CBT motorbike questions?

[Randomperson]

Hello there,

i want to get into motorbiking and i've already got my provisional a couple years ago. I know the first step you have to do is complete your CBT (Compulsory basic training) however i have a few questions before booking one.


1. My glasses prescription recentely changed, i know legally eyesight requirment is to be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres. i was checking the other day to see if i could and i was able to see a car number plate from 5 car parking spaces. is this around 20.5 metres. Also when you get asked is it exactly 20.5 metres? and i'm guessing you only get one chance? I can see perfectly fine also when cycling on roads. With number plates do they ask you to read a car or motorbike number plate or does it depend?


2. Is it better to learn manual or automatic? if you learn manual with no experience how hard is it to get to grips with the clutch and gears?


3. My closest training centre, bikes and gear are borrowed (Helmet, motorbike/moped gloves, jacket, hi-viz) however they don't mention about trousers or boots is it reccomended to bring your own?


4. I'm type 1 diabetic and from applying for my provisonal. I had to fill out forms to do with this so the DVLA is aware and i know the legal requirments you have to do. However is it best to let the CBT instructor know before or during the CBT?

5. When i reaserching it says the only requirment you have to have is your provisonal obviously and that it's helpful if you know how to ride a pushbike (bicycle). I already know how to ride a bicycle but i unless balance is similar. I don't quite get how that helps with motorbikes?. Could someone expand on this further?

6. Are CBT instructors used to teaching people with no experience of motorbiking etc..?

7. Can you fail your cbt?

8. the training place only has automatic mopeds and geared motorbikes. If you were to do your CBT on an automatic moped. I assume your restricted just to automatic moped and can't ride automatic motorbikes or geared motorbiikes etc..


Sorry if some of these questions are weird. I just want to know more info before i book especially as i'm completley new to motorbiking.

(country: England)
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Randomperson

[A100man]

[ThunderGuts]

[Easy-X]

Point 8: if you have a CBT certificate for an automatic it's automatic anything but TBH you'll not find many CVT-driven automatic motorcycles.

The main advantage of doing manual is you're also entitled to ride automatics - 2 for 1 deal - that and automatics are for kids
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[UncleFester]

As a T1 diabetic .....

I'd agree some kind of signal with your instructor to let them know you need to stop and test. Or that you need regular food breaks.

Stress / concentration and physical exertion can both lower blood sugar so testing more is good. As is bringing a couple of pots of sugar ( I use old test strip pots) in case you need a top up mid ride.

Other than that ... zip lock bags for food, Meter etc and stuff is a good precaution in case it rains. And a spare meter in your car or at the test centre in case you drop or break yours.
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Module 1 and 2 passed - October 2014. Happy owner of a 2017 Z1000SX, ex owner of a YBR125 / CB500 / VFR800.

[KiwiBob]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Ste]

[blurredman]

Agreed, CBT does not restrict the user in terms of what type of transmission the vehicle was used to do it with.

I did mine on a twisty 125cc. No restrictions there. Then I went on my CG125 and learned gears my own way and in my own time.
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S.
Current: 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (bored to 295cc) - 38k, 1990 MZ ETZ251 - 49k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 9k, 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 17k.

[Easy-X]

Live and learn, not what I was told at the time. Still, a lot of beer under the bridge since then.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Zen Dog]

[yen_powell]

I used to teach CBT, but a long time ago so apologies if I have forgotten info or am out of date.

The eyesight test distance will be guessed by your tester, usually on a convenient car. If you can't read it then they will pick another one and measure the distance properly and ask you again. The only pupil who couldn't read it for me was wearing glasses. He took them off and read it first time. I asked why the glasses and he said it was to make him look clever.

If you have driven a car you will usually pick up using a clutch more quickly than someone who hasn't. It is normal to get everything from a teenager who has never even sat on a bike right up to someone middle aged who has been riding for years but never bothered with test, either cos they are a bit dodgy, or just repeating their CBT every couple of years. I would just spend more time with the less experienced riders through the day, although sometimes the experienced rider will have habits that are hard to break.

After the off road parts you should be taken out on the road in pairs. If the instructor is concerned about you staying safe out on the road he will not take you out but instead recommend more off road practice till you can go out. Everyone leans at different speeds it's not a fail.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[struan80]

Everyone's answered you questions. I would say just go for it, it is great fun. Don't go the automatic route. Can't fail your CBT, just can be asked to come back if your showing your not confident on the road. Do you have your car licence?

Best of luck and ride safe.

[Randomperson]

[Zen Dog]

[Easy-X]

No congestion charge, no ULEV charge, no parking (ppl are a lot more generous with bikes it seems.) It all adds up, at least a grand a year saved for me anyway.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[ThunderGuts]

A 125 is way cheaper than a car in all probability - tax, MOT, fuel and servicing (inc consumables such as tyres) are all much cheaper. Step up to a bigger bike and that starts to erode though; the tyres on my VFR are pricier than my car's tyres and the bike eats them a lot more quickly too.
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TG.

[BRUN]

1. the place I learned with had number plates on a wall, a set distance away


2. definitely do manual, the gears was something i thought id never get the hang of before i tried, id never been on a bike before, but got used to them fairly quickly


3. legally you dont need any, but personally i would, i was warned steel toe cap boots were not suitable


4. I would tell them, doesnt sound like it will be a problem

5. I am not sure on this part, I already had a full car licence, your experience on a push bike will help a bit as you counter steer on that too

6. yes, i had never been on a bike before ever and I was nearly 40 at the time

7. you can fail but its unlikely, you will need to know the highway code as you will get asked a few questions about rules of the road etc but nothing too technical

8. do all your training on a manual is my advice, honestly you will get used to the gears a lot quicker than you expect

[Nobby the Bastard]

Ignore all the countersteering bollocks, nobody attempts it consciously until they find out that racers do it. Everyone on two wheels does it unconsciously.

If you can ride a cycle you can ride a bike, it's just that the controls are a bit different.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Evil Hans]

[Zen Dog]

[Keithy]

6 yes
7 I did

Re costs, that may vary wildly once you factor in insurance, especially for a yoof.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[ThunderGuts]

[Ayrton]