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As a retired police officer I would like to suggest something to motorcycle riders who have, have not, and/or who, would like to take the MSF course.

I have taken this course and have watched countless videos on YouTube regarding this course.

One the the very best videos a rider can watch is the California RMV motorcycle test to qualify for a full motorcycle license.

What does a SFST (Standard Field Sobriety Test) have to do with the MSF course?

Are you at all familiar with taking a Field Sobriety Test? I hope not. But if you have not been the subject of such a test you may not be aware of how this test decides whether you are under the influence of any substance.

The average person assumes that all you need to do to pass this test is to try to maintain....balance and the appearance of sobriety.

However, that is the least of it. That is only a portion of the test.

Police are highly trained in how to administer this SFST on the roadway.

I will cut to the chase, here.

"Divided Attention" is the hook that the general public is not aware of when taking this test.

The cop tells you to stand with your hands at your side and to listen to his instructions before you begin to move.

All you are thinking about at this time is how to make sure to maintain the appearance of sobriety. You are not listening to his/her instructions.

That is you roadway to handcuffs.

OK, back to the MSF course.....( and the California motorcycle license test).

You are so concerned with keeping your bike in the place where you are trying to remember where the insructor told you to go, that you are not riding to the best of your ability.

If you are ever asked to give police officer a SFST....remember this (if you are any way near sober): listen to his/her every word before you move.

S/he is testing you on your memory as much as your movements. Keep this in mind when taking the MSF test.

Dan

Out of curiosity - what's the purpose of those field tests? I came relatively recently to N.A., and have seen those test only on TV previously - usually on shows like 'funny video'. They always struck me as demeaning and putting down for the person in question. Aren't there some more effective and advanced ways to determine a capability to drive available to officers?

K

Thanks on tips for both!

Interesting, I never thought of it like that.

When taking the California Motorcycle riding exam (as well as many other states) the following instructions are given to a rider who is very concerened about passing.

Some of the most experienced riders could not pass this course. Why?

Here is why: The instructor will give you the following instructions (while you are at a standstill with your ignition in the off position).

1. "Ride down the marked lines (12" apart) to the end of the lane".

2. "When you reach the end of the marked lines, I want you to make a left turn and start back in my direction. I will motion to you to start a figure eight pattern with either a right or left turn to begin."

3. "When you complete the full figure eight pattern, I then want you to go back down the original straight maked lane where you began and do the reverse pattern in the opposite direction. I may motion to you to go in another direction."

4. "Stay within all marked lines, and do not put either foot on the pavement".

5. "Proceed when you are ready."

Now......this is what a Standardized Field Sobriety Test is all about. As well as being sober, I might add. Most people are indeed DUI!

It is not your ability to perform what you can do all alone (in a heart beat) without instruction: it is your ability to remember (under pressure) just what the hell it was that s/he wanted you to do!

But that is the way it is.

Dan

The thing that would be against me is that I wouldn't be able to remember even completely sober.

Always repeat the instructions back to instructor. By saying it you help solidify it into your brain. If during MSF you have an inkling of unsureness before starting a drill, you ask questions.


Our group asked and repeated each drill back to the instructor before starting each one so we all understood what was expected. It worked out excellent. Don't let instructor rush you. At the same time don't abuse their patience.

I'm trying to figure out HOW, specifically, the field sobriety test relates to taking the MSF course?

The Basic Riders' Course is designed to teach riding skills in a hands on and interactive format. First, students spend anywhere from 4 to 8 hours (depending on site/location) in the classroom. They learn the basics of risk management as well as the why's and how's of riding as well as how to choose proper riding gear.

Followed by the hands on "Range" instruction beginning with "where is everything and how does it work?" Next, students in addition to how to start the motorcycle, they learn the basic operation of the controls (which does what and how) and then move on to finding/ using the friction zone, shifting, stopping, turning, countersteering, counterweighting, cornering technique and avoiding obstacles by various methods.

Instructors explain the objective of each exercise, as well as the path of travel, then demonstrate (by riding the exercise!) both the path of travel and the specific technique/skill that is being covered. Before riding each exercise themselves, students are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything they don't understand.

The BRC isn't supposed to be a "Gotcha" process. Which it seems the field sobriety test is... so, I ask again, HOW are they related?

P

P

Here is how they relate.

The operator (subject/student) is in a "place" where s/he is not comfortable.

Someone who may be stopped for a defective brake light and then being asked to step out of their vehicle (because alcohol is smelled on their breath) to undergo a Field Sobriety Test, is in a position of ....."anxiety....nervousness"....to say the very least.

A new (never ridden before) bike rider who has had maybe six hours (in his life) on a motorcycle is in that same position......anxiety......nervousness!!

Add this to the equation: S/he is taking the test with people who have ridden bikes for years, and is very concerned about failure.

P.

If you can ride a motorcycle, it is like walking down the street on a sunny afternoon. You can't relate to this.

If you are brand new to this experience of bikes it may be like jumping out of an airplane for the first time.

I know it's hard to believe.....but if you ever see the blue lights in your rear view mirror.....think of this post.

Dan

Dan, I see where you're coming from. The things you're talking about are based on cognitive learning and your analyzation of these scenarios are angled in the psychological aspect. I find it refreshing. Psych and basic brain function is the foundation for for our actions.