MSM - Marlow School of Motorcycle Training

TEST TRAINING Marlow School of Motorcycle Training - MSM

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CBT

FAQ's

Here's what a typical test training course comprises of:-

On road riding covering most aspects of the CBT in enhanced format. Radio link between instructor & trainee with instructions & tips as ride proceeds. Debrief sessions as required. Practice of set routines such as 'u' turns, emergency stop, slow riding, hill start, angled start etc. Critical analysis of riders style & bike control with tips & examples to overcome any problems. All types of roads to be experienced (except motorways). Overtaking techniques. spaces between vehicles. Unnecessary use & careless use of signals. Lane discipline. Safe parking. Filter lanes & safe filtering. Alternative hand signals. Slowing down. Changing lanes. Life savers & more life savers.

THE TEST - Your Department of Transport motorcycle test will take the form of a ride with an examiner following you by bike (or car) giving instructions via a radio link. Your examiner will be looking for confidence, good road awareness, hazard perception, anticipation of other road users and good bike control. A question will be asked at the end on the effects of taking a pillion (or something similar).

After passing your test on a 125cc machine you can ride any machine up to 33bhp for the first two years. If you pass on a 500cc (47bhp) machine you can ride any power output. Upgrade courses from 33bhp output are also available.

MOTORCYCLING - THE LAW SAYS - At seventeen and over anyone can apply for a provisional motorcycle licence, but the licence is not valid without a Compulsory Basic Training certificate (CBT) and it only allows you to ride machines up to 125cc with a maximum of 15bhp. A full car licence automatically counts as a provisional motorcycle licence, but you still need to do CBT for it to be valid. A full car licence also enables you to ride a 50cc moped without L-plates or any training. Sixteen year olds may also ride mopeds, but must first take a CBT.

A provisional motorcycle licence is now valid for for life (well until you are seventy). The theory test (for motorcycles) must now be completed even before you can book the practical test. The theory test is now also required for full car driving licence holders even if you have completed a car theory test before. At 21 years and over can do Direct Access Training (DAS) for an unrestricted licence. Under 21 years must undergo a two year 33bhp restriction on passing.

BOOK A TEST - Want to enquire or book a Theory or Practical test - Telephone (0870) 0101372.

SHALL I GIVE IT A GO? - Most people have considered riding a motorbike but always leave it to the first sunny days of spring or summer to investigate training options when there is a mad rush for training courses & delays often result - some test centres in the height of the summer have 3 month waiting times so DON'T WAIT LIKE LEMMINGS when the summer could well be over before you pass your test. Autumn & winter training can be the best times.

COURSES OFFERED. - Intensive, large group, 'all in' type courses are not offered.

Training sessions can range from 2hours, half day, & full days. Most candidates cannot take longer than 2 hrs on a motorcycle without a break otherwise mistakes are just reinforced & bad practice soon develops. Several 2 hr. hard hitting sessions over a longer period (say 2 weeks) are recommended.

Once MSM has seen your early riding & aptitude we can soon assess your natural ability & advise you on additional training programmes. You will then select your own test date & test centre (advice will be given on your selection) & any further training required will be slotted in up to the test date.

BUT HOW LONG WILL IT ALL TAKE? - Some 'natural ability' riders only need 2 days equivalent training. Others (especially complete novices with no previous biking experience) may need 5 days equivalent training. If you cannot ride a push-bike then forget it!

TEST DAY - For 125cc training you have a choice of being escorted to the test centre or a saving can be made by hiring the school bike & riding their yourself. Extra bike hire is also available prior to your test date if required - a very cost effective way of obtaining those additional 'saddle hours' of experience.

For DAS training you must incur the cost of being escorted to the test centre.

You must take your licence, CBT certificate, photographic ID (passport or other approved document) & a theory pass certificate. Test Centres available to Marlow are at Aylesbury, Oxford, & Reading.

Last Updated: July 2002

www.christopherhunt.co.uk

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TIP 5 - you do not have to train on direct access (DAS) to ride a larger bike after passing your test. Most bikes can be fitted with a restricter kit & most new bikers would be unable to tell the difference between the two.

TIP 6 - everyone has to do a CBT so treat this separately to test training & use your CBT experience to vet the training school - if your unhappy with the school or instructor then at least you have the option to look elsewhere for the test training.

Get 'The Edge' Training!

TEST TRAINING - STANDARD CLASS 'A' LICENCE - Training on a 125cc for a standard Class 'A' licence with the 2 year probationary 33 BHP power limit is recommended. Getting up to test standard on a 125cc is usually very much quicker than training for the DAS scheme.

There is a myth that you cannot ride a large motorcycle for the first two years which is incorrect as most bikes can be restricted to 33 BHP for a small fee (sometimes free) & most recently 'test passed' riders wouldn't notice the difference.

Most insurance prices prevent the new motorcycle rider from purchasing a large high powered bike in any case & most opt for the mid range 250 - 600cc bike as their first entry level motorcycle so what's the point of spending all that extra money for DAS training (it's a macho guy thing me thinks).

Chris's philosophy is simple - biking is a life long pleasure activity that needs carefully selected intermediate steps before moving up to the high power range of bikes. Would you expect to drive a Ferrari directly after passing your car test! - I think not so why do with two wheels less?

TEST TRAINING - DIRECT ACCESS (DAS) TO UNRESTRICTED CLASS 'A' LICENCE (FOR 21 YEAR OLDS & OVER) - Training on a 47+ BHP motorcycle after proving that you can safely control a 125cc motorcycle. This training often takes longer as it is more difficult to control a large motorcycle to test standard for the novice rider & a 'wealth warning' is issued to determined participants. DAS training is most suited to bikers with previous riding experience & those with natural co-ordination skills. Clumsy novices will take far longer to reach test standard & high training costs could be incurred.