Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, News

Booking your Motorcycle Test

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DSA Motorcycle Test Booking System is ‘Down’.

Another blow to the struggling Motorcycle Training Industry Testing System.  With only a small amount of  Motorcycle Testing Sites striving to serve the UK the DSA announced yesterday (31st of  March -at least it wasn’t an April Fools Day announcement) that due to a BT Fire the DSA payments system is ‘down’.

This means that you can not book motorcycle tests via the telephone system or online as the DSA can not process the payments for the tests.  The DSA recorded announcement states that it is unlikely to be rectified ‘within the week’.

This is a huge blow and a great inconvenience to clients and trainers alike.  With Motorcycle Training already hit by a reported 62% drop since the introduction of the New Motorcycle Test this is another major setback.

What does this mean for you if you are looking for Direct Access Training or CBT in Cardiff.  We are pleased to announce that CBT bookings are not affected and we can continue to serve you with the delivery of CBT courses.

Direct Access Training can still go ahead in preparation for your test but we are currently unable to book your test or fix a date.

The DSA booking centre staff can only advise us of any vacancies for tests but they can not be booked or even reserved.  They state that it would simply be a question of a free for all when the lines are repaired and the system is back up and running, as Training Schools fight to get available tests to clear their back log of waiting students.  That’s reassuring then!

This throws the whole system into disarray.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you but it is completely beyond our control.

CBTs are unaffected.

The DSA Booking line number is 0300 200 1122.   Our Direct Booking Line is; 0845 467 0165.

Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Drinking & Riding

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You couldn’t make this up!

It was reported earlier this month, that a Female Motorcycle Instructor was drunk whilst out training her students on the road.  She fell from her bike three times whilst carrying out Direct Access Training -not in Cardiff I hasten to add.

It was in Bradford that the instructor was found by Police to be almost four times over the drink drive limit.  She was also found to be in possession of two brandy bottles hidden in her jacket…..one of which was empty!

She pleaded guilty at Court and faces a possible jail sentence.

At 1st Class Rider Training we have for some time had the use of a breath test screening device and have used it when students who we suspect have been drinking heavily the night before a training session, turn up smelling of intoxicants ‘the morning after’.

Many people do not realise the effects that drinking in the evening can have on their driving the morning after.

Using a ‘Driving Instructor Association‘ approved Breath Testing Device we reserve the right to require students to undergo a screening test if we suspect them to have an excess of alcohol in their body.  This safeguards us, the students themselves, and any other trainees who may be riding with them.

As we only use instructors with the highest degree of professionalism my instructors will willingly subject themselves to such a test at any time for the full peace of mind of the students they are training.

As for the case of the drunken instructor in Bradford, we know her test was ‘positive’ but it wasn’t reported how her student got on in their test!

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly. latest issue, April

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The latest issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out and is available free from 1st Class Rider Training.  The April issue contains news, views, reviews, offers, competitions and much more.

The new Ducati Multistrada is tested, Latest Oxford Products are reviewed.  Also a guide to buying your next bike from an Auction and a ‘road test’ of an ‘Off Road’ Training School, and that’s just from the front page!

So if you are doing your CBT or Direct Access Training in Cardiff make sure you get your copy from us at 1st Class Rider Training.

It’s out now!

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Group Riding

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This Case raises serious issues and has serious implications for all those who ride in a group. Whilst we at 1st Class Rider Training would never condone the example given in this case of Ken Clark riding at 85mph in a 60mph limit, I am sure I do not need to explain how this could be applied to any kind of group riding activity, including our own tours, ride outs or even during motorcycle training.  I would urge any interested party to take a few minutes to sign the petition and pass it on to anyone else you may think it may effect.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Lead-Biker-Fined/

Motorcyclists at the head of a group of riders will face stiffer penalties for speeding under a crown court ruling.

Being the lead rider in a group is an aggravating factor making you partly responsible for speeding offences of those behind you according to the decision.

The ruling can be applied in any future cases where two or more motorcyclists riding together are accused of speeding. The head rider might be only a few mph over the limit but could be given the same penalty as the worst offender behind.

Road traffic solicitor Robert Dobson said: “Any crown court decision can be stated in future cases. This is potentially a very dangerous judgement for motorcyclists.

“Riders in a group change position frequently.

“If you are riding at the front any group at excess speed, then the very fact you’re at the front is an aggravating factor.”

Ken Clark, 49, reached 85mph on his Yamaha R1 while leading a group of three riders on the 60mph A272 near Rogate, Sussex, last June.

The speed is within the usual threshold for a fixed penalty of three points and a £60 fine.

But Chichester Crown Court ruled he should receive the same penalty as a following rider accused of going 103mph.

Barrister notes on the ruling given to Clark after the hearing state: ‘Although his was the lesser speed, [the bench] found it an aggravating feature that he was the lead motorcyclist, was setting the pace and he knew that the other two motorcyclists would want to catch him up and would be speeding to do so.’


Advice, Cardiff, Events, News

Motorcycle Ear Plugs

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1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff organised an impression taking day at Hein Gericke Cardiff, for Lee from Minerva Hearing Protection to take impressions and supply Ear Plugs to 1st Class Rider ‘Blog’ members.

They arrived today.  Well packaged and in a stylish and useful pouch as opposed to the plastic pot that normally is supplied by other companies.  Also returned were the original impression moulds so that if one of the plugs is lost an authentic replacement can be obtained.

On first fitting, they were easily inserted into the ear.  With these plugs they have a concave outer side (other plugs I’ve used have a bulbous outer side).  The hollowed outer side allows a helmet to be worn without any pressure being placed on the ear or the plugs when in use.

Also, just in case you can’t work it out, the Right Plug comes with a Red dot.  The Left plugs has a Blue dot.  Right for Red and BLue for Left. Quite a useful feature but if any of you can get the right one into the left ear…..or vice versa….. I’ll take you to the Doctor myself!

So on first impression, I’m impressed !

Now to go and put them to use riding the bike.  If you haven’t had yours yet, they won’t be long.

If you missed the event and would like a set made you can contact Lee at Minerva Laboratories, Wentloog Business Park, Cardiff.

Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Christmas Hospital Teddy Run 2009. 12th December

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Children’s Casualty Unit,  Heath Hospital (University Hospital of Wales) Cardiff.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we have supported for the Children’s Casualty Unit at The Heath Hospital Cardiff.

I have now been able to arrange a date for the Christmas Teddy Run 2009, to the Children’s Casualty Unit at The Heath Hospital, Cardiff.

Saturday the 12th of December.

Meeting at Hein Gericke, Cardiff store on Wellington Street, Cardiff for ‘tea and toast’ before a 10.30am departure to the Children’s Casualty Unit at the Hospital.

This is not the Children’s Hospital but the Children’s Casualty Unit who deal with any children unfortunate enough to find themselves needing emergency treatment over the Christmas period.

Please bring a Teddy (or 2..or 3.. or more.. No Scrooges on this run please!).  There is no need to wrap them and nothing too big please.

I can’t guarantee that there will be a child there when we arrive !!  In fact I hope not…., but the Staff know we are coming and will gladly accept the  Teddies from us.

It is believed that if a child gets attached to a toy whilst in hospital, it aids the recovery process if they can then take the toy home with them.

So we want Teddies of a size that is easy to handle, not too big and cumbersome that it will get in the way of any treatment the child is undergoing.  It is hoped that the Teddy will be a welcome distraction for the child from any treatment which they may find unpleasant such as stitches or injections.

So please support this event and if you can’t make the actual date of the run on the 12th you can deposit your Teddies at the Hein Gericke store in advance,  and we will ensure the safe arrival at the Hospital.

So come on….You know you want to…..  It’s Christmas…come on you know you’ve GOT to…

Thanks.

Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

3rd EU Directive on Driving Licences

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Once again the Spectre of the 3rd EU Directive on Driving Licences has arisen.  As a member of the Federation of Small Businesses I attended, on behalf of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff,  a recent ‘Curry & Questions’ event.  A ‘Question Time’ type of event, on the panel to answer member questions were, Clive Davenport (Federation of Small Businesses & Chair of the event), David Melding (Conservative Assembly Member for South Wales Central), Huw Lewis (Assembly Member for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney), and Neil McEvoy (Deputy Leader of Cardiff County Council).

I was able to put to them a question relating to the impact that the 3rd EU Directive on Driving Licences will have on the Motorcycle Industry. I highlighted that changes to the Training & Testing System had already put pressure on the industry and this would have a major knock on effect on Sales, Servicing, Accessories etc etc. I highlighted the concern over the lack of suitable motorcycle test centres in Wales.

I asked what could be done to minimise the impact.  The reply I got was both a little disappointing but also encouraging.

Disappointing in that none of the panel members were aware of the 3rd Eu Directive, or of it’s provisions and implications.

However I was given an invitation to attend the Welsh Assembly to discuss the matter further, and arrangements are being put in place to do this.  I have been contacted by the Office of David Melding to confirm a date for the meeting.

If anyone in the industry wishes to forward to me a question on the matter I will do my best to put it forward for discussion and hopefully get an answer.

If anyone is in any doubt about the effect that the recent changes to the training and testing systems is already having, figures just released show a fall of 25% in the number of registrations of new motorcycles in the last quarter.

The beginning of The End?  Lets hope not.

My thanks go to the Federation of Small Businesses for organising the event and to the panel members for giving up their time to answer FSB Member questions.

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycles, News

Traffic Filtering M48 Severn Bridge

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1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff is bringing you this information, based on Highways Agency figures.

With the extreme weather conditions experienced in the south Wales are in recent weeks it is worth reminding you of the M48, Severn Bridge, ‘High Winds Protocol’, or Traffic Filtering arrangements.

The What?….  Between 1992 and 1996, 13 vehicles blew over on the Severn Bridge, in high winds.  If trucks can blow over imagine the effect that the wind can have on a motorcycle.

Those overturned vehicles resulted in a total of 47 hours of bridge closures ! Chaos indeed.

Since the High Winds Protocol was introduced in 2007 the Highways Agency and the Bridge operators have been able to filter out certain ‘at risk’ vehicles which means that the bridge can remain open longer for smaller cars and vans.

So how does Traffic Filtering work?  Once the gust speeds reach 40 knots, the bridge remains open to vehicles under 6’9″ (2.1m).  Vehicles over this height, and motorcycles, are not permitted to use the Severn Bridge, and must use an alternative route.

If gust speeds reach 60 knots the bridge will be closed to all traffic.  The traffic filtering arrangement operates between the hours of 06.00 and 22.00.  Outside of these hours the bridge is closed to all vehicles if the wind is above 40 knots.

During the restrictions diversion and advance warning signs are displayed and traffic is diverted onto one of these alternative routes.

Westbound to Chepstow.  Use the M4 Second Severn Crossing, Exit Jnc 23a (Magor) and then return along the M4 Eastbound to the M48 .

Eastbound from Chepstow.  M48 Westbound to M4 jnc 23a (Magor) and return along the M4 and use the Second Severn Crossing.

In preparation for the implementation of the restrictions you might find that all traffic is directed to leave the motorway and may be permitted to travel around the roundabout and back on to the M48.  These restrictions are so that the closure can be implemented without delay if the wind speed increases.

“So what if I just nip through the closure”?  Drivers and Riders who ignore the diversion and closure signs are committing an offence and risk prosecution.  The restrictions are monitored by CCTV.  So don’t!

As the M48 Severn Bridge forms an important part of the transport links into South Wales the Highways Agency recognise the importance of doing all it can to keep the crossing open and provide a safe route to traffic.

The Second Severn Crossing was designed with draught excluders built in, so is not affected by the gusts in the same way as the original bridge.

Further information is available at www.highways.gov.co.uk and for the current Bridge Status visit www.severnbridge.co.uk

Keep it upright out there!  If it gets too windy…find a cafe!

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, News

Direct Access Training. What’s the Cost?

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When booking a ‘Direct Access Course’ please remember that the CBT should be counted as a seperate element.  (The cost of the CBT with 1st Class Rider Training is £125)

After the CBT your Instructor will discuss with you how many days Direct Access Training you may need to take your tests. This further training for the Direct Access Course can be arranged in the run up to your test and costs £140 per day.  (this excludes any DSA tests fees)

So what do you get for your money.  Firstly with us, you will train from 9.15am until approximately 4.30pm each day.  Some training schools charge the same as us but will only give you an 8am -1pm training day- or similar.

Included in your £140 is the use of the bike, fuel, and insurance whilst you are training and we can loan you a helmet, jacket, gloves and waterproofs whilst you are training.  The equipment is loaned free of charge.

So there are no hidden charges.  When you breakdown the cost for the day it equates, approximately to just £18 per hour!

Excellant value for money for the service and quality of training that you will recieve.

So spend your money wisely, give 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff a call to book you Direct Access Course, now.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

Direct Access Instructor

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1st Class Rider Training prides itself on the quality of our Direct Access Instructors, (read the testimonial page to see the result).

But what should you look for when choosing an Instructor for your Direct Access Training.  If possible come along and meet us in advance of booking your course.  You can get a fair impression over the phone but we would welcome anyone thinking of booking a course to come and meet us to discuss your training needs and options face to face.

In order to become a Direct Access Instructor you must first complete the 2 day Cardington Assessment for CBT Instruction.  This assessment is carried out over 2 consecutive days at the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) assessment centre at Cardington in Bedford.

Once the CBT assessment has been successfully completed you may then undergo the further half day Direct Access Assessment.

This is where a great emphasis is placed on the step up from a 125 (CBT Bike) to the ‘Big Bike’.

You will be given a series of three instructional ‘on road’ exercises but first you will be given an exercise teaching the stooge ‘student’ the controls of his chosen bike and the differences in the response of the throttle and the effectiveness of the brakes, when compared to the 125s. You will be assessed not only on your instructional skills but also the control of the training situations and in particular the control over the student at higher speeds on National Speed Limit roads and country lanes.

The Direct Access Scheme stipulates a minimum power out put for the bike needed for training but does not stipulate any upper limits.  This effectively means that you can train on any size bike over and above the minimum power required.  But realistically training schools generally make use of 500 and 600cc bikes.   But if you want to take your test on your new Hyabusa, or your Harley Davidson Fat Boy- you can! But it is probably better to let us choose your training bike!

At 1st Class Rider Training we believe that if the CBT is carried out thoroughly and effectively then it makes the step up to the Big Bike training so much easier, and at 1st Clas Rider Training we carry out our own in house assessments and development of our Direct Access Instructors, over and above that required by the DSA.

So for your Direct Access Course if you choose 1st Class Rider Training you are getting a 1st Class Instructor.

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