interviews and cope really well with pressure and stress........until my car test and bike test - the only occassions when I've ever been really nervous. Wierd !I'm already sold on doing further bike training after i've got some more experience.......i've been doing trackdays and training in my VX220 for a few years now and it's done wonders for my car driving...........i'd expect the same would be true on the bike.
Brite spark said:
Chris71 said:
I don't have to ride for the job (it's writing about car and motorcycle technology basically), but I'd feel a bit of a fraud if I couldn't!
can you not do a review of the new motorcycle test and claim expenses than as it's for work, or atleast use it as a tax write off at the end of the year?In all seriousness it could make an interesting article if it's within the scope of your publication
Morning
Im new to PH,
Passed my theory last week and although i do not have a licence yet i have been around bikes all my like as Dad lopves them
Anyways to ensur eim in the best position i have a six day course booked which includes the CBT.
1 day CBT
1 Days 250cc
2 dAYS 500+cc
and Fifth day half lessons half Test
A good benefit is that every night assuming i pass my CBT, im aloud to take the 125 home to practice more, my Dad goinmg to take me to the local car park with some cones. In total 4.5 Days lessons and 4 nights practicing so i no longer worry about controls.
tEST BOOKED 14 October 2008
Im new to PH,
Passed my theory last week and although i do not have a licence yet i have been around bikes all my like as Dad lopves them
Anyways to ensur eim in the best position i have a six day course booked which includes the CBT.
1 day CBT
1 Days 250cc
2 dAYS 500+cc
and Fifth day half lessons half Test
A good benefit is that every night assuming i pass my CBT, im aloud to take the 125 home to practice more, my Dad goinmg to take me to the local car park with some cones. In total 4.5 Days lessons and 4 nights practicing so i no longer worry about controls.
tEST BOOKED 14 October 2008
Gav-MK said:
Morning
Im new to PH,
Passed my theory last week and although i do not have a licence yet i have been around bikes all my like as Dad lopves them
Anyways to ensur eim in the best position i have a six day course booked which includes the CBT.
1 day CBT
1 Days 250cc
2 dAYS 500+cc
and Fifth day half lessons half Test
A good benefit is that every night assuming i pass my CBT, im aloud to take the 125 home to practice more, my Dad goinmg to take me to the local car park with some cones. In total 4.5 Days lessons and 4 nights practicing so i no longer worry about controls.
tEST BOOKED 14 October 2008
Hello mate. Start a new post saying hello...bigger audience!!Im new to PH,
Passed my theory last week and although i do not have a licence yet i have been around bikes all my like as Dad lopves them
Anyways to ensur eim in the best position i have a six day course booked which includes the CBT.
1 day CBT
1 Days 250cc
2 dAYS 500+cc
and Fifth day half lessons half Test
A good benefit is that every night assuming i pass my CBT, im aloud to take the 125 home to practice more, my Dad goinmg to take me to the local car park with some cones. In total 4.5 Days lessons and 4 nights practicing so i no longer worry about controls.
tEST BOOKED 14 October 2008
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