Tips On Preparing For A CBT

So you’ve decided to go for your CBT! This is a very exciting time, but can also be quite daunting. There can seem like a massive amount to know regarding compulsory basic training, lots of rules and confusing restrictions that are overwhelming to someone just entering the two-wheeled world. Fear not! We Buy Any Bike; the UK's leading bike trader have created this guide to break down each section of getting your CBT.

What you should Know

Start at the beginning, why do you need to do a CBT? Well, the compulsory basic training is to give a basic understanding of riding theory and build some practical skills to make you are safe on the road. As stated on the Gov.uk website, the CBT course usually lasts a full day but can take longer depending on how quickly you learn. There are 5 parts to the course:

• Introduction and eyesight check
• On-site training
• On-site riding
• On-road training
• On-road riding

Who can deliver the course

It’s a great idea to call the approved training bodies in the area and have a chat. You should ask about their training facilities, how many people they usually train in a class, and just generally find out a bit more about the day. If you find talking to the representative a nice experience, if you get a good vibe from them then that's a good sign and you should go ahead! Likewise, if you really don't like to sound of someone, don’t book. Here are some great places to find out about local training schools:

• GOV.UK site 
• Google search
• Local road safety officer
• Motorbike newspapers and magazines
• DVSA on 0300 200 1122.

Make sure you find a training school with a good reputation, who seem reliable and punctual. Most of all feel confident that the school offers a training style that suits you.

What you should wear

This is something you need to ask on the phone or by email while you are booking your CBT. The training school you opt for may provide your protective clothing for the day, which has its pros and cons. Pros include less expense, and not having a load of gear to sell if you decide after the training that two wheels aren’t for you. Cons, you need to wear potentially old/smelly gear... The choice is yours.

What to expect

We recommend you get a really good idea of exactly what is going to happen on the day, while you’re on the phone with the trainer. As with most things, each company will have its own way of running the show. Saying that there are some basics that will happen on all CBT’s, including:

- Introduction

The intro will cover why you are taking a CBT, what it allows you to ride and the content of the day. You’ll work through the paperwork, have a licence check, eyesight check and go through the legal requirements when riding a bike. After all this, you will be taken to the gear section and get fitted out correctly, if you have your own then you're ready to go.

- Practical on-site training

Time to get practical! You will be introduced to the bike in a large open area, your instructor will take you through the controls, let you walk with the bike and feel the weight, the way it moves and operating the side stand.

- Practical on-site riding

Once the instructor feels confident you are ready, you will sit on the bike and start it. You will be asked to ride in a straight line, corners, starting and stopping. You’ll then be given a circuit to ride, a figure of eight for example. This is a great section and really exciting, you’ll be learning to work through the gears and balance.

- Practical on-road training

After riding around the open space and feeling confident you are ready to move on, the theory starts on road riding. You’ll probably be taken back into the classroom, the instructors will work through the Highway Code, legal requirement, road positioning and so on.

- Practical on-road riding

At this point, you are ready to actually get out on the road. Before setting off you will be hooked up with radios, so the instructor can ride behind you and direct where to go. You will be out of the road of at least 2 hours; the instructor will be watching everything you do to make sure you’re safe and understand the rules of the road.

Finito

Once you have completed the training day and come back to the classroom, you will find out if you have your CBT certificate. You can’t actually fail your CBT as it isn’t a test, it’s a training day, however, the instructors can request that you have another day's training. If they honestly don’t believe you should be on the road, they won’t let you go with your CBT. On the plus side, when they give you your certificate, that means you really are ready and a safe rider.

Now you have your certificate! What next?

• You must ride with red L plates: fitted to the front and back of your bike
• You must not ride on motorways
• You must not carry a pillion passenger on your bike

If you did your CBT on an automatic bike, you could legally then ride a geared bike of the same power on that certificate, however, we wouldn’t suggest this. We’d say look into further training if you’re moving from automatic to geared!. If you took your CBT on a geared motorbike and have your eyes set on your full motorcycle licence, you have two years to pass your theory test and two-part practical test before the CBT needs to be taken again. We hope you found this guide from the UK's leading bike trader useful and good luck with your CBT. Any questions let us know! If you're an aspiring biker in Sussex looking to kick start your motorcycling adventures, make sure to head on over to MTS Sussex!