Element B: practical on-site training
How the motorcycle or moped works, what maintenance checks are needed, and getting a feel for the weight and balance of the vehicle.
This element does not involve riding the vehicle. It is about on-site, hands-on training after which the learner should:
- be able to show an understanding of how their vehicle works
- understand what maintenance checks are needed to keep their vehicle legal and roadworthy
- have a feel for the weight and balance of their vehicle
What must happen
The learner must receive suitable instruction, demonstrations, and coaching to make sure they:
- are familiar with the different controls of their vehicle
- know what controls they need to understand
- know where to find the controls on their vehicle
- know, in broad terms, how the controls work
- know, in broad terms, the sorts of variation they might come across on different types of vehicle
What the learner must know and understand
The learner must know and understand:
- in broad terms the function and purpose of the main controls of their vehicle, for example:
- throttle
- front brake
- clutch
- indicators
- choke
- electric starter
- engine cut off (kill switch)
- lighting switches
- horn
- fuel tap
- rear brake
- kick starter
- gear change lever
- instrument panel
- what each of the controls does and what part they play in controlling the vehicle
- in broad terms, the main differences in controls they are likely to come across, such as the difference between a ‘twist and go’ scooter and a motorcycle with a gear-box
What the learner should be able to do
To show that they’ve reached the required standard, the learner should be able to:
- point out the controls of their vehicle
- show, without actually riding the machine, how they would use the controls
What must happen
The learner must receive suitable instruction, demonstrations, and coaching to make sure they can carry out basic vehicle checks before setting out on a journey.
What the learner must know and understand
The learner must know and understand:
- that failure to carry out basic vehicle checks may increase the chance of them being involved in a crash, for example through mechanical failure, or may make them liable to prosecution, for example for having illegal tyres
- that if they are unable to carry out all basic safety checks (for example if they have a physical disability) they must make sure they are carried out regularly by a competent person
- the legal rules for tyre tread depth on the type of vehicle they are riding
What the learner should be able to do
Demonstrate, explain and point how they would carry out basic checks, such as oil, coolant, electrics and tyres, and confirm that their vehicle is fit and roadworthy to ride.
It may not always be possible for a learner to actually carry out all of these checks; they may choose to have someone else do the checks for them.
As a minimum, however, every learner should be able to point out what they are looking for when they examine their tyres. They should also be able to check the operation of the vehicle’s electrical systems.
What must happen
The learner must receive suitable instruction, demonstrations and coaching to make sure they can take their vehicle off its stand(s) and put it back on its stand safely.
What the learner must know and understand
The learner must know and understand:
How to position themselves and use their body to put their vehicle on and off its stand (both side and centre, where fitted) without injuring themselves and without losing control of the vehicle.
What the learner should be able to do
To show that they’ve reached the required standard, the learner should be able to:
- take their vehicle off its stand(s) safely, keeping control at all times
- put their vehicle on its stand(s) safely, keeping control at all times
What must happen
The learner must receive suitable instruction, demonstrations and coaching to make sure they can wheel their vehicle forward to the left and right and bring it to a controlled stop using the brakes.
What the learner must know and understand
The learner must know and understand:
- how to position themselves and to hold their vehicle so that they can wheel it, keeping control at all times
- how the balance and weight of their vehicle changes as they turn
- the effect on their vehicle if they apply the brake while turning
What the learner should be able to do
To show that they’ve reached the required standard, the learner should be able to:
- wheel their vehicle forwards and through right and left hand turns, keeping control at all times
- bring their vehicle to a controlled stop, using the correct brake(s), keeping control at all times
What must happen
The learner must receive suitable instruction, demonstrations and coaching to make sure they can start and stop their vehicle’s engine safely.
What the learner must know and understand
The learner must know and understand the correct procedure for starting their vehicle including:
- the most suitable position to take when starting their vehicle
- how to check that the fuel is switched on and the vehicle is in neutral before starting their vehicle
- how to make sure they leave their vehicle in a safe condition when they switch it off and leave it
What the learner should be able to do
To show that they’ve reached the required standard, the learner should be able to:
- position themselves suitably before carrying out required checks
- start the engine, keeping control at all times
- stop the engine, step off their machine, put it back on its stand and leave it in a safe state