Category Archives: Motorcycles

Information and advice about buying a motorcycle in Cardiff

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.

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.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

CBT in Cardiff

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Our CBT courses are held at our training site at Maindy Stadium Road Safety Centre. We are allowed to train up to four students at a time on a CBT session but I restrict it to just two myself. We find that this gives closer supervision and better training. It means that any weaker students are not lost in a bigger group.
We find it is easier for the students and Instructors alike and we find we are getting better quality riders as an end result.

Our Training Site, seen in the background here, has lifesized junctions, bends, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and a roundabout. Perfect for preparing our students for the road before venturing out through the gates.

Pictured is our Instructor talking through the vehicle controls with two students (just one of the elements of the Compulsory Basic Training).

This really is ‘1st Class Rider Training’.