What has changed in 2021
In addition to the coronavirus and other game, another event occurred in 2021 that affected all students learning to drive a motorcycle and a car - the approval of a new regulation “for conducting examinations for the right to drive vehicles and issuing driver’s licenses.” The law came into force on April 1, 2021. We will skip the pros and cons of changes to obtain category B. We are interested in motorcycles.
In a nutshell, this is what happened:
- They brought back the “old” eight
- The “Boarding and disembarking of passengers” exercise has been removed.
- The exercise “Overall corridor” was done without narrowing in the middle part
When in 2021 the figure eight was ordered to be performed in a rectangular space limited by lines measuring 6 * 12, it seemed that for some time they had passed a law based on common sense, and not on the desire to profit from people who wanted to open the driver’s category. But, as they say, “the music didn’t play for long.” Having analyzed the statistics of successful “free” exams and compared the profitability of exams with the period until 2021 (the author’s opinion, which does not claim to be true), apparently, officials “came to their senses” and returned the “round” eight with a picket fence of cones to the regulations. It is difficult to imagine the real life situation that this exercise simulates. But in “their universe”, apparently, everything is different.
I would really like to see how this exercise will be performed by one of those who signed this bill and those who voted for these changes.
No, it is quite possible to ride this exercise, although it is more difficult than the one from 2021 to 2021, but this exercise will not teach you how to confidently turn on a motorcycle. It's a pity.
As for the cancellation of boarding and disembarking, I think it was in vain. Of course, according to the law, it is prohibited to carry a passenger on a motorcycle for the first two years, and it is not logical to test the skill of boarding a passenger (even virtually). But in fact, it’s just a matter of the name. If you rename the task, for example, “parallel parking,” then the contradiction disappears. The ability to stop accurately after a maneuver can be very useful in life. However, I don’t think that any of the motorcycle school students were upset about the cancellation of this element, and they can be understood!
As for the Dimensional Corridor, it has become easier to perform and now it imitates a row aisle, although the distance between the posts could be smaller.
Is it possible to change the driving instructor at a driving school or motorcycle school?
In one of our articles DRIVING INSTRUCTOR, we wrote in detail about how the lessons are held and what students need to pay attention to when starting practice, we advise all students to read it, preferably before they attend their first driving lesson. Practical driving lessons, in our opinion, are the most difficult stage of training and should be approached as seriously as possible. The first and most important thing when starting practical driving lessons is to establish contact with your driving instructor. All driving instructors aim to make friends with the student from the very first lesson, but if the student himself is not in the mood for this, all the efforts of the instructor may not be effective. In such cases, the student wastes his time and, as a rule, blames the driving instructor and the driving school for everything. Remember, the driving instructor does his best and shares his experience as much as possible, and the student must trust him and strictly follow his instructions. Of course, we are all different and controversial situations do occur. Before going to driving practice, the administrators of our driving school immediately inform students that they should always keep the administration informed about the entire practice process. Our driving school has long had a practice of control driving lessons, in which students practice the exercises and skills they acquired during the training process. Each student of our driving school is required to call the administrator after completing the first driving lesson, after the tenth, fifteenth and twentieth lessons, so we track the learning process and find out the details of the practice. All students of the ASB driving school know that this is very important and it is possible to avoid controversial situations, as well as influence the learning process during the internship, and not at the end, when there is no point in it anymore. As for changing the instructor during practical lessons, such a procedure is possible and sometimes necessary, and we always accommodate the student and change the instructor at any stage of the practical driving lessons. This situation is quite standard and you can change your driving instructor at any time, of course it is better to do this during the first practical lessons. If you understand that you are not comfortable and you have not found a common language, do not delay and immediately report this to the driving school. They will definitely find a replacement for you, and you will continue your studies without any losses.
Category A Exam Regulations 2021
To pass the practical motorcycle driving test, you must complete 5 exercises, avoiding mistakes as much as possible. Most errors are considered gross and each of them results in a FAIL grade. There are also minor mistakes that can be made twice (in total). The third minor mistake is also a FAIL grade.
What exactly is considered an error and how are they classified:
- Stall while performing the exercise - no more than once;
- Touch the ground with your foot while moving while performing the exercise, with the exception of mandatory stopping places - no more than 2 times;
- Knock down a cone (marking equipment) during an exercise - no more than once. This does not apply to cones and posts placed on solid lines - you cannot even touch them!;
- Reverse the vehicle except in cases prescribed by the task - “failed”;
- Dropping a motorcycle means “failed”;
- Drive over or drive beyond the solid marking line or drive, according to the projection of the motorcycle’s dimensions, beyond the boundaries of the testing exercise areas—“failed”;
- Failure to meet the time limit allotted for the “high-speed maneuvering” exercise or the total time allotted for completing all exercises means “failed”;
- Failure to comply with the task (trajectory, sequence or mandatory inclusion of neutral gear) - “failed”;
- Stopping at the stop line at a distance greater than that prescribed in the task or crossing the “stop” line along the projection of the front dimensions of the motorcycle in cases where stopping in front of the “stop” line is provided for by the conditions of the test exercise - “fail”;
- Failure to begin the exercise within 30 seconds after the inspector’s command means “failed”;
- Refusal to complete exam exercises - “failed”;
In addition, the use of telephones or other technical devices that allow negotiations is prohibited. The total time for performing all exercises is calculated using a special formula. It will be different for each site, but if you sum up the time for performing exercises without taking into account moving around the site, then the value should not exceed 3.5 minutes. The time for performing the “Speed maneuvering” exercise is no more than 35 seconds. (measured separately).
The order of performing exercises is not regulated by law. Each exam site has its own, and is announced during the mandatory briefing before taking the exam.
When performing the exercises, I do not advise you to count the number of mistakes you have made, much less decide that you have failed the exam and voluntarily “go off the route.” There can only be two reasons for completing the task: either you have completed all the exercises, or the inspector has given command to stop doing the exercises. In other cases, continue to perform the program as if nothing had happened. After all, the inspector might not have noticed your mistake unless you ran over his foot.
Penalty points are awarded only during exercises. Errors made when moving from one exercise to another are not taken into account.
Exercise “Overall corridor”
Description of the exercise
• carry out linear movement (Figure 1); • stop at a distance not exceeding 50 cm from the “STOP” line (according to the projection of the front dimensions of the motorcycle); • engage neutral gear by touching one foot(s) to the surface of the court; • continue driving, crossing the “STOP” line.
Dimensional corridor 2021
Recommendations
Despite the desire to make sure that the steering wheel does not catch on the racks, this is not necessary. Look forward to the end of the exercise or a little further. Don't strain your arms. Maintain balance by shifting your body. Avoid steering. The exercise will be easier to complete if you do a little acceleration at the beginning of the exercise, and coast the second half with the clutch depressed. It's not exactly “canonical” or “cool,” but it works. Brake smoothly using both brakes. When training, move the struts as narrowly as possible and try to drive as slowly as possible in the “grey zone” of the clutch. The standard width of the exercise is 1.2 meters, and such a distance between rows is not always the case.
Exercise “Parking a vehicle and leaving a parking space”
Description of the exercise
After the motorcycle crosses the start line for the exercise, stop so that the projection of the rear marker of the motorcycle crosses the start line for the exercise, turn off the engine and dismount (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Stop for safe boarding and disembarking of passengers
Next, keeping the motorcycle in balance, on foot, located on the convenient side of the motorcycle, roll it in reverse and place it on the step within the designated parking space so that it crosses the end line of the exercise along the projection of the front clearance. Then get on the motorcycle, start the engine and drive out of the parking space. The exercise must be performed using reverse movement only once.
Recommendations
Drive further ahead through the control line - it’s better to drive an extra meter than to miss 1 centimeter. Don't forget to turn off the engine. Try to keep the motorcycle perpendicular to the ground, keeping it balanced. The more you lean the motorcycle towards you, the harder it is to roll it while maintaining the intended trajectory. Hold on to the steering wheel with one hand and the trunk with the other. Keep your gaze on the point you are moving towards. When you are to the left of the motorcycle, do not forget to remove the kickstand. Otherwise, you may injure your leg while moving. When stopping, make sure to fold the running board all the way down.
Exercise “Dimensional Eight”
Description of the exercise
- move along a given trajectory;
- stop at a distance not exceeding 50 centimeters from the “STOP” line (according to the projection of the front clearance);
- turn on neutral gear and raise your left hand up, touching the surface of the court with your foot(s) (Figure 3);
- finish the execution by moving forward outside the exercise;
Figure 3 Dimensional Eight
Recommendations
When performing this exercise, avoid excessively tilting the motorcycle. Move not too fast, adjusting the speed with the rear brake, and if necessary, release the clutch. Keep the engine speed slightly above idle. When driving in a circle, point the front wheel as close to the outside line as possible. Do not look at the limit cones - your gaze should be directed towards the opposite part of the circle.
Exercise “Snake”
Description of the exercise
Carry out movement along a given trajectory, sequentially driving around the marking cones on the left and right sides (Figure 4).
Figure 4 Snake
Recommendations
Avoid driving at idle. Keep the throttle slightly open while adjusting the speed with the rear brake. It will be great if this results in slightly “poisoning” the clutch. When changing direction, load the footpegs by tilting the motorcycle underneath you using a counter-tilt. Steer with your feet, not the steering wheel. Make sure that when passing the next cone, the motorcycle is already pointed towards the inside of the turning path, and not towards the marker line. This will happen if you repeat the trajectory shown in the figure.
Exercise “Speed maneuvering”
Description of the exercise
• drive around sequentially from the left and right sides of 5 marking cones (Figure 6); • make a U-turn in the space limited by marking cones; • drive through the clearance gates sequentially; • stop at a distance not exceeding 50 cm from the “STOP” line (according to the projection of the front dimensions of the motorcycle); • engage neutral gear by touching the surface of the court with your foot(s); • leave the exercise area, crossing the “STOP” line. The time required to complete an exercise element should not exceed 35 seconds .
Figure 5 High-speed maneuvering
Recommendations
While performing the snake, keep your gaze on the far line of the exercise (turning zone). Steer with your feet, not the steering wheel. As you begin the turn, turn your head to the left, keeping your gaze on the exit point of the turn. When passing through the gate, keep your gaze not on the current element, but on the next one. The gaze slides ahead “one step forward.” Before you start braking, put the gear in neutral - this will significantly reduce the time it takes to complete the exercise. Do not forget that the exercise is considered completed when the motorcycle leaves the “STOP” line. Don’t hesitate after stopping - engage first gear and drive beyond the stop line. Don't drive too fast. Practice completing the exercise in 27-30 seconds. This is an excellent result. You will not be given bonuses for speed, but the risk of making a mistake increases.
If you found these tips useful, but want more practice, welcome to the Category A driving course. We will be happy to help you prepare for the exams and improve your motorcycle driving skills.
Well, the main thing: as practice shows, most often those who fail are those who cannot cope with anxiety. I previously published some tips on how not to worry during the exam.
Exercise No. 2 “Parking a vehicle and leaving a parking space”
14. The candidate driver, after crossing the exercise start line on a motorized vehicle, stops at the designated place so that the motorized vehicle crosses the exercise start line according to the projection of the rear clearance, turns off the engine and dismounts (Figure 5).
Next, the candidate driver, keeping the motorized vehicle in balance, on foot, located on the side convenient for him from the motorized vehicle, rolls it in reverse and places it on the step within the designated parking space so that, according to the projection of the front clearance, it crosses the end line of the exercise. Then he gets on the motor vehicle, starts the engine and drives out of the parking space.
Figure 5. Scheme and dimensions of exercise N 2
Examination exercises canceled on 1 April 2021
Stop for safe boarding and disembarking of passengers
CANCELED FROM APRIL 1, 2021
Description of the exercise
• drive along the designated lane (Figure 6); • give a turn signal with your left hand and perform a lane change maneuver to the stopping place so that the projection of the left side of the motorcycle crosses the control line; • stop at a distance not exceeding 30 centimeters from the “STOP” line and not exceeding 30 centimeters from the marking line along the projection of the right side of the motorcycle, leaning on the ground with your right foot; • engage neutral gear and, holding the motorcycle motionless, lower your left foot to the ground; • continue driving, crossing the “STOP” line. The time it takes to complete an exercise element should not exceed 15 seconds.
Figure 6 Stop for safe boarding and disembarking of passengers
Recommendations
Reach a comfortable speed. Try to signal with your left hand in advance, so that by the time the maneuver begins, both hands are already on the steering wheel. Before maneuvering, disengage the clutch. When entering a parking space, steer with your feet, not the steering wheel. Just like on a snake. Before braking, move your body slightly to the right. This will allow you to stop using your right leg. Don't apply the front brake too hard.
Exercise “Dimensional Eight”
according to the regulations in the period from 2017 to 2021. Canceled April 1, 2021
Description of the exercise
Move along a given trajectory (Figure 7). The execution time should not exceed 35 seconds.
Figure 7 Dimensional eight
How to get a motorcycle license
To obtain a motorcycle license, you must attend a motorcycle school and successfully pass the traffic police exam. Before signing up for classes, you should decide on the choice of category.
Category A is considered a universal option, allowing you to drive any motorcycle without restrictions.
Those who for some reason cannot or do not want to open category A should pay attention to the following options:
- Category A1. Allows you to control motor vehicles with an engine displacement not exceeding 125 cm3 and a power not exceeding 11 kW.
- Category M. Gives the right to drive mopeds and light quadricycles.
When choosing a category, you should start from your own wishes and capabilities. It is better to give preference to the universal option (category A), but in some cases (for example, if a person has not reached the age of 18) it is worth paying attention to subcategory A1.
Passing the practical part
As for category M, many consider it useless. The fact is that when you receive any driver’s license (DL), it opens automatically.
Those who want to drive a moped at 16 or 17 years old should study for category A1 - the age limit is the same, but there is a greater choice of motor vehicles.
Category selection
Before figuring out how to get a motorcycle license, you need to decide on the type of license that allows you to drive this type of transport. Experts advise passing your driving test to category A.
Having such a motorcycle license makes it possible to drive 2-wheeled vehicles without any restrictions. However, they are issued to persons over 18 years of age.
In Russia, category A1 licenses also apply. They are intended for the beginner category of motorcyclists whose age exceeds 16 years.
Such a document imposes certain restrictions on the characteristics of motor vehicles:
- the volume of the installed engine cannot exceed 125 cc;
- The engine power does not exceed 11 kW.
The last category M is assigned to a license that gives the ability to drive mopeds. This class of transport includes vehicles with an engine:
- power up to 4 kW;
- volume up to 50 cc.
It is important to understand that a driver’s license of category M allows you to drive motorcycles with the above characteristics. To drive a motorcycle, you need to go to a driving school again.
Having a category A license automatically provides access to driving mopeds. A similar condition applies to persons who have previously passed a category B license. In this case, they will be required to undergo a shortened training program at a driving school, which only involves passing practice.
This condition is valid only for the first six months after receiving a category B certificate. If this period is exceeded, the person will have to undergo full training again, which includes both theoretical and practical parts.
Documents required for training at a motorcycle school
The list of documents is not too long, and collecting all the necessary papers will not be difficult. In particular, to submit documents for training you will need:
- A copy of the passport, or rather its first page and the page with registration
- Two 3x4 photographs, whether they are color or black and white, does not matter.
- Medical certificate. Provided that the driver receives a license for the first time, there must be a note indicating that he is fit to drive a motorcycle.
