Staffs Gazette ✥ PAGE 19
STOKE MOTORCYCLE
Winter
TRAINING
For ALL your training-needs,
Motoring
continued from page 17
simply contact Ian and Ken!!!!
It is, of course, illegal to drive a car, if you can-
meets the minimum legal standard by asking them
not pass the eyesight-test, and remember that, if you
to read a car’s number-plate from a distance of at
need to wear glasses or contact-lenses to read the
CO-OWNERS, Ian Barker and Ken Gratton, (as you would expect) Ken and Ian at SMT have least 20.5 metres (67 feet).
number-plate on your test, you must continue to
launched their business just five months ago, but, made the requisite changes, in order to train students
Examinees are allowed to wear spectacles or con-
wear them the whole of the time that you are dri-
already, they are ‘roaring ahead’ in terms of to comply fully with the new DSA test.
tact-lenses, if necessary, but, if you have any doubts
ving!
progress! As well as catering for the requirements of
about your ability to meet the eyesight requirements
After the age of 40 or so, eyesight tends to dete-
This is hardly surprising, since Stoke Motorcycle new/learner riders, SMT runs refresher courses for
easily, seek advice from an optician before you start
riorate: the biggest danger is that the atrophy is usu-
Training Centre (based solely at Birches Head High those who are returning to motorcycling after a num-
to drive.
ally so gradual that it is hard to detect the change.
School, near Hanley) offers riders of all ages, experi- ber of years’ lay-off.
In any case, remember to have your eyesight
Other people have what is called ‘night-blind-
ence and apptitudes a genuinely-comprehensive These are ideal for those readers who already hold
checked regularly by an optician.
ness’, which can make it difficult to discern objects
facility. a motorcycle licence or want further training.
easily in low light (this can be detected on a simple
For instance, Stoke Motorcycle Training is one of “It’s a sad fact that people returning to biking are
Murf’s Autos
eyesight check).
the few centres in the City of Stoke-on-Trent which those who are most likely to appear in the KSI (killed
Tiredness also affects your ability to see properly
is fully utilised for overseeing vital Module 1 and and seriously-injured) statistics,” commented Ian.
and to drive competently.
Module 2. “We don’t like to admit it, but, as we get older, we
AUTO ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL
You need to be prepared to pull up somewhere
Ian and Ken have a simple message for readers: aren’t as quick as we think.
SPECIALIST
safe and have a break from driving.
motorcycling can be a cheap, effective and ‘fun’ way “But that’s not all: motorbikes have got quicker,
Diagnostics, fuel injection, gearboxes, servicing
Take a ‘cat-nap’ or a stroll and refreshments
to travel, but the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) - faster, turn sharper and brake better.
&MOTs arranged
and the Law! - requires anybody who decides to use “Additionally, the roads are busier (and, some
before resuming the drive.
a motorcycle and does not already possess a licence, would argue, not as well-maintained); finally, we
Tel: 01782 562220
Stress can, of course, effect you in a similar way.
to hold a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certifi- have lost the skills during the winter (or even longer).
Even a cold can disturb your concentration, and,
BRICKILN LANE,
cate. “Nobody likes to admit that they aren’t a great PARKHOUSE IND ESTATE WEST
if you are feeling unwell, it might be better not to
272-97
Explained Ian: “Without this certificate in place, rider: the reality is that we can all improve, and some
drive, take things slower than usual, as this will
you do not have a provisional licence-entitlement critical feed-back and gentle ‘refocusing’ can
give you more time to react.
and cannot use a motorcycle on the public roads. enhance our enjoyment of our bike, while still mak-
GEORGE
“Some insurers require proof of a CBT being ing us safer when on the road.
held.” “SMT instructors are riders first and foremost: we
PRITCHARD
Farrout Motorcycles
A CBT certificate allows riders of 16-17-years-of- do what we do because we want to to be out on our
• Accident repairs • Insurance work
FULL RESPRAYS, PLASTIC WELDING
age to ride a 50cc motorcycle restricted to 30mph; bikes - come rain, show or shine!
• Resprays undertaken • No job too small
1 OFF PAINT & DESIGN JOBS • NEW & CLASSIC
riders of 17-plus can ride motorcycles of up to 125cc “We want others to enjoy years of motorcycling MACHINES
and 11Kw (14bhp). freedom, even if it is only commuting to and from UNIT 2, LEESE STREET GARAGE,
Wheels & frame paintwork
Bigger and more powerful motorcycles require a work: we believe that going from ‘A to B’ in a car is STOKE-ON-TRENT
Over 20 years experience
full licence to be obtained. a journey; going from ‘A to B’ on a bike is an
(off Liverpool Road)
SERVICE/PARTS
Over the age of 21, a DAS (Direct Access Scheme) ADVENTURE!”
Telephone: 01782 848208
272-98
Telephone Congleton 01260 271221
allows a licence to be obtained on a motorcycle of For full details, contact Ian on (01782)
Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton
around 500cc with unlimited capacity and power 257170/07753-837090 or Ken on (01782) 262879;
VEHICLE SERVICING & REPAIRS
www.farroutpaintwork.co.uk 272-165
available, with immediate effect. alternatively, readers can visit the website:
In April, 2009, the motorcycle test changed, and www.stokemotorcycletraining.co.uk
Hoddens Ltd
Stoke Motorcycle
Specialists in all aspects of servicing
& repairs for all makes of vehicles
• MOT/Repairs • Diagnostic checks
• Servicing • Air conditioning service
• Comfortable reception
Training
• Franchise trained master technician
BROCKSFORD STREET, FENTON,
STOKE-ON-TRENT
272-5
272-136
Tel: 01782 599333
J. D. AUTOS
(West End Garage)
GLT TYRES
Let us the specialists repair & overhaul your
CBT £100
vehicle to the highest possible standards
NEW TYRES, REMOULDS,
TRACKING,
• SERVICE & REPAIR • BREAKDOWN •
with bike
FIND US AT:
BALANCING, PUNCTURE REPAIRS
REGENT STREET (WEST END), ALL MAJOR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
CBT £70 with own bike
hire
STOKE 98 Millrise Road, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent
Telephone: (01782) 744181
272-134
Tel: 534523
Bike hire for CBT £30
Quick service at low prices from the company
Further training £45 Phoenix Driver
that beats the big names on price! 272-135
Includes all lessons up to test
Training
Direct access with bike hire for 2 hours £40 • Patient & friendly driving instructor
Refresher courses contact your local centre
• Air conditioned car
• Competitive rates
• Fully qualified & insured
Tel: 01782 257170
• Pass Plus registered
272-96
• Refresher lessons
Mob: 07753 837090
FULLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS
Tel: 01782 715854
DEALER-LIKE SERVICE WITHOUT THE COST
REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES
Mob: 07953 676324
USED CAR SALES
www.stokemotorcycletraining.co.uk
41 Mill Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme
272-138 272-139
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