Helping L Riders : Supervised Practice
A Good Way To Gain Experience
Private practice is a good way of building upon the experience that a learner rider picks up during professional lessons. Unlike car drivers, learner riders can and do ride on their own without supervision. This is to be encouraged because they need to get plenty of experience of riding over different routes and under different conditions.
However, it should be co-ordinated with the learner's professional lessons (they are not a replacement for lessons). Talk with the learner's instructor regularly to make sure the practice and the lessons are co-ordinated.
If you are an experienced motorcyclist, when they are starting out, you should aim to take the learner out for one private practice ride for every professional lesson, and plan your private practice rides in advance.
By taking a structured approach to frequent private practice, to build up the learner riding experience, you can reduce the risk that they will be involved in an accident once they are able to ride unsupervised.
Make Sure The Learner Is Ready
Before taking a learner rider on practice rides, you need to ensure that they have passed their CBT, and it is wise to wait until the instructor says they are ready to start private practice.
You will need to ensure that both you and the learner meet all the Legal Requirements.
Make Sure You Are Ready
It is always worth brushing up on your own riding skills before you take a learner out on Private Practice rides, to make sure that you do not pass on any bad habits you may have acquired, and that you pass on the same messages as the instructor. Motorcycle assessment and training courses can be found in The Links section.
At the least, make sure that you are familiar with the latest edition of The Highway Code.
Make Sure Your Bike and Riding Kit is Ready
Your bike, and your learner's bike must be in a safe and legal condition. Take the learner through the P.O.W.D.E.R. checks:
P Petrol
O Oil
W Water
D Damage
E Electrics
R Rubber (tyres)
Also check their riding kit, particularly protective gear such as helmet, boots, gloves, etc. and make sure their visor is legal, clean and unscratched.
It may be a good idea to check your learner's bike frequently to ensure it has not been tampered with, or had the speed restriction removed.
Staying Safe When Riding Solo
When a learner motorcyclist is riding on their own, they are in more danger of being involved in an accident. You can reduce this risk by ensuring that they do not go on solo rides in conditions they have not encountered before. For example, their first ride in the rain or on a dual carriageway should be with an experienced rider. This will help them to understand the unique demands that each new situation makes.
When younger learners ride in groups there can be the risk of peer group pressure, and young riders can be tempted to show off and copy dangerous manoeuvres from each other. You should encourage your learner to gain experience with motorcyclists who will be able to help them develop their skills and a safe attitude to riding. Consider joining a reputable club.
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