Don’t ask me how!

But I did it. The examiner said he had a nice route planned for me and we’d start with the ring road while it was dry. I know that they expect to see the speed limits reached unless there is a reason not to, and they also use it to assess your confidence. So I went for it, straight up to 70 mph, gained on a car, did a good overtake and then moved back out for the right turn at the roundabout. So far so good.

Then headed towards Pucklechurch and missed the right turn. He said it a bit late and by the time I’d thought right I couldn’t have made the tun safely so rode on. They can’t fail you for going the wrong way if you do it safely. So I ended up doing a downward rather than an upward hill start! Doing OK until the independent ride when I was told to follow the A420 to Bristol, and I didn’t see the sign, and approaching the left or right at the junction I took the left traffic lights, and he said OK so we’re going to Chippenham. I took a risk (you are supposed to go straight ahead at all times unless told otherwise) and pulled into a nice clear side road to turn around, and then when we got let out I was so worried about blocking the road and causing another road user to swerve (instant fail) that I grabbed the front brake and almost dropped the bike! By now I was thinking this is all very messy, but no issues with the double mini roundabout.and then he resumed instructions and I had to go right at Deanery Road Roundabout (the one I blipped a few weeks back) and somehow I didn’t get myself into the left lane to exit so I’m sitting waiting for the lights to change thinking what a muppet! Right OK, just exit safely so I did. Then the alternative road back I was passing a parked van on a bend, did all my checks moved out to pass and a car came whizzing around, but pulled back in and stopped.

Somehow I made it back to the test centre and he disappeared out the back to park his bike. I said to the instructor I felt I’d been very messy. But I also knew I’d demonstrated confidence at getting up to speed, in some twisty roads, slow control in and out of junctions.

When he came back out and said I’m pleased to tell you that you have been successful, I couldn’t believe it! He said you can’t follow directions to save your life, and I gave you a big hint the sign was hidden behind a tree and to turn right! And then you didn’t signal to tell me which way you were going! Cheers for that!

So I left my Honda 125 cc and rode home on my ‘new’ Kawasaki Z650 cc. So much more fun to ride!

I shall be returning as I had a voicemail from the guy who trained me on Monday and he has offered more one to one training, for advanced riding, motorways and riding at night which I shall do.

THANK YOU to all of you for believing in me and the support. It means so much to me, and I truly appreciate it. X