LIFESAVERS & MIRROR CHECKS

Effective mirror checks, rear observations and lifesavers are key to your safety throughout the Module Two test. Missed rear observations can be classed as minor or major faults, but if lifesavers before moving position are habitually missed this will be recorded as a serious fault and test fail. Professional pre-test Module Two motorcycle test training is essential. You will learn the correct use of rear observations and spatial awareness on a motorcycle.  All manoeuvres start with effective observations, allowing you to gather information prior to actioning it. Mirror checks are needed to check what is happening directly behind and are required before signalling, altering speed and approaching junctions and hazards.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

When moving or stationary, a look over the right or left shoulder can be used to gather extra information e.g. when pulling away in a traffic queue. The examiner will expect to see consistent effective lifesavers before moving position, moving around parked vehicles, pulling away from the side of the road and when negotiating junctions.  The look over your shoulder into the blind spot area, can be to both the left and the right hand side. You must take care that it does not affect your balance or alter your road position by altering the steering. If you move position after you have looked over your shoulder it is classed as a lifesaver.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER - Rear observations

• Check mirrors before signalling
• Check mirrors before changing speed
• Check mirrors to assess traffic flow behind
• Look over the shoulder to check blind spots
• Use a rearward observation to gather information
• Use a lifesaver before moving position turning
• Use a lifesaver before turning left or right