Category Archives: Motorcycle Training

Motorcycle Training news, from 1st Class Rider Training – Cardiff.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, RoSPA

Ride Out…Ride Right

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Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.

The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads.  If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “””

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Training in Pontypridd ?

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1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff were recently contacted by Dareth wishing to take her Motorcycle Test.  Dareth is quite short and has her own cruiser style 125cc Suzuki.  Due to her height this is a perfect bike for her.

She had originally contacted a Motorcycle Training School in Pontypridd, which was closer to her home.  However she was discouraged by the Instructor there who told her that she would not be able to pass her test on her Suzuki Cruiser.

She tells us that he was dismissive of her and insisted that she use one of their motorcycles (but she found them too tall and difficult to control), as she would not pass her test on the cruiser.

Due to the way she was treated Dareth contacted us and we were able to re-assure her and develop a training programme appropriate for her and her chosen machine.

I am pleased to say that after just 2 days of 1st Class Rider Training, today Dareth passed her test on her own Suzuki 125cc Marauder. Not only did she pass, but she passed with a clean sheet.  An impressive faultless ride. Our Congratulations to her.

So when other training schools or Instructors can’t be bothered, 1st Class Rider Training will take the time to provide the service that you deserve.

Dareth became a 1st Class Rider. So could you.

Call now to book your course.

0845 108 2906

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

Motorcycle Training in Newport

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Don’t be misled by our full Business Name.  1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. We still carry out Motorcycle Training in Newport and Swansea.

Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas.,  I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training.  Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between !  Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

How many students on a cbt?

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We often get asked “How many people will I be training with when I do my cbt”.

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) impose restrictions on training schools and state that 1 Instructor can traIn up to four students for the off road elements of the cbt, and the ratio for on road tuition is 1 Instructor to no more than two trainees.

So you could find yourself in a group of four students – but not at 1st Class Rider Training you won’t.

I restrict the off road sessions to no more than two students to one Instructor.

This means that you get better tuition with closer supervision.

It makes it easier for you and the Instructor, who is then better able to give ‘weaker’ students the attention they need, without getting lost in a bigger group. ( this is a concern that is often mentioned to us by students who have done, or tried a cbt eleswhere).

It also means that you get to keep the same Instructor throughout your session (a group of 4 would be split between two instructors for the road session).

From these levels of tuition and closer supervision it is obvious that we are producing better quality students who are safer riders and more readilly able to move on to the big bike for direct access training.

So this shows that at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff simply making money by cramming in the numbers is not our main concern but producing and encouraging safe confident riders to take their place on today’s busy roads with ease is our priority.

For motorcycle training in Cardiff, Newport and surrounding area there is only one choice.

Become a 1st Class Rider today.

Call us now.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Direct Access, Events, Motorcycle Training, News

Motorcycle Training- Cardiff & Newport

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It’s business as usual for us. Make a note of our new number.

0845 108 2906.

If you are looking for 1st Class Rider Training in the Newport or Cardiff area then this is the new number you need.

In recent weeks there have been a number of training schools which have closed and a number who are down sizing resulting in some Instructors being laid off.

This is not the case for us. Here at 1st Class Rider Training we have seen an up-turn in our client numbers. Clients who are seeking the best Motorcycle Training in Cardiff & Newport areas.

Offering Motorcycle Training in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and throughout the South Wales area we have recently taken on two additional Instructors and opened up a second booking line to cope with the demand.

To maintain and improve our levels of service you now have the choice of two Direct Booking Line Numbers.

If the lines are busy please leave a message or call back.

Direct Booking Lines:
0845 467 0165. 0845 108 2906.

Or to speak to me personally please call my mobile number: 07545 567 273.

We will do our best to fit you in.

Cardiff, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day

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Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day.
Scheduled for Saturday 31st July.

This is a one day course where we will teach you the art of slow control and you can get a taste of what we had to go through before we were let loose on the road on a Police Patrol Bike. Also you will get to try some of the exercises recently introduced for the new two part motorcycle test. Would you be able to pass it? Come and give it a go.

Also on the day we will teach you the technique for safe emergency braking and you will get to try it in the wet as we ‘make it rain’ just for you to practice emergency stops in the wet.

Also we finish off the day with a race. A SLOW race that is. The last one to cross the line wins. No stopping, no feet down, and any stalling and you’re out.

Come and join us and learn some new ‘life saving’ new skills.

This is a full day course and spaces will be limited to just 10 bikes per course.

The cost of this course will be just £90 per person and that is amazing value. (a CBT cost more than that).

If you wish to book a place or just want more details please contact me. As soon as possible.

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

Emergency Stop in the Wet

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The syllabus set out for completing a CBT contains the Emergency Stop manouevre.

The ‘book’ says ‘explain wet weather braking’.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we think that it is better to experience wet weather braking and not simply have it explained.

Paying particular attention to skid control, prevention and rectification this builds confidence in our students and shows that whilst we should respect the wet, we shouldn’t fear it.

It only takes a couple of buckets of water and is well worth the effort to see the positive results and the boost in confidence of our 1st Class Riders.

If you want to try it in a safe and controlled environment then why not sign up for our ‘Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day’. 31st July.

Call now for details.

Pictured here are our CBT students practising emergency stops in the wet. Under the watchful eye and close supervision of Instructor Steve.

Advice, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Review of the New 2 Part Motorcycle Test

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Below is an extract of an item found on the Department of Transport website, dated 8th of June. You can have your say via email using the consultation email address below. Tell them what you think. Good or Bad. If we have the chance to make a difference and to make Motorcycle Training and Testing safer then let’s speak up!

Here is the item:
A review of the motorcycle testing and training regime was today announced by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

The two-part motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences.

The Minister ordered the review after listening to concerns from motorcycle groups and visiting a test centre to look at the testing procedure in more detail. Ways to improve training will also be considered.

Mike Penning said:

“Road safety is a top priority and the testing and training on offer is vital in our work to cut the disproportionately high numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured on our roads each year.

“It is clear there are concerns among the motorcycling community about the safety of the new test’s off-road module. There have also been complaints about the difficulty for riders in some areas of accessing the off-road test centres.

“That is why I am today asking riders, safety groups and motorcycle industry representatives to come forward with their ideas for how testing and training can be improved to ensure we produce safe, confident and responsible riders.”

The new test was introduced in order to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences. While most elements in the off-road module 1 test are required by the Directive, there may be scope to make some changes to the way in which the test is carried out.

The DfT review will look at the manoeuvres carried out in both modules 1 (off-road) and 2 (on-road) and whether these manoeuvres could safely be conducted in the on-road test.

The review will also look at other related motorcycle testing and training issues, including the options for training and testing for progressive access under the third driving licence directive and how any changes relate to wider proposals to improve motorcycle training and testing.

Views are welcome from motorcycle riders, trainers, road safety groups, the wider public and others on what aspects of the motorcycle test should be looked at, including how and where they think motorcycle testing might best and most safely be carried out.

The precise scope and terms of reference of the review will be determined following discussions with motorcycle groups and other interested parties, with the aim of concluding the review by the autumn.

Views should be submitted to the Department for Transport by 31 July.

Notes to Editors:

Views can be sent to the DfT by email on: RUSD4consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk
The current motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 and is taken in two parts.

Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises.

Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on road riding.

Press Enquires: 020 7944 3066
Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292
Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

New Driving Test Centre opens in Merthyr

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The new Merthyr Driving Test Centre opened it’s doors to students for the first time today and we are pleased to anounce that the very first Module 2 Motorcycle Test Candidate was a 1st Class Rider.

Alexis was put through the pre- test pressure of a photocall before setting out on the new Merthyr test routes, showing the examiner how a 1st Class Rider does it, passing with flying colours. Our congratulations to her.

Never having ridden in Merthyr prior to her test she showed that our philosophy of teaching our students to ride and not simply rehearsing test routes is sound and effective. She rode safely and confidently and gained a good pass earning her right to take to the road as a breed of road user who knows how to get the best from today’s busy roads.

The new Merthyr test centre has re-located from the Town centre and is now to be found on the industrial estate at Troedyrhiw. With improved facilities and easier parking this is a good move for the DSA.

Congratulations Alexis.

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

Motorcycle Training Cardiff

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When it comes to choosing a Motorcycle Training School in Cardiff 1st Class Rider Training is your only choice.

Pictured here, our students have the full use of the excellant facilities at our Cardiff based training site, and are able to practice on a full sized roundabout, realistic junctions with authentic road markings, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights. This prepares our students safely and builds confidence before taking to the road.

Pictured below, Instructor Steve teaches the riding system used for carrying out left and right turns. Using our road layouts first we walk through the procedure and we are able to discuss each stage without the risks from traffic found on a real road.

We can fully cover turning left and right both from a Major Road into a Minor Road and from a Minor Road into a Major Road.

This is better than doing this in a classroom on a chart or board and much better than doing this on a car park with junctions made out of cones or markers.

This way we can highlight the correct timing of mirror checks and lifesavers, pausing at each stage without risk.

So whether you are taking CBT (compulsory basic training), Direct Access or Advanced Training, this really is 1st Class Rider Training.

Don’t delay, become a 1st Class Rider today.

Call us now. If our lines are busy please call back, or leave a message and we will call you.