Hey guys
I went out to do my CBT today to get on a motorbike. I did everything to a good standard in the off road section but when we went out for our road ride I kind of froze up. I've been doing a lot of research on the theory and the practical side of the bike but I never really did any studying on basic road rules. As a result, they booked me for further training on Wednesday where I can go and try again and get some more training.
I had a couple of noob questions that I was struggling on in the road ride. Sorry if they are very basic questions but getting an explanation from someone will make it easier for me and hopefully get me my CBT.
1. We rode on a lot of residential areas, the roads in these areas weren't separated by white lines but were just a road with cars parked on the sides of the road. I was told I should ride in the centre of the available space, does this mean I should imagine the white lines and ride in the centre of my "Lane" or just ride in the centre of the full road. If a car comes up and there is room for me to pass it but it would be tight, would it be better to stop or slow down and pull into the side and let the car through or just go through as usual, which are the instructors looking for.
2. I'm confused about when I should be checking my mirrors and doing lifesavers. We learnt OSM (Observation, signal, maneuver), do I check my mirrors first, do a lifesaver if I am changing lanes or turning a corner, signal then do the maneuver in that order?
3. A question about lifesavers, I've always thought a lifesaver was a look over your left or right shoulder but when I watch videos of people doing them, they literally just move their head 90 degrees left or right, I thought the purpose of a lifesaver was to see what's behind you and not what's to the side? Or am I completely wrong here?
4. When we were riding in a lane, I genuinely thought I was bang on in the middle but according to the instructor, I was always a bit too to the left or right, is there a way to ensure that I am actually smack in the centre?
5. I'm having a bit of trouble understanding right of way. Something else that I did was when we were riding on a straight road, I slowed down a bit when we reached a side road to see if any cars were coming out so I can stop. Is that something I'm not meant to do? Also should I just assume when I get to any junction and another car opposite me is waiting to pull out they have the right of way to be safe?
Thanks so much for the help guys, like I said the instructors told me that my bike skills were good but my road skills were a bit poor so they booked me in for another half day. So if anyone has any tips or anything else I would really appreciate it cause my wallet cannot afford another session.
Thanks!