Smoothness:
Moving off and stopping must be smooth and safe. Good shoulder checks are essential before moving off. The rider should be able to control the machine at low speeds. The examiner will expect a careful balance of throttle and brakes. He will note the rider‘s choice of which foot to put down when stopping. The thinking rider will be able to place either both feet on the ground or balance with one foot while the other one works a control. To prevent the machine from rolling when stationary, one of the brakes should be kept applied where appropriate.

System:
The examiner will expect to see you demonstrate your understanding of the system, as outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft, and the correct sequence of your riding actions. He will observe your hand and foot actions for balance and the timing of your signals. To do this the examiner may not be in the position behind you that you may expect. Do not be disconcerted. He may be checking that your rear observations are really to seek information, and not just a habitual or reflex action. Do not treat him as following traffic for the purpose of considering whether or not to give a signal.

The use of the system as outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft is the cornerstone of advanced riding and inconsistencies in its application will affect the grade awarded. To achieve a gold or silver standard you should apply the system consistently throughout the test. A bronze grade may be typified by inconsistencies in its application.

Positioning:
The examiner will note how you position your machine for safety, stability and view on the approach to hazards both on the open road and in urban areas. He will note your use of lanes. You should be able to position the machine in order to obtain the best view that is available all the time. You should also understand that at times a position for view or speed will have to be sacrificed for the sake of safety. When you are riding round bends and corners, and not overtaking, you should not cross marked centre lines and should not cut corners when entering marked junctions. Team UK Advanced believe that to do so is potentially dangerous because such actions may be the result of entering the hazard too fast and may confuse oncoming and following drivers. The Highway Code supports this view.

If anything untoward happened during such a manoeuvre the rider might be seen to be at fault and might then blame Team UK Advanced for teaching or condoning this action. If there are no centre markings then some movement over the centre of the road may be acceptable.

It is again emphasised that the mark of an advanced rider is always to be able to place the machine precisely where it belongs under all conditions and that it should be in the right place, traveling at the right speed and with the correct gear engaged.

Cornering:
The examiner will watch how you ride around corners and bends both in urban and rural areas. He will look at the line you take to ensure it gives the optimum view and safety margins. You will need to demonstrate that the principles and safety features of cornering are correctly applied.

Signals:
You should always remember that signals are the language of the road. You will need to consider the use of signals to warn other road users of your presence and intentions. They should therefore be given clearly and in good time. Arm signals should be given when appropriate to reinforce any mechanical signal. All these points will be noted by the examiner, who will also be observing your reaction to traffic signs.

Speed:
Advanced riders must be capable of controlling their machine at speeds up to the legal limit where it is safe to do so. While the use of speed must at all times be safe and legal, the examiner will want to see a brisk ride with good progress being made where possible. A driving plan that relies on exceeding the speed limit to complete a manoeuvre is unacceptable. If you consistently exceed the speed limit the examiner will stop the test and you will fail.

Overtaking:
While overtaking manoeuvres’ are inherently dangerous, they are a necessary element of the concept of good progress. However, they must be conducted safely and within the speed limit.

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