Didn't complete my CBT - disappointed
Discussion
Hello all -
Some of you might have read previous posts of mine where I said that I was considering moving from having a 4 wheeled toy (currently an Elise) to a bike. I've owned and driven other performance cars in my times; couple of Caterhams, Honda NSX and a Honda Accord Type R - so I thought that I'd be OK with a bike; I've had loads of track experience on 4 wheels and a couple of pillions on a ZX6R, so I thought I'd be made.
I didn't complete my CBT yesterday
and I'm gutted; although I am still convinced that biking is "for me" and I've emailed the riding school to book another CBT up at a discounted price.
With the CBT, I didn't get out onto the road. I struggled with it all to be honest; the gearing seemed alien and I didn't really get on with the rear braking either. I think they felt that I just wasn't ready and to be honest, four hours before letting you out on the road probably isn't enough - certainly wasn't for me.
I felt that the experience with sports cars and track driving would prove to be helpful - in fact, I reckon driving experience probably made it worse as it just felt so different and I don't think my mind could cope with it all. I probably panicked as well which made it worse!
Ironically, I did best at the U turn - just messed everything else up. One of the things I struggled with (and probably focussed too much on) was the gearing, in particular the first to neutral vs first to second and the second to first vs second to neutral. I couldn't really that work out and "click" with how they were different. Some of the time I thought I'd be in neutral and wasn't....
I'm resolved to do it - but I'd appreciate words of encouragement and advice; I don't want to take more than two attempts for a CBT!
Some of you might have read previous posts of mine where I said that I was considering moving from having a 4 wheeled toy (currently an Elise) to a bike. I've owned and driven other performance cars in my times; couple of Caterhams, Honda NSX and a Honda Accord Type R - so I thought that I'd be OK with a bike; I've had loads of track experience on 4 wheels and a couple of pillions on a ZX6R, so I thought I'd be made.
I didn't complete my CBT yesterday
and I'm gutted; although I am still convinced that biking is "for me" and I've emailed the riding school to book another CBT up at a discounted price.With the CBT, I didn't get out onto the road. I struggled with it all to be honest; the gearing seemed alien and I didn't really get on with the rear braking either. I think they felt that I just wasn't ready and to be honest, four hours before letting you out on the road probably isn't enough - certainly wasn't for me.
I felt that the experience with sports cars and track driving would prove to be helpful - in fact, I reckon driving experience probably made it worse as it just felt so different and I don't think my mind could cope with it all. I probably panicked as well which made it worse!
Ironically, I did best at the U turn - just messed everything else up. One of the things I struggled with (and probably focussed too much on) was the gearing, in particular the first to neutral vs first to second and the second to first vs second to neutral. I couldn't really that work out and "click" with how they were different. Some of the time I thought I'd be in neutral and wasn't....
I'm resolved to do it - but I'd appreciate words of encouragement and advice; I don't want to take more than two attempts for a CBT!
first of all make sure you are using a recommended company to do your CBT with. I had never been on a bike before and did find it hard at first. but with help and encouragement managed to find that it all clicked.
take you time. don't rush it and what the hell if you don't pass the CBT next time. try, try and try again. if its something you want to do then also ask biker mates to help run you throught the basic's.
I did a lot of research before hand as I knew nothing.
I hope you get pass mate and all the best
take you time. don't rush it and what the hell if you don't pass the CBT next time. try, try and try again. if its something you want to do then also ask biker mates to help run you throught the basic's.
I did a lot of research before hand as I knew nothing.
I hope you get pass mate and all the best
its odd isnt it? you might well find when you try again that it makes sense now its had time to sink in.
when i did my CBT i couldnt pull away for about 20mins. i had to get off & walk away for a bit as i couldnt stop myself acting like i was on a pushike & releasing both levers & pushing the pedal
when i did my CBT i couldnt pull away for about 20mins. i had to get off & walk away for a bit as i couldnt stop myself acting like i was on a pushike & releasing both levers & pushing the pedal
Firstly don't worry or stress about it.
I did my CBT at back end of last year & it was hardly a runaway success. Like you definitely didn't take to it quickly. However you need to recognise your own learning style. Me...I learn slowly initially, but then get quicker & quicker. You may be the same so don't worry. Go back do it again & you'll just wonder what the fuss was about.
I did my CBT at back end of last year & it was hardly a runaway success. Like you definitely didn't take to it quickly. However you need to recognise your own learning style. Me...I learn slowly initially, but then get quicker & quicker. You may be the same so don't worry. Go back do it again & you'll just wonder what the fuss was about.
I took a day and a few hours to get the CBT certificate and I found it very difficult, not a natural biker me. Go back there and get a few more hours on the bike and it will be easier this time. If you want to do this it will probably be hard but persevere, it is worth it.
Also take this into account when you book your DAS. If they say 2 days then test and you are not comfortable then tell them.
Good luck.
Ace-T
Go back there and get a few more hours on the bike and it will be easier this time. If you want to do this it will probably be hard but persevere, it is worth it. Also take this into account when you book your DAS. If they say 2 days then test and you are not comfortable then tell them.
Good luck.
Ace-T
Im a CBT instructor and the thing that amazes me is that some of the best riders that leave us that day having completed their CBT had never ridden a bike in their life!Also you get people that have ridden bikes for years and they don't get their CBT!Its weird?anyway,don't give up!Take the positives,you've been out on the road before,albeit in a car so you have some road sense,lots of people don't even start the CBT with this!.As for the gearing,physically think what the gears in a car look like,The neutral position is in the middle,1st is forward from this,2nd is back towards you from neutral,bike gears are the same,1st and second either side of neutral!Only thing you have to get to grips with is where the gear lever is!Did you jump right into a car and drive it?No!It's the same with a bike,it's a learning curve,enjoy it,you will get there in the end.To be honest with you the U-turn is the hardest thing to crack for the majority of students and you've done it!.I've had people in that have ridden bikes for 30 years and can't do a U-turn.Believe me once you nail the low speed stuff the rest falls into place,get booked in again,good luck!
Edited by rumpelstiltskin on Friday 21st March 17:57
Dont give up - it all seems a bit frightening at first. Took me a while to get to grips with it - and my better half. We did our CBT together last feb and she had to go back for a second day and i echo what others have said - i thought it was a one off fee - it was for us, Jo paid no extra for the second day...(i swear its cause she fancied the instructor 
). Its a lot about confidence as well- on the second day (one to one with that instructor (she fancied) which is also important) she felt much more comfortable and it all clicked a little better.
It is totally different to fast cars i wouldnt relate any technique between the two (but then maybe thats cause i havent been on a fast bike yet?!). The main thing that will help is perception of speed and road awareness - thats something that really will help from driving fast cars, it has me im sure.
I will come naturally after a while, honest
). Its a lot about confidence as well- on the second day (one to one with that instructor (she fancied) which is also important) she felt much more comfortable and it all clicked a little better. It is totally different to fast cars i wouldnt relate any technique between the two (but then maybe thats cause i havent been on a fast bike yet?!). The main thing that will help is perception of speed and road awareness - thats something that really will help from driving fast cars, it has me im sure.
I will come naturally after a while, honest
Edited by Robertjp on Friday 21st March 18:08
I did my CBT with Two Wheels in Edinburgh - ideally they would want you to complete it in a day, but sometimes it's not always possible as there can be a maximum of 4 students and all will pick it up at different rates so they won't charge extra for a few extra days of training until you pass.
When I did my CBT, I had zero experience of motorbikes so coming to it new as a car driver of 12 years was extremely challenging. I had to go back for another 2 half day sessions to complete the road part. Ballsed up the U turn and nearly crashed so had to go back for a 3rd time but persevered and passed!
Do bear in mind that no amount of car driving can prepare you for motorbiking as it's completely different game. It can be incredibly frustrating process and it's so easy to give up - stick with it and I'm sure it'll all come together. I did just that and went and brought a 125 and ran it for 3 months so passing my DAS was a breeze. Now I only have until 6th April before I collect my new GSX-R600!
All the best and all will be worth it when you pass
When I did my CBT, I had zero experience of motorbikes so coming to it new as a car driver of 12 years was extremely challenging. I had to go back for another 2 half day sessions to complete the road part. Ballsed up the U turn and nearly crashed so had to go back for a 3rd time but persevered and passed!
Do bear in mind that no amount of car driving can prepare you for motorbiking as it's completely different game. It can be incredibly frustrating process and it's so easy to give up - stick with it and I'm sure it'll all come together. I did just that and went and brought a 125 and ran it for 3 months so passing my DAS was a breeze. Now I only have until 6th April before I collect my new GSX-R600!
All the best and all will be worth it when you pass
see my CBT instructor was sound, was only there 4 n half hours, only experience on a bike was when i was like 11 on little 50's, i messed up on road on a couple of bits, not enough life-savers, messed up a few u-turns..... but said im a good rider, safe but need to get outa car habits, was easier for me though it was solo tution (sp), so had all the attention on me like.
Im thinking of doing my restricted test now as its cheaper, quite possibly easier to get a hang of a 125, lighter etc etc, mainly because its only 400 with tuition yet my das will cost 600..
Im thinking of doing my restricted test now as its cheaper, quite possibly easier to get a hang of a 125, lighter etc etc, mainly because its only 400 with tuition yet my das will cost 600..
Don't give up on the CBT; I have known people take up to 5 sessions on the road before they have been safe enough to ride off by themselves!
Sometimes it's bike control, sometimes it's road sense, sometimes both...
Remember, the CBT isn't pass/fail, it's about completion. It's down to the judgement of your instructor on the day as to whether they feel that you have completed all the modules to an acceptable standard (remember also, that you won't progress from one module to the next until it is complete).
I've seen other instructors sign students off that I would have brought back for further training; it doesn't sit well with me that someone "wasn't that bad, he'll get the hang of it...!"
Your instructor may have been conscientious too.
Some bike schools charge for a second attendance, some don't. I see Two Wheels in Edinburgh mentioned previously; they don't charge for extra tuition, yet the other popular Edinburgh school, CSM, do (I've worked for both and would still recommend Two Wheels!).
Stick in, remember when you do go back that you have the advantage over the other students in that you know what is coming and what is expected, just don't let yourself be used as the "demonstration guinea pig," that's the instructors job, not yours.
Sometimes it's bike control, sometimes it's road sense, sometimes both...
Remember, the CBT isn't pass/fail, it's about completion. It's down to the judgement of your instructor on the day as to whether they feel that you have completed all the modules to an acceptable standard (remember also, that you won't progress from one module to the next until it is complete).
I've seen other instructors sign students off that I would have brought back for further training; it doesn't sit well with me that someone "wasn't that bad, he'll get the hang of it...!"
Your instructor may have been conscientious too.
Some bike schools charge for a second attendance, some don't. I see Two Wheels in Edinburgh mentioned previously; they don't charge for extra tuition, yet the other popular Edinburgh school, CSM, do (I've worked for both and would still recommend Two Wheels!).
Stick in, remember when you do go back that you have the advantage over the other students in that you know what is coming and what is expected, just don't let yourself be used as the "demonstration guinea pig," that's the instructors job, not yours.
I had to have a second day to complete my CBT (at £20), my instructor said that most people have some prior experience and so don't have to spend as much time talking over things, and that as I was totally new I just needed a bit more time. After completing the CBT I booked up my DAS course, and having committed to this the riding school I went to let me borrow a 125 a few times for a few hours in return for topping up the petrol (a minor expense with a 125), which helped me as I know I'm not the fastest learner - I can get there but I just need a bit more time. The DAS course was fun and I passed first time so chin up. Funny thing is that my instructors had to reduce the number of lifesavers I do!
Now I need to sort out some boots to complete my kit (I must have weird feet as none of the mainstream ones seem to fit my feet right) and then I can start looking for a bike.
Now I need to sort out some boots to complete my kit (I must have weird feet as none of the mainstream ones seem to fit my feet right) and then I can start looking for a bike.
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic TRAINING. Its not a test so don't feel bad about not passing first time. When I did my CBT there were a few people who were on their second day. Because I was only 16 I had to do it on a scooter which was very easy but I know what you mean about gears.
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