DMV drive test forthcoming

[breadpazoid]

Okay, I am going for my drive test in about 2 weeks at the DMV...(I took and passed MSF, hold a class C permit, but you need a class C license to validate it so I might as well just take the road test and get it over with in the meantime lol)

I originally scheduled for the Fullerton office and then I went over there to practice. Their circle ride layout was almost put in as an afterthought. They have this gigantic range but chose to put the circle ride in the smallest possible space, cramped right up next to the drive test lane. 2 things made me decide to change locations.

1. You have almost zero room to approach the slow ride (within the thin lines) straight. The entry is backed right up against a curb.

2. As you are doing the slow ride/circle ride portion, coming out of your 2nd counter-clockwise loop around the circle ride, there is a giant bump in the pavement right where the circle ride merges with the exiting slow ride lane. Considering you are expected to stay within the lines that makes it more difficult than it has to be.

I practiced for about 1/2 hour and I intend to go visit the Westminster and Bellflower offices tomorrow to practice since it is Sunday and nobody will be there.

I think I did well with the slow ride/circle ride portion, turning counter clockwise. Had to ride my brakes for maximum efficiency but I think they will forgive me.

I did have a significant amount of trouble with the serpentine/circle ride portion, going clockwise. I think I might have been not tucking in my knees enough. Found it much more difficult to stay inside the lines. Maybe the coordination between keeping the throttle and brake adjusted just-so with my right hand might have been off as the front brake was grabbing a bit and my balance was off. Doing that part was the only time I have ever wished my scoot was smaller. ;D Any tips?

[2btiger]

First off congrats on the class C permit and the passing the MSF course, that's important info you got there. I have no idea what state laws are at your DMV, but in NYC the MSF course is only given by 2 schools and passing there waves the DMV road test. As far as our road tests go, It's on the road in traffic and we are not allowed to practice there EVER.

As far as the unforeseen obstacles if you can find a course your comfortable with then thats always a plus. I'm sure there are several instructors on here who will give you the correct advice for your clockwise handicap, all I can add was what I was taught. If you've got 2 weeks thats more than enough time to find and practice on the roughest terrain/road/parking lot, you can find because that's what maneuverability skill is meant for (not perfect roads).

Just as a side note, I still every so often take the time to practice figure 8's, weaving, winding circles and all the stuff I remember from school. I know a ton of guys who can do 100mph in a straight line but can't do circles, loops or 8's without putting their feet down. So enjoy the learning as you practice and..........

Good Luck

Ride Safe

Tiger.

[tortoise]

For those that may not have caught it . . this thread provides a little more "context" regarding the California class C permit versus license issue.

[breadpazoid]

Thanks Tortoise, I should have linked that thread to begin with. I'm not trying to dodge getting my Class C road test done, but it's really hard to get practice time since I work graveyard and am either doing homework or asleep when I have the opportunity. I try to practice on the weekends with sweetie when I can but I won't go for the drive test until I feel like I'm ready...which is not quite yet. In the meantime, I need the ability to drive shortly before dawn and after dusk, so I am okay with doing the DMV drive test for the scoot first.

I went to a different office to practice this morning and did a lot better. This one had a layout in which I was able to approach the slow ride from a straight angle. The clockwise is light years better too...once I relaxed, lol. I might go again this afternoon before work (have to catch some z's first...gotta sleep sometime...).

I never thought I would say this but I almost miss the fine controls of a manual transmission, at least as it pertains to the drive test. On the road, in traffic, I don't miss the shifting at all, but for the fine tuned maneuvers, I guess the automatic is a little bit more difficult. That's okay, practice never hurt anybody.

I can tell ya one thing, I would be thrilled to do the MSF Basic Ridercourse extra practice for, well, extra practice...although the place where I took my MSF is just a few miles up the road so I'm sure I could just go on a weekend they're not holding classes and work the exercises myself...and when I get more competent I also definitely plan to do the Experienced RiderCourse as well. The idea of taking refresher courses each year is not a bad one either.

If anyone has any further $0.02 to contribute, it would always be most welcome. Thanks!