question about cbt and stuff + rant

[andytk]

Hi

Short version:
Can you take your CBT without first passing your motorcycle theory test?

Long Version:

I'm about to finally learn how to ride. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time but haven't had the money until now. Cos I've got a job (pending uni results) I can afford to learn. However its never that simple is it. I kinda forgot that its not just a case of pitching up at your friendly local motorbike centre and booking lessons and a test. Oh no, I forgot that there would be a 2 month waiting list for the test.

And I also didn't relise that the motorcycle theory test I took when I did my car lisence 5 years ago is no longer valid. Bugger. I have to retake that too, which wouldn't be such a problem if it wasn't for the bloody month wait.

Plus my motorcycle provisional is no longer valid either cos it expires after 2 years. Crap. This means I have to pay the DVLA 18 quid to get it renewed. Theiving gits.

So despite having cash and being ready I now have to wait to the end of september to take my theory test (again!) then wait 10 days for the pass certificate then do a CBT then do my three day Direct Access. By this time I'll be back at uni making it difficult to gt time off to do the DA. Arrrrrgggggg.

Who would have though it so damn difficult to learn to ride. I wouldn't be so pissed off if I hadn't already done the theory test and used to have the provisional motorcycle entitlement.

I could do a CBT this weekend but only if you can do it without a theory test. I was under the impression that you could take the theory test if you have a valid car lisence.

Anyone know what the rules are?

Cheers

Andy

[mel]

Mrs Mel is in the process of doing her's, she has done her theory then did CBT and is simple waiting for the 4 day course later in the month with her test on the end of it. The school that she learnt with block book at their tests both theory and practical well in advance and then just allocate them to pupils, so her wait was entirely due to how busy the school were and nothing to do with the DSA. She has had to do a theory test despite a full car license and this was not a bad thing IMO (she did incidently get 100% and I'm not ashamed to admit I learnt a few things testing her from the book) so yes to that point. But she was told her result immediately and given pass certificate no 10 day wait ??.

We've got a DSA bike theory test book for sale if you want it

[sjm]

The theory test needs to be done before Direct access test, but not before CBT, and they should give you the theory test cert before you leave the building (if you pass).

As said before most bike schools block book the tests so it's worth calling around a few to see if any can fit you in. There are sometimes cancellations because people fail the theory (somehow!) and so can't do the direct access test.

[andytk]

cheers for the replies

the ten day wait thing was a throwback to when I first did the motorcycle theory test. Guess things have changed. I'm in Rugby and was going to learn with a reasonably small outfit so that explains why I'd have to wait for a test. They probably don't block book them. When I return to my native Glasgow I'll check with one of the bigger training schools there. I can't do my test till then as my theory test is on the 24th of september in Glasgow so can't take my DA test till after then.

But I may still take my CBT down here just to get it out of the way.

Cheers for advice and offer of book sale but I'm a skint student so I'll just have to go down the library for my revision. (and besides I passed with flying colours the first time anyway)


Andy