Even though it is still early in the season, the BBC are talking scooters which can only mean they are expecting (as we are) a great year in the switch to two wheels.
We have had a lot of requests for our guide in the dead of winter which is a great sign. There must be a massive amount of new riders looking to take their first steps to a life on two wheels. It is not just the traditional rider, but those looking to trade the car for something more practical and cheap to run.
If you are looking to take your CBT in 2012 then we can’t wait to hear from you!
11 Comments Posted on July 25th, 2011 by CBT Test Training
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.
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)
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 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.
CBT Training centers should ask you to read up on the lastest version of the highway code before you arrive to take your CBT. For some people this might seem like a boring task, but it is very worthwhile for a safe and long lasting life on two wheels.
The more you learn about the laws of the road, the less you will have to think about it when you are on the road thereby improving your reaction times and preventing you from getting into unnessasary situations.
Even those who already drive a car (especially those of you who plan to ride a 50cc moped on your driving licence) would do well to pick up the latest copy because it is always being updated and expanded. Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted on March 17th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
If you are taking your CBT Training then you will need to ensure that you have, or can hire the correct safety equipment. If you don’t have these already then it is best to contact a CBT Training center and see what you will need and what they have available.
As a general guide you will want to be as well protected as you possibly can. The very minimum you will need is -
1. A crash helmet. This must be in good condition and comply to British Standard BS 6658:1985 and with UNECE Regulation 22.05 and have the BSI kitemark on it. If it has been in an impact then it must be replaced. Remember – it is your head at risk! If in any doubt then buy a new one.
2. Gloves. Good gloves keep your hands comfortable and warm when riding in cold weather, or at speed. More importantly than that they keep the skin on your knuckles should the worse happen and you crash. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Comments Posted on March 17th, 2010 by CBT Test Training
There are many considerations when planning on booking your CBT test. Do you have your own motorcycle and safety equipment? Do need a CBT training center that you can get to easily? Does the training meet your budget?
We are building a list of CBT Test Training providershere. If you would like to be listed then please contact us.
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