Never watch Scotland competing in any sport. They always let their audience down. That is all.
I don't feel let down in the slightest. I would do later if I really expected England to beat Ireland but I doubt if they will do.
The lady you met has been ferreting around after a CBT. Is there a decent source of info about WTF one achieves motorcycle licencing and the different entry levels. I realise things have been changing.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/index.htm
Take a peek here: http://www.biketraining.org/gettingstarted/thefacts.htm Nothing is changing until the end of September this year, after that the test will be in two sections. 1) The off road test where you will have to manoeuvre the bike through a slalom, push it forward and backwards, swerve, figure of eight and an emergency stop. It's possible to get eight faults even if you complete the course satisfactorily. After that you then have the road ride. If you fail the first part you will fail the test. From 2009 onwards other changes to what you can ride will possibly take effect: Everyone wishing to ride must do a CBT. For your test you will need a Theory and hazard perception pass. Tests At 16 you can take your moped test: If successful you can ride a moped without "L" plates and carry a pillion passenger. You cannot ride on motorways. At 17 test using 125cc bike. Full A1 licence. Restricted to 125cc 14 BHP for 2 years. Age 19 A2 motorcycle test using 33 BHP bike greater than 500cc. Full A2 licence. Restricted to 47 BHP for 2 years. Notice is says GREATER then 500cc. Age 21 CBT test using 47 BHP bike greater than 600cc. Full A licence. Age 24+ Unrestricted Direct Access. A 17 year old will have three steps to get a licence; at 17, 19, 21 years old. Each step involves theory, off-road, and on-road tests. Each step must be taken on a bigger bike than you are currently allowed to ride, and practised for under Instructor supervision. This is probably why they are tightening up on instructors and introducing the Post Test Register. There is talk of having two or three stages of the Direct Access Scheme whereby the student will move up through the categories after an instructor's assessment. A bit like a CBT for big bikes.
Thanks. I'm still unclear, can the training/test be taken on a riders own/schools 125cc auto scooter if they don't want the hassle of learning to use a clutch/gearbox.
SNIP convoluted testing schemes So in essence the result will be to eventually lead to the demise of motorcycles? I know I wouldn't jump through all those hoops to get a licence. FFS twice around the block was good enough for me and many others.
Yes they can do their test on an auto but their licence will reflect this and they can only ride an auto after passing. It's the same if they took their car test in an automatic. The same is also true for a semi-automatic.
