Timing is testing for learners

Speaking to motorcycle insurance company Lexham, Alan Stevens, former Essex Police DCI with a Police Advanced Driver permit and now Instructor at Camrider Motorcycle Training, has revealed that provisional learners of cars and motorbikes should avoid early morning test times during the latter months of the year with icy surfaces and low light to endanger and dazzle riders.

He said, “At this time of year, frost, ice and even snow can be present in the early morning after a particularly chilly evening, so, in addition to being a dangerous time to drive or ride a motorcycle, your test may even be cancelled at this time of day if the conditions aren’t suitable for learners.

“Your tyres need friction to accelerate, brake and turn safely. When there’s frost or ice on the ground, the road loses this friction and creates a slippery surface that could compromise safety.

“Even just a thin layer over the road can be a risk to drive on and people don’t realise it’s covering the road until they brake.”

Instead, a prime time to take a motoring test is between 12-1pm in the colder months, according to Alan.

At this time of day, the sun has reached its highest peak which means the temperature is theoretically at its highest of the day, thus “several hours of daylight will be enough to melt thin layers of frost in time for afternoon tests.

“Plus, examiners will have had plenty of time to assess the safest routes for learners by mid-afternoon so there’s less chance of your test being cancelled.”

Despite the afternoon being a better time to take a motoring test, Alan says that, if possible, it’s a good idea to not take it too late in the afternoon this time of year.

“The sun starts to set before 5pm during these months, so if you’re a learner then it’s best to get a test time that’s earlier on in the afternoon where the light is brightest.

“That way, your mind’s not preoccupied by thinking about it getting dark and you can be on your best form to pass your test.”