This amateur film documents a class of Newcastle novice riders (motorbike and scooter) learning the why and how of safe motorcycling on a new 24-week Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) training scheme run by the Newcastle and District Motor Club. Once the riders pass the initial training they can then go on to take the official Ministry of Transport driving test. This film was sponsored by St Andrew's Motors Ltd of Newcastle and produced by George Cummin with other...

This amateur film documents a class of Newcastle novice riders (motorbike and scooter) learning the why and how of safe motorcycling on a new 24-week Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) training scheme run by the Newcastle and District Motor Club. Once the riders pass the initial training they can then go on to take the official Ministry of Transport driving test. This film was sponsored by St Andrew's Motors Ltd of Newcastle and produced by George Cummin with other members of Newcastle & District Amateur Cinematographers Association (ACA). Title: St Andrew's Motors Ltd presents Safer Motorcycling Title: A survey of the RAC-ACU training scheme for motorcyclists. Produced by George Cummin. Photographed by Geoff Henderson. Commentary by W.S. Mackay. The opening shot shows the premises of the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) in Newcastle. Inside, people gather in the Information and Enrolment Centre where they complete application forms for an initial training course. The prospective candidates discuss the course with counter staff, members of the Newcastle and District Motor Club who are responsible for the ACU (Auto Cycle Union) part of the scheme. A woman completes her application form. A close-up of a poster follows, which reads 'RAC/ACU Training Scheme - Taught Me To Be An Expert Rider'. Other information includes costs of lessons, insurance and tuition. A group of trainees congregate around a motorbike while an instructor outlines different mechanical parts. A rider pulls up next to the group. The instructor shows how the controls on the bike should be used and the rider demonstrates on behalf of the instructor. One of the novices makes a number of attempts to kick start the bike. The novice moves off cautiously and rides down an empty test road on the private training ground. He rides towards a closed gate, turns round and heads back to the group of learners. He then goes round other parts of the circuit where different road conditions challenge the novice rider. The rider negotiates a small gradient then moves along a track, which backs on to a grandstand. The motorcyclist rides towards the camera, then travels along a narrow track into the distance. Another novice follows the same route. A group of motorcyclists gather around a cutaway motorbike on a stand. The students watch the instructor pointing at the cutaway sections as he explains the function of each part. Inside a classroom, a more formal approach is used. An instructor takes an engine apart, and points out to his class the different sections of the engine. The camera cuts to a shot of the class watching the demonstration. In another instructional session a different instructor uses a diagram to explain the workings of a motorcycle engine. This is a question and answer session and a member of the class stands up to ask a question. The instructor uses his diagram of a carburettor to illustrate his answer. Another instructor sits on a motorcycle to give his guidance on the correct and most comfortable position for proper control. Back on the private test track, motorcyclists test their riding skills. Under instruction a group of four motorcyclists wait their turn to negotiate a set of obstacles placed on the road. Next is road sign recognition, where instructors use portable road signs to demonstrate while the student group look on. A motorcyclist practices hand signals while riding along the private track. He is also wearing goggles, gloves and a safety helmet. He stops at a 'Halt at Major Road' sign. He waits for another motorcyclist to ride past the junction then he turns right into the 'major' road. The motorbikes used by the trainees are subject to lots of wear and tear. The instructors look at a problem that has developed on one of the machines, where a gear lever has sheared off. Another instructor fixes something on a woman's scooter. Once fixed, she gets on the scooter and rides off. For the novices, the course has now reached the point where their new found knowledge and expertise is tested. A shot of the poster seen earlier comes into view. A long shot shows RAC examiners and motorcyclists arriving at the training ground car park. Motorcyclists wait on their machines. An RAC examiner asks one of the women motorcyclists to ride a particular part of the circuit to demonstrate control of her machine. Next to the rear of the grandstand seen earlier, she moves off and completes a circuit of flower beds which are planted out in this part of the course. Another motorcyclist is quizzed about mechanical aspects of his bike. He points them out on his machine for the instructor. Another rider, under examiner's supervision, starts his bike on an upward gradient. Theory tests include a motorcyclist answering questions about the Highway Code. Others weave through a line of obstacles in a more practical demonstration of their skills. Another participant has his licence checked by an official. A group of motorcyclists prepare for the final part of their test on the open road. From the training ground, examiners in their cars and trainees on their bikes leave for the city streets and roads around the training ground. An examiner follows one of the trainees. They approach a road junction, and a long, straight road which leads back to the training ground. The motorcyclist signals as he enters the training ground car park, followed by his examiner. At the end of the tests the motorcyclists and instructors pose for a group picture. The examiners retire to consider their final verdicts. All entrants pass their test and a close-up shows the RAC Certificate of Proficiency awarded to J Wilkinson. The film cuts to a signpost, which reads 'Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Driving Test.' A Ministry of Transport examiner talks to a motorcyclist at the kerbside as he commences his test. The motorcyclist rides off into the distance. The examiner crosses the road and waits for the motorcyclist to return. In the distance, he appears around a long curve in the road. Approaching the camera, the motorcyclist gives a slowing down signal and pulls up next to the examiner. The examiner asks some final questions. The motorcyclist signs the document on the examiner's clipboard and the examiner hands the motorcyclist his pass certificate. At another government office the newly qualified motorcyclist collects his full licence. He then takes the 'L' plates off his motorbike, throws them away in triumph, and rides off. Title: The End. A S.A.M. Film