CBT and general bike tinkering

CBT and general bike tinkering

Author
Discussion

arcticGT

977 posts

211 months

Wednesday 3rd June 2020
quotequote all
Interesting opinions - I’m half way through a DAS course alongside another lad. He has a 125 to practice on, I don’t. (I was impatient and bought a 765R that sitting in the garage instead) I’m finding it quite a struggle to get “comfortable” with things. Starting to think a 125 to practice slow speed stuff would been the better idea.

Scobblelotcher

1,724 posts

111 months

Wednesday 3rd June 2020
quotequote all
arcticGT said:
Interesting opinions - I’m half way through a DAS course alongside another lad. He has a 125 to practice on, I don’t. (I was impatient and bought a 765R that sitting in the garage instead) I’m finding it quite a struggle to get “comfortable” with things. Starting to think a 125 to practice slow speed stuff would been the better idea.
I did similar and also struggled during DAS but managed to pass first time. The chap I was learning with was also an experienced rider and I had never been on any bike. CBT on the Sunday and then mon-Thursday DAS. He was infinitely better than I was which made it far worse for me but I decided to just hang in there and do my best.

Stick with it and try not to pressure yourself and I’m sure it will come, if you don’t pass first time just treat it as experience and then practice and do it again quickly!

Think of the 765R!

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 5th June 2020
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So update on this - just got an email through that my theory has been cancelled next Tuesday. Third time now. No mention on what dates they will be resuming. Thinking of forgetting all about it, bumbling around on my 125 stter for a year and doing my tests next year.

Right old faff!

arcticGT

977 posts

211 months

Friday 5th June 2020
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If you can be classed as a key worker then you can apply for an emergency test (theory and the Mod 1/2).

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

163 months

Friday 5th June 2020
quotequote all
keyworker test slots are NHS only in the south east no test dates for another 3 months at least according to our school and then those that were cancelled when lockdown happened will be given priority. Think it will be 6 months at least for everyone else.
the comments about CBT being rushed or the bikes crap ( 12 year old YBR) purely point to some schools being rubbish do your research ask what you will be riding anything over 4 years old will be knackered as school bikes have a hard life our CBT is at least 6 hours and on bikes all under 3 years old, at the moment they are 121 as well.
This is why some schools got closed last year, like I said ask lots of questions and listen and choose your school , look for Manufacturer schools like the Honda School set up they are very good , but I would say that!

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 5th June 2020
quotequote all
mad4amanda said:
keyworker test slots are NHS only in the south east no test dates for another 3 months at least according to our school and then those that were cancelled when lockdown happened will be given priority. Think it will be 6 months at least for everyone else.
the comments about CBT being rushed or the bikes crap ( 12 year old YBR) purely point to some schools being rubbish do your research ask what you will be riding anything over 4 years old will be knackered as school bikes have a hard life our CBT is at least 6 hours and on bikes all under 3 years old, at the moment they are 121 as well.
This is why some schools got closed last year, like I said ask lots of questions and listen and choose your school , look for Manufacturer schools like the Honda School set up they are very good , but I would say that!
Well at least I'll be in the priority list which is some comfort. The GSXR 600 in the garage will have to wait although the YBR 125 I bought was initially only going to be for a couple of months until I pass my test it looks like I'll be keeping it now for a quite a while! At least I can get out and about practicing riding on it which is a positive. smile

Krise

605 posts

209 months

Friday 5th June 2020
quotequote all
mad4amanda said:
keyworker test slots are NHS only in the south east no test dates for another 3 months at least according to our school and then those that were cancelled when lockdown happened will be given priority. Think it will be 6 months at least for everyone else.
the comments about CBT being rushed or the bikes crap ( 12 year old YBR) purely point to some schools being rubbish do your research ask what you will be riding anything over 4 years old will be knackered as school bikes have a hard life our CBT is at least 6 hours and on bikes all under 3 years old, at the moment they are 121 as well.
This is why some schools got closed last year, like I said ask lots of questions and listen and choose your school , look for Manufacturer schools like the Honda School set up they are very good , but I would say that!
I’m hoping to get my DAS done before the 27th July, my theory expires on the 27th, it’s the 3rd time I have done it and let it expire !!

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

163 months

Saturday 6th June 2020
quotequote all
Krise said:
mad4amanda said:
keyworker test slots are NHS only in the south east no test dates for another 3 months at least according to our school and then those that were cancelled when lockdown happened will be given priority. Think it will be 6 months at least for everyone else.
the comments about CBT being rushed or the bikes crap ( 12 year old YBR) purely point to some schools being rubbish do your research ask what you will be riding anything over 4 years old will be knackered as school bikes have a hard life our CBT is at least 6 hours and on bikes all under 3 years old, at the moment they are 121 as well.
This is why some schools got closed last year, like I said ask lots of questions and listen and choose your school , look for Manufacturer schools like the Honda School set up they are very good , but I would say that!
I’m hoping to get my DAS done before the 27th July, my theory expires on the 27th, it’s the 3rd time I have done it and let it expire !!
Trust me if this happens I will be amazed and as happy as you are , please let me know what happens , where are you in the country?

maxripper

10 posts

80 months

Saturday 6th June 2020
quotequote all
As a cbt/das training provider in the South East we have at this point been given any no indication from the DVSA that test slots will not be available for 3 months (this however may end up being the case!) To be honest we haven't had a peep from them since they cancelled ongoing tests in March! I suspect that they are reviewing the situation on a weekly basis and may return offering tests at any moment however many examiners fall into the at risk category so I would expect a ltd availability of tests. Suns out boys and girls get out on those 125s and enjoy the weather...

anonymous-user

53 months

Saturday 6th June 2020
quotequote all
Had an email from DVSA this morning. They assigned me a 'placeholder' enabling me to rebook my test. The earliest I could get was the 24th July (that's in Watford).

Krise

605 posts

209 months

Saturday 6th June 2020
quotequote all
mad4amanda said:
Krise said:
mad4amanda said:
keyworker test slots are NHS only in the south east no test dates for another 3 months at least according to our school and then those that were cancelled when lockdown happened will be given priority. Think it will be 6 months at least for everyone else.
the comments about CBT being rushed or the bikes crap ( 12 year old YBR) purely point to some schools being rubbish do your research ask what you will be riding anything over 4 years old will be knackered as school bikes have a hard life our CBT is at least 6 hours and on bikes all under 3 years old, at the moment they are 121 as well.
This is why some schools got closed last year, like I said ask lots of questions and listen and choose your school , look for Manufacturer schools like the Honda School set up they are very good , but I would say that!
I’m hoping to get my DAS done before the 27th July, my theory expires on the 27th, it’s the 3rd time I have done it and let it expire !!
Trust me if this happens I will be amazed and as happy as you are , please let me know what happens , where are you in the country?
I’m in London, none of the bike schools are even teaching at the minute, I was hoping to at least get some lessons, but the schools aren’t even doing lessons.

Krise

605 posts

209 months

Saturday 6th June 2020
quotequote all
maxripper said:
As a cbt/das training provider in the South East we have at this point been given any no indication from the DVSA that test slots will not be available for 3 months (this however may end up being the case!) To be honest we haven't had a peep from them since they cancelled ongoing tests in March! I suspect that they are reviewing the situation on a weekly basis and may return offering tests at any moment however many examiners fall into the at risk category so I would expect a ltd availability of tests. Suns out boys and girls get out on those 125s and enjoy the weather...
Max
Are you guys doing any training at all ? I understand I can’t do my test but I’m hoping I can find someone who I can make a start with then hopefully grab one of the first tests when there are announced, my theory expires on the 27th July unfortunately

Pete-mojsh

Original Poster:

355 posts

95 months

Monday 8th June 2020
quotequote all
Did the CBT yesterday, nice morning for the manoeuvres but absolutely pissed it down for the road ride in the afternoon. Despite the rain I actually had a great time, I was a lot more comfortable on the road than the other person on the ride so ended up going a slower pace while he led for the first part but managed to carry a decent pace when I had my chance to lead. I need more practice on the manoeuvres to get it as smooth as I would like but all were done without any real fuss. I got more confident as the day went on as it started to feel more natural, overall I'm happy with how it went as before today I had never ridden a motorbike before. Lots to work on before I would do the mod 1 and 2 but definitely something I'm going to pursue.




Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Monday 8th June 2020
quotequote all
Pete-mojsh said:
I got more confident as the day went on as it started to feel more natural, overall I'm happy with how it went as before today I had never ridden a motorbike before. Lots to work on before I would do the mod 1 and 2 but definitely something I'm going to pursue.
Good to hear, the further up the ladder you get the nicer the bikes get too which really does make it easier. A bigger bike with more weight is easier for everything except pushing.

ArnageWRC

2,050 posts

158 months

Monday 8th June 2020
quotequote all
I did my CBT about 20 years ago; didn't really enjoy the early part, I couldn't put the bike on the centre stand, for some reason - and that affected my confidence for a short while. Got better doing manoeuvres on the schoolyard, but was dreading going out on the road. Apart from a slight 'hairy braking moment' in the first 500 yards, it was fabulous; really enjoyed it, everything seemed to flow, and the different view of the road was an eye opener. Got my 'certificate' and was advised that I was more than capable of doing the DAS. Sadly, I struggled to get enough time off in the following months when I wanted to do it, and by now it was into winter, so I left it. And never got round to it......

What I do think, as a car driver and cyclist, is the CBT should be part of any driver training; it gives you a different perspective on driving on the road. It will never happen, mind you. The motorcyclist lobby don't have the influence in the corridors of power, unlike the car.

Pete-mojsh

Original Poster:

355 posts

95 months

Monday 8th June 2020
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
Good to hear, the further up the ladder you get the nicer the bikes get too which really does make it easier. A bigger bike with more weight is easier for everything except pushing.
I think I'll be booking in for a 4 hour lesson in a few weeks, would like the weather to pick up a bit before upping it to a larger bike. You could be a bit more ham-fisted with a 125 without getting in much trouble but I think a larger bike with more torque and weight would be better for the manoeuvres. Depending on when access to theory and module dates become available again it wouldn't be the worst thing to have a 125 to practice on, for someone new to it I quite enjoyed the experience rather than it being dependent on the power available (although a rather heady 50mph was reached). Obviously this will change over time as my competence increases but in the early stages I just enjoyed the feeling of freedom that being on a bike gives.

Pete-mojsh

Original Poster:

355 posts

95 months

Sunday 14th June 2020
quotequote all
With theory tests being cancelled all over the place and no information from the dvsa I decided to look for a 125, enjoy the summer and actually learn to ride, the DAS can come at a later date and I can get some more experience of the low speed manoeuvres and road riding. I've bought an MT 125 that should do quite nicely, nice looking bike, service history, 1 owner and shouldn't lose much money if any when it's time to move up. Just waiting for confirmation of when it will be delivered.

In the interim I'll be off to get a helmet and some other gear tomorrow, I'll just have to deal with the annoyance of L plates for a bit.

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

163 months

Sunday 14th June 2020
quotequote all
good choice, DVSA have cancelled all theory tests locally that were booked for July going to be a long wait for some.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 15th June 2020
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Pete-mojsh said:
With theory tests being cancelled all over the place and no information from the dvsa I decided to look for a 125, enjoy the summer and actually learn to ride, the DAS can come at a later date and I can get some more experience of the low speed manoeuvres and road riding. I've bought an MT 125 that should do quite nicely, nice looking bike, service history, 1 owner and shouldn't lose much money if any when it's time to move up. Just waiting for confirmation of when it will be delivered.

In the interim I'll be off to get a helmet and some other gear tomorrow, I'll just have to deal with the annoyance of L plates for a bit.
I'm enjoying my YBR125 and the last month or so of riding about have done wonders for my confidence. I also feel like I have nailed the slow speed manoeuvres so it was definitely worthwhile buying one. The only negatives I've noticed on a 125 are hill starts (especially when there is loads of traffic behind) as you have to rev the nuts of the thing to get it going, some chap in a car just shot round me yesterday as he couldn't be bothered to wait (I guess the L plates have something to do with that) and whilst they are well suited to town riding you feel pretty exposed out on the faster A roads.

Edited to add - I'm certainly looking forward to riding a bike with more power smile


Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 15th June 08:53

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

163 months

Monday 15th June 2020
quotequote all
From: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Dear colleague,
I wrote to you on 22 April 2020 to set out the steps that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has taken to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and what support the government has put in place for you.
I now want to update you on the planning we’re doing to help return to life that is as close to normal as possible, as quickly and fairly as possible, in a way that avoids a second peak of infections.
The plan to rebuild: the UK government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
On 11 May 2020, the government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy which:
sets out the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus outbreak
explains the plans for moving to the next phase of the response to the virus
Our priority remains to protect the public and save lives. That’s why any easing of measures must meet the government’s 5 tests. These are:
Protect the NHS’s ability to cope.
A sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates from COVID-19.
Reliable data showing that the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels across the board.
Be confident that the range of operational challenges, including testing capacity and PPE, are in hand, with supply able to meet future demand.
Be confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelms the NHS.
Motorcycle training and motorcycle tests
Other than emergency training and tests for critical workers, motorcycle training and motorcycle tests have not yet been able to restart.
In his statement on 10 June, the Prime Minister reiterated that the government will remain cautious and measure the effect of the changes it makes. The Prime Minister explained this means moving slower than we’d have liked in some areas.
Motorcycle training and tests will only restart when the government is confident that the assessment of risk warrants it, subject to the 5 tests and further detailed scientific advice.
In the meantime, I want to re-emphasise that you should continue to limit motorcycle training to critical workers – either those who need to take compulsory basic training (CBT), or those preparing for a motorcycle test.
Once again, I would like to thank those of you who have been able to offer motorcycle training to critical workers during these unprecedented times.
We will, of course, share more information with you as soon as it’s available – including the dates that motorcycle training and motorcycle tests can restart.
Planning to restart our services
Teams across DVSA have been working extremely hard over the past few months to make sure we’re in the best possible position to restart our services as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Our priority is to make sure that you, your pupils and our staff stay safe.
The work is split into these main areas:
preparing guidance for motorcycle examiners on carrying out motorcycle tests
making sure our driving test centres are ready to reopen
making sure we have PPE in place
understanding which motorcycle examiners might not be able to return to testing straight away
planning to reopen the trainer booker service, so you can book and manage your pupils’ tests
planning motorcycle test schedules so that anyone who had a test cancelled because of coronavirus is considered a priority
understanding how the situation might be different in England, Scotland and Wales
I want to explain what each of these involves in a little more detail.
Preparing guidance for driving examiners
We are reviewing and updating the guidance for motorcycle examiners about carrying out driving tests. This includes things like the PPE they need to wear, greeting candidates and cleaning equipment they use.
We’re also working hard to make sure we’ll be able to quickly help the NHS Test and Trace service (Test and Protect in Scotland, and Test, Trace, Protect in Wales) should a motorcycle test candidate or motorcycle examiner develop symptoms in the days after a test.
Making sure motorcycle test centres are ready to reopen
Some of our motorcycle test centres have now been closed for 11 weeks. We need to make sure they’re thoroughly checked before we can reopen them.
As just one example, we need to make sure the hot and cold water systems are free from legionella bacteria (which causes Legionnaires’ disease).
Many of the contractors that we rely on to do this work also put their services on hold during the lockdown. We’re busy working with them to get our test centre network safe and ready.
Making sure we have PPE in place
To help keep you, your pupils and motorcycle examiners stay safe, we’ve ordered PPE for all examiners. This includes face coverings and gloves.
Since the start of pandemic, there has been a high demand for this type of equipment. Like many organisations, we’ve had to wait for supplies to become available.
Understanding which motorcycle examiners will be available
As you’ll appreciate, some of our motorcycle examiners are either clinically vulnerable from coronavirus, or extremely vulnerable. Others might live with or care for people in those groups.
We’ve been working with all our motorcycle examiners to find out more about their situation so we know how many will be able to return to carrying out driving tests as soon as we’re able.
Reopening the trainer booking service
We plan to reopen the trainer booking service in phases. We will do it in phases to:
make sure that you are all given fair and equal access to book tests
help reduce the financial burden on you and your businesses
avoid putting strain on the booking service
We will contact you before the service reopens and give you more information about how it will work and what it means for you and your business.
Planning motorcycle test schedules
When we suspended motorcycle tests, we rescheduled any tests that had been directly booked by candidates to a named date and time.
We are now going to put all the rescheduled tests ‘on hold’. This means the test will no longer go ahead on the originally rescheduled date.
We will ask anyone affected by this to go online and choose their preferred date and time for their test. This will help them to get an appointment that’s suitable for them.
We are also planning how we can continue to help critical workers to get a test as a priority throughout this process.
Understanding how differences in England, Scotland and Wales might affect us
As you will be aware, public health is the responsibility of the devolved governments in Scotland and Wales. This means that there are currently different lockdown rules in place for England, Scotland and Wales.
We are talking to the devolved administrations about how this might affect us restarting our services in Scotland and Wales.
Financial support
If you’re self-employed, you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The scheme allows you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total.
If you’re eligible and want to claim the first grant you must make your claim on or before 13 July 2020.
The scheme is being extended. You’ll be able to make a claim for a second and final grant in August 2020. If you’re eligible, the second and final grant will be a taxable grant worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering a further 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.
The government is also providing the following help for the self-employed:
deferral of Self Assessment Income Tax and VAT payments
grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates
Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Bounce Back Loan
Find out more about the support available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.
Keeping you updated
I know the last few months have been challenging. I know the uncertainty is worrying. And I know you are concerned about how you can support your customers, your business and your family.
We will update you with news about motorcycle training and motorcycle tests as soon as we are able to.
I also urge you to keep up to date with the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) websites.
Coronavirus is the biggest and most complex challenge the country has faced in a generation. Our aim has been to help slow the spread of coronavirus and to save lives. This continues to be our overriding priority.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
I hope that you, your family and your friends remain safe and well.
Yours faithfully,
Gareth Llewellyn
Chief Executive
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agenc