For seasoned motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle is almost second nature.

But put a passenger at the back and it becomes a whole new ball game. The additional weight of the pillion is a big factor when it comes to handling, yes, but more so the riding behavior of your passenger.

Imagine having to constantly adjust to various weights and behaviors of different back riders while trying to keep your rubber side down amidst the chaos on our roads. This is what moto-taxi riders have to do, day in and day out, for hours on end.

Such riding conditions are what are being simulated on the MOVE IT motorcycle test course at its headquarters in Marikina City.

All MOVE IT rider-aspirants must first pass this test to get accredited. It is a tight gymkhana course laid out on a rather slippery painted surface.

Plus, you have to ride it with a pillion. Suffice it to say that it is not as easy as it looks.

I had the opportunity to try it out and I was able to *ahem* ace it (according to MOVE IT marshals) in one go. I suppose all those years of rush-hour riding paid off.

How did I do it? Here are some pointers.

Proper riding posture

Your pillion should be seated as close to you as possible so it will be easier for both of you to move as one unit when riding the motorcycle.

However, make sure that your elbows will not hit your passenger’s knees when making tight turns. Ask your pillion to hold on to your waist or the bike’s grab rail, but never on your shoulders as this will disrupt your control of the handlebar.

Throttle control

Keep in mind that sudden throttle input will cause the bike to lurch forward and shift the weight of its riders towards the rear.

This will reduce the traction on your front tire and make steering less predictable. Abruptly closing the throttle will also cause you and your pillion to jerk forward, which will disrupt the balance of the bike.

The idea is to minimize the shifting of weight while riding.

Familiarize yourself with the course

It is not a timed trial so you could take your time around the course.

No matter how slow you ride it, avoid making a full stop to determine which way to go as this will require you to put your foot down. You get a demerit every time you do so.

The trick is to memorize the route beforehand so you can keep moving without having to stop.

And look where you want to go. Believe me, it works.

Use the bike you’re most comfortable with

Actually, the MOVE IT accreditation process is for both riders and motorcycles.

As such, you are expected to use your own bike on the course. This already works to your advantage.

Just be reminded that MOVE IT, as mandated by the government’s technical working group on moto-taxis, only accepts 2016 models and up. During my trial, I was given a choice between a Honda CLICK125 and a Yamaha NMAX.

I chose the former because it is the smaller of the two and makes tighter turns.

Practice makes perfect

MOVE IT allows an unlimited number of attempts until the rider passes the course and this is without any fee.

In fact, the entire accreditation process is free. Do not get discouraged if you fail your first few attempts.

Just keep on trying and on your final try, you will definitely ace it like a boss.

Download the MOVE IT app to know the requirements for rider accreditation. Do you feel that you are ready to take on the MOVE IT motorcycle test course?

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SADDLETALE is the weekly column of AutoFun Philippines Motorcycle Editor Gilbert Chao. Read about his thoughts on two-wheelers every Wednesday!