Blog posts by LStacey Syndicate content

Motorcycle licence - all change please
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LStacey writes on January 23, 2012 12:15PM

In January 2013 it will be "all change" with regards to the motorcycle licence due to the EC 3rd Driving Licence Directive. Unfortunately there's no escape from this because the decision by our government at the time of inception (Thanks Tony) decided to abstain rather than veto the changes.

Thanks to Get On community stalwart Nigel Osborne of Channel Rider Training for providing the following guide to beating the the new motorcycle test laws.

Your options now

  • * At 17: Take your test on a "125"
    • - Ride any bike you like but restricted to 33 bhp (100mph) for 2 years then ride any bike you like.
  • * At 21: Do Direct Access & take your test on a "500"
    • - Ride any bike you like.

Your options next year

  • * At 17: Take your test on a "125"
    • - Ride a "125" - yes that's all - for 2 years to qualify for the next test and/or:-
  • * At 19: Take your test on a "400"
    • - Ride a bike up to 46 bhp (at least that's an improvement) but only if the original (unrestricted) bike was less than twice that - 92 bhp ??? so no R6 or CBF or.... Yes - that's all - for another 2 years to qualify for the next test - or wait until:-
  • * At 24: Take your test on a "600"
    • - Ride any bike you like.

Take your test NOW!

If you take your test now on a "125", from age 17 and upwards you can ride any bike you like up to 33 bhp (1 00 mph) and after 2 years you automatically get a full (any bike you like - unrestricted ) licence.

If you're 21 or over and you take your test on a 500, you can ride any bike you like.

A licence once given can't be revoked so get in there while you can and take your test now... it's that or wait 4 years to get your full motorcycle licence.

If you're completely new to riding but don't know where to start, you can book a free motorcycle ride with Get On at a test centre near you. Don't hesitate... there isn't time to waste!

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Rail fare increases capped but still above inflation
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LStacey writes on December 01, 2011 11:39AM

Great news for commuters this week; chancellor George Osborne is capping the rail fare increases... to 6%... OK, that's not great at all. It's still above the rate of inflation and for me personally it means I'm out of pocket by an extra £20 every month next year. So rail fare increases that I can't afford are pretty much the other end of the spectrum to great news.

What makes this even worse is the fact that this cap will just lead to higher rates in 2013 and 2014. It's not going to get better any time soon.

To add insult to injury, the year on year rail fare increases generally come with little or no improvement to the service. Most days I'm lucky if I get a seat and don't even get me started on delays... If I'm 10 minutes late to my destination, I consider this a good day and now winter is upon us, I know this is just going to get worse.

I've been debating doing my free ride and getting on two wheels for a while now. I think this pretty much seals the deal. Over-priced over-crowded underperforming trains or the freedom of the open road and spare cash in my pocket? It's a no brainer.I'll take the cheaper, more fun option!

How will the rail fare increases affect you?

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