If you want to ride a moped or small motorcycle as a way to get on the road or as a spring board to getting a bigger motorcycle then you will need to complete the CBT Test (Compulsory Basic Training).
While it might seem like a pain it is there for a reason – to keep you and other road users safe.
The CBT Test is made up of five parts - 1. Introduction 2. On Site Training (Practical) 3. On Site Riding (Practical) 4. On Road Training (Practical) 5. On Road Riding (Practical)
The CBT training is completed in stages and you move from stage to stage as your instructor is satisfied that you have gained the necessary skill and understood the stage. Your on road riding will consist of two hours riding time.
Learning to ride a motorbike can seem a bit daunting, but it is really quite easy as long as you have the correct instruction and take your time to build the skills required to stay safe on the road.
If you are thinking of learning to ride then you will probably have a list of questions. After all the training is just the beginning. Motorcycling may be just a way of getting from A to B when you start out, but it is so addictive that it very often ends up becoming a great hobby. The most fun you can have with your clothes on? Very probably!
Your first step should be to contact your local motorcycle training center. Most will offer you a free short session so that you can get a feel for the bike and see if it is right for you, and also so that they can see how you get on and tailor the training required to match your ability. This short session is really good fun. An easy going introduction to the bike, scooter or moped.
Your age and requirements will come into play as you learn to ride a motorbike, but no matter what you plan to ride at the end of your training you will need to start out by doing your CBT. Click here to find out more about the CBT .
There has been a surge of interest in the new year for those looking to get their CBT and ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter. This is a really good sign as it points to another year of growth for the number of motorcyclists on our roads.
If you are here looking for information on the CBT, Test, or motorcycle training then you should find some good information and hopefully a CBT center in your area.
So, what does the CBT consist of? Well lets have a look at the 5 elements of the CBT -
1. Introduction 2. On Site Training (Practical) 3. On Site Riding (Practical) 4. On Road Training (Practical) 5. On Road Riding (Practical)
When it comes to learning to ride a bike and take your bike test, the range of options can sometimes be a little daunting. Lets take a look at the routes you can take beyond you CBT if you would like to move onto a bigger bike.
For the purposes of the various bike tests there are three categories of bike. Scooters and bikes are treated as the same thing (though for those that can take to the road on a 50cc geared bike without even a CBT it just seems like madness!). Also remember that even if you are of the right age and licence holding to ride without a CBT you will still need tax. MOT and insurance. These categories are – Read the rest of this entry »
2 Comments Posted on October 13th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
If you are looking to take your CBT, then you will need to find and contact a CBT training centre.
The good news is that there are plenty about, and while they may not be titled CBT Centre , CBT Training is usually run by most motorcycle training schools.
No doubt you will have a preference for what you will take you CBT training on. Scooter, Moped or Motorcycle. Most CBT Centres will have a range of suitable machines, so it is best to discuss your needs with them directly. They will also be able to size you up for the most comfortable ride for your size.
If you are unsure about what a CBT Centre offers then why not pay them a visit. Most are happy for you to come along for a half hour free session to see if you can get along with both the instructors and life on two wheels. Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted on August 15th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
At the start of your motorcycling or scooting career, you are face with many choices when it comes to equipment and clothing. One thing that everyone should agree on though is the need for a quality, well made, good fitting helmet.
One of the first things you are taught about on your CBT Training is what to look for in a helmet. Listen to your instructor, he or she will know what they are talking about and will also have local knowledge of the shops which will take the time to fit your helmet correctly. Remember a helmet with the correct fit is crucial to its safety performance.
Full face or open face helmet? There has been an explosion in the amount of open face helmets available recently, they certainly seem to be ‘in fashion’ while it is hard to disagree that they do look good, you have to weigh up what the extra protection of a full face helmet gives you. Think about it this way – if you are unlucky enough to come off face first and hit the ground in an open face helmet then what will take the impact? Protecting your jaw makes it worth seeking out a good full face helmet in our opinion.
We have had plenty of questions recently about the equipment needed for the CBT. Just as the CBT is not a test, there is no CBT or Test equipment required.
Most CBT Training centers will provide everything you need, from helmets, gloves and jackets to mopeds, scooters and motorcycles. If you don’t have any equipment yet then we would recommend that you hold off buying any until you have taken your CBT. The reason? Well, most instructors will be able to give you great advice on what to look out for and have local knowledge of where to buy it with the best service and price.
You won’t need a bike for your CBT Training either, which is great news because you won’t want to be spending out an a machine before you know if a life on two wheels is right for you. Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted on July 31st, 2010 by CBT Test Training
Someone asked me the other day if I would ever consider owning an electric scooter or motorcycle. It is not something I had really given that much thought. My immediate answer was ‘if it has the range I need and is well made then, yes’. I decided to have a look into the whole electric scene a bit more to see if the scooter I had in mind already existed?
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider an electric scooter or moped after taking your CBT. From the obvious environmental benefits to the simpler running gear it all makes sense.
I am looking here at scooters that can be ridden on a CBT, so for those of you who have to ride under speed restrictions due to age you are not going to gain anything in speed, however when i first started riding I remember that although my moped at the time was not bad on fuel, at that age there was usually something better to spend it on. With that in mind imagine having an electric moped that you never had to fork out for (I’m sure Mum & Dad would take more kindly to you plugging your moped in rather than asking them for petrol money . Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted on July 27th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
Chances are if you are looking to take your CBT Training then you also have your eye on a scooter or motorcycle. You only have to open up a scooter or bike mag and you can immediately see that there is just so much choice. It is easy to want more than one, in fact I remember my short list being far far too long. So how do you cool your motor and pick the right bike for you?
Well the first thing to think about is how you are going to use it? After taking your CBT will it be a weekend fun machine, a commuter vehicle, or your sole means of transport? Answering this question can help you to write a list of ‘must have’ items. For example if you are planning on commuting how will you carry your work clothes?
What size engine will you need? Well, if you are just starting out then you may well be restricted to a 50cc anyway, but if not you will want to think about the speed of the roads you travel on. For example if you ride from home to work in a constant stream of traffic then a 50cc might be more than enough and also safe you some money. If you ride on more open roads then the extra power of a 125cc might help to stay with the flow of traffic and keep you safer.
Do you want a geared machine or a twist and go? If you are planning on getting your bike licence then a geared motorcycle is the way to go, but if not then a scooter or moped might be fine for your needs.
What size do you need? There is no point buying a tiny machine if you are a big person. The only way to really tell how you are going to fit and feel on it is to get around to a few dealers and try some for size. Ok, you may not want a new one, but even just visiting a dealer will give you an idea of the other services they offer (many of which you may need in the future). Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted on July 5th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
Good video here from UKScootz giving an overview of the basic scooter controls. If you have riden a scooter before then it won’t teach you anything new. However, if you are thinking of riding and taking your CBT for the first time it is quite a good primer so that you don’t turn up to your CBT totally clueless.
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