Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in these terms and conditions. They are there to protect both you, the client and us.
By booking any training it is deemed that you have fully read and accepted our terms and conditions. Throughout the terms and conditions Mercury Motorcycle Training may be described as “us”, “our” or “we”. The client may be described as “you”.
Mercury Motorcycle Training and its Instructors are authorised by the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to deliver motorcycle training and will abide by DVSA regulations.
Mercury Motorcycle Training reserves the right to vary or change these terms and conditions without prior notice. Each client, on booking, will be asked to read and agree to our current terms and conditions.
1. LICENCES & DOCUMENTS
i. CBT and DAS Courses: On the day of your training you must hold and be in possession of a valid UK driving licence – full or provisional. It must be produced to your instructor upon registration. Copies are not acceptable. It is your responsibility to bring these documents to all training sessions that you attend. In failing to do so, training will not take place and fees for that day will not be refunded.
If you produce an older paper style licence, a valid up to date passport must also be produced. No other form of photographic ID will be accepted.
If you are attending a CBT renewal course and bringing/using your motorcycle for the course please ensure your CBT certificate is still in date in order to ride to the school. It is illegal to ride a motorcycle on public roads with an out of date CBT certificate.
It is the responsibility of the client to make sure that the licence is valid and up to date before any formal training course can commence. Details of how to check if your licence is valid and up to date are available on the DVLA website.
If you completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) elsewhere and are doing a further course with us (CBT renewal or DAS) you must produce your current CBT certificate before you undergo any training with us.
For DAS courses we must have details of your Driver Licence Number and Motorcycle Theory Test Certificate at least two weeks before the start of the course. We cannot organise your motorcycle test without them.
ii. Module 1 Motorcycle Test: For the Module 1 motorcycle test you must take your licence, CBT certificate (DL196) and Theory test pass certificate. If you have an old style paper licence, you must also take your passport. The DVSA will only accept an original, complete and legible documents - there are no exceptions to this.
iii. Module 2 Motorcycle Test: For the Module 2 motorcycle test you must take your licence, Theory test pass certificate and Module 1 test pass certificate. If you have an old style paper licence, you must also take your passport. The DVSA will only accept an original, complete and legible documents - there are no exceptions to this.
iv. EU/EEA Licences: If you have an EU/EEA licence and you wish to ride a motorcycle of no more than 11 Kw on a CBT certificate, you will need to apply for a D91 provisional motorcycle entitlement using a D9 form. The D91 certificate can take 2 to 3 weeks for the Driver & Vehicle Licence Authority to process. This then entitles you to undertake a CBT. Once you have successfully completed the CBT course, you are then entitled to ride a motorcycle of 11Kw for 2 years.
v. Failure To Produce A Valid Licence:
a. CBT and DAS Courses: If you fail to produce a valid licence for a CBT or DAS course then training cannot commence. No refunds will be issued.
b. Module 1/Module 2 Motorcycle Test: If you fail to produce the required documentation to the DVSA examiner on either of your motorcycle tests, you will have the test terminated by the DVSA and the fees will not be refunded. We will not be liable if you forget to take your documents on the day of your test.
vi.
Licence Checks: Prior to the commencement of training we are required to check your driving record for any points or disqualifications. This is done with your consent, electronically, through the DVLA website, using your National Insurance Number and Driving Licence number. Alternatively you can provide us with a DVLA licence check code to use on the day (these are only valid for 21 days).
2. ATTENDANCE
You must attend all the scheduled day(s) of training in full. Attendance requires you to attend on time so please allow for traffic and transport issues.
In particular, the CBT sessions are regulated by strict guidelines and have a set syllabus, and therefore cannot be delayed or postponed for an individual. Late attendance (arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time of your training/course) can lead to you missing your session and your fees being forfeited. You cannot join the course once it has started.
3. KIT & CLOTHING
i. Minimum Clothing Standard: Clients taking part in any training courses must wear suitable clothing that offers reasonable protection. Please dress for the time of year. Wear layers that will keep you warm when it is cold and take layers off when it is warm. We also advise that you wear something to cover up your neck in cold weather. Minimal standards of clothing that will be accepted are:
a. A textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers
b. Leather boots that cover the ankle e.g: leather hiking boots
c. Motorcycle specific gloves
d. A textile or leather motorcycle jacket or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath
ii. Using our clothing/helmets: We understand you may be new to biking and may not yet have your own motorcycle equipment.
If this is the case, we can provide you with a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and, if necessary waterproofs, for you to use during your training – at no extra cost.
All safety equipment is regularly checked to ensure it meets the required health and safety standards. Clients using our equipment should ensure it is returned undamaged. In the event that any equipment is damaged, either by deliberate act or accident, the client will reimburse Mercury Motorcycle Training the cost to replace the damaged item within 7 working days of notification. Any client caught stealing any kit/equipment will be banned from any further training at Mercury Motorcycle Training.
iii. Using your own clothing/helmets: You may wear your own motorcycle specific equipment and clothing. Your safety helmet must comply with current legislation and meet British Safety standards.
iv. Hi-Visibility Jackets: All clients will be provided with a hi-visibility over-jacket which displays our logo. In order to comply with DVSA guidelines clients must wear one of these at all times whilst undergoing training. You will not be permitted to wear your own.
v. Clothing that is not accepted: Please note that we do not accept trainers and tracksuit bottoms or sandals and shorts as you would be at risk of a serious injury. If clothing worn is viewed as inappropriate and unsafe then the client will be offered safety equipment provided by us – at no extra cost. If this offer is declined you will be asked to rebook the training course at an additional cost.
vi. Clothing/helmets requirements for DVSA tests: If you are taking your full test with the DVSA you must be wearing appropriate clothing and footwear – please see below:
a. A motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (unless you are a Sikh and wear a turban)
b. Motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles
c. Textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers
d. Textile or leather motorcycle jacket or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath
e. Motorcycle gloves
Failure to present with the above standard of dress for your DVSA test will lead to the test being cancelled and loss of your fees.
4. COURSE AGREEMENTS
We will endeavour to match clients with a suitable motorcycle for all motorcycle courses, however, if we think it is unsafe for the client to ride a motorcycle due to its size or power we will transfer the client to a more suitable motorcycle.
We will also endeavour to match clients with others of similar experience. Please note that this is not always possible and differences in individual ability are inevitable. If this does occur and the instructor assesses the training value or safety margins could be compromised you may be asked to attend on an alternative day. There will be no extra cost incurred for the client in this eventuality.
Continuity of instructor is important for quality training and we will endeavour to ensure this is possible. However we reserve the right to change instructors at any point during training as the needs of the school require.
i. Disclaimers: All clients will be required to read and sign both an off road training disclaimer and an on road training disclaimer before any training can be commenced or continued.
ii. Highway Code: Although no formal test is given on a CBT course it is essential that you read the Highway Code prior to training. It is particularly important to understand the Highway Code and the rules of the road if you are a provisional licence holder and/or someone who has recently arrived from a foreign country. Remember, you will be riding on public roads as part of your training and will need to demonstrate to your instructor sound knowledge of the Highway Code. Failure to do so may cause the training to be stopped and would result in the loss of fees. All clients will need up to date knowledge of the Code and its rules, traffic signs and regulations.
iii. Non-Completion of CBT Syllabus: If you are unable to complete the CBT syllabus in one day, you will be required to undertake further training. Your instructor will determine how many extra hours will be necessary and these will be charged at an hourly rate as stated on our current price list.
5. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, TRANSFERS
Payments can be made by bank transfer or cash. Cheques will not be accepted. Card payments can be arranged if requested. For all Direct and Progressive Access courses a 50% deposit will be required to be made by bank transfer at the time of booking. The outstanding balance is to be paid 2 days prior to the commencement of training. For all other courses, including CBT, Try Ride, Direct Access Assessments, Back to Biking and Enhanced Rider Scheme, full payment is required at the time of booking. All cancellations must be made by phone call or e-mail, we do not accept voicemail or text messages as notifications of cancellations.
i. Training Courses & DVSA Test Days : Mercury Motorcycle Training reserve the right to cancel training at short notice due to inclement weather and instructor/motorcycle availability, if this happens alternative date(s) will be offered. In the event of the client cancelling or rescheduling their booking(s), a minimum notice period is required. Below is a list of minimum notice periods for each of the training courses:
a. Try Rides/Compulsory Basic Training: 5 Working Days
b. Full Licence Courses A/A1/A2 (DAS): 10 Working Days
c. Individual Lessons/Advanced Training: 10 Working Days
If a cancellation or rescheduling is made by the client and the minimum notice period has not been met, the payment made will not be refunded.
ii. DVSA Tests: If the DVSA cancel your test for any reason, an alternative date will be offered and your test fee will not be lost. Additional costs may be payable to Mercury Motorcycle Training depending on when the DVSA cancelled the test.
iii. Refunds/Transfers for Mercury Motorcycle Training and DVSA Tests: If the client has to cancel or reschedule training and/or test(s) due to a medical reason and a valid doctors’ note is provided but the minimum notice period has not been met, Mercury Motorcycle Training will facilitate a no penalty rebooking but, if applicable, your DVSA test fee(s) will be lost. If the client cancels or reschedules training and/or tests for any other reason and the minimum notice period has been met, the client will be offered an alternative training period and test date(s). If the alternative date(s) are accepted there will be no extra charge. If the alternative date(s) offered are not acceptable then Mercury Motorcycle Training will refund the money paid, less a 30% administration fee. We will not accept any transfers of courses to other individuals.
iv. Mercury Motorcycle Skills & Track Academy bookings: We will not accept cancellations or transfers within 14 days of the event. Similarly there will be no refunds or transfers for inclement weather.
6. SAFETY
Mercury Motorcycle Training will endeavour to make your training as safe and enjoyable as possible. However, there is always a small element of risk, which cannot be totally eliminated, in connection with the use of any motor vehicle. Unlike a car, your instructor does not have direct control over your motorcycle and it is your responsibility to ride safely. With this in mind you must comply with the following:
i. Fitness to Ride: Ensure that you are, and remain, fit to train
ii. Mental State: Only you know your physical and mental condition. You must not be over tired, injured or suffering from any ailment which could affect your riding
iii. Drugs/Alcohol: You must not have taken any recreational drugs, prescription drugs (that preclude you from riding a motorcycle) or alcohol which may affect your ability to ride
You must inform your instructor if you have any issues in this respect or if any occur during the day. You must also ensure that you have adequate breaks, drinks and food and that you are properly clothed.
Clients are NOT permitted to sit on, touch or ride any of our motorcycles without the direct permission and supervision of an Instructor. Clients riding a motorcycle without the Instructor being present or without permission will have all their training terminated immediately. No refund will be issued.
7. ACCIDENTS & INJURIES
The safety of our clients is of paramount importance, however, riding any motorcycle or scooter carries some risk to the rider. The client must understand these risks and agree to undergo training at their own free will. The motorcycles are fully insured but you are not . We will not pay for any lost days of work or damage to your personal kit in the event of an accident.
The client must accept responsibility for their own actions during training and any possible injury caused. Clients are responsible for the control of the motorcycle. Mercury Motorcycle Training and our Instructors will not accept liability or be subject to any claim for any injury or accident you may suffer whilst riding independently or accompanied.
In the unfortunate circumstances where a client sustains an injury, training will be ceased and appropriate first aid medical attention will be sought depending on the level of injury. Once assessed, and only if the client is content to continue, will training resume. This decision will be at the discretion of the client and the instructor.
All accidents and injuries will be reported to the DVSA in accordance with their guidelines.
8. ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE & INSURANCES
The motorcycle and any damage to a 3rd Party are covered by Mercury Motorcycle Training with fully comprehensive insurance when undergoing actual training with us.
i. Personal Accident Insurance: This is NOT included. You may wish to consult your own insurance broker for this.
ii. Excess Waiver: Like all Insurance policies, our Insurance has an excess to pay in the event of a claim, currently this is £250. The client is liable for this excess, however, an Insurance excess waiver may be purchased at a cost of £20.00. Clients who purchase the Insurance excess waiver prior to any training will not have to pay any additional monies for repair of the motorcycle. If the Insurance excess waiver is not purchased by the client, any accident damage to our vehicles will be charged up to the Insurance excess. The Excess Protection waiver must be purchased before commencement of all training. Retrospective purchases will not be accepted in the event of any damage incurred.
iii. Loss or Damage to Keys: The full cost of replacements/repairs will be required for the loss or damage of keys and locks by clients even if the Insurance excess has been purchased. Payment will be expected within 7 working days of notification. If there is any damage to the key when given to you it is your responsibility to inform the Instructor immediately or you will be held liable.
iv. Replacement Parts: Parts ordered for damaged motorcycles will be ordered by us from authorised and known suppliers only. We will not accept parts ordered by the client from unknown sources. Payment to replace damaged items will be expected within 7 working days of notification.
v. Motorcycle Breakdown: Our motorcycles are all thoroughly maintained and serviced, however, in the event of a mechanical breakdown we will endeavour to provide a substitute vehicle. If a test, session or course has to be cancelled we will organise further training and tests at no additional cost to the client, however, we will not cover any other further costs encountered by the client. In the event of a puncture, the training will be suspended until the vehicle is roadworthy and any lost time will be added on to another session. If the puncture occurs on or just prior to a test, liability for any additional costs will be assessed on a case by case basis. If in the case where there the motorcycle is beyond road side repair the rest of the session may be cancelled – refunds/transfers of training time will be assessed on a case by case basis.
vi. Delays of payments for accidental damage: Any delay of payment will result in legal action. Mercury Motorcycle Training reserves the right to claim for loss of earnings if the vehicle is rendered off road, damages and/or any related legal costs.
9. USING YOUR OWN MOTORCYCLE
Any client using his/her own motorcycle for training must ensure that the vehicle complies with all legal requirements.
i. Road Tax: Your motorcycle must have valid vehicle road tax. Proof of this will be required before any training can commence.
ii. MOT: The maintenance and reliability of the clients’ motorcycle is the sole responsibility of the client. Proof of a valid MOT certificate, if applicable, is required before any training can commence.
iii. Insurance: Proof of insurance for the motorcycle you wish to use will need to be produced before any training can commence.
iv. Learner Plates: Your motorcycle must have standard L plates fitted to the front and rear of the motorcycle. They must be forward facing and rearward facing and not cut down.
Should any of the above be deficient your training will not commence and no refunds will be made. However, you may transfer and use one of our bikes. There will be standard hire charge for this facility and will need to be paid before training can commence. If there are no school motorcycles available for hire any deposits paid for training are not refundable.
If you are attending a CBT renewal course and bringing/using your motorcycle for the course please ensure your CBT certificate is still in date in order to ride to the school. It is illegal to ride a motorcycle on public roads with an out of date CBT certificate.
10. PRIVACY/CONFIDENTIALITY
All information passed to Mercury Motorcycle Training will be treated as confidential. Certain information that may be relevant for future liaison with customers may be kept on record. Private information will be disposed of, securely and confidentially, once no longer of use. All data held meets the requirements set down in GDPR.
We will not store any payment card details. We will not sell or distribute your personal details with 3rd parties unless we have your permission or are required by Law. We are required to share your information and licence details with the DVSA in order to carry out CBT training and booking your Mod1 and Mod2 tests. We are also required to keep a hard copy of your CBT certificate for 2 years after completing your course, after this period the copy and your personal details will be destroyed securely and confidentially.
11. MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Full disclosure must be made by the client, at the time of booking, if he/she knows of any drug/medical/medication (prescription or otherwise) or condition that could impair his/her riding ability. Failure to disclose any issues that become apparent to us will result in the termination of the training. No refund will be issued.
12. EYESIGHT TEST
Prior to commencement of any training you will be expected to read a modern number plate from the legally required distance of 20.5m. If vision aids are required to successfully complete the eyesight test, these vision aids must be worn when riding our vehicles. Failure to clearly read and pass the eyesight test will result in the immediate termination of the client’s training. No refund will be issued.
13. ROAD TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
Clients in control of Mercury Motorcycle Training motorcycles will take full responsibility for any violations regarding road traffic laws caused by them whilst riding on the public highway. The client will be liable for any parking tickets, traffic offences, prosecutions, points or fines that they may incur/commit. Relevant personal details will be given to the appropriate authorities if requested. The client to whom the offence relates will be contacted by Mercury Motorcycle Training.
14. CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR
Mercury Motorcycle Training will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards any member of our staff, DVSA employee or any other client. Any client behaving in an abusive or disruptive manner will have their training immediately terminated. They will be asked to leave the premises immediately and any incident may be reported to the police. Should an incident of this nature occur during a road ride, training will be terminated at that point and the client will have to make their own way home. No refund will be given for any remaining training time.
15. ALCOHOL & DRUGS
If you arrive for training or your instructor suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs the training session will not commence and no refund will be given.