Rear Observations. CBT / Module 2 Test Training / Advanced Training

Part of a safer riding series by a qualified UK instructor, showing individual subjects in isolation to assist in distance learning in conjunction with training courses. This edition focusses on rear observations, showing how to do them, when to do them and the risks involved.
Particularly useful if you are about to start or undertaking CBT or test training, but also for experienced riders thinking of starting advanced training.

[@MGman100]

Excellent content. Experienced riders should watch this, just because you've passed your test doesn't mean that's it. Also very good point at the end about vehicles already on the carriageway not having to give way or move out for joining traffic. Too many people think that they have right of way when joining and force others to take evasive action.

[@moustafamortada]

Perfect! Have my MOD2 in a week and was all confused about rear obs. This was to the point.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi, thank you, I hope it helps with your Mod 2. You might find my "How to pass your motorcycle test" video useful too. I wish you well for your test, would be interested to hear how you get on. All the best

[@bobhill8852]

Another high quality training video. 10 out of 10 for your content on Observations & roundabouts. Hopefully these clips will make riders more aware. I like the roads that you use to make the videos. We are spoilt for wonderful scenery in the south east. Keep up the good work Phil. You are a star *****

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you Bob, yes we have some lovely roads to ride on.

[@KamranKhan-ro9gg]

that commentary on observations and life savers was amazing. thank you

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Kamran Khan, thank you, i hope it helps, ride safe

[@lesunderdown]

Brilliant stuff Phil. Unbelievable knowledge. I have no doubt it was your training and the way you deliver it that got me through my test. The most nervous I've been in many years but your calm approach made the difference. I still have nightmares about the figure of 8 but fortunately don't need to do them too often!!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you Les, i enjoyed working with you and look forward to seeing you again. All the best

[@omerta2002]

I'm writing this a little bit later than I had planned but I just want to say a huge thank you to yourself for these videos. I used them to prepare for CBT & A2 & thankfully what I had learned watching the vids stood me in good stead to pass both & will definitely use them for my DAS. Thanks again & keep up the good work 😊👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@OME RTA congratulations on your pass and im glad the channel was helpful to you with your training. Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. Ride safe and i wish you well with DAS

[@CaptainSwoop]

This is an excellent presentation which I find very helpful. I really respect people such as yourself for your generosity and commitment. All the best and thanks from Oz.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@popee45 many thanks for your comments, i am glad you find the videos helpful, all the best

[@jamescunningham7218]

One of the best videos you’ll find with regards to observations for all aspects when navigating the roads

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you James, much appreciated

[@ellenbebro9352]

Watched all you videos and they helped me pass my mod2 test today thank you 😊

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi Ellen, thank you for watching, that is brilliant news, congratulations! Well pleased for you, ride safe :-) If I can help with anything in the future, just ask!

[@ellenbebro9352]

@@MotorcyclePWR the thing you don’t get.shown is how to is parking on a hill. what way to angle the bike I live in Lancashire with some very steep hills and incline sorry if this is a stupid thing to ask

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@ellenbebro9352 Hi Ellen, the only stupid question is the one you dont ask! Its a very valid point. Whilst its best practice not to park on a hill, if you do have to: 1, choose the less steep part you can find, 2. dont park facing downhill, 3. park at a slight angle from the kerb, not parallel so that the back wheel can rest against the kerb and turn the front wheel to face the kerb, if the bike slips it will roll towards the kerb which acts as a brake 4, leave it in gear so it cant easily roll, 5, make sure the bike leans on its side stand enough to be stable, ie you dont want it near to or completely upright 6, centre stands may be ok to get the bike on facing uphill, but getting it off may be rather difficult! Dont put it on centre stand facing downhill, it can take itself off and roll downhill! Hope this helps? All the best

[@ellenbebro9352]

@@MotorcyclePWR thank you I will give it a go next time I’m out on my bike

[@swindass]

A really good source of riding info...I feel more ready for mod 2 now than before. great demos on all riding.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@swindass thank you, i wish you well for your mod 2, all the best

[@markrussen9267]

As a returning older motorcyclist really appreciate the videos and commentary. Clear and relevant explanations make the videos a “must watch” in my view. Thanks for producing quality content.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you for your comments, much appreciated. Im glad the videos are helpful to you. I hope you enjoy your return to biking, all the best

[@SCARHEMBROW]

Learn from you ' ALL ' the time , and as we know , we are ' ALWAYS ' learning . Triffic videos

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you Tony, much appreciated. Indeed, we never stop learning! All the best

[@threethrushes]

When a guy talking about motorbike safety is wearing the most high-vis protective clothing ever, I listen.

[@CaptainChunk54]

Excellent in both content and delivery useful for all standards of riders, including any working towards the IAM or Rospa Advanced Rider Tests All good stuff 👍

[@PB-oe7id]

Same as with all your previous videos regarding information for rider safety and proper correct procedures this video is the best I've ever seen on entire KZbin. Excellent work. I wish I live closer I would love to get my training done with you guys.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you Pixo Bixo, much appreciated. Have you done your tests yet? Not sure where you are in UK but happy to help remotely if i can! All the best

[@SammyHerring]

Awesome! Need to have a ride around this part of Kent!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, yes you certainly do. Its very nice!

[@user-rs6gl5lx6f]

First class presentation. So easy to understand.

[@neilsatchell7049]

Im getting addicted to you videos, as got my mod2 in 2wks, great information about rear observation and lifesavers cleared the confusion.

[@lobot64]

Have my MOD 1 & MOD 2 test in about 2-3 weeks and this really helps clear up some confusion, thank you!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Youre welcome, hope the mods go well. All the best

[@emmariley9974]

Rear observations were a definite weakness for me after my first day of mod 2 practice. Watched this before my test and passed with 0 faults for observations. The explanations were so helpful. Thank you!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

glad you found the video useful. Congratulations on your pass, ride safe

[@-SiFoX-]

I found this extremely useful, its been close to a year since i completed my CBT just bought my first bike. Watching these vids in a playlist has been really helpful!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Simon Clark glad these have been useful Simon, ride safe. Thank you for your comment

[@mattbristo6933]

Brilliant videos with a more practical exam of real world scenarios. Thanks.

[@davidmiller9852]

Well done.

[@davec3459]

I've just done my cbt and had a couple of lessons, hopefully on my way to a bike licence, and I found that really useful thank you. Been driving cars for over 30 years and I think that keeps emphasizing to me how much I don't know when I'm on a motorcycle... The car stuff is ingrained and automatic but I'm finding it difficult to reprogram myself for motorcycles...

[@MotorcyclePWR]

hi Dave, thanks for your comments, it does take time but you ll soon get into it, i wish you well with your training and testing, ride safe

[@lordcostner]

Thank you!

[@the9263]

best video so far. thanks a lot.

[@petecurran3995]

Another multi-scenario masterclass. Many thanks, Sir!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Pete Curran Thank you Pete, much appreciated. All the best

[@seton3342]

I was taught chin to shoulder for my LS in 1996 and it’s stayed with me ever since 😊

[@MotorcyclePWR]

perfect!

[@187miken]

Cant get more clearer than that! Thanks, this has helped a lot👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Glad it helped!, all the best

[@johnpaulmurphy7387]

Just have to say thanks for making thease videos brother 🙏 you pretty much helped me pass my test in Ireland 🇮🇪 you really helped me a great deal so thank you for sharing your tips and advice

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi thank you for your comments, much appreciated and glad to have been of help. Congratulations on your pass and enjoying your biking. All the best

[@royvelasco473]

I love your very systematic practice on how to safely ride a motorcycle. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Roy Velasco Thank you Roy, ride safe

[@michaelpage2151]

Glad you mentioned it. Isn't it ironic that bike mirrors are soooo bad, full ofyour arms!!!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

yes, they re not always the best! Aftermarket mirror arm extensions can help though. Some bikes are better than others.

[@sandman20011]

What a cracking video, got my MOD 2 in a couple of weeks at Wrexham an area I've never been to, this will help a lot. Thank you.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

you re welcome, i hope your Mod 2 goes well. all the best

[@MaJaCaProductions]

Great content, a must watch for all new and inexperienced riders.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@MaJaCaProductions thank you , much appreciated, all the best

[@shaunburrelli9422]

Another informative video, clearly explained and helpful. Thankyou.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

glad it was helpful, thank you

[@MorayWolf]

Great video, this clarifies all the questions I had about rear observations and lifesavers that I had when I did my Mod 2 last year. Being an advanced car driver, I was getting more and more confused and frustrated as time went on through my bike training; I eventually got to the point where I just had to accept that was what was required to pass my test which goes against everything that I had been previously taught. For example, I often questioned why I needed a left lifesaver for a left turn - I've just ridden down the road, I haven't passed any pedestrians or cyclists and there's nobody about, in fact, there's a 10ft high wall to my left so they aren't suddenly going to appear. Glad to hear that you should use lifesavers at appropriate times and not just do them because someone's told you to do them, much like indicating if there's no-one to give information to. Currently on a waiting list to start advanced bike training.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Mark Shewry hi Mark, thank you for your interesting comment here. It seems that often trainers are unaware of how advanced training works and also how DVSA standards for riding and driving have changed over the years. It would have been useful for your instructor to use your previous experience and tailor it to some of the necessary adjustments at test level. Glad to hear you have now progressed to waiting for advanced training, and i wish you well with it, all the best

[@axleg1254]

Thanks

[@ricardo6861]

Love your content. Best motorbike training videos I've seen on KZbin. Thanks 👌🤓🙏👍👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Many thanks. Much appreciated

[@__-yw1hb]

i was unaware of what "straight lining" a roundabout 24:40 was, but apparently did it several times during Mod 2 last weekend and it was uprated to a serious positioning fault; but watching this i don't think i went as close to the centre, must have not been far enough to the left with lack of any line markings. felt gutted as thought the rest of the ride had been okay. this is very detailed and useful video, thank you for posting. i will be repeat watching it

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@__ thank you for your comments, sorry to hear that you didnt pass your Mod 2 but hopefully you will next time. Glad the video helps, all the best

[@michaeldixon546]

Found this very helpful. Hopefully I will remember all on my test day 🙏🙂.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, i wish you well on your test

[@michaeldixon546]

@@MotorcyclePWR cheers mate 👍

[@WhippyWhip2]

all these things come naturally while using a bicycle on the road but when learning to control the motorbike it can sometimes cause you to overthink rather than do it naturally

[@SkatrzSeb]

Got my Mod 2 in a couple of days and been stressing about how much/when i should/shouldn't be doing life savers. This video has summed it up quite well for me and definitely feel a lot more comfortable for my test. Thank you very much :)

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Glad it helped! all the best with mod 2

[@SkatrzSeb]

@@MotorcyclePWR passed with 4 minors, bummed about the minors but he actually said my observations were spot on, so thank you very much for this video it really helped me out during the test :)

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Sebastian Buxton-Maung Brilliant, great news, glad all went well for you, thats a good result. Ride safe

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Subbed, excellent content, passed my Mod 2 last February, thinking about doing advanced, been driving HGV's last 23 years so mirror checks are already routine, find on the bike i'm constantly scanning, the 360 degree obs is a good one to keep in mind, the "being blown round on a naked" was spot on, have a Ducati Monster, a lifesaver does blow my head round at 70 mph, will try your method.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you for the sub and watching. Glad you found some content of interest. An advanced course should be interesting after the direct access, lots more to enjoy! Your hgv experience is useful as well. Out of interest, did you initially get told by your instructor not to swan neck when turning into junctions? Ive noticed a few hgv drivers do it to start with on bikes out of habit! Ride safe, all the best

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

@@MotorcyclePWR Yes, swan necking junctions was a problem for the first few lessons, also doing too many left lifesavers coming off roundabouts as i'm used to checking my N/S mirror multiple times to track the trailer wheels close to the kerb, also over doing mirror checks (moving head too much) and over doing lifesavers (looking round too far and affecting the handling of the bike), i'm 50 so my instructor had to break habits of a lifetime lol, loving bikes and riding though.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@Markycarandbikestuff excellent, sounds like youre all sorted now. Bikes are great arent they! I hope if you go advanced you enjoy it. Ride safe, all the best

[@kez8878]

Awsome video, I have my Mod 1 & 2 next month and this has certainly helped clear up some confusion on rear observations. One question, what about life savers on roundabouts which are not sign posted as mini roundabouts but are still small with multiple exits in close proximity to each other? Would the road ahead still take priority over lifesavers?

[@jamiebrown9642]

Hi Phil good informative video as ever , unfortunately i failed my mod2 due to life saver to my left on a roundabout b4 changing lane to the left just b4 exiting if that makes sence i know i did life save ,,but couldnt of been obvious enough even tho i try to exagerate my looking at mirrors and life savers is there a way i could do this better kind regards Jay

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Jamie Brown hi Jay, sorry to hear that. With lifesavers, timing is one factor, and as taught at test and cbt standard, chin to shoulder is what is generally regarded as best. Any less and it can be viewed as a weak or insufficient rear observation. A fail here would be because of the high risk of lane changing which could result in conflict with another vehicle. So in essence, appropriate timing and effectiveness of the lifesaver, plus an appropriate reaction to what is there depends on whether you get a fault or not. I wouldnt worry too much about exaggerated rear obs, just that they are effective. Let me know if I can help further, all the best

[@oldfartuk]

If people new to biking (or came from car to bike) they be shocked how radically different it is .. Ive had car drivers say "its easy on road , i don't see what what all fuss is about" .. Bikes require WAY more concentration than driving a car ... and life-savers and observations is not something you do just to pass your test ! .. And something ive noticed new and old riders doing that is putting wrong foot down when stopped at traffic lights or junctions ..like at 16:39

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you for your comments and observations. Yes the car driver thing is so true. But I have always said, car drivers SHOULD drive with the same degree of skill, observation and knowledge that a motorcyclist should. But so many feel safe that they dont. Bikes require more concentration mainly because getting it wrong generally bites you harder and quicker! A quick word on the foot down thing, as over the years there has been much made of it with varying thoughts. Look up "Hendon Shuffle"! As a general rule, brake foot stays up for control stopping, and rear brake hill starts are easier than fronts! But, and at advanced level it is often encouraged, if you decide to stop and select neutral, you can stop on front only and put brake foot down, then select gear and move away. Not recommended procedure for learners. So if used as part of a planned procedure, brake foot down is ok, but not if done randomly without thought!

[@oldfartuk]

@@MotorcyclePWR Thank you for your time to answer

[@deusexmachinawl]

Thank you for this very useful video. With really essential information to use first hand. I really got interested in your comment about rigid shoulders, which are affecting me at times… I am aware of it. The bikes are all naked and I am 183 cm with longish legs , 34 . I find myself leaning on the steering bar quite a lot. Is there a technique that helps with this anatomy issues? Surely I am not the tallest of the riders but I find myself perched on the seat, with wrists and shoulders getting stiff at times

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thanks for your question. Relaxing on a bike can be difficult, and essentially our core body strength is what is needed on the bike. Different styles of bike can make being relaxed harder or easier depending on our body. Naked bikes give you quite a wind pressure at speed which can cause tension. Its worth consciously relaxing grip and arms and focussing on the core muscles to keep you upright rather than your arms and see how you feel with it. When we ride we are often quite unaware of what our muscles are doing! Good luck with it

[@deusexmachinawl]

@@MotorcyclePWR thank you I keep forgetting the importance of core strength in everything we do..

[@simplycharacterized8604]

How do you manage to record your voice for these videos? Got me wondering

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Audio is recorded via an in helmet mic attached to a media adaptor on the GoPro. This was an early video so the stereo effect was not functional due to equipment issues. This has been sorted in later videos. All the best

[@ronaldbear1]

How should you set your mirrors up?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@ronaldbear1 bike mirrors are often awful! You will probably see some of your arm in the mirror but should be able to see traffic following you, not too much sky and not to much road surface!

[@kevinj99]

What jacket do you have on?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

An old Hein Gericke textile

[@scrumpymanjack]

Interesting video. So at 24.45, when you're exiting the roundabout straight, you don't bother to indicate that you're exiting? And, moments later, when you turn left on to a minor road, you don't bother to indicate? Is that advanced riding? I'm assuming you don't do this because there is nobody behind you and you know it. But can you confirm, please? I'm guessing that if you did that on your MOD2, you would fail, no?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@scrumpymanjack hi thank you for your comment. I have made a couple of videos about use of signals which may help. But, if i don't use a signal it is because it would not benefit another road user, and is taught at advanced level. As regards a module 2, not using a signal wouldn't necessarily be an automatic fail, but could be a rider fault. It would depend on the effect it had on the rider and any other road user, or whether the error was frequent. Hope this helps, all the best.

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@MotorcyclePWR Hi there. Yes, that makes perfect sense. I thought as much - just useful to have that all confirmed. I've watched a lot of your videos now and they're extremely helpful.

[@fastestonearth1]

Thanks have mod 2 Tuesday 28 12.38 🙏🥴

[@MotorcyclePWR]

I hope your Mod2 went well

[@fastestonearth1]

@@MotorcyclePWR hi sadly not my day take again 26 July 10.30 🙈🥴🙏

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@fastestonearth1 ah sorry to hear that, im sure youll do well next time. All the best

[@AW8UK]

I apologise in advance if I have failed to understand your videoe. Re Major to minor right turns. At about 19:30 you say a right lifesaver must be done. At 23:05 you say lifesaver here NOT essential, (although you do mention you can check blindspots). This seems to be a significant contradiction. Please clarify. (for purposes of DSA MOD 2 test standard). Thank you

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@AW8, hi and thank you for your comments and the nice way you have put things, no apology required! Yes, your question is very valid. Having re-watched my video, I should have clarified what I said at 23:05. So major to minor as per 19:30 we would expect to see right lifesaver for CBT/Mod 2, (unless there was a good reason not to do one), as the risk is one of being overtaken prior to the turn. At 23:05, there is a variance because I am in a dedicated right turn lane rather on the 2 lane carriageway, so the risk may be slightly less, due to lane width on left, hence why I said "I shouldn't need a lifesaver", not I don't need a lifesaver. Having said that I did check my blindspot whilst stationary prior to turning! For Mod 2, it would be best to do a lifesaver there, at post test level we would analyse risk more deeply and consider use of a lifesaver dependant on circumstances and previous relevant observations rather than do one by default. Thanks again for your relevant comment, much appreciated! Ride safe.

[@AW8UK]

@@MotorcyclePWR Ok understood. Thanks for the decent reply. I viewed & listened to wording most carefully before posting here. Roadcraft car taught background so it may be a bit of a challenge to adapt for my DAS...Needs must. If/when passed I will lean towards IPSGA (& Roadcraft) I appreciate what you do to help others & promote safe biking. Thanks & all the best

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thanks ever so much, i guessed you had watched and considered things before posting. I'm sure you find with watching many vids there are many opinions as to what to do and what not to do! I would say that once it was taboo to consider "advanced stuff" for test, but with a closer working relationship between the Police Foundation and DVSA, if you are Roadcraft trained, Roadcraft and The System will not do you any harm for test, providing you don't do advanced techniques such as straight lining bends and roundabouts! I get what you say about 2 systems, I guess that for a learner we are more prescriptive about mirror, signal manoeuvre, P/S/ Look, whereas Roadcrafts "Information" takes care of that as there are different expectations from a probably more experienced road user. I do find the gear phase of IPSGA very helpful for new riders though, a blend of the two would be good! I wish you well with your training and test. Best wishes

[@AW8UK]

@@MotorcyclePWR Got that. Noted. - thanks. Only local trainer I found that was ROSPA & IAM qualified said they only teach DSA system and methods as an examiner negatively commented after test despite awarding a MOD 2 pass. No plans for offsiding (or even bend position 3) at this stage. Over & out for now 🙂👍👋

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@@AW8UK 🤣👍 brilliant! All the best 👍

[@sophiebazgier9596]

can I do too many life savers hahaha

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Yes you can! When you are looking behind you are not looking where you are going. Correct timing of lifesavers is important for your safety

[@markrussen9267]

Thanks

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you Mark, much appreciated