4.01

Another first attempt pass! However, it was a rather shaky one. 

This stage looks and reads simple, but it really is not. There is a lot of technique involved and there is really not a lot of time to think through them because each course have to be completed within a certain time. Most of the time I will be more eager to cross that line with the best time possible, than to worry about whether or not my posture was correct. And if I consciously think about my posture, my timing will suffer. I still manage to do enough to earn a pass to the next stage (circuit review) but I think this may even do more harm than good. But who knows. Bring 4.02 on.

3.02

Passed! But with some difficulty. 

During the briefing before the actual practical, the instructor noted that this lesson is now called "Targeted stopping" in lieu of the usual "Emergency brake on wet surface". He said that over the last few weeks, ambulances have been coming to the school to pick students up because of accidents and most of them happened during this stage.

The powers that be felt perhaps students thought that since its called "emergency brake", just slam hard on the brakes and hope for the best. Disaster for 2 wheelers. Slamming on brakes will cause accidents most of the time.

He also warned us that this is the stage where demerits are easily incurred. Speed and timing are very crucial here. Only practise, will then perfect be made.

3.01

The plank and pylon stage. Took me 1 try but I won't say I aced it. All the information on the book will be sufficient to start you off but here is an important tip.

Relax.

I know its easier said than done, especially when you see fellow learners falling off the plank. But there's really no other way around this. By now, your clutch control should be acceptable, if not good. I discovered that relaxing and looking slightly further, helps.

Stage 2

This stage is all about turning, moving off a slope and lane change. Took me a total of 5 tries on this stage. 3 at 2.01 and 2 at 2.02. Can't believe I spent more than $100 alone here. 

My weakness was moving off slope (2.01, clutch control very important here) and lane change (2.02, partly coz of driver's habits).

Tip

Clutch control at gear 1. Can't emphasise that enough.

Riding posture.

Stage 1

is broken up into 3 sub stages; 1.01 to 1.03. It took me 3 tries at 1.02, partly also because I went away on a holiday and stopped lessons for a good 3 weeks.

This stage is mostly familiarisation. Moving and stopping is a large part of this stage.

Tips
Master that clutch control as much and as quick as you can. It helps at stage 2 and 3.01. 

Read up on the lesson prior. It gives you an idea of what you are going to do although it may differ somewhat from your expectation.

And do not wait too long before your next lesson. It really helps to "strike while the iron is hot".

Class 2B Registration and Theory

Registration

... with a driving school is very straightforward. I don't think any of the driving schools would want to complicate this process lest it turns people away. Just choose a school that is geographically convenient to you. 

For registration, bring $150 and all your relevant IDs. I was told to cough up that amount so that I can pay for the enrolment ($58.85) and still have some left in my account (with the school) to book lessons. Yeah, you will have to create an account with the school and remember the pin number. Resetting pins will cost you.

You will be given a skull cap, of sorts. To wear if you use the school's helmet for practical lessons.

Theory lessons and Test

Right away, I was told I have to attend 4 lessons before I can embark on the practical lessons or take the theory evaluation. 2 Basic Theory lessons and 2 Riding Theory lessons. I blocked out a whole day to attend all 4 at the same day. You can spread them out as schedule allows.

After that, its theory evaluation before taking the actual riding test. I aced them but here is a tip. Book 2 theory practise sessions before the eval and actual test. Complete all the 5 books of Riding Theory practise. It will help tremendously if you don't want to waste time and money.

My waiting period for the Riding Theory was 2 months so I needed to do the 5 books again on that day to refresh my memory. And it really helped.

I didn't need to take the Basic Theory test because I already have my class 3 and a Basic Theory pass is for life, fortunately.