Vehicle Control and Observation Techniques
This domain tests the physical skills the exam expects you to have mastered: where you look, how you steer, how you brake, and how you set up a corner. Most of it comes down to one principle - the motorcycle goes where your eyes go.
Observation
Mirrors every five to eight seconds, a head check over the shoulder before moving off, changing lane or turning, and a scan that runs near, middle and far. In a corner, turn your head towards the exit before you lean.
Steering
Below roughly 20 km/h you steer by turning the handlebar. Above that speed the bike turns by leaning, and you initiate the lean by pushing the grip on the side you want to go: push right, lean right, turn right. That is countersteering, and it is also the fastest way to swerve around an obstacle.
Cornering
Brake while upright and before the bend, then hold a steady or gently opening throttle through it, looking at the exit. Keep one braking input at a time on a wet surface. Entering too fast forces you to brake mid-corner, which stands the bike up and pushes you wide - the classic single-vehicle crash.
Braking
Most stopping power is in the front brake. Squeeze progressively as weight shifts forward rather than grabbing. Use the rear brake for slow-speed control and stability, and pull the clutch just before you stop. For an emergency stop, keep the bike upright, apply both brakes firmly, and look for the gap rather than at the obstacle.
Worked example
A downhill right-hander on a 60 km/h road. You brake to about 45 km/h while still upright, select the gear, turn your head to the exit, push the right grip, and open the throttle gently as the bike comes upright.
Traps that cost marks
Braking once already leaned over; fixating on gravel instead of the clear line; and skipping the shoulder check because the mirror looked empty.