[One-Shot Mastery] Tips for the Narrow Plank Riding Test for Motorcycle Licenses: Techniques Explained for Driving Practice

Motorcycle License Training Item: "Single Plank Bridge"

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/8B-2511594/

When obtaining a motorcycle license, it is essential to clear the "straight narrow course" in the practical test, which involves riding across a single plank bridge for a specified duration.

Each license type has a designated time, and in addition to riding slowly, there are several rules such as "don't wobble" and "don't put your feet down." Many people say they struggle with this.

What is a Single Plank Bridge?

A single plank bridge, also known as a balance beam, is a training exercise where you ride safely across a balance beam that is 30cm wide, 5cm high (thickness), and 15m long, within a specified time.

The objective is to be able to ride at low speeds safely even on narrow streets. You must ride slowly and steadily on the narrow single plank bridge without wobbling, stalling, or falling off the bridge.

The specified time to cross the single plank bridge varies depending on the type of license you are acquiring, as shown below:

Cross without wobbling or falling off

On the single plank bridge, in addition to crossing within the specified time, you are also judged on whether you wobble, fall off, stall, or put your feet on the ground.

If you just ride straight, it's hard to wobble or fall off, but since you have to ride slowly for the designated time, it's a training exercise where wobbling and falling off the plank are common.

What is the passing time for the single plank bridge? Too fast results in penalty points.

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/86-650753/

The single plank bridge has a passing time set according to the license, but in the test, if you cross the bridge in less than the passing time, you will incur penalty points.

Specifically, if you complete the single plank bridge faster than the specified time, you will lose 5 points for every second early.

(Example: [For a standard motorcycle: 7 seconds] If you cross the single plank bridge in 6 seconds, you lose 5 points.)

Penalty and End Points Other Than Time

While crossing the single plank bridge faster than the specified time results in a 5-point deduction per second, falling off the plank means immediate termination of the test. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid falling off rather than incurring time penalties.

Also, if your foot touches the ground while on the single plank bridge, the test will be terminated, so try to avoid putting your foot down just as you would avoid falling off.

Other penalties include 10 points for a foot leaving the footpeg due to wobbling, and 10 points for lifting your buttocks off the seat due to poor riding posture, both of which are significant deductions.

Stalling can also end the test.

If you stall on the single plank bridge, the test will be terminated for failing to pass the bridge.

Also, if you stall when starting from the stop line, the test will be terminated for failing to pass the single plank bridge. So, be careful not to stall from the moment you start the test.

If you're about to fall off...

Since incurring penalty points offers a better chance of continuing the test than falling off and ending it, if you feel like you're about to fall off midway, it's better to quickly cross, even if it means getting penalty points.

Crossing one second faster than the specified time results in a 5-point deduction, but falling off means the test ends immediately. So, it's better to stick to a deduction to keep the possibility of continuing the test.

If you try too hard to gain time and end up about to fall off, just quickly cross the single plank bridge.

Steps and Tips for Conquering the Single Plank Bridge

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/8B-407123/

If you struggle with the single plank bridge, keeping the following points in mind can help you cross it successfully:

1. Keep your gaze high and straight.
2. Approach the platform with momentum.
3. Advance slowly using the half-clutch and rear brake.

Tip for the single plank bridge 1: Keep your gaze high and straight.

A motorcycle tends to go where your eyes are looking. If your gaze is too close to the front, you're more likely to wobble and lose balance, so keep your gaze high and straight.

When starting towards the single plank bridge, focus your gaze on the bridge's slope (entrance) until you are about 1 meter away, then shift your gaze to the middle of the bridge once you are within that 1-meter mark.

Once on the single plank bridge, shift your gaze to the area near the goal (around the slope). After you've crossed about halfway, shift your gaze to the straight line beyond the end of the slope.

If you lose balance suddenly, check your gaze.

If you suddenly lose balance while riding on the single plank bridge, your gaze might have shifted downward.

Also, if you keep your gaze fixed on the same spot, you're more likely to lose balance as you progress across the plank, so gradually shift your gaze forward as you move.

If you still wobble even with your gaze forward, slightly twist the throttle to correct the wobble by using the forward momentum.

Tip for the single plank bridge 2: Approach the platform with momentum.

When getting onto the single plank bridge, you should build up a certain amount of momentum from the start and ride onto the bridge platform.

Even if you cross the first few meters quickly, you'll still have plenty of time. However, if you try to ascend slowly out of fear of exceeding the time limit, you might lose speed when your tire goes onto the slope, causing you to lose balance easily.

Always come to a complete stop at the stop line before the single plank bridge, perform a safety check, then start in first gear (for manual transmission bikes), but maintain speed when riding onto the bridge.

Tip for the single plank bridge 3: Advance slowly using the half-clutch and rear brake.

Once you are on the single plank bridge, maintain the speed you had when you got on for about one-third of the way. For the remaining distance, advance slowly using the half-clutch and rear brake.

If you fully close the throttle and apply the rear brake, you'll lose forward momentum and become unstable, causing you to tip over. Instead, lightly open the throttle while using the rear brake to adjust your speed.

You can sufficiently meet the designated time by lightly opening the throttle, using the rear brake, and utilizing the half-clutch to gain time.

Techniques for crossing the single plank bridge

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/B3-6398258/

Here are four techniques to help you cross the single plank bridge.

These points will help you cross the single plank bridge more steadily. If you struggle with the single plank bridge or have an upcoming test, please use these as practice tasks or pre-test checks.

Technique 1: Steer with small movements to maintain balance.

While riding on the single plank bridge, your speed will gradually decrease. At that time, subtly move the handlebars left and right to maintain balance.

Turning the handlebars left and right creates an angle in the tires, which naturally helps with balance. However, if you turn the handlebars too much, to the point where the motorcycle's direction changes, you will fall off. So, make sure to only make small, subtle movements.

If you can't maintain balance by subtly moving the handlebars, you may not have enough speed. Adjust your speed by operating the clutch or lightly opening the throttle and using the rear brake.

Technique 2: Stabilize your center of gravity with knee grip.

Always be mindful of your knee grip (squeezing the fuel tank with your thighs) to stabilize the bike.

Knee-gripping stabilizes the vehicle and prevents your feet from leaving the footpegs, which would result in penalty points.

If the bike is unstable, wobbling from side to side while you're crossing the plank, check if you're knee-gripping firmly.

Technique 3: Go boldly when getting on the single plank bridge.

When getting onto the single plank bridge, ride onto it boldly, maintaining the speed you had when starting from the stop line.

If you hesitate while ascending the ramp, you risk losing speed on the ramp and causing a fall or a stall. Therefore, it's best to ascend the single plank bridge boldly.

Even if you pass about a third of the single plank bridge with momentum, if there's enough distance remaining, you can still clear the designated time. However, falling off means the test ends immediately, so it's important to get onto the single plank bridge boldly.

Technique 4: Don't linger too long.

As a motorcycle's speed decreases, its stability also diminishes, so avoid lingering too long on the single plank bridge.

Lingering can buy you time, but it also increases the risk of falling off or your feet coming off the footpegs.

Furthermore, if you're about to fall off, it's better to quickly cross the single plank bridge to stay within the penalty range. So, once you're on the plank, avoid lingering too long.

FAQ regarding the Motorcycle Single Plank Bridge

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/A1-1283201/

This section summarizes frequently asked questions and answers regarding the motorcycle single plank bridge.

If you struggle with the single plank bridge or are preparing for your test, please refer to this.

What is the success rate for the motorcycle single plank bridge?

The success rate for the single plank bridge varies from person to person, but overall, it is said to be around 60-70%.

Some people have a success rate of one in two (50%) or even lower, but since the single plank bridge is a mandatory task in the test, you must utilize the tips and techniques to successfully cross it.

If you have a strong aversion to the single plank bridge, try taking a deep breath and pausing before starting to relax your body and improve your judgment.

I gave up on my motorcycle license because of the single plank bridge... / I just can't do it...

There are probably people who lost confidence and gave up on getting a motorcycle license because of the single plank bridge, or who are continuing training but have a strong aversion, feeling like they "just can't do it."

It's recommended to first acquire knowledge of the tips and techniques for crossing the single plank bridge, as this knowledge can help you clear it and overcome your aversion.

After that, accumulate practice through practical sessions. Prioritize not falling off and slowly cross the single plank bridge without worrying about time. Then, gradually work towards the target time.

Is it possible to pass even if I fall off the single plank bridge?

Falling off the single plank bridge (derailing) means immediate termination of the test, so there is no passing if you fall off.

Also, if you stall on the single plank bridge or before getting on it, the test will be terminated for "failing to pass the single plank bridge," and if your foot touches the ground while on the single plank bridge, the test is also terminated.

If you're going to fall off anyway by trying to hold on, it's better to quickly cross the single plank bridge, as this might keep you within the penalty range. So, if you feel like you're about to fall, just finish crossing it.

How do I practice for the single plank bridge?

If you consistently fall off the single plank bridge or lack confidence, practicing by setting and clearing one challenge at a time can help you get closer to succeeding.

First, try to cross the single plank bridge slowly without stopping. Once you can do that, try using the rear brake to slightly reduce your speed. It's recommended to progress step by step rather than aiming for immediate success.

Isn't it hard to cross the single plank bridge in 10 seconds or more for a large motorcycle?

For a large motorcycle, you need to clear the 15m single plank bridge in 10 seconds, which might feel more difficult compared to a standard motorcycle (medium motorcycle) that clears it in 7 seconds.

Also, due to the weight of the vehicle, trying to balance with your body might not work well, making it seem even harder to buy time.

The things to avoid on the single plank bridge are falling off and putting your feet down, as these immediately end the test. So, if it's too difficult or you feel like you're about to fall off, one option is to cross it quickly, accepting the penalty points.

Summary

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/AF-8018659/

We've explained the knowledge and techniques for successfully crossing the single plank bridge (balance beam), which is often considered a major hurdle in motorcycle training and practical tests.

The single plank bridge has a designated time depending on the motorcycle license you're acquiring. In addition to immediate test termination if you fall off during the test, there are several penalty points, which likely causes many people to feel apprehensive.

We've also summarized the steps and key points for crossing the single plank bridge, so please use them to successfully pass your test.