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.
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”
A driving school student, moving along the territory of the race track, crosses the line that marks the start point of the exercises and stops at the indicated place. In this case, it is imperative to ensure that the vehicle crosses this line with its rear lights. After stopping, you should turn off the engine, get off and stand next to the motorized vehicle, keeping it balanced. Roll it back and place it on the step in the designated parking space, making sure that the limit line is visible from the front dimensions of the vehicle.
Finally, you should get on the motor vehicle, turn on the engine and drive out of the designated parking lot. In this case, it should take only 2 minutes to complete.
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
Passing the traffic police exam
Hi all!
In order to ride a motorcycle, you need not only to be able to drive it, but also to solve the formal side of the issue, namely: to obtain a license of category A, including categories A1 (light motorcycles) and M (mopeds.) In order to obtain a license, you must undergo training in motorcycle school - a list of addresses and reviews about them can be found on our website MW.ru and pass the qualification exam at the traffic police. For detailed explanations, we turned to our regular expert in the field of training to drive a motorcycle, professional motorcycle instructor Sergei Yaskevich. He told how the exam for category A is passed in the traffic police. After passing the theoretical part, you will have a series of not very difficult exercises that will help demonstrate to the inspectors your skill in using a motorcycle, after which you will be able to get a driver's license.
The first exercise is called “Maneuvering in confined spaces, braking and stopping when moving at various speeds, including an emergency stop.” This exercise consists of 4 elements. Figure eight, snake, high-speed maneuvering and clearance corridor.
Element one. Dimensional eight.
When performing a task, the candidate driver moves in a limited space strictly along a given trajectory. The duration of the exercise should not exceed 35 seconds.
Element two. Snake
The driver candidate moves along a given trajectory, leaving the first marking cone on the left and sequentially drives around the marking cones on the right and left sides. The element execution time is no more than 20 seconds.
Element three. High-speed maneuvering .
The candidate driver must sequentially drive around 5 marking cones on the right and left sides, make a U-turn in a limited space, then sequentially drive through the clearance gates and stop at a distance of no more than 50 cm along the projection of the front clearance of the motorcycle. Engages neutral and holds the motorcycle stationary with your foot on the ground. After that, he engages first gear and crosses the stop line. The exercise time should not exceed 35 seconds.
Element four. Large corridor.
The candidate driver moves in the clearance corridor and stops at a distance not exceeding 50 cm along the projection of the front clearance. Shifts into neutral and holds the motorcycle stationary with one foot touching the asphalt. Leaves the exercise area, crossing the stop line. The execution time should not exceed 15 seconds.
Exercise No. 2 Parking a vehicle and leaving a parking space
After starting the exercise, the candidate driver stops at the designated place so that the motorcycle, according to the projection of the rear marker, crosses the line where the exercise begins. He turns off the engine and dismounts. Next, the candidate driver, keeping the motorcycle in balance, positioned on a convenient side, rolls it in reverse and places it on the stand on the designated side so that the motorcycle crosses the line for starting the exercise along the projection of the front clearance. Then he gets on his motorcycle and drives out of the parking space. The execution time should not exceed two minutes.
Exercise No. 3 Stopping for safe boarding and disembarking of passengers.
The candidate driver moves along a given trajectory, gives a turn signal and makes a lane change maneuver to the stopping place so that the projection of the left side of the motorcycle crosses the control line. In this case, it stops at a distance not exceeding 30 cm from the stop line and not exceeding 30 cm from the marking line along the projection of the right clearance. Engages neutral gear and holds the motorcycle in a stationary position with both feet touching the surface of the platform. Leaves the exercise area, crossing the stop line. The execution time should not exceed 15 seconds.
We wish you success in passing the exam for category A.
Remember that it is very important to choose a good motorcycle school. Good luck on the roads. Bye.
