Advance Lesson 2: Nov 26 (Wed) 230-430pm

There's still a week before my move to the Mainlands for work. I'm crossing out "things I will miss doing" on my list, and motorbike is going to be one on the top priority.

Besides, this is probably the last "autumn" day at above 22oC with blue sky. Yeah last chance before I forget about how to start the engine!

On the lead is one of the more serious instructors. We ride from Shatin to "Bride's Pool Road" which is one of the favourite illegal roadracing routes. 

I'm back on CBR 150 again without much other choice - the other bikes look too heavy and I am not confident...

The ride to Bride's Pool is okay. It's a bit slower (average 55km/h) than I thought. Later I was told the gap between my bike and the instructor's is too wide, especially for motorways, as it will be difficult for other vehicles who wants to overtake.

There's also a section towards the end which goes uphill and then multiple turns on a 2-lane road. I was really not alert when it comes to downshifting, so my bike significantly slowed down and had to throttle up much later. Anyway I should be more aware of the road condition ahead, and adjust gear accordingly.

The instructor pulled over right after our break when we head back. Apparently at the giveway junction when we turned left, my bike slided outward to the other lane... If the power is too much, I should be applying my footbrake. It is quite dangerous considering there's incoming traffic.

The ride is long and slightly more difficult than the previous one. And perhaps I have been having a backpain from sitting too long which makes me very tired. Riding is physically as well as psychologically consuming so to speak.

I am considering my bike purchase but am unsure of the practical use of it if I am stationed across the border. Will the bike battery go dead if I don't run the engine once a week or something?!? Let's see.

Advance Lesson 1: Sep 6 (Sat) 930-1130am

After 2 months of nothing but paddling bicycle... I went back to school and took up the first "Advance" class I signed up the day I graduated. (Meaning that if I were any good, I'd be riding on my own!)

This is the bike I picked. Honda CBR 150R. Same colour too!



It's a sports bike! So now I ride hiding behind the fairing and leaning forward as if I'm on a horse. Takes up more than a few minutes to warm up... I need to get used to the gears and footbrake being 2 inches back than it used to be on the learner's Yamaha YBR 125 bike. Also the cockpit stays in line with the bike when I turn - unlike previously were the meters move with the front fork.

My balance is changed with a hunching back and higher arse position (!), and turning is tricky. I fell off twice within the school area. Kinda horrible considering I've passed the exam already...!

The instructor got on his bike and we're out. This is the first time ever I ride on a P plate. Feels good without the threat of failure landing my right foot!

We circle around the neighbourhood for a little bit, going up and down a small incline, before moving on to the highway. It's a very nice day to ride, with the sun not too harsh and a bit of clouds.

Where we ride:-


We start from North Shatin near where I live, up NE following the 6-lane highway to Saddle Hill (Ma On Shan), then head a bit SE on a 2-lane motorway to Sai Kung, a bay area with small islands for water activities. We finish at Pak Tam Chung, the 1st section of the MacLehose's Trail in the countryside of town. We then head all the way back.

It is initially very worrying since there's virtually no traffic lights from Shatin to Saddle Hill, meaning that whatever comes up in the middle of the ride, my first ride over 40kmh on a 150cc bike, I'm the only one who can save myself...! Besides, on the other week there was a 27-year-old and 10-day P-plater the other motorway, who got "sandwiched" by two trucks in front and on the back of him, and obviously killed in the accident. In my head, big vehicles near me are very scary. (where the hell is my gut?)

The rpm is also quite a concern... Since the engine is loud and so as the wind, I am not sure whether I'm of the right gear. Ended up having pushed to, atmost, 60kmph at about 4500rpm on the top gear... Which is turtle speed on a motorway that allows 80kmph with a full license (for P plates it's 70kmph max. anywhere). I feel safe at that speed, but it's all relative - looking at all the large vehicles all passing me. At the 2-lane section, the instructor even pulled out twice at bus stops, to ease off the long queue from behind. Jesus!

We had a short break arriving at Pak Tam Chung and I express my concern. Yeah, I'm slow, and I shouldn't too worry about the rpm. The engine is supposed to be loud anyway!

So on the way back I try to keep up more holding on to the throttle. Soon I reach 70 kmph. Good job! Now that I know my way, I am a lot more relaxed doing round corners or up and down inclines.

Back at the 3-lane road near Saddle Hill where there is this rather long incline, it suddenly rains. Guess we were all thinking "let's speed up more and get back quick" - and we really did - all the way to 80kmph...! That lasted for about 20 seconds, then the rain stops punching like needles on my arms where my tshirt is not covering. We headed downhill and my instructor in front suddenly brakes quick and hard, and so do I. Dodgy police bikes with radar speed detectors were hiding at the bottom!! What an experience on my first ride. Funny that there is an off-road bike and a Ducati slowing on the other lane next to us. Really this is a popular route for saturday bikers, and of course speeding riders!

We get back right on time! Not so much hiccups and sweat afterall. My left wrist hurts more after pulling in the clutch in that position for 2 hours straight. But I'm still rather excited about the whole thing. Brings back my confidence over fear, and I do really really really like riding!

EXAM: Jul 2 (wed) 3.00pm

After all that month of flooding and exam date postponing, I am again up for the exam.

It was really frustrating last month not able to sit for the exam when I was so trained up for it. This week I had to spend 3 bloody extra hours to warm myself up again.

The day is super bright to begin with, and it turns cloudy in the afternoon (I thought its going to shower a good load again), which is PERFECT for riding without the meters glaring.

I did my final hour of training from 1.30pm, checking the routes and practising more figure 8s. It's getting BORING stopping at the lights and waiting for other L-platers, who gets air conditioning from their comfortable 4-wheels. I get some breeze by starting quicker than everyone at every set of lights. Nice.

My right foot landed ONCE in the last three practice - in fact, the final one on today which made me extra nervous. I just lost it when the car queue was snailing its way to the lights. I was so disappointed I bang my helmet on the meters as I made the fatal mistake.

It wasnt too satisfactory on figure-8 either. My upward turn is not as smooth as I could do last month. Then I had a couple of occations sliding back down when I start on the slope.

After my final practice hour, I went for 30min break and return to test the bike I went on the exam. All good. It surprises me that this bike, probably reserved for exams, had a shallow foot break (so I don't have to push too deep for breaking) and closer friction point on the clutch (better for my smaller hands). Now I know what crappy bike they gave us for practice. *grin*

Exam time.

Figure 8. Going up alright, but slight delay re-starting on the slope. Then a few not-so-smooth uphill loops, kinda a bit late to throttle more going up and so the bike jerks a little. Get me such sweating, but at the 3rd loop the examiner waved me down, and so we are off the road.

He chooses the shorter route with more lights. (I really thought) The ride is so smooth without much hiccups - probably until half way on return that I get my gear stuck at gear N for split of a second. Then we get to this "important" giveaway with all these buses coming out of the depot that I spent AGES waiting for my turn to go. "Oh sh!t he's getting mad for me being such a cautious retard!" was what I keep in mind for the next few sets of lights.

Next mistake is caused by not remembering which lane to take - I turn after the lights and switched lanes THEN realize I can only turn again on my original lane. So I kinda do the overtaking action without overtaking any vehicles... In the mirrors the examiner doesn't look that amused...

On the final turn back to school I make another gear N switching again. Oops. But at school we get back safe. I shake more as soon as I get both feet on the ground again. 2 hours of serious riding can be so tiring.

The sheet of result I get afterwards has a lot of ticks on the minor mistakes brackets (13!). I thought it says "If you made 3 minor mistakes or more in one category, it'll be considered as one major mistake..." Most importantly, on the RESULT area, there's the tick at the PASS bracket!

PASS! First try! Truly amazing. Especially I thought I'm going to do something stupid and fail.

One of the instructors catches up with me afterwards and do their usual selling of "Advance course". You know, lessons going to motorways and through tunnels with more powerful bikes... Look that's a Harley! No, wait... I am not really sure if I am actually buying any. Considering the unstable career recently and all these associated expenditures, I probably should wait. But I signed up for it with a bit of the extra cash reserved for failing the exam. So there should be a few rides in the next couple of months.

I need to celebrate more now!

Extra session + Theory 2: May 24 (Sat) 4.30-6.30pm

I have to pay extra for this..! Last session was pretty okay so I wasn't worrying.

Minor mistakes and note to self:-

1) Check the mirrors and everything! I was on this #181 and checked the lights, but forgot about the mirrors (I used to check mirrors the first thing on). The first thing I got on the road was - WTH the left shiny one was waving around like a little wing...! It was more hilarious when the 4 consecutive sets of lights were all green so I couldn't stop..! Luckily the "right wing" was still there so it wasn't the most dangerous yet. I had to head back and let the instructors screwing it back.

2) Don't rush, and don't panic! This is the last thing I did before the session finish. I was queuing for the exam figure-8 ramp. The student already on the slope was having so much fun and not willing to get down. I got annoyed... and when it's my turn, I throttled up a bit too much, setting the bike slightly off angle before the start line on the ramp. Things should be normal, but I PANICKED, and fell on the first right turn. Jesus. I haven't fell down for 2 sessions! That sucked, especially the plastic cover for the throttle meter (name?) fell off...! Argh.

That kills my spirit. I thought my 8 were great. Aawww.

Monday morning is my only hope.

L-plate Lesson 15: May 22 (Thu) 2.30-3.30pm

This is the last lesson by the book and I took it seriously.

...To a point that I finally didn't put my right foot on the ground at all times!!

Only for once I did an emergency stop in front of the amber light, and had to land and switch gear. I am not sure if this will be counted as "landing right foot" or "unable to switch to correct gear"... I'll ask.

Not problem on the incline figure-8. I noticed that some of the footbrakes of some bikes are not functioning good enough. Really need to check more.

Also that there were TWO junctions I passed where the sign for directions were changed due to road work. The lanes ended up not getting you to do your turn. So my plan is to ride once more in the morning before the exam.

L-plate Lesson 14: May 20 (Tue) 2.30-3.30pm

Yup, riding in the rain again. It wasn't too heavy so it was manageable.

Overall the lesson is going smooth, apart from the following few hiccups:-

1) I can't start the engine...!! It was "cold" as the instructor-in-charge said, and I had to slowly throttle up at N gear to let it warm-up. Spent the first 5-10 mins doing it...

2) I was on the N gear on the first set of traffic lights - totally forget I've switched and have to swtch back.

3) My right foot landed after turning into the residence square on one of the routes. Argh.

For both 2 & 3 I know it's because of lacking focus. Really I need to remind myself I'm sitting for the exam every time I drive..!

L-plate Lesson 13: May 19 (Mon) 11.30am-12.30pm

It's raining man!

Okay, not too heavy. I've managed worse.

But this is a taught class mainly training up people's incline figure-8 skills. We stayed within the enclosed area.

Two others were in my class. One bigger boy in late 20s, another a French-accent woman at late 30s. They were both frustrated because of the rain, and also that their exam is scheduled tomorrow... I'm surprised that so many people squeeze all their classes to the day before the exam. Obviously they can't manage well with even the figure-8 part (they will simply be sent home without going on the roads).

This annoyed me as well, because this is the last taught class and I only have 2 more self-study classes to go to. No more mock exam - how am I supposed to know if I am doing everything that meet the exam criteria?

My figure-8 is fine, even with the slippery road. But my counter-steering skill is so pretentiously overdoing that, the instructor (the bad cop, at the first L-plate class!) was telling me off! I was bending so far in, unnecessarily. What I should do is to lean the bike in, but my body should remain square.

I slipped and fell off three times because I don't want to step on the ground. Nothing serious. But I got what the instructor said, and managed the corners better. I should also use the full length and width of the inclined slope. Previously I took pride in turning very sharp and narrow, but I should really do the exam requirements. It's not like I'm 100% not going to fall doing the advanced stuff.

Also for starting on the slope I lost the friction point when I panicked. Kinda makes me wonder how bad the exam pressure can be.

OK - two more classes. Let's hope it's not going to rain.

L-plate Lesson 12: May 17 (Sat) 2.30-3.30pm

Had a rather focused day after the comments from the mock exam.

Changing gear in a CORRECT manner was not that difficult. I can manage gearing up without making funky engine noise now, reminding myself to stop throttling and pull the clutch then kick... The only gearing mistake was on my last minute before entering back to the school - suddenly I wanted to go up one gear but not aware of the "N" for some reason. A second of doing that would caused me the license!

Also I had the other killer - "land the right foot" - at the residential area with a giveaway on the right coming in. Basically whenever there's traffic jam I panicked.I wanted to stop but somehow landed my right foot there... When I should just relax and stop as normal...! When I restarted I was on N gear and looked like an idiot trying to escape from the vehicle behind me. It sucks to have people thinking that I am a beginner girl who can't really manage a bike!

Mock Exam: May 13 (Tue) 1.30-3.30pm

The same instructor who leaded me out to the routes last time, was the one taking care of the two of us doing the mock exam class.

We were pretty alright when we do our figure-8. I jerk a little but no big problem.

The other student went on the route first, followed by the instructor and then me. He got the short route while I have the longer one.

Then it was my turn. My first mistake was at the immediate exit of the school. Vehicles in examination was there and I stopped too close to it. I should have stayed further away, at least enough for me to change lanes if the vehicle ended up dead on the road.

Slightly disturbed I speed up a little. My clutch skill turned out to be horrible... I was making a loud sound changing gears... Afterwards the instructor say I shouldn't be holding on the throttle when I pull down the clutch. Argh... Now I know. I should have done things step by step: up throttle, pull clutch, kick gear, release clutch.

At the end of the long straight road came the end of another highway at the left. I'm surprised that we ended up with a traffic jam at that roadwork sign - with a lot of coaches and trucks. I panicked when I wanted to stop - and LANDED ON MY RIGHT FOOT. Aaaaawwwwwwww!

The best way was to follow the same lane until we reach the residential corner we have to turn. No change of lanes required at all. The residential area was okay. There was another truck popping out at the lights, luckily my breaks were working fine this round. But I should have stayed at the right side of the single lane to have a better view of the road.

I made more sounds when I was on the way back. Made another mistake of taking the wrong lanes at another sets of lights. And then I change lanes right after the lights because of a slow moving L-plate car... While I should have used the other lane, empty, that can be used to turn too. Argh...

Really I should make the slow-down part step by step too, to avoid getting stuck at once but at the wrong gear. I did it at the last sets of lights and got this remark.

Engine off but we finished with all these disappointing reviews. Now I really need to pay more attention at what I am doing on the road, while my confidence is still there...

L-plate lesson 11: May 12(Mon) 2.30-3.30pm

Another beautiful day to ride. Really I can't wait getting my own bike and ride to places... Haven't thought of what bike I should get tho.

I'm finally thinking about the purchase because now I am a lot more confident in passing the bike exam. Not very perfect still, but I'm getting a lot better.

Like today, a public holiday, and Day 3 of consecutive self-riding class, I was so smooth! Warming up on the enclosed area and also the practice slope for figure 8 is not a headache anymore. In 10 mins I was out on the road, checking my speed and my move in changing lanes. No right foot landing whatsoever.

Also I found out how to turn and get up the exam slope - just stay further away from it and the turn will be easier. No major problem on there and I was spinning okay.

It's mock exam tomorrow and I really want to know what I can show the instructors and examiners!

L-plate lesson 10: May 11(Sun) 4.30-5.30pm

Today was not hot and I had a great time doing both exam routes with better speed (averaging the standard 40 km/hr).

The only hiccup I had on the road once was this L-plate minivan trying to change lanes in front of me, but then turned back to the original lane. My left foot was busy kicking the gear (fearing that the gear was too high for slowing down)... and ended up landing my right foot. Really I shouldn't have done this simple yet fatal mistake! I need to concentrate.

My challenge to the exam slope without the flat platform wasn't going too well either. Maybe I haven't warmed up enough. I need to practice more going 90-deg to the left and up the slope first. When there was 5 mins left, I played at the practice slope and had NO problem whatsoever, starting and figure 8 for 4 times... This is to prepare for the mock exam on Tues!!

L-plate Lesson 9: May 10 (Sat) 2.30-3.30pm

On my own again. Last class I figured out what I need to improve on the road, and seriously I'll need to work on it more.

Things start okay but when I was on the road, I landed on my right foot after the 2nd set of lights. Arrghhh... I really have to pay attention at what I am doing there. From then on, I lean to the left and stick out my left foot every time I have to stop, which helps!

It was a busy day with a LOT of L-plate mini-vans. They've no minimum speed limit, and therefore making such a traffic jam along my route. We all spent a lot of time waiting at the lights.

There were more dangerous situations for me. Once after a corner-turn, I came up to a mini-bus stop with a bus there, and had to stop. But behind me was a huge bus bending over the corner, almost running into me...! That was scary.

The other time I had was trying to change lane without looking first - oh crap there was a taxi on my left! What I should have done was to signal first, turn my head to check BEFORE turning into the other lane... My bike was literally jerking on the lane and it was so horrible that the taxi had to slow down. Luckily I didn't crash.

Other times I'm doing okay, but that's not good enough because it's better to do everything correctly before the exam (I'm having a mock on Tue...)

Back at the school, I'm doing better starting up on the bridge. I really should step on the foot brake harder, but release it when I start and reach friction point. Did one loop of 8 and then the rest is miserable. I should be working on it again tomorrow then...

L-plate Lesson 8: May 7 (Wed) 2.30-4.30pm

This is the first taught class after taking 7 classes of self-study.

Having no full-time job to catch, I'm finally having a class in the week. Ended up being me with the instructor, 1-to-1.

After 20mins or so warming-up, I'm okay and we headed off the street, with the instructor leading.

The first thing I notice was... he's FAST! He was already miles away after the first lights outside the motoring school. Argh... I have to really throttle up to get nearer.

Also the instructor was turning his head, excessively, at almost every light and turn. But it must be the right way to do. When we're turning left, he's checking both the left and right before and during the turn.

We were back at the school in no time. I landed on my right foot and got a remark... argh.

The instructor said that the exam was not just about riding, but how to handle different situation on the road. It's important to know when to speed up, slow down, turn, change lanes, and stop.

Next up is the longer route so it's good to practice more on the speed part. Averaging now 40km/hr. and I'm slowly getting it.

At one junction a coca-cola truck was turning on my right, but suddenly cut into my lane after the turn... So I had to stop there and wait till he's done. Just one of the things the instructor was saying - sometimes you're doing fine, but another vehicle does not behave. So as drivers you have to stay alert at all times.

Suddenly all these repetitive practice on the same routes become a lot more interesting. As there's still a lot to get used to, like the gearing up/down part.

We did one more round of the shorter route, and there was only 10 mins left for figure 8.

He didn't watch for the most part, but I was actually doing quite well. At one point I was making 8 continuously non-stop. It's a lot easier when I am so focus into looking up to where I was heading. Combining with more practice starting uphill, I should have no problem, at last!

L-plate Lesson 7: Apr 27 (Sun) 9.30-10.30am

Contrary to last week, I was having a better weather for my last self-study lesson. Well, it's still cloudly, but at least not pouring.

I didn't know that the school now runs Sunday classes (No Sunday classes when I started). There were 5-6 of the 2nd-lesson newbies moving around the enclosed bike area. Feels a bit crowded when I joined in. But it's alright after I found out no one else will be taking up the Incline Figure 8 slope. Yay!

My initial rental bike assigned to me - #177, made jumps when I start the engine. I checked with the gear and it was only on first... Also when I press the footbrake it's making this greaseless noise... I complained to the instructors and he gave me a better one. #182 just to note.

Incidentally I was watching this Red Bull Motocross show on TV the night before. Apart from looking at how these nutters fliping in the air, I was quite impress when they did a sharp U-turn at the tunnel (the one before getting out to the arena). Of course they drop one leg down, but the point is, big bikes can still do sharp u-turns on a narrow path. And that's exact what turning on Figure-8 is like...

I still sucked a bit starting the bike on the slope and turning back up. So I did a quick round on the road (a shortened version of the exam route). There were new road works making me switching lanes at unexpected moment at one time, ended up getting a beep from the car behind. Argh.

Also my clutch skill was a bit weak today. Either I grab hold of it for too long when I start moving at the traffic lights, or when I switch gears (up or down). It's getting dangerous seeing that green N light. I really need to focus on what I am doing.

So back to the slope. I tried a few more rounds doing the top part of the 8 on the flat platform and the lower part on the slope. I can go up!! Yes!! Finally I managed to time when I release the footbreak (which is, when the bike passes the centre line). Upon the release, I'll have to throttle up, keeping the horn pointing diagonally to the hill top. Most importantly, I'll look to the opposite when I need to make the turn, and slowly glancing my way to the end of the barriers and to the hill top. This works really well. I did have a few hiccups of off-balance and dropping my left foot, but once I remember to keep my thighs on the bike, I'm moving fine.

Then combining with the top loop - I'm ready! To test myself, I have once making 4 Figure-8s!! (Exam requirement is minimun 3 full loops). Then I ran over a bit on the top... But overall it was a success! Now I know I can also make rather sharp turns too. I am feeling great about my bike skill!

L-plate Lesson 6: Apr 19 (Sat) 9.30-10.30am

Yet another rainy day, with the earliest typhoon in the year since WWII. I would have take the lesson the day after (which was totally sunny..!) - if I could.

Anyway, I had to riding with the yellow raincoat and pants with zero ventilation...

Thinking that my Figure 8 skill sucks - I wanted the day to be Figure 8 practice only...

After the warm up, I was up the slope. But I still feel a bit stiff, and was not able to do u-turns to the right at the bottom of the 8 loop... and even the top of the 8 loop was not easy. Once I had to turn left but forgot to look ahead... when I realized I am going to run into the side barriers, it was too late. Again I was so nervous that, like my first trial of compulsory exam, or the first Figure 8s I tried, I pulled on the throttle --- and rammed (with acceleration) to the left side of the bike into the barrier, heading downhill...

I had to ask one of the instructors to help me pull the bike out - because it was so stuck on the barrier. Some of the foam coverings were torn off..!! My left leg was in pain. For the rest of the week I was having this MASSIVE PALM-SIZED bruise near the achilles. Jesus!

I was blaming that on the weather, giving me all the suffocation... So I headed out for the road. Again I took the route with more traffic lights.

At one junction I want to move too fast with the clutch and ended up killing the engine. The minibus behind me stopped so closed to me that it almost crashed into my backwheel when I slided a bit backwards...! That was kinda dangerous. When I passed this junction the 2nd time on the same route, the killing of the engine happened again, this time due to the bike being on the 2nd gear. Life hadn't been this difficult for a long while. My feet were so wet after stepping in puddles of dirty water at every junction...!

It was, the worst training day and I only have one more left. I really need to be good, fast.

L-plate Lesson 5: Apr 13 (Sun) 9.30-10.30am

Waking up early on a Sun specifically for training figure-8 skill, but the day turned out to be rainy...

The whole time I was on this oversized yellow jacket... Anyway I don't have the choice. This is one of the most inconvenient thing about motorbike, and I just need to rant less and get over it.

Obviously the day, this hour, is not busy. I warmed up a few rounds and progress to the 8 lines on the ground level. Someone was already on the slope - obviously waking up early for the same reason (I am not alone). My figure-8 skills weren't as smooth as last time I tried. I waited for a while, and decided to warm up a bit on the road, using the route with more traffic lights.

Practice makes perfect, and I got much used to slowing down on the foot brake and then accompanied with the hand brake. So I'm getting rid of the brake-jump habit, and avoided landing with the right foot.

I'm still experimenting with gearing up and down, and had once not remembering which gear I was in when I stop at the lights. Then there's the other case of gearing down but forgetting to slow down... Both incidents made funny sound, but how the bike started up without dying was a miracle. In both cases I quickly kicked the gear on the left and it was back to normal. Obviously this is an error that can lead to failing the exam again. I need to sort this out fast.

Back to the school I had my chance on the "other" slope. Basically the enclosed area has 2 slopes, attached at the top, looking like an "L" if seen in the air. Though the "other" slope is the exam slope without an extended flat platform at the top.

I tried my luck there, and to my surprise, I managed 2 loops---!! I think my elbows and wrists were much more relaxed after the round on the street. Even though on the 3rd loop I was falling, I still felt a bit of a success.

Thereafter I went back to queue for the practice slope (instructor came out from the office and told me off the exam slope...). Now I have less problem starting on the slope, which is also encouraging. I ran all the way to the extended platform on the top to give me more room on the lower loop. Doing a few practices, and I can have about 50/50 doing a smooth lower loop up. It really takes time to find out when to stop pressing on the foot brake, twist the handles, and speed uphill. Phew! Got some minor crashes at times, and also engine dying off when I headed uphill, but at least my attempt was worth it!!

2 more self-study lessons left before getting instructed again. Now I feel less worried about the exam - even though it is still very difficult. Just check - road exam for gear-motorbike only has 65% pass rate...

L-plate Lesson 4 + Theory 1: Apr 4 (Fri) 4.30-6.30pm

This is a holiday weekend so I can ride on a Friday.

Yet there are still a lot of students thinking the same way, and ended up having a lot of L-plate vehicles on the road and in the school area.

My plan was to do more figure-8 (at least, successfully) but I thought its a waste of time to queue up for it. So in the end I circled a bit and went off school to the routes again.

My focus was on shifting gears, as previously I was almost always on the 2nd gear, making a loud noise but not moving fast. So today I am going to the 3rd more, and keep a 40km/h speed wherever possible. Slow progress but I am learning.

Downside was, I did a lot of off-balanced braking in front of the lights, landing my right foot on the ground. This is definitely bad habit, and will result in INSTANT FAILING. Guess I am squeezing the hand brake at slow speed - which is not necessary.

Also I need to remind myself to LOOK over my shoulders like a nice L-plater at every traffic light, after stopping and before going, each and every single time. Annoying and excessive to do, yet this is an exam requirement.

Back at school after riding both routes on the road, I took my chances on the Figure-8 slope. There was a little girl (I mean, smaller than me) who was willing to practice by trial and failure. She (like me) crashes into the barriers at the bottom loop almost every time I watched her.

There was also a newbie (not yet L-plate) crashing rather hard going down the slope. Dude, don't overdo yourself!

As for myself, I showed limited progress on the slope. Almost failed the first thing, which is starting from the 1/3 on the slope. I need to stamp on the foot brake more to avoid the slightest down-slide. Besides, I still can't go back up!! The angle I loop back was too big that I completely missed the way back, and ended up going outside of the slope. That or I'm just going to fall to the left. Anyway I need to sort myself out.

The theory class was a bit funny as it has no structure. Basically we were just discussing on the issues we've encountered on the road. Stuff like, we can choose different lanes based on the road conditions despites what the guideline says. We have to stop 1-bike apart from the vehicle in front. etc.

L-plate Lesson 3: Mar 30 (Sun) 1.30-2.30pm

A bit worried about going on to the road on my own without touching the bike much in the month, I decided to give the exam routes a go.

There are 2 routes - one is longer, and one with more traffic lights. I live in the neighbourhood, and therefore has zero problem memorizing where to go. I didn't even have to read the map again!

After going to the route with more lights... I realized I kept choosing the wrong lane at the lights to turn...! The reason behind this is probably to train people up to turn from further away (i.e. the middle lane, instead of the cornering lane), also to occupy less of the available lanes in the area (L-plates drive at snail speed).

How I found out - I checked my sides at the lights... BTW I FORGOT to check my sides...! Argh. This is definitely exam criteria and I need to intentionally do so.

But then the day went really smooth without ANY clutch-killing-engine problem. Now I know what the instructors said about me releasing the clutch too fast earlier on.

Slight problem will be on the relative speed on different gears... Well I know the way to gear up/down, but when to do so? It seems like I geared down miles away before I reached the lights, for example, and the engine was making big noise at the 1st gear. Guess I need to experiment with the gear-down distance more to find out...

I tried the other longer route as well, and with both routes finished, I still have 10 mins left. Challenged myself to the Figure-8 on the slope again, but had no luck. Same thing, some hiccups when starting from the slope, doing top loop ok, lower loop was either almost crashing into the sides, or the U-turn was too far out to make the way back.

The next lesson (all self-study at the mo) will probably be all about Figure-8 again. I really like the road bit, but figure-8 is really giving me the headache.

L-plate Lesson 2: Mar 2 (Sun) 10:30-11:30am

I wanted to finish with Figure-8 on a slope first.

There were a few boys doing the same thing, but obviously much better. I spent a good amount of time watching them.

Thank god I sorted out my clutch/throttle to start going uphill properly. This day I had 2 fell-out from the bike in a stationery position already grrr... A good piece of oil stink was left.

The top loop I did ok - but it's not easy on the lower loop. I semi-crashed both times I attempt turning back uphill on the slope. On a flat surface was definitely a lot easier.

The more I go, the more worries I had, and my performance was getting disappointing. But I spent some more time at the ground-level figure-8 line at the side, and told myself that I can actually manage it on ground level! Also I did some cone-threading (go left/right alternatively towards a row of cones) and had no problem with it. Guess it is just the confidence I need more.

There were 2 guys, probably going a bit bored, and decided to do the figure-8 simultaneously. Looked like a circus :)

L-plate Lesson 1: Feb 23 (Sat) 3.30-7.30pm

This was the first lesson after passing the first exam.

A cloudy day to start off with.

There were 2 other girls in the class making up 6 students in total.

The instructor showed use some vids on "Figure 8 on a slope" - which is the first part of the Road Exam leading to a Probation license.

We were quickly sent off to the practice area and taking turns going onto the slope.

My clutch control was not the best - I was literally stuck in the middle of the slope, struggling to get uphill with a consistently dying engine. If it was not of the instructor, I couldn't have managed getting it going at all!!

We were first doing on a "_/-" surface rather than the exam requirement of on "/" only. So when we turn, we were on a flat surface. The slope was about 2-bike width, and you really have to turn sharp to avoid hitting the edge of the slope.

Going downhill required a lot of foot-braking too. If you go too fast, you won't be able to turn back in and go uphill again.

Overall I managed the turn at the hill-top fine. There was only once where the instructor was shouting at me for not keeping the throttle up at the turn - I panicked and crashed at the edge... Same thing that happened during the exam I failed previously...

***********

After Figure 8, we were allowed out to the streets following the instructor. Rain was getting more serious, so I put on the yellow raincoat they have at school.

There were 2 exam routes and we went through both that evening. 3 of us were in a group with the instructor, with me following him on the 2nd row. Overall it was a easy experience, since I had nothing to worry about apart from following whatever the instructor did, like when to signal turns, where to turn, when to change lanes, etc. But then I doubt if I could handle the road alright without someone in front doing the same thing...

The rain was really heavy when we did the 2nd route. The WHOLE of my jeans was soaking wet, and as I put my left foot down at the traffic lights, I stepped into the drainage, making my foot in a muddle of mud... Grrr also that a few times I was too eager to start and killed the engine when the lights turned green. I guess the male classmate driving behind me got a bit annoyed.

On return I had a very obvious mistake of stopping at the 2nd gear going uphill (that was back at school at the simulated roads). Anyway I was stuck at the slope and was forced to "peddle" down. Highly embarrassing. So I really need to sort out my "climbing" skills.

Exam 2nd Try: Jan 17 (Thu) 11.30am

So the three of us who failed the compulsory exam together 2 months ago were back in the exam circuit, alongside 3 other boys.

We did our practice rounds and the atmosphere was filled with anxiety - even I had a fair share of knocking out cones, losing clutch control, etc., especially everyone is trying to do some more start/stop practice. It's basically a traffic jam!

It's a record low temperature for this winter - 12oC, and my fingers were numb after 20 minutes of holding the clutch and brake.

I thought it's good news that I got to be the 2nd in the queue to sit the exam and not the first again.

The instructor on duty introduced the examiner from the Department of Transport. This examiner looks a lot younger and nicer, and refreshed us with examination criteria. "If you are on Neutral gear after turning and the stop, you can land your right foot when you get inside the box in the centre and switch to the right gear." - I didn't know that this is acceptable until now... and "Your bike needs to be going straight and steady after the turn for Emergency Stop - if you bike is wobbly then you'll still have a chance to do another round".

He is a lot more positive than the previous examiner, who only mentioned "if you blah-blah, you'll fail..."

Guy in black turtleneck was the first to go. He's smooth and deserved to pass.

I'm on next. Struggled a bit to move the bike forward (I always have the fear of letting clutch to go too fast...). Straight up to the centre box and I passed the first task.

#2 task: Turn left and back to centre.
The first left was my "Achilles corner" where I crashed, but I went pass it on snail speed fine. Geared up and do 2nd left, no problem. Geared down, brake and back to centre. Passed.

#3 task: Turn right and back to centre.
Same as #2. Passed.

#4 task: turn either route and go for Emergency stop when back to centre lane.
I chose the right this time to avoid the Achilles... which was a perfect choice because I was just very smooth at the right. I got more nervous when I geared up and turn right again, thinking that I should focus more on the stop to avoid failing at the last second (by putting right foot down). I grabbed the hand brake and stepped on the foot brake, pulling the clutch, and landed safely.

I PASSED----!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The exam was quick.

The person behind me was the boy with classy Arai helmet. He failed last time (for the 2nd try) by landing on his feet on the final Emergency stop task. But this time he made it - he passed too!

When he treated me with a candy, my hands went very shaky.

The 4th guy with an olive coat was a bit wobbly, but managed all his rounds and did fine. A pass for him.

The 5th guy who is very quiet and with dreadlock, also passed.

The 6th guy, the boy with funky jeans who failed 2nd try, turns alright, but he switched gear too soon before getting any closer to the box... Anyway, on his last turn, when he tried to stop - his right foot stepped out, and failed.

So apart from him, the rest of us all passed which was very encouraging.

When we were waiting for the results, I found out that the turtleneck guy had his 3rd try, and the olive coat guy was the same as me (2nd try). So I felt quite lucky that I am not sitting another round - and that I am not really an idiot..! Some of them had 4-wheels driver license within one try, and found motorbike exam a completely different experience.

My first road class will be on Feb 23, and I'm really looking forward for that!!!

Compulsory Class: Jan 12 (Sat) 5.30-7.30pm

The motoring school forced everyone who failed the exam to sit another 2-hours of "improvement course". Basically there are instructors watching the 6 of us riding and giving comments while doing rounds of mock exams.

Nothing too much of a problem I thought, apart from once another girl crashing into my bike while we are both turning into the same lane (my shin hit on the leg-guard). Clearly not my fault, so I think I'm fine.

The instructor did make helpful suggestions.

When your turn is not smooth and knocking cones off the lane edges:
- Start turning from the far side of the lane so that the turn is not that sharp, i.e. if you make the 180-degree turn to the left, start from the right edge of the lane.

When you switched to the neutral gear before stopping:
- Kick the gear lever a few times, and hard, right before stopping. The action should well be accompanied by pulling the clutch in and also the hand+foot brake. So gear-switching action will be at the last 2-3 meters or so before entering the stop box in the middle of the lane.

When you can't stop fast at Emergency Stopping test:
- Apply more hand brake, but in a smooth, delicate way. Pulling too hard will make the bike jump.

Those who are not taking the mock exam are free to play around in the bike area. I had a few tries at the 8-lane. The first few times I missed the turns a lot, but the more I practice, the smoother I get, and eventually I can do full 8s. Brilliant.

OK let's see how I do on Thurs.