Norman,
Unlike this loud talking, sharp shooting, burger eating bunch of Americans, I'm actually British. As fas as I know, they don't even require a test to ride over there - just proof that they can salute the Star and Stripes, and can point out an A-rab when they see one ;-).
Seriously though, I know the British test and understand your frustration - although I myself passed first time, both back home and over here in Tokyo where the test is skills based (picture trials riding over 30cm 10m long bridges, and over kerbs simulating off road terrain on a CB750) and far more technical than the British test.
My brother failed once for prematurely rolling forward over the stop line when in the right turn only lane at traffic lights, when the green straight ahead arrow was illiuminated, as opposd to the right turn arrow. The **** happens.
One disease that we have in England is that we think that passing the test first time shows that we have skill - it doesn't. Our test is wholely inadequate, so it doesn't matter when you pass it... Secondly, we tend to think that training is belittling, and something for 'learners' - again, the opposite is true. It's empowering, and ongoing training and learning is an important part of the art of motorcycling.
My advice is:
1. Slow things down and imagine that you are riding with a Policeman behind you. Do everything in slow motion, as smoothly as possible, and relax.
2. Moving off without the sidestand retracted is criminal - whilst also being a fault of the particular machine that you were riding. Japanese bikes have an engine cut device fitted that won't allow you to engage 1st gear with the stand down. That said, take your time. Kick the stand up so that it makes a noise, indicate and look over your shoulder before pulling off - everything you know already. Do everything. But relax.
3. Know your test route. If you have a car license, drive it often and learn where the blackspots are - the funny lane discipline junctions, the sudden changes in speed limits. If you haven't a car license, ask a friend to drive you, or cycle it.
4. If you had the same examiner twice and you think he has something against you personally, change your test centre. He holds the power to pass or fail you.
5. Find the easiest test centre around - route, nice examiner, or where it is known that the examiner travels by car and you on bike. It was that way in Bristol where I did my test, and although he had taxi plates and could use the bus lanes I lost him in moments and spent most of the 30 minute test waiting for him at theside of the road.
6. If you have a kind friend with a GS500 that will let you ride it in a car park to practice, then don't hesitate. Confidence with your machine is everything.
7. Don't take you failure personally - it doesn't matter one bit how man times it takes you to pass, as if you are clever once you pass this test you'll be taking other test (Advanced Rider, or other similar qualificsations).
Good luck, brother.
