At the start of your test you will be asked TWO questions about the operation and maintenance of the motorbike that you are about to use. One question will require an explanation (TELL me how ……) and one will require you to give a demonstration (SHOW me how ……)
You will be asked questions from the following list:
- TELL me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Correct tyre pressures can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band and at least three quarters of the breadth of the tread and all the way round. There should be no lumps, bulges or rips.
- TELL me how you would check your the condition of the chain on this machine.
Check for excessive wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tensions should be adjusted as specified in the owner’s handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure premature excessive wear does not take place.
- SHOW me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine.
Turn on ignition and press horn button.
- SHOW me where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.
Identify reservoir. Check fluid level against high/low mark.
- SHOW me how you would check the operation of the front break on this machine.
Wheel the bike forward and apply the front break.
- SHOW me how you would check that the lights, break lights, and reflectors are clean and working.
Switch on ignition. Identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.
- SHOW me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.
Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped, or pinched and thithout any snagging between moving parts.
- SHOW me how you would check the operation of the breaks on this machine.
Check for excessive travel on the break lever and break pedal, and for unusual play or sponginess.
- SHOW me the engine cut off switch and TELL me under what circumstances you would use it.
Identify the switch. You should use the engine cut off switch in emergencies only.
- SHOW me where you would check the engine oil level and TELL me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify where to check the engine oil level (Dipstick or sight glass) Explain that the oil level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If it’s a dipstick, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean, return and remove again to check current oil level. Top up as necessary. If a sight glass is fitted, ensure the glass is clean before doing a visual check, topping up once again as necessary. Oil levels should be checked with the bike as upright as possible.