I am still a learner and this really helped. I learn by myself through youtube videos like this. I nearly bumped into a car infront of me in heavy traffic while I was overdoing shoulder checks as I approached a turn. Nice to see a complete video on shoulder checks. Thanks☺
buzz tightear Thanks, but indian roads are hell, there is no lane discipline, people just overtake you from all directions and even ride very close to you even at speeds like 80kph, brake & the next thing happens is u r hit from the back.
One day life savers will not be seen as a saver but a risk. Be interesting to know how many accidents have occurred because the rider was looking behind when conditions drastically changed ahead. Ie vehicle in front slams the brakes on during a shoulder check. It's happened to me, had to brake hard. Looking behind takes much more time than glance in mirrors. If mirrors are correct, you should always know what is behind you, with very little blind spot. Only when turning right I think a should check is useful and you are pretty much looking for an over taking motorcycle. Test back in the day where insufficient, but today they are over the top. No one, really no one rides a bike as they do during a test.
Blind spots exists and they are called blind spots for a reason - you cannot know what is in them using your mirrors not matter how "Correct" your mirrors are - If you think a mirror check replaces a shoulder check you are a fucking idiot and inexperienced
I totally understand why shoulder checks are necessary but that for me will be the hardest part of the mod 2 test that I’m taking later today. I feel like it’s quite difficult considering you have to check your mirrors as well as looking for a gap in fast flowing traffic.
I agree with you , I'm training for my A lisence at the moment, and my Instructor said to me that going straight ahead , I need to do a left lifesaver once get to left exit, then once I leave my exit (2nd exit straight ahead) I do a right lifesaver , so it's like 2 lifesavers 1 after the other , this caused me to drift out and he started getting very agitated like I'm a retard . But how can I concentrate on my exit moving my head around like the exorcist. The first thing he drilled into me is always look where you want the bike to go, so this seems more of a hazzard doing 2, and I'm hearing everyone suggest different lifesavers , some instructors on on TH-cam when going ahead at rounabout dont seem to be doing and lifesavers when going ahead , some say do a right life saver as you exit for cars cutting in, then I just read a article on mcn saying do a left lifesaver on exit for cyclists Then turning right on roundabout I'm confused, obviously your on the inside , so a left lifesaver is necessary as your exiting as your crossing lane , but my instructor says after than , when exiting , do a final right lifesaver . I feel I'm so concerned about performing 2 lifesaver I'm not looking, what if a pedestrian is crossing or car suddenly breaks etc. And I'm not sure or clear on correct way now
@@S01-k9z Exorcist lol. I've actually ridden some 24000 miles and you don't drift when you look behind you once you have enough experience(I used to). But I still think life savers are often life riskers. Your told at the lights look left and right before you pull away, great way to get hit by a car expecting you to pull away. Watch TH-cam videos, that's what I did to pass my A1. When I do my A2 I will do all the stuff needed to pass, but I really think you are at risk riding like a learner. You are told when turning left go into the corner so cyclist don't go on your inside, so instead you end up with white van man on your right turning left over you. I ask you which of these is a real risk? I don't care about push bikes on my inside they're not going to kill me.
They expect you to do unnecessary amounts of shoulder checks during your test, so much so that you're not paying enough attention to what's happening in front of you. I check my mirrors regularly and do shoulder checks before changing direction or before merging lanes ect but I'd fail my test doing that.
+6Twisted It can be difficult to reach the right balance during the test. It's similar for the car test. Normally, you'd just glance with your eyes to the rear view mirror, however in the test, you need to move your head to make it clear that you've done so. The thing here is that the instructor cannot see things from your perspective. Make sure that you are aware of all the times that they will be expecting you to do lifesavers. Read the road ahead so that you give yourself plenty of time to get them in without losing sight of what's ahead.
Good informative video ..I haven't actually passed my bike test ..but I ride a 500cc leaning trike on full car licence...I am thinking of doing my full A but at 58 years old and by judging the amount of time I actually ride now (and the cost of the training and tests) I'm not 100 convinced it would be worth it ..but I put all these tips into practice while out on my trike .
My instructor in Ireland explained that shoulder checks are fully looking over your shoulder before moving off, lifesavers are a quick check to the side in your blind spot while moving, you shouldnt shoulder check (turn to look behind), unless youre stopped at the time.
Different places use slightly different terminology. In the US, they call it a "shoulder check" however and whenever you do it. When I was learning in the 80s, it was always called a lifesaver. I agree, you want a more complete look before pulling into traffic when setting off.
Ah thanks I was starting to worry a bit, have my test next week, and just when I thought Id gotten all the words right this came up! Thanks for clarifying!
Good luck! The key thing to help remember the routine is "how fast are you approaching stuff?" - if you are waiting to pull out, then you are not heading into anything and have time for a good look behind; if you are moving forwards, then you don't want to be looking behind so long that anything could happen in front without you seeing.
You are travelling through denham I use that road everyday. I am taking my mod 2 in a week I am nervous as hell. Thanks for the vid it is going to help.
I passed mate 2 faults for indicating to late apart from that it went fine. I am over the moon of a cbr 125 on to a gsxr 600 :-)))). Thanks for the tips....
i just failed my mod two for not doing enough life saver checks i feel you can do too many and i was checking my mirrors all the time he even said while over taking parked cars ??? there parked ffs no life saver check needed but you live and learn
Remember, the lifesaver is to enable you to see what is around and behind you, not in front. When there are parked cars, you are likely going to be moving out to keep your distance, so you want to know there is nothing around you that you are going to come into contact with. Also, parked cars are a hazard for things like kids running out between, doors opening and unexpectedly pulling out. Your lifesaver assures you of your options so that if you needed to swerve or something, you already know what's about. Any time you are changing direction, setting off, changing your position on the road (changing lane or moving out to overtake or go past something), you need to be doing a lifesaver in advance. Also, if the road ahead is particularly busier (more traffic, pedestrians, etc), then a lifesaver gives you a better appreciation of your situation before you encounter the increased hazards.
Great video, thank you. Just to double check what I understood regarding right and left lifesavers in roundabouts. Turning right(right lifesaver before I start the bend and left before I leave/changing lanes outwards). Going straight or left turn right lifesaver before I leave roundabout. Also, at 6.20 in this video you are turning right in roundabout, 2 lanes are going right. Are you signalling? Do you need to?
Always do a left lifesaver before exiting a roundabout (if feasible). You are checking to make sure you are not coming into conflict of something you previously missed as you move left from the roundabout. A right check on approach for turning right, yes, as you need to move to the right and are likely to want to be on an inside lane in the roundabout (if there are multiple lanes). As you go round, give yourself plenty of room to move to an outside lane so that you can leave at your exit without crossing a lane. Many roundabouts have exit focussed lanes so you need to be in the correct lane from the start, then follow it to your exit (though watch out for people cutting through and ignoring all lane markings!). Otherwise, you need to have a lot of care to be in the correct lane at the correct time. Use lifesavers for the side of the lane you are moving into and left just before your exit.
Thanks doing CBT again after amazingly 'failing' the first time. Needed this, but still kinda struggling on how if left shoulder check is needed for left turn or right... Or both ... And if both which first... And which last... lol getting on me nerves, does highway code teach this?
The lifesaver is to ensure nothing is occupying (or is about to occupy) the space you are moving into. When turning left, you are making certain there is nothing (especially pedestrians and cyclists) that would cause a conflict. For right turns, you are also making sure that nothing has missed your signal and is trying to overtake you. For moving off, that the space you are moving into is clear of traffic. Another part is to judge the space behind you. If the vehicle behind is a little close, start breaking earlier and gentler than normal to give them time to react. At a stop, you have plenty of time to "sweep" the area before setting off. Start over one shoulder and scan round to the other. This will catch those pedestrians who are trying to make a dash across from beside you and also cyclists and other bikers who could be filtering either side. It will also catch cyclists who went through crossing traffic late and may not have completely exited the junction by the time you have a green. It is good practice to do this sweep occasionally while waiting to go. It only takes about a second or so.
I've just been offered a job which requires me to travel from Basildon to Boreham. I passed my CBT last week and will be traveling to work using a 125cc motorbike but I don't feel in the slightest bit prepared. I was only out on the actual roads for 30mins and we didn't have to practice lifesavers. I'm really nervous about riding. Can anyone recommend some good safety tips in common situations?
+k Tomo You can never be too sure what you might come across on the road. Always ride within your limits and visibility ahead. If you find you need to go over a bump, ease off on the throttle. If necessary, apply the brakes (this signals to anyone behind that you are slowing down), but try to do so gently - not sharply. I don't know what they are teaching about stopping at lights. I could say what I do, but if that contradicts with what is being taught and expected on the test, I could do more harm than good. Check with your instructor. Good luck and enjoy the experience! It may be a test, but you'll be riding a bike which, let's not forget, is awesome!
hi there had a quick question if u manage to read this in time my instructor has told me to check to my right at red lights at a junction before pulling away even though i am going straight ahead is this a nessary manuover to pass the test?
I can't say what the test criteria will be, but I would have to agree with your instructor here. While you are stopped, lots of things can change around you. In particular, cyclists and other bikers may have appeared around you looking to jump ahead of you. Also, there may be pedestrians about to cross in front of you appearing from your side (crossing diagonally, if you see what I mean). It is very easy to get fixated by the lights when stopped and not notice your surroundings. A lot of accidents happen at that point. Always have a final check before pulling off. Good luck with the test!
+20wrighty Only just noticed this comment, sorry. Not 100% sure what you're referring to. Always use the correct line round roundabouts. I see a lot of people blindly cutting through them and that can mean you are cutting someone up. Rules for roundabouts are covered in the Highway Code by rules 184 to 190. In particular, positioning is covered by rule 186: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203 Watch the signs as you approach telling you which lanes are for which directions. In the roundabout, stick to your lane and follow the lane markings. If you need to change lanes, use the standard procedure for doing so: signal your intent, check behind you and in your mirror, then move across without swerving.
Thanks for the vid mate :) I just passed my CBT and looking forward to my licence. I watch this over and over as you make it nice and clear as to when shoulder checks are used I grew up in India Its a total different kind of riding with much more organised chaos on the roads. altho shoulder checks are unanimous for bikers the world over I do find it nice to give the checks a system. As safety is NO#1 Check out the vid "India Driving" :)
![Roundabouts [common motorcycle mistakes & safe procedures]](/img/n.gif)
I am still a learner and this really helped. I learn by myself through youtube videos like this. I nearly bumped into a car infront of me in heavy traffic while I was overdoing shoulder checks as I approached a turn. Nice to see a complete video on shoulder checks. Thanks☺
+mbrij 96 You're very welcome! Glad it has helped!
Never take your eyes off the traffic in front always make a lifesaver when changing direction or entering another lane or exiting a slip road
buzz tightear Thanks, but indian roads are hell, there is no lane discipline, people just overtake you from all directions and even ride very close to you even at speeds like 80kph, brake & the next thing happens is u r hit from the back.
My apologies I assumed u were from uk !!
Helps to clear fog and confusion created by well meaning instructors about shoulder checks /life savers
Well done for that
One day life savers will not be seen as a saver but a risk. Be interesting to know how many accidents have occurred because the rider was looking behind when conditions drastically changed ahead. Ie vehicle in front slams the brakes on during a shoulder check. It's happened to me, had to brake hard. Looking behind takes much more time than glance in mirrors. If mirrors are correct, you should always know what is behind you, with very little blind spot. Only when turning right I think a should check is useful and you are pretty much looking for an over taking motorcycle. Test back in the day where insufficient, but today they are over the top. No one, really no one rides a bike as they do during a test.
Blind spots exists and they are called blind spots for a reason - you cannot know what is in them using your mirrors not matter how "Correct" your mirrors are - If you think a mirror check replaces a shoulder check you are a fucking idiot and inexperienced
They are needed but I agree over done are dangerous. Ie in very busy traffic, I've a blind spot mirror for that very reason.
I totally understand why shoulder checks are necessary but that for me will be the hardest part of the mod 2 test that I’m taking later today. I feel like it’s quite difficult considering you have to check your mirrors as well as looking for a gap in fast flowing traffic.
I agree with you , I'm training for my A lisence at the moment, and my Instructor said to me that going straight ahead , I need to do a left lifesaver once get to left exit, then once I leave my exit (2nd exit straight ahead) I do a right lifesaver , so it's like 2 lifesavers 1 after the other , this caused me to drift out and he started getting very agitated like I'm a retard . But how can I concentrate on my exit moving my head around like the exorcist. The first thing he drilled into me is always look where you want the bike to go, so this seems more of a hazzard doing 2, and I'm hearing everyone suggest different lifesavers , some instructors on on TH-cam when going ahead at rounabout dont seem to be doing and lifesavers when going ahead , some say do a right life saver as you exit for cars cutting in, then I just read a article on mcn saying do a left lifesaver on exit for cyclists
Then turning right on roundabout I'm confused, obviously your on the inside , so a left lifesaver is necessary as your exiting as your crossing lane , but my instructor says after than , when exiting , do a final right lifesaver . I feel I'm so concerned about performing 2 lifesaver I'm not looking, what if a pedestrian is crossing or car suddenly breaks etc. And I'm not sure or clear on correct way now
@@S01-k9z Exorcist lol. I've actually ridden some 24000 miles and you don't drift when you look behind you once you have enough experience(I used to). But I still think life savers are often life riskers. Your told at the lights look left and right before you pull away, great way to get hit by a car expecting you to pull away. Watch TH-cam videos, that's what I did to pass my A1. When I do my A2 I will do all the stuff needed to pass, but I really think you are at risk riding like a learner.
You are told when turning left go into the corner so cyclist don't go on your inside, so instead you end up with white van man on your right turning left over you.
I ask you which of these is a real risk? I don't care about push bikes on my inside they're not going to kill me.
done my cbt today, i thought there was too many shoulder checks. uve made it very simple the way you explained. thanks for the useful video.
Glad it was useful! Hope you continue and pass your test ok. Good luck with it all!
They expect you to do unnecessary amounts of shoulder checks during your test, so much so that you're not paying enough attention to what's happening in front of you. I check my mirrors regularly and do shoulder checks before changing direction or before merging lanes ect but I'd fail my test doing that.
+6Twisted It can be difficult to reach the right balance during the test. It's similar for the car test. Normally, you'd just glance with your eyes to the rear view mirror, however in the test, you need to move your head to make it clear that you've done so.
The thing here is that the instructor cannot see things from your perspective. Make sure that you are aware of all the times that they will be expecting you to do lifesavers. Read the road ahead so that you give yourself plenty of time to get them in without losing sight of what's ahead.
BikerSpeedTriple I'll be taking my test in a few months so I'm getting into the habit of doing my over the top life savers now.
+6Twisted Cool. Good luck!
I don’t usually put comments but this explained clearly the importance but also to concentrate on what’s ahead. Thanks. Mod 2 test in August.
Nice smooth ride and informative commentary. Many thanks... very helpful.
You're welcome!
very educational. i am a new biker. very new and have not mastered the full understanding of the lifesaver. now i do. many thanks.
Glad to have helped. Hope you are enjoying riding!
You are the best coach I've ever had - thanks
Good informative video ..I haven't actually passed my bike test ..but I ride a 500cc leaning trike on full car licence...I am thinking of doing my full A but at 58 years old and by judging the amount of time I actually ride now (and the cost of the training and tests) I'm not 100 convinced it would be worth it ..but I put all these tips into practice while out on my trike .
My instructor in Ireland explained that shoulder checks are fully looking over your shoulder before moving off, lifesavers are a quick check to the side in your blind spot while moving, you shouldnt shoulder check (turn to look behind), unless youre stopped at the time.
Different places use slightly different terminology. In the US, they call it a "shoulder check" however and whenever you do it. When I was learning in the 80s, it was always called a lifesaver. I agree, you want a more complete look before pulling into traffic when setting off.
Ah thanks I was starting to worry a bit, have my test next week, and just when I thought Id gotten all the words right this came up! Thanks for clarifying!
Good luck! The key thing to help remember the routine is "how fast are you approaching stuff?" - if you are waiting to pull out, then you are not heading into anything and have time for a good look behind; if you are moving forwards, then you don't want to be looking behind so long that anything could happen in front without you seeing.
Thank you!! Good indicator for differentiating how much or when to look, thanks a million.
Going for my CBT this weeked and i believe this may help me pass it, i get into the bad habbits of overdoing something when told about it, Thanks
Good luck! Hope it goes well!
You are travelling through denham I use that road everyday. I am taking my mod 2 in a week I am nervous as hell. Thanks for the vid it is going to help.
Sorry for the delay getting back. I'm glad it has helped. How did your mod 2 go? Hope it was ok!
I passed mate 2 faults for indicating to late apart from that it went fine. I am over the moon of a cbr 125 on to a gsxr 600 :-)))). Thanks for the tips....
Thanks you for your help on shoulder checks
You're welcome! Glad you're finding the videos useful!
i just failed my mod two for not doing enough life saver checks i feel you can do too many and i was checking my mirrors all the time he even said while over taking parked cars ??? there parked ffs no life saver check needed but you live and learn
Remember, the lifesaver is to enable you to see what is around and behind you, not in front. When there are parked cars, you are likely going to be moving out to keep your distance, so you want to know there is nothing around you that you are going to come into contact with. Also, parked cars are a hazard for things like kids running out between, doors opening and unexpectedly pulling out. Your lifesaver assures you of your options so that if you needed to swerve or something, you already know what's about.
Any time you are changing direction, setting off, changing your position on the road (changing lane or moving out to overtake or go past something), you need to be doing a lifesaver in advance. Also, if the road ahead is particularly busier (more traffic, pedestrians, etc), then a lifesaver gives you a better appreciation of your situation before you encounter the increased hazards.
just put a vid of my own on have a look see what you think if you find time help and advise always a plus
Great video, thank you.
Just to double check what I understood regarding right and left lifesavers in roundabouts.
Turning right(right lifesaver before I start the bend and left before I leave/changing lanes outwards).
Going straight or left turn right lifesaver before I leave roundabout.
Also, at 6.20 in this video you are turning right in roundabout, 2 lanes are going right. Are you signalling? Do you need to?
Always do a left lifesaver before exiting a roundabout (if feasible). You are checking to make sure you are not coming into conflict of something you previously missed as you move left from the roundabout.
A right check on approach for turning right, yes, as you need to move to the right and are likely to want to be on an inside lane in the roundabout (if there are multiple lanes). As you go round, give yourself plenty of room to move to an outside lane so that you can leave at your exit without crossing a lane.
Many roundabouts have exit focussed lanes so you need to be in the correct lane from the start, then follow it to your exit (though watch out for people cutting through and ignoring all lane markings!). Otherwise, you need to have a lot of care to be in the correct lane at the correct time. Use lifesavers for the side of the lane you are moving into and left just before your exit.
@@BikerSpeedTriple Thank you for your comments.
great informative video im learning to ride
Thank you!
Why are you in the right lane at that roundabout? You went straight on so LEFT LANE NO .?
Thanks doing CBT again after amazingly 'failing' the first time.
Needed this, but still kinda struggling on how if left shoulder check is needed for left turn or right... Or both ... And if both which first... And which last...
lol getting on me nerves, does highway code teach this?
The lifesaver is to ensure nothing is occupying (or is about to occupy) the space you are moving into. When turning left, you are making certain there is nothing (especially pedestrians and cyclists) that would cause a conflict. For right turns, you are also making sure that nothing has missed your signal and is trying to overtake you. For moving off, that the space you are moving into is clear of traffic.
Another part is to judge the space behind you. If the vehicle behind is a little close, start breaking earlier and gentler than normal to give them time to react.
At a stop, you have plenty of time to "sweep" the area before setting off. Start over one shoulder and scan round to the other. This will catch those pedestrians who are trying to make a dash across from beside you and also cyclists and other bikers who could be filtering either side. It will also catch cyclists who went through crossing traffic late and may not have completely exited the junction by the time you have a green.
It is good practice to do this sweep occasionally while waiting to go. It only takes about a second or so.
I've just been offered a job which requires me to travel from Basildon to Boreham. I passed my CBT last week and will be traveling to work using a 125cc motorbike but I don't feel in the slightest bit prepared. I was only out on the actual roads for 30mins and we didn't have to practice lifesavers. I'm really nervous about riding. Can anyone recommend some good safety tips in common situations?
NutriSophic YOU got mugged off! Minimum, you should have had 2 hours on the road and had practiced life savers in the MMA
thanks. mod 2 soon. Do you have to ride over speed bumps on test? or use neutral at lights?
+k Tomo You can never be too sure what you might come across on the road. Always ride within your limits and visibility ahead. If you find you need to go over a bump, ease off on the throttle. If necessary, apply the brakes (this signals to anyone behind that you are slowing down), but try to do so gently - not sharply.
I don't know what they are teaching about stopping at lights. I could say what I do, but if that contradicts with what is being taught and expected on the test, I could do more harm than good. Check with your instructor.
Good luck and enjoy the experience! It may be a test, but you'll be riding a bike which, let's not forget, is awesome!
+BikerSpeedTriple Thanks triple.Got my final 2 hours the day before,will ask.
hi there had a quick question if u manage to read this in time my instructor has told me to check to my right at red lights at a junction before pulling away even though i am going straight ahead is this a nessary manuover to pass the test?
I can't say what the test criteria will be, but I would have to agree with your instructor here. While you are stopped, lots of things can change around you. In particular, cyclists and other bikers may have appeared around you looking to jump ahead of you. Also, there may be pedestrians about to cross in front of you appearing from your side (crossing diagonally, if you see what I mean).
It is very easy to get fixated by the lights when stopped and not notice your surroundings. A lot of accidents happen at that point. Always have a final check before pulling off.
Good luck with the test!
Was you interacting around the roundabouts or just following your line in the road ?
+20wrighty Only just noticed this comment, sorry. Not 100% sure what you're referring to. Always use the correct line round roundabouts. I see a lot of people blindly cutting through them and that can mean you are cutting someone up. Rules for roundabouts are covered in the Highway Code by rules 184 to 190. In particular, positioning is covered by rule 186:
www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203
Watch the signs as you approach telling you which lanes are for which directions. In the roundabout, stick to your lane and follow the lane markings. If you need to change lanes, use the standard procedure for doing so: signal your intent, check behind you and in your mirror, then move across without swerving.
Thanks! You, too!
Very welcome!
So much different information on life savers, very confused!!!
Cheers dude.
keep hold of your handle bars good vid
You're welcome!
Thanks for the vid mate :)
I just passed my CBT and looking forward to my licence.
I watch this over and over as you make it nice and clear as to when shoulder checks are used
I grew up in India Its a total different kind of riding with much more organised chaos on the roads.
altho shoulder checks are unanimous for bikers the world over I do find it nice to give the checks a system. As safety is NO#1
Check out the vid "India Driving"
:)
Thanks for the vids
constant snorting snot, put me off
I've never done a lifesaver in my life never had an accident and I've been riding a motorcycle for 50 years. Just shows your there pointless.