How to Pass CBT

What’s a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)? This is the minimum legal requirement before any new rider can get on the road. A CBT course is a great first step to understanding what it means to be on a scooter or motorbike.

You must pass Compulsory Basic Training before you can take the motorcycle theory and practical tests.

The Course (A brief overview)

1. The first thing that happens is that all your identification will be checked. Followed by a discussion about safety and equipment, then an eyesight check.
2. Introduction to motorcycles/controls, and basic safety observations. Using the bike stand; this sounds simple, but believe me, you need training. Manually moving/manoeuvring the vehicle and braking to stop. Starting and stopping the machine.
3. Onsite training, moving the machine, cornering, gear changing and finding neutral, slow controls, rear observation and emergency stops.
4. On Road Training: the scary bit covers basic legal requirements, visibility, road surfaces, weather conditions, positioning and general attitude. Usually two hours on the road

Reasons you might fail

1. Fear of getting on the road, this is not uncommon. Many people get through the first part of the day and have good bike control, but are overcome by fear once on the road.

Cure: Familiarisation is the only cure

2. A failure to understand the Highway Code

Cure: Read up on The Highway Code

3. A habitual error that may jeopardise the safety of yourself or other road users

Cure: Your instructor will make you aware of areas of focus and ways to improve on your skills. I fell into this category and was a danger to everything within a half mile radius, it’s a miracle they let me on the road.

Many people fail their CBT first time, so don’t be discouraged if you fall into this category. Most schools will offer you a free retake or a discount on another CBT in the event of a failure.

In any case it’s a matter of ‘when’ you pass not ‘if’. I took my CBT three times; my symptoms were fear, awareness and balance. I was frustrated after the first and second failure, but very glad looking back. I had three separate instructors over the three days and learnt something new and crucial from each. Passing and riding your bike independently for the first time makes it worthwhile

The course lasts for just a day, so there’s a limit to what it can cover; additional training is advised to improve your confidence and safety.

Image credit: Pedro Kwezi on Flickr