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Motorcycle training for beginners, CBT

Do you want to ride a motorcycle in London but don’t know where to start? Below, there is quick guide of what you need to get your licence at Mac Motorcycle Training:

BEGINNER’S Motorcycle COURSE

Also commonly known as “Introduction to Motorcycling” is a course designed for the very beginner, who has never ridden a motorcycle, scooter or moped before and do not wish to jump straight into the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) Course.

However, as it’s also a course tailored to an individual’s skill, this course has the advantage of having a 1-to-1 ratio or a 2-to-1 maximum training ratio, that is, 1 Dedicated Motorcycle Instructor per trainee or per 2 trainees, no more than that.

Looking for a quick motorcycle licence?

If you are a complete beginner/novice in regards to riding a motorcycle/scooter and if your EXPECTATION is to complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in one day, then we strongly suggest you start with a Beginners Course (commonly know as ITM – Introduction to Motorcycling) or at least 1-2 hours of Private Motorcycling Lessons prior to your CBT. By doing that you will have a better idea of what to expect and you will also give us a chance to initially assess your skills, in order for us to advise you how to proceed.

So, WHAT IS CBT?

If you’ve just moved to the UK and want to ride a motorcycle/scooter, you will have to either exchange your Non-GB Licence for a UK Licence, apply for a UK Counterpart (for Non-GB Licence Holders), or apply for a UK Provisional Licence:

 

To exchange your Foreign Drivers Licence to a UK one, please use the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

 

To apply for a UK Counterpart (for Non-GB Licence Holders), please use the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/d9-application-to-register-a-non-gb-driving-licence

 

To appliy for a UK Provisional Licence, please use the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

After obtaining the required licence, you will have to complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), to validade your licence entitlement in order to legally ride a motorcycle/scooter up to 125cc.

 

CBT will consist of an eyesight check, as well as practical on-site and on-road training, as well as practical experience out on the road with a DVSA qualified instructor. Instructors of any approved training body (ATB) will only take you out on the roads once they are satisfied that you can ride a motorcycle/scooter safely, competently, and independently on the UK Roads. The CBT Course will normally last at least 4 to 8 hours. However, all the training courses will be matched to the students’ skills and abilities. It is inevitable that people will take different lengths of time to reach the required standards.

 

What are you waiting for? Get in touch and book your motorcycle course online, click here.

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Scooters & Manual Bikes: Know the Difference

ScootersIf you are reading this, you’re probably either thinking about going through CBT, (aka compulsory basic training), or have made the decision to do so, but are a bit confused as to how scooters and manual bikes are each defined. You might even be debating between simply getting certification for riding a scooter, or getting a full licence with a geared, or manual, bike. Continue reading “Scooters & Manual Bikes: Know the Difference”

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Tips For Riding On a Rainy Day

If you’ve just obtained your certification but have yet to see a rainy day, don’t worry, one will come around, especially when living in the UK.

Rainy days are inevitable, and while you might have protective gear on that keeps you safe on dry days, knowing how to ride your motorcycle in the rain is often a must. Of course, you have your health and safety equipment ready to go, but mastering riding in inclement weather should be part of your training and practice.

Here are some helpful tips for riding on a rainy day:

tips rainy day1) Ride at a Low Speed. While you can go racing around London or wherever else you’re at on dry days, doing this on a rainy day will spell trouble before too long. Many people choose not to ride on rainy days for this reason, but if you like riding in the rain, or are forced to by circumstance, definitely keep your speed reasonable, according to how wet the road is. If the water is less than 6 mm deep, then your bike can handle slightly higher speeds than if the water on the road is more than 6 mm deep.

2) Consider Your Brakes and Braking Distance. Just as traction isn’t as good in wet conditions, neither are your brakes going to be super-reliable. Just as you would take care to mind your braking distance in a car, it’s especially important to do so with a motorcycle. Definitely test your brakes every so often to see what they can handle, and this will help you determine your braking distance, should you find yourself in stormy weather.

3) Mind the Nitty-Gritty of the Road Surface. When it rains, the pavement doesn’t just get wet, it can also become oily and dirty because wet roads can bring up ingrained oil from underneath and sand and dirt are often spread more widely across the road. So again, the slower you go the safer you’ll be.

Tips: Riding in the rain isn’t just about the type of wet-weather gear to use.

It’s about maintaining safety by reducing your speed, minding what could be on the road and paying attention to the kind of braking distance you need to stop safely. You can collect all the cool and fancy gear you like, but if your riding technique is faulty, the higher the likelihood of you becoming injured. So ride slow, pay attention and stay safe on a rainy day.

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Motorcycle Safety Equipment: Never Forget to Use It!

Riding a motorcycle is fun for many people, and perhaps you’re one of those who have just received their motorcycle certification.

But there is something you definitely need to remember before getting out there on the London roads: your health and safety equipment. This isn’t just about having cool-looking gear, though the designs on the safety equipment you choose doesn’t necessarily have to look dull and boring, either. Continue reading “Motorcycle Safety Equipment: Never Forget to Use It!”

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Motorcycle Safety: Winter

motorcycleRiding a motorcycle is fun for many folks, and many do not limit their ride time to the summer, spring or fall. In fact, a motorbike may be their chief mode of transportation to and from their workplace, year round. Either they do not have an operable enclosed vehicle, or they prefer to save money at the fuel pump.

If this is you, and this is your first winter with a motorcycle as your primary vehicle, there are some important safety issues to consider. Naturally, you want to avoid traveling on icy and snowy roads, as these are dangerous for pretty much everyone in inclement weather, as you are likely well aware. But if you absolutely cannot avoid Old Man Winter’s grip on the asphalt, do take precautions while traveling on your motorcycle.

Here are some basic tips for getting through your first winter with your motorcycle:

1. Have Proper Riding Gear. Just as you would layer up for a cross-country ski journey or hike, layer up for a motorbike trip as well, even if it’s just biking from home to work and back again. You’ll want a base layer with fabric that wicks away moisture, an outer layer that has waterproofing and breathability qualities and then you’ll want gloves, of course. A neck warmer is essential, as is a helmet with a fog-free face shield.

2. Have Proper Tires. Just as being stingy with car tires can be an issue, being just as stingy with motorcycle tires can be just as dicey, especially in the winter. Your tires should have more than adequate tread. Also, make sure you keep your tires heated, as cold tires can give you loss of traction. Keep your tires up to pressure, and if need be, keep to a slow speed.

3. Dealing With Snowstorms, Cracks Made by Plows and Black Ice. According to seasoned riders, road salt kills traction, and the cracks that snowplows make can also be large enough to damage your tire rims. In addition to all this, there’s the issue of black ice. If it looks like black ice, stay well away. And of course, if it starts to snow while you’re out, get home as quickly as possible.

Making the decision to ride a motorbike in the winter doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition.

Just be sure to get proper gear for your motorcycle, make prudent decisions concerning weather and road conditions and you’ll come through just fine.

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Motorcycles Used for DAS (A Licence) and A2 Licence

The motorcycles that we use for our DAS (A Unrestricted Licence) and A2 (Restricted Licence) courses and tests are the Suzuki Gladius 650cc. In our opinion they are the best bikes to pass your test with. Incredibly maneuverable, relatively light and very reliable.
And more importantly MODERN.

You get what you pay for…
While others schools use rusty bikes, this is what we provide to our trainees.

 

You get what you pay for... While others schools use rusty bikes, this is what we provide to our trainees.

 

You get what you pay for... While others schools use rusty bikes, this is what we provide to our trainees.

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Motorcycle Training in London: How the Weather Affects the Way Motorcyclists Ride

By Kate

Motorcycle Training in London: How the Weather Affects the Way Motorcyclists Ride

For some people, winter is an exciting time. But, for motorcyclists it is a dreaded time. This is because it is often hard to ride their bikes at these times smoothly without encountering problems. Motorcycle Training in London during the winter could also be affected. Apart from the difficulty often faced when maneuvering the bike, bikers can hardly escape the chilling cold of this time. Motorcyclists suffer at this time because they are exposed to open air. Also, if motorcyclists are caught in between the blizzard, they will be most affected by its harshness. Even wearing body protective gear is not enough. If you love to ride motorcycle, you no doubt can easily relate to the challenges we just mentioned. It is not only winter time that poses challenges to motorcyclist, others also do.

Excessive heat can also affect motorcyclists when riding. A rider with full body gear is exposed to excessive sweats and discomfort. Also, the bike could suffer from the heat. Many accidents involving motorcyclist occurred in bad weather, making it imperative to know what to do to counter the effects of weather on motorcycle riding. There is no gainsaying the fact that motorcyclists are at risk most of the time because of bad weather. One thing is that bad weather can occur suddenly. You may be riding in fairly good weather and all of a sudden, you are confronted with rain, heat, or cold.

The true is if you ride long and far enough, sooner or later you will encounter bad weather, either you like it or not. Many riders could attest to the fact that what starts off as a clear day can turn into an ugly huff and puff around the next corner. Some motorcyclists, after taken into consideration their experience, skill, preparation and risk tolerance, have decided to avoid riding in rain or seriously bad weather. But, this is not the right solution as far as motorcycle training in London is concerned. If you want to avoid riding in bad weather, you may miss fun aspect of riding. What you may not know is that riding in unfavorable weather can also be enjoyable if you know what to do to prevent danger during such unpleasant weather condition.

In view of the various challenges confronting motorcyclists in bad weather, there is need to be thoroughly aware of how to confront such challenges and be adequately equipped with safety precautions in bad weather. Let us now look at various ways to counter the effects of weather when riding a motorcycle and enjoy a smooth ride.

What to do to counter the effects of bad weather when riding a motorcycle

  • Wear A Good Safety Helmet: A well-ventilated helmet is good at all times. It will ensure good air circulation while also warding off the heat from your head. It protects you in case of an accident occasioned by bad weather. Combine the helmet with sunglasses and you are ready to hit the road safely.
  • Always Wear Your Protective Body Jacket: Some motorcyclists do take off their protective jacket when riding in the hot weather. This is not a good practice as far as safety and protection from the heat are concerned. Avoid taking off your protective jacket even under unbearable heat because your body temperature could rise with each patch of bare skin exposed to the sun’s heat. In addition, in case you take a tumble on the tarmac, the protective gear you have on may well save your life and protect your limb.
  • Travel in Cooler Temperature: During the summer, you should plan your itinerary or travel so that you will ride when the temperature is cool. The best times for your riding are during the early mornings and the early evening. These periods are perfect for motorcycle training in London too. You can get on the road before the sun rises, get several miles under your belt and then stop to take a break from noon till early evening. Then, start riding again till you want to.
  • Know Your Route Well: During the winter, it is important that you know your route very well. This is because wet roads make it more difficult for you to ride, following one route which you think you are more comfortable with and is not slippery is best.
  • Move Slowly: In cold and freezing weather, it is often good to ride slowly. The same for winter time. It may be difficult to see your way clearly, especially in cloudy weather. Therefore, learn to ride slowly to avoid any unpleasant experience. Try defensive driving as well. Since the road itself is already difficult to drive with, do not try seeking trouble for yourself by being too complacent when riding in the winter.
  • Prepare Yourself: Put yourself in the right condition before you go out. Get yourself ready by eating well and hydrate yourself before hitting the road. This helps your body to survive any temperature outside. It also provides you with the stamina and the energy to ride in difficult weather.
  • Check Weather Forecast: It is also good if you learn to read weather forecast or even listen to the news for any updates on weather before you go out riding. If the weather is forecast to be bad for the day, you may choose to stay indoors or make sure you hit the road and return before any snow storms or even worse weather condition occur.

As you can see, there are many ways to counter bad effects of weather. But, if you are looking to start riding motorcycle in the near future, why not learns all these and more from motorcycle training in London?