Motorcycle Rider Training Ireland

(OpenCube Inc. - http://www.opencube.com)****

Foundation Basic Pre-Test Conversion Intermediate Advanced BMW Bikes Radio Applying for a License The Driving Test Advice Line E-Mail

Foundation / Basic / Pre-Test / Intermediate / Conversion / Advanced / Instructor / BMW Our approach to rider training is thorough, and flexible. No two riders are the same. Everyone progresses at a different rate. We do not try to fit you into a rigid programme. Whilst there are a number of steps to take to go from "Complete beginner" to "Expert" our approach is flexible enough to be adapted to precisely suit your specific needs. The following describes the principal courses and elements of MSA rider training; these can be "customised" to suit your precise needs. We are insistent that only the very highest standards are good enough for today's road and traffic conditions. Consequently you will find our training is very thorough. All initial instruction is on a 1:1 basis – the rate of your progress is not held back or forced by others in the class. All our instructors are highly qualified. We always use bike-to-bike radios. We are absolutely dedicated to ensuring that anyone who is trained by us is taught to ride "the right way" so that even in the most testing of conditions they can remain safe and derive the maximum enjoyment from their motorcycling. We have gained an enviable reputation for the thoroughness and quality of our training and refuse to compromise or cut costs simply to gain business. We do not pretend to be ‘the cheapest’. Rider training at its best

FOUNDATION COURSES In the Greater Dublin Area Our Foundation Courses are “for those with little or no previous on-road motorcycle or scooter training and experience” and also “for those who are returning to motorcycling or riding scooters after many years absence”. They are as suitable for people who have never previously sat on a motorcycle as it is for those who by now are very rusty and, most likely, never had any proper training. The aim of these courses is to ensure that you “are safe enough to ride on your own in all normal conditions and that you are not a danger to yourself or other road users” You do not need to have your own machine. We have a fleet of modern, well-maintained machines: 125 and 250cc automatic scooters, 125, 250, 650 and 800cc motorcycles. . We can also loan you a helmet and all the necessary riding gear. The Motorcycle course is spread over 3 days. The Automatic Scooter course takes 2 days. Before you start you will have had to take and pass the Theory Test – see: www.dtts.ie and obtained your Provisional Licence. License information You should have studied the March 2007 edition of the Rules of the Road [ISBN 0-7557-7519-8] Cost: € 4 from any good bookshop. The main elements of the Motorcycle Foundation Course are spread over three days, two days for the Scooter Foundation course. The 3 days do not have to be consecutive; they can be spread over 7 to 10 days to suit your commitments. You are not expected to work through all these elements on the first day. Everyone progresses at a different pace. Those who are slow to start with very soon catch up. · Introduction to the motorcycle/scooter 19 modules explaining all aspects of the machine and its controls. · Simulator session Using our Honda Simulator you have the opportunity to practise the correct use of the controls and to develop your awareness and hazard perception skills in a wide variety of situations, country, suburban and city traffic, in total safety. The simulator can emulate large, medium and small motorcycles and scooters in every imaginable environment. · On our enclosed training ground You begin to put theory into practice working through 26 modules of machine control. Initially you will be on a small, lightweight machine such as a Honda CG125. Once you have demonstrated that you can control the smaller machine, provided you have a Provisional “A” licence, we then introduce you to a larger machine, typically a restricted BMW 650. If this sounds ambitious virtually everyone finds that the larger machines are much easier to ride than small ones ! · Introduction to Roadcraft Still on the off-road training ground, we work through the theory and then the practise the 12 modules which comprise the fundamental elements of ‘Roadcraft’. Only when you can execute all the manoeuvres – all of the 57 modules taught up to this point - do we take you out onto normal roads. · On road training You will at all times be under ‘radio control’. All on-road instruction at Foundation Level is on a 1 : 1 basis. You are not in a group with others. You can learn and progress at your own pace never feeling you are being left behind or held back by other people. Your instructor will remind you, one at a time, of the various manoeuvres you will be doing, all of which you have already done on the training ground. He will then demonstrate, by riding in front of you, how to do them. Then you do them with the instructor, using the radio, talking you through every step. Very soon you will find you do not need any correction. · Developing your skills The more often you do something properly, the better you do it and the more confident you feel. By gradually introducing you to a variety of traffic situations, country roads, suburban and busy city traffic you will gain confidence, smoothness and the essential life saving acute anticipation and hazard perception skills. This all-important Development phase is the longest part of the Foundation Course, at the very least a minimum of 6 hours. Graduation Towards the very end of this Foundation Course, once you have reached the desired skill level, we will put you through a short test. This test accurately establishes the skills level you have reached set against an internationally accepted yardstick which, amongst other things, results in a Skills Assessment certification process acceptable to leading motorcycle insurers such as AXA Insurance and their brokers, AON and Quinn Direct. These certificates can help you benefit from lower insurance rates than are normal for beginners and , in some cases, enable you to obtain insurance for more powerful machines. Once the state requires everyone to undergo ‘Compulsory Basic Training’ this foundation course will enable you to gain that all important CBT Certificate. Training area: Our principal training base in the Greater Dublin area is at Ballymount (between the M50 and the Walkinstown roundabout) we willsend out a ‘How to Find us map’ with your booking confirmation. Cost (Cost Page) The cost of the three-day Motorcycle Foundation Course includes 1 : 1 instruction throughout, the loan of our school bikes, riding gear as well as insurance and fuel. There are no hidden extras or ‘excess’ charges . The Motorcycle Foundation Course costs: €990, if booked prior to 1st June '08, thereafter the cost increases to €1065 assuming that you will be using our school bikes. If you have a bike which is taxed, insured for your use and in good condition which you wish to use for the course, cost can be reduced by €50 for each day you do not use one of our machines. The Scooter Foundation Course costs: €800. If you have a suitable scooter which is taxed, insured for your use and in good condition which you wish to use for the course, cost can be reduced by €50 for each day you do not use one of our machines. Booking You must book all the 2 or 3 days in Advance. The lead-in time for weekdays is usually shorter than for Saturdays. Very occasionally we have some Sunday vacancies. The course day is from 1000hrs to 1600hrs. Call 01 294 0487 Mondays to Fridays 0900-1730hrs (or use our 24 / 7 / 365 Message Minder). For bookings and enquiries or by e-mail:info@msa-ireland.com. Our website is atwww.msa-ireland.com Payment Payment in full by Credit or Laser card is due at the time of booking. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY

BASIC TRAINING One or two days training, essentially for those with some previous riding experience, "born again" or "recycled bikers", and for those already riding but who have not yet passed the driving test. Those with little or no previous on-road riding experience should consider the Foundation Course. The aim is to get you to the stage where you are safe enough to ride on your own in all normal conditions. This course is also suitable for those who have not ridden for many years (i.e. "born again" riders. The course can be done either using your own machine, in which case we would normally meet you at your home, or alternatively using one of our school bikes in which case we would usually start you on a 125cc machine (A1 license) but as soon as you can ride that, provided you have the "A" license, we would upgrade you to a larger machine, aiming to complete your training on a BMW 650. The course commences with a spell on our Simulator, then some Essential Theory and Survival Tactics . We then move on to "machine control". It is not until you have mastered good machine control that you would be taken out into light traffic. As the on-road training progresses you would be introduced to heavier and more demanding traffic conditions until, towards the end, you would be able to ride safely in Dublin city-centre traffic without compromising the safety of yourself or anyone else. Whilst this course covers all the elements that comprise the "Driving Test", due to the inordinate delay between applying for a Driving Test and your being given a test date, the majority of our students tend to acquire their own machine and continue to practice in readiness for the eventual test. We also provide pre-test instruction (see below). Course duration is normally 12 hours (i.e. 2 x 6hr days). The days need not be successive they can be spread over a few weeks, as best suits you. Courses normally run from 1000hrs. If you are using one of our school bikes, or do not have your own riding gear we can loan you a helmet, jacket and gloves. Because beginners often progress at quite different rates in the early stages of training, this course is only available on a 1:1 basis. PLEASE NOTE: You must hold a Provisional License/Learner's Permit before we can take you on the road. If you are using your own machine rather than one of our School Bikes, your machine must be properly taxed and insured. Provided that you have successfully completed the recommended period of training, and in the unlikely event of your failing to pass the Driving Test, we will give you a 50% discount on any further pre-test training. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY Rider training at its best

PRE-TEST COURSE This is a one day course though some riders who do not have their own machine to practice on and those with very little experience could need more time. It is designed to bring your riding technique to the standard required for the Department of Transport’s tests for “M”. “A1” and “A” category licences for both geared and automatic machines. The Course comprises: Essential Theory and Safe Riding Tactics Briefing Notes on the Test A Rules of the Road Self-Test Plenty of on-road practice covering all aspects of the Test Pre-test sessions are always on a 1:1 basis. Provided that you have successfully completed the recommended hours training, in the event of your failing the Driving Test MSA will give you a further Pre-Test session at half-cost. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY Rider training at its best
INTERMEDIATE COURSE In order to pass the test, so basic is the test which takes place in daylight and, invariably within the 30 mph limit can mean that you are still not safe on motorways, fast sections of national roads, you might never have done any overtaking, nor had any experience on twisty country roads. The Intermediate course, usually one 5hr day, is an introduction to more advanced riding techniques which you can continue to practice in preparation for taking the Advanced Course. Provided that you have achieved the required standard by the end of the course you will be issued with a Certificate which would entitle you to insurance discounts with AXA through their brokers AON and with Quinn Direct. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY
CONVERSION COURSE This is for those who have started to learn on one of our school machines and now wish to continue training on their own machine. The aim is to get you used to the difference in weight, performance and handling characteristics. This course is always on a 1:1 basis and usually takes one 6hr day. Provided that you have achieved the required standard by the end of the course you will be issued with a Certificate which would entitle you to insurance discounts with AXA through their brokers AON and with Quinn Direct. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY

ADVANCED RIDER TRAINING We believe that EVERY motorcyclist should eventually aim to pass the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Advanced Test at either the Silver or Gold level. In our view, until you can do this, you are deluding yourself if you think you have learned all you need to know! The aim of our instruction is to get you to pass level in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Advanced Rider test. This is as high a level of attainment as a civilian rider can achieve. Whilst some riders may need more time, most, provided they are prepared to do a lot of practice on their own, should reach the standard with a day or two’s instruction. The training always be done with you using your own machine. Unless you have previously had at least 5 hours training with MSA we would first require you to take the Intermediate Course, or, for example, had achieved a Grade 2 in the AXA / AON Bike Skills Assessment. Each day will start at 1000hrs from our Ballymount Training Base. You will meet your instructor for the day, receive a briefing and after some brief warm-up exercises in the training area, you will be equipped with a radio and then head out onto the road with your instructor. The instruction will cover all aspects of riding, for example: Steering, Balance and correct use of feet when moving off and stopping. Use of the clutch, gears and throttle. Use of the brakes. Your forwards observation and hazard perception. Your rear observation, use of the mirrors and the “Lifesaver”. Your road positioning, on the straight, on left and right turns and on corners. How you make safe progress and your use of speed and compliance with limits. Safe overtaking. Your vehicle sympathy. Your judgement of distance, keeping a safe distance in traffic. Your concentration. Your compliance with the Rules of the Road You will encounter all kinds of roads and traffic conditions during your training: city, suburban. Motorway, dual-carriage way, National roads, Regional roads and smaller back roads. Special attention will be given to areas where the majority of riders are a danger to themselves (often without realising it!) such as cornering and overtaking. To reach the standard requires not only training but also your commitment to put in lots of serious, dedicated practise between training sessions and before the test. Few riders would achieve the standard with just one session, most would need two and some could need three. When it comes to eventually taking the RoSPA Advanced Test, there are four possible outcomes: Failure, but if your riding was not to standard we would not encourage you to go for the test. Bronze: this award means in effect, you are getting there but haven’t yet arrived! You are invited to try again in 3 to 6 months time. Silver: means a well above average rider. This award covers a wide range from just above Bronze to just below Gold. This is the level we would expect the vast majority of riders to achieve on their first attempt. Gold: this is the ultimate level. Very few riders achieve this level first time out but most do on a re-test. Both Silver and Gold attract a 30% discount with AXA / AON and 10% with Carole Nash and 35% with Quinn Direct. All riders are encouraged to repeat the test every three years. This is an excellent way of ensuring that your riding remains in peak condition. info@msa-ireland.com Or by phone to: (24/7) COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY Rider training at its best

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES MSAL have an enviable reputation for the quality of our instructors. We have an extremely high-quality, very thorough and very demanding instructor training programme. This in-depth, intensive programme is to a standard well in excess of that likely to be required by the Road Safety Authority for recognition as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) which will be a legal requirement by 1 July 2007. In order to be considered for MSAL instructor training the candidate would have to be a very experienced rider who has achieved a very high personal standard of riding such as the RoSPA Advanced at Gold level. Then follows a period of theoretical training after which the candidate would undergo at least 50 hours of practical training, prior to being examined by our external examiner. This would be the minimum level of achievement for an instructor to be considered for appointment as an MSA Associate instructor, many would find that they needed to gain more supervised ‘on-the-job’ training to satisfy the examiner. For further information contact:admin@msa-ireland.com

BMW RIDER TRAINING PROGRAMME
	MSA are the officially approved rider trainers for BMW Motorrad in Ireland. We provide a similar range of training courses specifically for BMW owners and potential purchases of BMW machines. All our instructors are familiar with the full range of BMW machines and their individual characteristics. DISCOUNTS are available for riders of BMW machines as well as for those who have placed an order with an official BMW dealer for a machine. MSA provides the instructors for BMW Irelands Motorrad Academy and BMW Irelands Track Days at Mondello. For dates go to: www.bmw-motorrad.ie Report from Phil Cawley's show of a BMW Motorrad Academy Day at Mondello. COURSE COST RIDER TRAINING ENQUIRY