Practical Stage 5.01 - 5.02

Practical Stage 5.01


In this lesson we went through the test route in the circuit. This will be the order of the courses for the test route.


1) Slope course.
2) S Course and Crank course.
3) Changing lanes.

4) Plank and Pylon Course.

5) Emergency Braking Course

This can be done at your own pace as no timing is taken for any of the courses. The second part of the lesson was exciting as you get to experience pillion riding. The instructor will pair you up with someone and get you to complete all the courses while riding with a pillion. You will go one full round and then switch turns. Try to at least complete the courses as this will mean that you are able to handle the bike well even when you have a pillion on the bike. The scariest part of the pillion ride to me was the emergency braking course, you really have to push your body to keep it upright as your pillion will push you forward when braking.

The last part of the lesson was learning how to make a U-turn. This was quite important as we will have to be able to do this well when we start our lesson on the road. We went into a mini circuit where the instructors placed some cones for us to do a U-turn. We had to be able to complete a U-turn smoothly. The method which we were taught was to engage the foot brake while moving to maintain stability at low speed, move a little to the left before turning right so that we can position the bike better, then stop at the middle and move off while turning the bike to the right.

Tip: When turning the bike at low speeds, it might feel a little unstable this is why you have to position your body upright and not lean into where you are turning as you might fall.

I managed to pass on my first try, 12/07/16.

Practical Stage 5.02(Assessment)

This practical stage will be your circuit test route assessment. It is like a mock test for the courses inside the circuit. It is good if you can pass it on your first try, it would mean that you understand how to go about the courses properly. The first part of the lesson would be to do the courses to warm up and towards the end of the lesson the assessment will start. You will have to line up in order of the number tags. So the lowest number will be the first.

You will wait at the starting point until the instructor says you can go and everyone will go together.

The order of the courses will be
1) Slope course.

2) S Course and Crank course.
3) Plank and Pylon Course.
4) Emergency Braking Course

I managed to pass on my first try with 16 points on 17/7/16.
My mistakes were:

1) Incorrect Posture(2 times) - 2 points x 2 (My foot was below gear shifter when riding)

2) Improper turning(wide turn) - 2 points
3) Brake whilst negotiating bend / turning - 2 points
4) Fail to change to appropriate gear when stopping(2 times) - 4 points x 2 (I stopped in 2nd gear while waiting to go into slope)


Upon passing you will be given the Assessment checklist (shown below) and a Theoretical Circuit Training Program(TCTP). The TCTP is required to be able to apply for your PDL as it is proof that you have completed the practical stages 1-5.

Once you've passed the assessment you can book your Defensive Theory Lessons(DTL) 1.01-1.03. Be sure to book the first lesson quickly and if possible take all of them at one go. After completing the first lesson, you can go and book the next lesson straight away. Be sure to keep the whole day free so you don't have to waste time going back to the driving centre for your DTL. This is because you cannot start your Practical stage 6.01 without completing your Defensive Theory Lessons and if you do not have a valid PDL.