Found out I received orders to RAF Mildenhall for 3 years. I will be there sometime next June. I was wondering if any of the Britts that frequent around here could tell me about track days there & what fees look like. Also, what classes do I have to take before I can ride?
Found out I received orders to RAF Mildenhall for 3 years. I will be there sometime next June. I was wondering if any of the Britts that frequent around here could tell me about track days there & what fees look like. Also, what classes do I have to take before I can ride?
Trackdays run at between about £69 for Oulton Park near me up to about £150 for a Ron Haslam Track day at Silverstone, there are loads of tracks within a few hours of where you will be.
I'm almost certain you can drive/ride for 6months before having to do anything about your licence but I'll phone the DVLA(our licencing authority) on Monday and find out exactly what you need to do to drive both a car and motorcycle on a American license and find out if you being in the military grants you any special privilege.
Our motorcycle licensing laws are changing early next year and are age specific, so I ask your age?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Le Skid
"Lessons are repeated until they are learned" but IMHO, you're one of those riders whose first lesson is likely to be the only one.
I am 28, will turn 29 that July. I know there will be special military stuff ill have to do to ride over there. I know to to drive Ill have to take a class on base once there.
Spoke to the DVLA today, you can drive/ride on your American license for 12months then you would unfortunately have to go through the normal procedure that any UK resident would have to.
If you wanted to both ride and drive you would have to get a provisional license then:
For car:
Take theory test.
Take at least 1 car driving lesson.
Take driving test.
For bike:
Take a different theory test.
Have bike lessons(usually 2 so you can use their bike for tests).
Take Module 1 test.
Take Mod 2 test.
You are looking at paying around £1200-£1300 for both car and bike.
That's the DVLA stance which sounds fucking stupid to me, your base CO should be able to sort something out for you though because like I said that just sounds stupid to me.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Le Skid
"Lessons are repeated until they are learned" but IMHO, you're one of those riders whose first lesson is likely to be the only one.
Location: U.S. Eastern Shore with roots in the City of Angels
Motorcycle: GS750TZ (X2), GSX-R750Y (Sold)
Posts: 1,467
Re: I'm UK Bound
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSXR6Mac
Found out I received orders to RAF Mildenhall for 3 years. I will be there sometime next June. I was wondering if any of the Britts that frequent around here could tell me about track days there & what fees look like. Also, what classes do I have to take before I can ride?
Congrats on your assignment to the 100th Air Refueling Wing.
One item of interest for you Mac is the MSF course. If it has been more than 3 years since your last training, you will not be allowed to operate a motorcycle until your new training is complete.
The frequency and availability of student slots for MSF are limited. It is suggested for newcomers to complete it stateside before PCSing to the UK.
Also, I'm sure you have the Motorcycle Endorsement on your stateside license but if you don't, get it done. Obtaining a full British Driving License is a lengthy and expensive process.
Not sure about the rules regarding engine size for your bike. You may/may not be restricted to a 25 kW bike for 2 years.
Lots to do before you get on the track. Good luck!
Ed
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E-7/MSgt, USAF, AD Retired
1 April 1986-1 April 2011
If your just looking to ride on track some of the tracks do not require you to have a licence to ride. I recently did a track day at Donnington & when I went to present my licence I was told not required. The cost of the track day was £145.
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Posts: 961
Re: I'm UK Bound
Quote:
Originally Posted by cainyboy
Spoke to the DVLA today, you can drive/ride on your American license for 12months then you would unfortunately have to go through the normal procedure that any UK resident would have to.
If you wanted to both ride and drive you would have to get a provisional license then:
For car:
Take theory test.
Take at least 1 car driving lesson.
Take driving test.
For bike:
Take a different theory test.
Have bike lessons(usually 2 so you can use their bike for tests).
Take Module 1 test.
Take Mod 2 test.
You are looking at paying around £1200-£1300 for both car and bike.
That's the DVLA stance which sounds fucking stupid to me, your base CO should be able to sort something out for you though because like I said that just sounds stupid to me.
Thanks for the info guys. I am headed over the 95th not the 100th. I know through the base I get a License that allows me to drive off base with out going trough the British while I am there, I think.
On the track, are there any classes I would have to take for it being my first time on the track, like they do here in the US.
Location: U.S. Eastern Shore with roots in the City of Angels
Motorcycle: GS750TZ (X2), GSX-R750Y (Sold)
Posts: 1,467
Re: I'm UK Bound
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSXR6Mac
Thanks for the info guys. I am headed over the 95th not the 100th. I know through the base I get a License that allows me to drive off base with out going trough the British while I am there, I think.
On the track, are there any classes I would have to take for it being my first time on the track, like they do here in the US.
Yes, your stateside license will get you a 3rd Air Force driver's license and cut out a lot of requirements the British drivers have to endure. Don't brag about that.
Get all your training documentation done beforehand. It's better to have training and present proof than to wish you had accomplished it when you had a chance.
Not trying to lecture you but provide some insight before you get to England.
On the track, are there any classes I would have to take for it being my first time on the track, like they do here in the US.
Like I said Mac all you need to ride on track is to sign the disclaimer,pay the fee & arrive on time with your bike.
I enquires for CCM Hunt a couple of mths ago and that's the info I got from No limits track days. Why don't you drop them an email that will clarify everything.
No worries GSXR7Ed, I appreciate the info. I will try to jump into an MSF course here before I leave, because I believe by the time I get over there it will be right at 3 years.
I am stoked to be headed over there. Been there 3 times before and enjoyed my visits & the beer.
Location: U.S. Eastern Shore with roots in the City of Angels
Motorcycle: GS750TZ (X2), GSX-R750Y (Sold)
Posts: 1,467
Re: I'm UK Bound
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSXR6Mac
Thanks guys! I appreciate all the help & info.
No worries GSXR7Ed, I appreciate the info. I will try to jump into an MSF course here before I leave, because I believe by the time I get over there it will be right at 3 years.
I am stoked to be headed over there. Been there 3 times before and enjoyed my visits & the beer.
Were you just passing through on TDY orders or have you previously been assigned as permanent party? One place everyone visits is the "Bird in Hand". Heck, the "Galaxy Club" use to be a happening place back in the day. A lot has changed over the years to include the remodeling of the BX.
Anyway, have fun and enjoy your time in England. Get out and see as much as possible. Order your passport before you depart the US and RyanAir will be the way to travel.
holy shit, 1200 quid? plus VAT and the other costs associated with being there....damn
Including VAT
Quote:
Originally Posted by MechaniX
No Vaseline provided either, fucking rip off!
Yeah it is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSXR6Mac
I know through the base I get a License that allows me to drive off base with out going trough the British while I am there, I think.
Good, I couldn't for the life of me work out how they could have the cheek to say you were qualified to drive for a year but then the next day make you re-do the lot, the cheeky bastards.
I will be there sometime next June. I was wondering if any of the Britts that frequent around here could tell me about track days there & what fees look like. Also, what classes do I have to take before I can ride? 
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