CBT 'Failed'

[mynamesnotrob...]

I took my CBT today and unfortunately didn't pass. I didn't even make it to the 'on road' module.

I'm feeling very disheartened at the moment. I gave it a lot of effort, read up on everything and watched videos of how clutches, engines, breaks work. Watched how to change gears, how to maintain your bike etc. Took plenty of mock theory and road sign tests. But it wasn't enough!

It was my first time ever on a motorbike and a lot of things took me by surprise:

- I couldn't hear my engine very well through the helmet and found it difficult to tell if I was revving too high.

- I found it difficult to gauge how slow is to slow and what speed to take corners. I got a feeling like the bike would tip a lot on corners.

- My biggest problem was the throttle. I just had no idea they were so sensitive. For a bunch of giant bikers you guys have a delicate side. I couldn't keep my hand steady enough to maintain it at a constant set of revs. It became particularly hard on right hand corners. I couldn't move the steering without changing the throttle. This was the biggest issue at all as it caused me to panic and I couldn't focus on anything else.

- I would get very confused. It just seemed a lot to take in. In neutral, clutch in, first gear down, left leg down, right leg up, left mirror, right mirror, life saver, release the clutch slowly, maintain the correct revs - come to a corner - mirrors, life saver, slow, indicate, back break clutch ever so slightly in. - All this just fried my brain a bit too much and I found myself just trying to think what comes next and running out of time before the corner or missing stages. Thinking all this through whilst maintaining a steady hand on both the clutch and the breaks and the throttle I also found very tricky.

- I would constantly look down. I'm not sure why. It wasn't the revcounter or the speedo. I think I was just seeing where exactly the bike is, and where the clutch was and the angle of my wrist on the accelerator.

It was also difficult keeping the pressure under control. As I said it was the first time I sat on a bike and all the other people had either 10+ years of driving experience or could already ride a motorbike with ease. I felt a lot of pressure and not very much confidence.

I'm booked in for another one, but honestly I just don't think I'll pass it. I'm not trying to be dramatic but I genuinely don't think those issues can get ironed out with two weeks without practice.

Anyway, there were a couple of good points:

Before I realised I was going to be failing I did enjoy it, and actually riding in a loop without too much to handle seemed really fun. I'm looking forward to being able to get on the roads and just relax.

The organisation was cool. The guy training me was very funny. It must have been frustrating because he would tell me something to do then I'd get caught up and forget to do it. But he never got stressed or angry. It definitely wasn't their fault, it's on me.

Anyway, sorry for such a lengthy post. Just thought I'd share my experience. See if you guys can offer any tips? And let anyone in the same position know that they aren't entirely alone.

Feel like a right dingus and it's a good weekend ruined

[hedgehugger]

It's normal. We don't all pass first time. It's a lot to take in. A rest and a chance for your brain to sponge up what you've learned and you'll be fine on a second 'go'.

Some places you can go back under the original CBT and finish off. Others charge you for a second day.

[KnuckleShot]

Don't worry too much about it not everyone gets to do the road riding bit first time... I didn't anyway.

There is ALOT of information to take in, in just 1 day, I'm sure other will agree but the instructor will only take you out for the road ride if he feels confident that you are safe enough to do so.

All you need to do is take it slowly, if you don't fully understand then ask the instrutor to show you/explain it again - he is there for the training it is why it's called a CBT - T is for training.

I did exactly the same kept putting my foot down trying to look for the controls and where the bike was etc... Don't. Just look straight ahead and when turning look where you want to go, the bike will go with you.

Just remember what you have learnt so far and when you go back for further training to develop that.

[wizzzard]

Don't be put off by it but if you really really don't think you'll manage next time do it on an auto moped and remove half the problems in one fell swoop.

I chose to do my CBT on a moped not because I didn't think I could ride a manual but because I was already driving and had a bike waiting for me at home to practice on. Knowing myself to be someone who learns better on their own, the CBT was for me (rightly or wrongly) just a formality I wanted to get through as quickly as possible.
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And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Zeitgeist / Addendum / Moving forward

[Gosties]

You need to relax.

Over-thinking everything is the main issue.

It will come naturally after a while.

I had similar issues when I did mine. I had problems with the throttle sensitivity. It gets easier some people take it in easy some don't.

It's about ensuring that you are able to operate the bike in a safe manner both for yourself and other road users. The instructor will not allow you near the road section until you are fully capable.

You are probably not as far away as you think from being capable of doing the road part.

[Simba76]

Don't worry about it.
I failed my first day CBT and like you I'd never actually tried a bike with gears. It is a huge amount to take in for a complete novice.
I went back the next week and nailed it so much easier.
Relax and try not to beat yourself up about it.
Look up. At where you're going, feel the bite point of the clutch.
Try just rocking back and forth on the bite for a while until you get the hang of it. I did this on my mod1 and it helps a lot.
Get back on as soon as possible and you'll find you can do it.
Good luck.
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If you can keep your head while all around are loosing theirs....you're probably in some sort of Zombie movie!

-Current bike ......

[Rogerborg]

Relaaaaax.

There is a huge amount to take in. You're using both hands and feet in unfamiliar ways, you're doing it in a cramped and crowded environment on an unstable bike, under pressure to perform, and it's a surprisingly physical experience. Shouty McSneer instructors don't help either.

I struggled on my first go, didn't do the road ride, didn't really enjoy it. Then I went back on another day to finish the course and suddenly everything was different. Coming back fresh with some time to assimilate all those weird controls it all fell into place quickly, I went out with a patient and constructive instructor and by the time the 2 hour road ride was over I was absolutely loving it.

Personally I think there's too much in the CBT to cover it all in 1 day with a genuinely new rider, especially not with all the classroom time at the start. It would seem crazy to give someone a few hours basic training and a set of L plates and then send them out alone in a car, and yet it's become the norm for bikes.

So, deep breath, rebook there or with another school, and have another go. Remember that it's training, not a test. You just need time on the bike, not being lectured.

I'd echo Simba's comment about the clutch. Clutch control is vital and on my CBT we spent a lot of time riding around at constant throttle, controlling the speed by slipping the clutch. I couldn't immediately understand why at the time, but it was a great idea, it's key to slow speed control and confidence.

Once you get it, you're going to love it.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[pinkyfloyd]

[yen_powell]

[waffles]

[joncwl]

on my first CBT i couldnt do round abouts and thus almost got hit by a lorry once and a man in a white van not long after......i got told to find a safe place to park and thus the instructor told me that if i dont buck up ill fail.

after that i did another one and somehow nailed it ...... he thought i did a right shoulder check when i didnt (i actualy sneezed and moved my head)

CBTs are supposed to be easy-ish to give you an idea of riding bikes, and to teach you how to ride them along with rules of the rode and all that malarkey.

give it another go and dont be disheartened.
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currently being a cager cause winter......the bike will be back out during the summer now

last bike, 1990 yamaha tzr125 (2rk model) - still after a fairing kit for it !!!!!

[DrSnoosnoo]

As said all above, chillax maaan.

There is a lot to take in on a bike. In a car you have your pedals and a wheel, you don't have to worry about balance and any mishaps with your feet, the instructor can aid with so you can get the "feel" of it better.

On a bike it's you, on what seems like an engine that's about to explode because of all the revs and noise.

When I did my CBT I couldn't get the hang of the throttle, my instructor said every car driver is the same, there's no sensitivity in the right hand, he said something about boys especially just using it for wanking.

You just need time to get used to setting off, slowing down and braking. It can take a while to sink in but we all promise, it will click and you will LOVE it.

Keep your chin up, get out there and practice. Don't worry about "failing" and that "we make it look so easy". It isn't easy or there'd be a lot more motorcyclists around *.


*No I won't give a source.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[RedPanda]

I haven't read all posts but you sound similar to me, you just need time on a bike. It is daunting and it feels complicated but in not too long it'll click and you won't be thinking as much about what you're doing. Rebook, get through it next time (or the time after) and once you're on the road with your own bike, all of this will be totally forgotten.
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CBF125 (2013) -> CBR600F (2001) -> 'Ninja' 300 (2014)

[MCN]

Buy a bottle of single malt (using some of your new bike money) and get blootered.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[duncan111180]

The main thing is to not let it put you off completely just think at least next time you know what to expect it wont all be a surprise to you so you may not panic as much chin up and get it booked again

[WD Forte]

As said previously, relax and dont let it get you down
If you've never ridden before it can feel a bit overwhelming.
Incidentally I think the school was right not to get you out on the road until you're at ease on bike.
Pity you dont have your own bike as I used to sit my lad on his bike
on the mainstand and get him to go through all the controls without looking down until it became automatic.
the local school two of my lads used has a bike on a cradle for the vary same purpose and I used to do a similar routine with new drivers when I was an instructor.
You didn't fail the CBT anyway, you just need a bit more training and practise.
Good luck
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bikers smell of wee

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[mauzo]

[LittleRestrai...]

As others have said; it is a lot to take in if you've never touched a bike before, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Can't they start you on a rev & go to get you used to being on a bike, then move you to something geared once you're a little more confident on 2 wheels?

Once you're over the nerves you'll be fine.

[mynamesnotrob...]

Thanks for all the replies! I have to say reading them and hearing from experienced bikers that it can be difficult has really lifted my spirits.

There's no doubt in my mind that it's something I want to do. I'm going to pass, I don't care how many tries it takes, despite the experience I'm more sure then ever before that biking is something I have to do.

Thank you for advice. I'm going to think it over and hopefully it will have found it's way into my noggin for next time.

[Val]

My 2p.:

Next time try your CBT on a twist and go.

It will be much easier for you to learn riding on auto. You do not need to use gears and clutch.

After you learn riding on a scooter and get confidence on the road will be much more easier to learn gears
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Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[Marclev]

[Marclev]

[Eddie Hitler]

I did a huge wheelie that scared the fuck out of me on my CBT. On a mini roundabout, I managed to dump the clutch in first hard enough to get vertical (felt it!) on the schools CG125. Smashed my nuts in, and was lucky to stay on.

My instructor didn't see it, so I kept quiet.

Truth is, it's a massive learning curve. Don't get upset about it, just go back after a good nights sleep and relax.

[charlieh777]

I failed the first time on an automatic a few days ago..I had never driven on the road before not even on a bicycle so there was a lot to take in. I have just taken it the second time and passed. Why not take your cbt on an automatic? get your certificate and then do a gear conversion course?