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Preparing for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) practical driving exam is important for motorcycle riders because passing this exam not only means getting a legal permission to drive but also shows responsibility and skills as a rider. Motorcycle riders typically prepare for the exam by working on specific exercises such as pre-driving check-ups, smooth starting and stopping, navigating various road conditions, and interacting with other road users. Practicing lane changes, turns, parking, and handling emergency situations also help riders safely and efficiently manage real-life driving scenarios.

Knowing and practicing these exercises directly impacts the rider’s performance in the exams and on public roads. Without proper practice, riders risk failing the exam, which could delay obtaining a driver’s license. Additionally, inadequate preparation increases the likelihood of making critical errors, potentially leading to accidents or legal penalties for traffic violations. That said, here’s a guide to the necessary exercises that are almost always tested in the LTO practical driving exams.

Understanding the LTO Practical Driving Exam

Understanding the LTO practical driving exam is an important part of the exam preparation. This is especially true for motorcycle riders who are aiming to secure their driver’s license. According to the LTO authorities, the 5-minute exam is ideally designed to evaluate a rider’s ability to handle a motorcycle safely and competently under various driving conditions by getting them to actually navigate an obstacle course that includes driving straight, handling elevated roads, parking, and making tight turns.

The exam was designed to screen roadworthy applicants who displayed the bare minimum necessary driving skills and adhere to traffic regulations while using either an LTO vehicle, their own motorcycle, or a driving school vehicle, and achieving a passing score of 70 out of 100. Unfortunately, policies regarding the exam do not allow the agency to be thorough with this check due to time constraints. 

The practical driving test typically takes around five minutes to complete, although the total process, including waiting time, may take longer as the agency facilitates up to 300 practical exams on a good day. To pass the exam, candidates must perform well in pre-driving checks, demonstrate proficient driving skills, and observe all traffic rules meticulously.

To avoid failing, it’s essential to practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the obstacle course, and pay close attention to the instructions given by the examiner. Additionally, understanding and adhering to the criteria set by the LTO, such as proper signaling, speed control, and maintaining safe distances, can significantly improve your chances of success. Practicing these skills thoroughly ensures that you can handle real-life driving scenarios effectively, making you a safer and more competent rider.

Parts of the Practical Driving Exam

The practical driving exam administered by the LTO is a comprehensive assessment divided into three main categories. Each category is designed to evaluate specific aspects of a rider’s readiness to drive safely and responsibly.

1. Pre-driving Check-up

The pre-driving check-up is the first component of the exam and is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle is in proper working condition before setting off. These pre-driving checks are essential for identifying any potential issues that could compromise safety during the test.

2. Driving Skills

The driving skills portion of the exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to operate the motorcycle competently. Proficiency in these driving skills ensures that the rider can handle the motorcycle in everyday scenarios.

3. Observance of Traffic Rules

The final component, observance of traffic rules, evaluates how well the candidate adheres to road safety regulations. Adherence to traffic rules is critical for ensuring the safety of the rider and others on the road. This part of the exam ensures that the candidate understands and respects these essential regulations.

By focusing on these three main categories, the LTO practical driving exam comprehensively evaluates a candidate’s readiness to drive, emphasizing safety, skill, and responsibility.

Key Exercises for Motorcycle Riders

Some of the exercises that all riders are advised to practice include:

1. Pre-driving Check-up

Performing a thorough pre-driving check-up is crucial. Here’s what you should practice:

• Checking the tires and battery
• Adjusting mirrors, lights, and windshield
• Using the seatbelt/helmet
• Checking the hand and foot brakes
• Disengaging the clutch before starting the engine

2. Moving Off, Riding Ahead, and Stopping

Start with the basics:

• Smoothly starting the engine and moving off
• Maintaining a steady speed while riding
• Coming to controlled stops

3. Driving in Different Environments and Situations

Practice riding in various conditions:

• Low-speed balancing for navigating traffic
• Hill riding for managing inclines
• Cornering to handle curves and bends safely

4. Interaction with Various Road Users

Ensure you can interact safely with:

• Other riders and motorists
• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Practice overtaking, passing stationary vehicles, and handling oncoming traffic.

5. Lane Shifting and Choice of Lanes

Master the skill of:

• Lane changing smoothly and safely
• Choosing the correct lane based on traffic rules and road conditions

6. Turning and Lane Changing

Practice:

• Left and right turns in various scenarios
• U-turns with proper signaling and lane usage

7. Emergency Situations

Prepare for unexpected events like:

• Tire blowouts
• Engine overheating
• Fire emergencies

8. Approaching and Passing Railways

Learn how to:

• Approach railways safely
• Pass through intersections and junctions

9. Riding in Different Road Conditions

Get comfortable riding in:

• Dark, unlighted roads
• Wet and slippery roads
• Sandy and loose surfaces
• Steep slopes
• Sharp curves

10. Stopping and Parking

Finally, focus on:

• Accurate stopping at designated points
• Proper parking techniques

Observance of Traffic Rules

Your ability to follow traffic rules will also be assessed. Focus on:

• Right of way at intersections and pedestrian crossings
• Obeying stop lights and signals
• Anticipating signal changes and making full stops when necessary

Auto-Fail Mistakes

Despite having a relatively easy and straightforward road test, examiners want to remind applicants that certain mistakes can lead to an automatic failure. According to the score sheet, drivers will automatically fail the exam if they:

• Hit the gutter or collide with another vehicle
• Strike a pedestrian or a fixed object 
• Perform improper actions that cause a collision
• Perform improper actions resulting in near collision with another vehicle

Video: LTO Practical Driving Test Tips

For a visual walkthrough on how to pass the practical driving exam, make sure ro watch this video from Wander J.

Summary

Preparing for the LTO practical driving exam requires comprehensive practice of various driving skills and strict adherence to traffic rules. By focusing on these exercises, you’ll not only improve your chances of passing the exam but also become a safer, more confident motorcycle rider. Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and understanding the criteria on which you’ll be assessed. Good luck!

Using and handling motorcycle controls, both primary and secondary, refers to the essential skill of managing all the levers, pedals, switches, and gauges that operate the motorcycle. It involves understanding the location, function, and correct usage of each control to ensure safe and effective riding. Mastery of these controls allows the rider to respond quickly and appropriately to various riding conditions, enhancing overall safety and riding performance.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Riding Positions

As riders, we need to know these controls to maintain control of the motorcycle in different situations. Without this knowledge, riders risk losing control, leading to accidents or hazardous situations. It is best to learn these controls before riding in traffic so using and handling them becomes more instinctual than deliberate, allowing the rider to focus on the road and surroundings rather than fumbling with unfamiliar controls.

What are Motorcycle Controls?

Motorcycle controls encompass a range of components used to operate and manage the motorcycle. These controls are what riders need for steering, accelerating, braking, shifting gears, and signaling to other road users while out on the road. While the basic functions of these controls generally remain consistent, the exact placement and operation of these controls can vary between different motorcycle types and models.

Understanding these controls is critical for safe and efficient motorcycle operation. Inadequate familiarity with the controls can result in delayed responses, improper handling, and increased risk of losing control, especially in traffic or emergency situations. Having said that, we listed the primary and secondary motorcycle controls that you need to familiarize yourself with in order to avoid getting in trouble when you take your bike for a spin.

Primary Controls

Understanding the primary controls of a motorcycle means familiarizing yourself with the controls related to basic motorcycle operation, maneuvering, and other fundamental riding tasks. 

Clutch Lever

The clutch lever, found on the left handlebar, controls the clutch mechanism of the motorcycle, allowing the rider to engage or disengage the power from the engine to the transmission. Pulling the lever disengages the clutch, while releasing it engages it.

What is it for: It is primarily used for smooth gear shifting. It helps in starting, stopping, and slowing down without stalling the engine.

How to use it: Squeeze the clutch lever before changing gears and release it gradually while applying the throttle. This coordination ensures a smooth transition between gears.

Where to find it: Located on the left handlebar, typically within easy reach of your left hand.

Handlebars

Handlebars are the main interface for steering and controlling the direction of the motorcycle. They also house several other important controls.

What is it for: Handlebars are used to steer the motorcycle by turning them left or right.

How to use it: Hold the handlebars firmly with both hands and use gentle pressure to steer the motorcycle in the desired direction.

Where to find it: Positioned in front of the rider, connected to the front fork of the motorcycle.

Front Brake Lever

The front brake lever is located on the right handlebar, just in front of the throttle. It controls the braking mechanism of the front wheel.

What is it for: The front brake lever is used to slow down or stop the motorcycle by applying pressure to the front brake.

How to use it: Squeeze the lever gently to apply the front brake. Always use the front and rear brakes together for balanced stopping power.

Where to find it: On the right handlebar, directly in front of the throttle.

Rear Brake Pedal

The rear brake pedal is a foot-operated control located near the right footrest. It engages the rear wheel brake.

What is it for: The rear brake pedal is used to help slow down or stop the motorcycle, complementing the front brake.

How to use it: Press down on the pedal with your right foot to apply the rear brake. Use it in conjunction with the front brake for optimal braking performance.

Where to find it: Near the right footrest, operated by the rider’s right foot.

Gear Shift Lever

The gear shift lever is found near the left footrest and is used to change the motorcycle’s gears. It is typically operated by the rider’s left foot.

What is it for: The gear shift lever is used to select different gears to match the speed and power requirements of the motorcycle.

How to use it: Use the clutch lever to disengage the clutch, then lift or press the shift lever with your foot to change gears. Release the clutch smoothly while applying throttle to engage the new gear.

Where to find it: Located near the left footrest, operated by the rider’s left foot.

Throttle

The throttle is the right handgrip on the handlebars, which controls the engine’s power by regulating the flow of fuel.

What is it for: The throttle is used to increase or decrease the motorcycle’s speed.

How to use it: Twist the throttle toward you to increase speed and away from you to decrease speed. It should automatically return to the idle position when released.

Where to find it: The right handgrip on the handlebars.

Starter (Kick/Electric)

The starter mechanism can be either an electric button or a kick-start lever, used to start the motorcycle’s engine.

What is it for: The starter is used to ignite the engine and begin operation of the motorcycle.

How to use it: For electric starters, ensure the bike is in neutral, depress the clutch, and press the starter button. For kick-starters, ensure neutral gear, then use the kick lever to start the engine.

Where to find it: The electric starter button is usually located on the right handlebar. The kick-start lever is typically above the right footrest.

Secondary Controls

Secondary controls, on the other hand, provide additional functionality and information to enhance the riding experience and safety. While primary controls are necessary for basic motorcycle riding operation, secondary controls aid in monitoring the motorcycle’s performance and communicating with other road users.

Speedometer

The speedometer displays the motorcycle’s speed in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

What is it for: Monitoring your riding speed.

How to use it: Regularly glance at the speedometer to ensure you are within legal and safe speed limits.

Where to find it: On the dashboard, in front of the rider.

Tachometer

The tachometer shows the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM), indicating how hard the engine is working.

What is it for: Preventing engine strain by staying within safe RPM limits.

How to use it: Check the tachometer to avoid exceeding the redline RPM.

Where to find it: Next to the speedometer on the dashboard.

Indicator Lights

Indicator lights include high-beam, neutral, and turn signal indicators, which display essential information about the motorcycle’s status.

What is it for: Providing visual cues about the motorcycle’s condition and operations.

How to use it: Observe these lights for information such as when the high-beam is on, the bike is in neutral, or a turn signal is active.

Where to find it: On the dashboard or instrument cluster.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch turns the motorcycle’s ignition system on and off. It often includes additional positions like lights and park.

What is it for: Starting and stopping the engine, as well as controlling the electrical systems.

How to use it: Turn the key to the “on” position to start the motorcycle and to “off” to stop it.

Where to find it: Typically located near the handlebars or on the side of the motorcycle.

Choke

The choke adjusts the air-fuel mixture for starting a cold engine. It is typically a lever or knob on the handlebars.

What is it for: Assisting in cold starts by enriching the fuel mixture.

How to use it: Use the choke when starting the motorcycle in cold conditions and turn it off once the engine warms up.

Where to find it: Usually on the handlebars or near the carburetor.

Engine Kill Switch

The engine kill switch stops the engine instantly in emergencies. It’s a crucial safety feature.

What is it for: Quickly stopping the engine in case of an emergency.

How to use it: Flip the switch to the “off” position to stop the engine immediately.

Where to find it: On the right handlebar.

Fuel Supply Valve

The fuel supply valve controls the flow of gasoline to the engine. It often includes a reserve setting for low fuel situations.

What is it for: Managing the fuel flow and accessing reserve fuel.

How to use it: Turn the valve on to allow fuel flow and switch to reserve if the main supply runs out.

Where to find it: Near the fuel tank, typically on the side of the motorcycle.

Turn Signals Switch

The turn signals switch activates the motorcycle’s turn indicators. They often need to be manually turned off.

What is it for: Signaling turns and lane changes to other road users.

How to use it: Flip the switch to signal a turn and manually turn it off after completing the maneuver.

Where to find it: On the left handlebar.

Horn Button

The horn button activates the motorcycle’s horn, a vital tool for alerting other drivers.

What is it for: Warning other road users of your presence or alerting them to hazards.

How to use it: Press the button with your thumb to sound the horn.

Where to find it: On the left handlebar.

Light Switches

Light switches control the motorcycle’s headlight and taillight. Most modern motorcycles have automatic lights that turn on with the ignition.

What is it for: Ensuring visibility in low-light conditions and signaling your presence.

How to use it: Use the switches to toggle between high and low beams.

Where to find it: On the left handlebar.

Stands

Stands, including kickstands and center stands, hold the motorcycle upright when parked.

What is it for: Stabilizing the motorcycle when it’s stationary.

How to use it: Use the stand to keep the motorcycle upright and ensure it is fully retracted before riding.

Where to find it: Attached to the frame, usually on the left side or underneath the motorcycle.

Video: Motorcycle Controls

Learn more about the motorcycle controls and what they do for you as a rider by watching this video from Howcast:

Summary

Understanding and mastering these controls is essential for safe and effective motorcycle operation. Familiarize yourself with your specific motorcycle’s layout and functions by consulting the owner’s manual and practicing regularly until using these controls becomes second nature. Then, and only then can you go for drives on your motorcycle without compromising your and the other road users’ safety.