Courses

The following is a summary of the training courses available at Galway Motorcycle School

Initial Basic Training (IBT)
From 6 December 2010 all Motorcyclists who receive their first learner permits are required, by law, to do IBT. This is a 16 hour course, which comprises of 4 modules:

Module 1 (3 Hours): This is Classroom and Compound based training. It covers Personal Protective Equipment, Motorcycle Controls, Motorcycle Technical Checks, Use of Stands, Manual Movement of Motorcycle, Engine Starting/Stopping.

Module 2 (5 Hours): This is Compound based training. It covers Moving Off/Stopping, Braking, Gears, Slow Riding, Figure8/Slalom/U-Turn Manouvers, Rear Observation/Mirrors, Turning Left/Right, Emergency Braking.

Module 3 (2 Hours): This is Classroom and Compound based training. It covers Legal Requirements, Rules of Road, Being Seen, Road Surfaces, Positioning, Observation/Mirrors, Speed, Anticipation/Reaction, Weather Conditions.

Module 4 (6 Hours): This is Public Road based training. It covers Gradients, Junctions, Traffic Lights, Roundabouts, Safe Distance, Anticipation/Reaction, Pedestrian Crossings, Bends.

These modules must be done in the order outlined above. They can be done intensively over a 2 day period, or they can be spread out to suit the trainee's schedule. However all 4 modules must be performed within a 2 year period. Also as each module lays the foundation for the next module, is advisable not to leave an excessive time lapse between completion of each module. It is only when this course is successfully completed that an individual may legally ride on a public road, unaccompanied by an IBT instructor.

Foundation 1
This is for people who are new to motorcycling or people who have very little motorcycle experience, that are not required to do IBT. It takes place in a controlled environment (unused car park or equivalent) and familiarises people with basic bike control skills, i.e. clutch control, balancing, turning, throttle control, braking, gear changing etc. This usually takes 3 - 4 hours work.

Foundation 2
Following on from Foundation 1, Foundation 2 then progresses the trainee from the "controlled environment" onto public roads. This is a gradual process, whereby the trainee is first introduced to light traffic in a residential area. Gradually, as confidence and ability increase, the trainee progresses into heavier urban traffic. At all times the trainee is accompanied by and fully visible to the instructor, and is receiving verbal instruction via a motorcycle intercom system. This usually takes 2-3 hours. At the end of the Foundation 2 session, a trainee should be able to ride relatively safely and confidently in a 50 kph environment.

At this stage, if a trainee has their own, road legal, motorcycle, they are encouraged to get as much practice as possible on their own.

Pre-Test
This is specifically for people who are planning to do the Road Safety Authority test for a full motorcycle licence. Ideally it should be done within 2-3 weeks of the test itself. It covers the test procedure, "brushes up" on riding technique, covers the general test area and covers the motorcycle theory and technical requirements. For people who are already experienced usually 3 hours is sufficient to cover the pre-test session. Pre- Test training and use of school bikes for tests is available at Galway & Roscommon test centers.

Note: The Motorcycle test for a full licence is no longer carried out at Tuam, Loughrea, or Clifden test centers.

Intermediate
Although passing the national test is a good achievement, it is by no means an indicator of safety for the average rider. The riding aspect of the test is carried out, pre-dominantly, in a 50 kph environment, in relatively light traffic, for 30 minutes, in daylight. It may not challenge a rider in the most dangerous environments/situations, i.e. national roads, country roads, dual carriageways/motorways, adverse weather conditions, overtaking, filtering, night time riding, carrying pillion passengers etc, etc.

Intermediate training, provides trainees with the skills required to help manage the most common of these environments. It usually involves 2 sessions, each of 3 hours duration. The first session typically covers Observation, Cornering and Positioning in higher speed (i.e. > 50kph) environments. The second session covers Overtaking & Filtering maneuvers and Dual Carriageway / Motorway riding skills.

Note; It is not necessary to have completed your test in order to do Intermediate Training.

Advanced
This is for motorcyclists who want to increase their levels of safety, improve their technique and become more "highly polished" motorcyclists. The syllabus for this is a book called "Motorcycle Roadcraft, the police rider's handbook to better motorcycling", Ref. ISBN 0-11-341143-X. This publication covers all the skills mentioned above, and more, performed to a very high standard. From an instruction perspective, at this level, some 3 - 6 hour consultations with a RoSPA approved Instructor should be arranged as required. However the majority of the work needs to be done by the trainee on their own. Typically this requires thousands of quality miles practice. The Instructor, in conjunction with Motorcycle Roadcraft, will provide guidance and advice as required. The goal in this case is to pass the RoSPA Advanced Riding Test.

Note: Students who can demonstrate a good standard of riding during the above training can earn valuable Insurance premium discounts. This is applicable for AON/AXA and Quinn Direct Insurance companies. Please see the Insurance page of this website or ask your instructor for details. Also, please note that the above progressive training sequence is recommended, based on years of training experience. However if a client wants training for a specific aspect only, e.g. Cornering Techniques, Town Riding, Filtering etc., then this can be arranged to suit the client's specific needs.