Garlands are proud to announce that from 1st January 2006 we will be offering motorcycle training to new and advanced riders. We have been frustrated with the lack of reliable local companies that offer a quality service so we have decided to set up our own school! Garlands Motorcycle Training, has incorporated the very successful PAI (Pembrokeshire Advanced Instruction) so we are ready to offer our customers a "One Stop Shop" for all motorcyclists. We will also from the 5th March have a new CBT proving ground at the back of our showroom in Merlins Bridge. We will be catering for all ages of riders, starting from basic CBT up to Direct Access and Advanced courses. Typical Example (Direct Access) Day 1 125cc CBT - £100 Day 2 500cc Suzuki (GS500E) Training - £110 or £100 (with our bike) Day 3 500cc Suzuki (GS500E) Training - £110 or £100 (with our bike) Day 4 Pre-Test Training - including test fee £140 (All Prices include gear, Insurance, Petrol & Instruction) This is one typical example of a direct access course, but we can cater for all abilities individually and can tailor the package to suit you. The days can be split so that you can do one day a week or one a month, they don't have to be consecutive. Depending upon your ability you may need more training than indicated. To book or want to know more please do not hesitate to telephone us on 01437 768434 and speak to Dai, Terry or Jo in the training dept. Learner questions You want to ride a scooter or bike? Good for you. Here you will find information about the rules applicable to all new two-wheeled road users. If you're looking for great instructors who can give you much fuller advice that we can give here then please visit Garlands Training or give them a call on 01437 768434 So you want to get a bike? The freedom and independance that comes with getting your first bike will never be forgotten. No longer do you have to wait on Mum, Dad or the local bus company to get you to where you want to go, just get your gear on, turn the engine over and you're off. If you're a little older then you've probably already got your car licence and are looking for ways to bypass the morning tradition of sitting in queues while trying to get to work. Whatever your reasons for wanting to get onto two wheels, here you will find information about the rules that you need to know before applying for your licence. What you can ride? Mopeds A moped is a motorcycle which cannot go faster than 50km/h, must not have an engine over 50cc and can be moved by pedals, if the moped was used before 1 August 1977. Learner motorcycle spec The UK learner motorcycle specification is an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of 11kw (14.6bhp) (17 years and above) Direct Access specification bikes Your direct access bike must be a motorcycle of at least 35kW (46.6bhp), however you cannot ride one of these on L plates when not supervised by an instructor. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds You must complete compulsory basic training [CBT] before riding a moped or motorcycle (with or without sidecar) on the road. However, you may ride on a road under the supervision of an approved instructor as part of that training course. from 1 February 2001 After 1 February 2001 when you successfully complete CBT you will get a Certificate of Completion (DL 196) which will be valid for 2 years. Keep your CBT certificate safe because you will need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle theory test. You will also need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle accompanied test, and you may need to show it to the police if required. If you have any enquiries about CBT phone Driving Standards Agency on: 0115 901 2500 and ask for the CBT section. If you are learning to ride a moped or motorcycle,you cannot carry a pillion passenger. You can only learn to ride on motorcycles over 125cc if: you are over 21 and accompanied by an approved instructor on a separate machine at all times, or you are riding a motorcycle with a sidecar Any enquiries about CBT should also be referred to the DSA. The Theory Test Learner motorcyclists normally have to pass the written theory test as well as the practical test to gain a full motorcycle licence. The test consists of 35 multiple choice questions and around 40 minutes are allowed to complete it. The New Category A and A1 Driving Licence At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for - the A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motorcycle licence. To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must successfully complete CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle between 75cc and 125cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. To gain a full standard category A licence you must successfully complete CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After two years you may ride any size motorcycle. Direct Access for learner riders aged 21 or over Riders aged 21 or over may opt to take a test on a large motorcycle. On passing the test they are immediately qualified to ride any motorcycle without restrictions. This option is called Direct Access. You must complete CBT, and if necessary, a motorcycle theory test and a practical test on a motorcycle of at least 35kW (46.6bhp). Accelerated Access If you have already obtained a full standard category A licence and you reach the age of 21 before the two year qualifying period is complete a third option is available. You may opt to take a further test on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW (46.6bhp) to gain immediate access to all motorcycles. This is called Accelerated Access. You can practice for this test on motorcycles above 25kW only if you are accompanied by a certified motorcycle instructor on another motorcycle and you are displaying `L' plates. You do not need to complete CBT again, or pass another theory test. Training for Direct Access or Accelerated Access So that learners aged 21 or over may practice for the large motorcycle test they may ride a motorcycle on the road that exceeds the UK learner specification, but only under the supervision of a certified Direct Access instructor. When learning on a large motorcycle the usual learner restrictions will apply (`L' plates, no pillion passengers and motorway prohibition). Notes The power output of an engine is measured in kilowatts (kW) or brake horse power (bhp). A kilowatt is the metric measurement of brake horse power. One brake horse power equals 0.75 kilowatts. Engine capacity (or size) is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The size of an engine is not directly related to its power output. Further information may be obtained from motorcycle retailers or manufacturers. Links DVLA Driving Standards Agency For CBT enquiries, please call the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0115 901 2595. For general enquiries about driving tests or minimum test vehicles, please call the DSA Customer Service Unit on 0115 901 2515 / 2516 Theory and practical test appointments may be booked, and any test enquiries may be answered, by telephoning 0870 010 1372 and practical tests on 01437 768434