Category Archives: Advice

Help and advice for those people thinking about taking their motorcycle CBT, Direct Access, or Advanced Training Course.

Module 1 Motorcycle Test. Changes Introduced for Spring 2011

There is an ongoing review of the ‘new’ two part Motorcycle Test after many reported complaints and problems since it was first introduced.

The DSA have announced that with effect from the 16th of May 2011 some minor changes will be implemented, whilst the main review is still taking place.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff feel that these changes are  sensible and relevant and bring the Mod 1 test more naturally in line with the Module 2 test.

The main changes are that all the slow maneuvering exercises will be done en bloc before the higher speed, ‘speed recorded’ exercises. Also that candidates will be given an opportunity, during the test to have a familiarisation ride around the bend in the site to get their bearings prior to the actually tested high speed exercises. This should alleviate any claim that the candidates wasn’t clear about the route to be taken through the cones.

The order for the ‘speed’ exercises has been changed in that the candidate will be asked to perform the Emergency Stop, before attempting the ‘Turn & Swerve’ Avoidance exercise.

We feel a major common sense change has been made for the speed recording in that now there will be a tolerance allowing the candidate to still pass the test even if the speed is up to 2kph below the required 50kph (32mph approx).

This is a good move, as in the past we have had excellent riders, well able to control the bike at slow speed and out on the road, but because the only recorded a speed of 49kph (less than half a mile an hour too slow) they have failed the test.

Failing to get up to 50kph was recorded as a serious fault and constituted a failure.  From May a speed of 48 or 49kph will be recored as a minor fault and a pass.  Any less than 48kph will still be seen as a serious fault  – as is the case now.

These changes should put a more natural flow to the test and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff welcomes the changes.  If you are looking for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff of for Motorcycle Training in Newport,or Motorcycle Training in Swansea then give 1st Class Rider Training a call and we will be happy to talk you through the changes and your training options.

For full details of the test changes and to read the DSA press release on the subject, visit the DSA website, or Direct Gov.Co.uk

‘Think’ Road Safety Campaign 2011

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are pleased to give continued support to the 2011 ‘Think’ Road Safety Campaign.

We have a stock of leaflets and vouchers giving riders discount off Motorcycle Protective Clothing.  Last year we gave out hundreds of the 2010 leaflets which hopefully were put to good use enabling our ‘1st Class Riders’ so save some skin as well as their hard earned cash.

The leaflet gives good advice about wearing the correct protective clothing when riding and this couldn’t be better timed, with the onset of the warmer weather I have already seen riders our wearing just shorts and a T shirt.  (Personally, I would rather sweat than bleed).  But having said that with many of todays modern garments being weatherproof, protective and breathable there really can be no excuse for wearing ‘beachwear’ on your bike!

The image on the front of the leaflet depicts the Road Ahead as a Cheese Grater.  Need I say any more.

You can get these leaflets from us here at 1st Class Rider Training, or from any of our Instructors out and about (probably in a cafe somewhere…)

The leaflet includes a 10% discount voucher for items purchased from Infinity Motorcycles –  plus you get a free bikers rucksack if you spend over £50.

Don’t forget that our students already get 10% at Bikegear so grab yourself a voucher for that as well.

Money off and free stuff for biking………. Summer really is on its way.

Save you money…..save your skin.

Motorcycle Monthly April 2011

The April issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now. Filled with a host of bike related news views test rides and competitions. Exactly as the name on the front says…. It is a Monthly all about Motorcycling.

And it’s all free. This could be the best money you never spent!

Available free from us here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. Call in and get your copy or get one from one of our Instructors. ( you’ll find them in a bikers cafe somewhere).

This issue gives a report on the new BMW 6 Cylinder 1600, advice on what to do if you have an accident and a competition to win a state of the art bike/bike/pillion set worth almost £300. Also find out why the Police seized a load of Race Bikes at Brands Hatch.

Get yours now. This is what it looks like.

‘DVLA’ Driving Licence Scam warning.

SCAM EMAIL WARNING.

I have received this in a recent email from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG – It’s well worth joining)  This warning is worthy of note.

The warning is copied below (with the original spelling!)

DVLA warns drivers of E-mail scam

The DVLA is today warning the public of an e-mail scam that asks drivers to verify their driving licence details via an online link.  The e-mail, which wrongly claims to have been sent from the DVLA, appears to be an attempt to trick drivers into providing personal details.

~~~~~

1. DVLA have not sent out an e-mail asking customers to update or verify their details.

2. The e-mail states that customers should input details to the address http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/dftverification?driversId=165&view=re3068 but clicking on the link will direct the person to http://topindiangamer.com/dvla

3. The full scam e-mail is shown below:

SCAM EMAILFrom: DVLA Subject:  Update Your License Details We are currrently upgrading our database and all drivers are required to update and verify there driver’s license details. To complete your license verification with us, you are required to fill out the form in the link below. http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/dft-verification?driversId=165&view=re3068   Drivers that refuses to upgrade his or her details within two weeks of receiving this verification email will lose his or her driver’s License and will have to take a fresh driving test. We sincerely apologise for any inconviniences this might have caused you. Thank you.

~~~~~

 

Sixth Gear Motorcycles set to close.

Some sad news if you are looking for a bike, parts and quality service. An old friend of mine, Craig who has run Sixth Gear Motorcycles, in Barry n the Vale of Glamorgan tells me that he is set to close the doors at the end of this month, (March).

Craig, formerly a Salesman at Rydale BMW (before they changed to Sytner) set up on his own just prior to Sytner taking over Rydale. The take over saw the end of BMW bike sales in Cardiff for a few years until Riders opened its doors as a BMW/Harely/Ducati dealership.

Craig had the foresight at that time to set up on his own and he has served his customers well. Many ‘1st Class Riders’ have been to him for their first bike after passing their test.

So this will be a sad loss and I wish Craig well with whatever venture he has planned. (Unlike me…. he’s too young to retire!).

If you are looking for a late bargain he still has some bikes left and he has placed his other parts and accessories on his ebay shop. Hurry if you want brake pads, oils etc as they won’t be about for long.

So this is a big ‘1st Class’ Thank you to Craig and his team and best wishes.

Visit his website at www.sixthgearmotorcycles.co.uk

Advice on Booking you Practical Motorcycle Test

At 1st Class Rider Training -Cardiff we can book your practical motorcycle test for you, but on occasion clients prefer to do this themselves.
Here is the advice, as given by the Driving Standards Agency, on booking your practical tests.

Make sure you are ready for your test. You can do this by getting advice from an Approved Training Body (ATB for Motorcyclists). You can get details of the DSA publications to help your preparation from www.direct.gov.uk/motoring .

How to Book a Test.
Internet Bookings- You can book or change a test on line at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest .

Phone Bookings.
You can book a test using a credit or debit card (as long as you are the cardholder) by phoning 0300 200 1122 You can use this number for re-booking and other enquiries. Minicom users should phone 0300 200 1144, and for service in Welsh call 0300 200 1133.

When phoning to make a book, you will need a credit or debit card, theory test certificate number and driving licence number. The DSA state that
your call may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

Postal Bookings.
Postal applications can be made using a form DL26. The form is available from your ATB or from any Driving Test Centre.
Send the form to;
The Driving Standards Agency
PO Box 280
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1FP

Some important advice when booking a test.
If the date of your test is within three clear working days (Saturdays are counted -but not Sundays or Bank Holidays) of the date of your request, this is a ‘Short Notice’ test booking. If you accept a short notice test booking you cannot cancel it or change it without losing the test fee. Please make sure you can go for your test on that day and make sure your instructor is available before you accept the booking.

Theory Test.
You can book a practical test only if you have passed the relevant theory test or are exempt from the need to take a theory test. For information about whether you are exempt or not please call one of the booking line numbers given above.

Special Needs
To make sure there is enough time for your test the DSA need to know if you have any hearing difficulties, any special circumstances, any movement restriction or any disability. If you have a hearing difficulty or cannot speak English, you may bring an interpreter who must be at least 16 years old. Please tell the DSA, when you book the test if you are going to bring an interpreter.

Weekday Evening Tests (Summer only) or Weekend Tests.
You have to pay more for these tests and they are not carried out at all test centres. There is a list of test centres offering this service, in the test centre waiting rooms or you can get information by calling 0300 200 1122.

Extended Tests.
You should ask for an extended test only if a Court has ordered you to take an extended test after being disqualified from driving.

Where you Must Live.
You cannot take a test or get a full licence unless you are normally resident (live) in the UK. This means that must work here (and pay tax) or have close family here. However, if you have moved to the UK from another European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) Country you should not take a driving test, or get your first full licence unless you have lived here for 185 days in the last 12 months and are still living here at the time you apply for your licence. The test centre may ask you to provide evidence of this.

Appointment Changes.
You can change your test appointment using any of the booking methods above, providing that you give suffucient notice. If you are ill and cannot give the required notice to cancel your test appointment please phone 0300 200 1122 for more advice.

The DSA will contact you by phone or letter if they need to change your appointment for any reason.

The DSA state that they will always try to make sure that your test appointment goes ahead. If they cancel your test at short notice they will provide a copy of their ‘Refunding out-of-pocket Expenses’ form either at the test centre or by post. They will not pay compensation when a test is cancelled due to bad weather but will automatically arrange another appointment.

Details of the DSA service standards and complaints procedures can be found in their ‘Customer Service – A guide to service standards’ leaflet which is available from all DSA offices and test centres.

This information is reproduced from the DSA Advice Leaflet DL26i.

If you have any further queiries please give the DSA a call or contact us here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff and we will be happy to help.

Free Stuff – When you buy stuff!

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff I have a quantity of vouchers to give you whopping discounts on bike gear. Some free stuff, when you buy stuff.

As part of The Think campaign we can offer you these vouchers and combined advice leaflet aimed at encouraging riders to wear the correct gear when riding. With an approved helmet being our only legal requirement it is sometimes easy to forget about the rest. So take advantage of these vouchers to get yourself covered. Because Riding Shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg!.

The vouchers expire on the 31st of March 2011, so hurry if you want one. The combined vouchers cover items of protective clothing to compliment your kit.

Offer 1
Get 10% off motorcycle gloves, boots, jackets or trousers at Infinity Motorcycles.

Offer 2
Free knee protectors – worth £14.99 – when you buy any pair of Draggin Jeans at Hein Gericke.

Offer 3
Get 10% off Knox FastBack CE approved back protector vest. RRP £59.99.

If you want one of these vouchers please call in an collect one from 1st Class Rider Training or send me a stamped addressed envelope and I will return it to you immediately.

Don’t miss out, get yours today. (While Stocks Last- I’ve got approximately 100 to give away).

Amsterdam & The Anne Frank House March 2011.

Amsterdam and The Anne Frank House.  March 11th – 13th 2011.

Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the 11th -13th of March 2011.

For those of you looking for something different, then this is it.  Amsterdam in the Spring, Bruges, & The Anne Frank House.

Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (11th) and travelling to Bruges for a lunch stop. Taking a tea stop on the way at a Chocolate factory coffee shop.  This is a coffee shop with a difference with some of the naughtiest chocolate goodies you are ever likely to see.

After lunch travelling to Amsterdam for 2 nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis.  You will have a chance to sample the best that Amsterdam has to offer.  Take a trip to The Anne Frank House for a very emotional and poignant visit, take a drink in one of the “cafe’s” which offer much more than just coffee! And not forgetting the World Famous Red Light District, where the window girls will try and charm your Euros from out of your pocket!  (Please note that Amsterdam is not a sleazy place and this trip is open to Male and Female Riders alike – so please don’t think that this is just a ‘Men only trip)

Amsterdam is one of the most chilled out ‘cool’ places I’ve ever been, visiting several times whilst my Son lived over there for a year or so.

This will be a bike trip with a difference.  So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader.

If you’ve never been… then you must.

It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.

Costs as before, it is anticipated that the cost will be £350 per person.  Cost includes return ferry crossing, accommodation, information pack, maps and the services of our experienced tour guide/lead rider.

Limited to 10 bikes only.

Come on You know you want to……

Ryder Cup – Not Good News for All Local Businesses

The Ryder Cup is not all Good News for some local businesses.

Motorcycle Training Expert Andy Smith of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff says,  ‘The Ryder Cup is being hailed as a boost to the economy in the South Wales Region but it has meant that the Newport Driving Test Centre has closed it’s doors for the duration, leaving motorcycle test candidates with an extended wait for tests’.

At a time when the Motorcycle Industry is under pressure from the recent introduction of the new two part motorcycle test, which brought with it a drastic cut in the number of tests centres, this is added pressure on a straining industry.

“We have been left firmly in the bunker” adds Andy.  With the wait for motorcycle test in Wales well above the national average as it is this just prolongs the misery for test candidates, already having to book tests as far ahead as Mid November.

“I believe that the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) may have a reason for not wishing to conduct road tests during this period with the increase in traffic that the tournament will bring, but surely they could still conduct the off road element of the tests which involves no road riding at all”

With Newport being one of only two test centres for the off road test, serving the entire area of Mid, South and West Wales and is often used by training schools from as far afield as Hereford and Bristol, this week would be a perfect opportunity for the DSA to go some way to reducing the back log and waiting time for the Module 1 – ‘off road’ test.

An opportunity missed?

Publication of Test Routes to Stop

The DSA have announced that they are to stop publicising the Driving Test Routes.

Here at 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff, we welcome that move.  We are a firm believer that it is no good to teach a candidate simply to rehearse a test route, but to teach them to ride, and then passing the test is easy.

If you go to any area which has a test centre nearby you will see the same driving/ riding  schools riding around and around the test routes.  We believe that this does not do the candidate any good in their decision making and enhancing their own ability to read the road and road signs.  They are simply learning a test route by rote.

As trainers we must be looking to produce the next generation of road users who are safe and make good timely decisions of their own accord and not simply turn out drivers and riders who get rid of the L plates as quickly as possible.

We have a responsibility to our students to ensure that they can get the best from their bike, before it gets the better of them.  We make a point of training and riding anywhere other than the test route to fully prepare our students for life on the road.  That way they have to develop their own skills at reading the road and taking notice of road signs.

This is why we take students for tests at any test centre we can get to and back in day.  It all counts in their favour and the fact that they ‘”don’t know the area” shouldn’t have any affect on their ability to ride safely and with confidence.

Let’s produce Riders…. not just get rid of L plates.

Good move DSA,  Well Done.