I want to do a CBT which training school should I choose?

CBT Training - selecting a motorcycle schools

Factors you need to consider when choosing a motorcycle training school for your CBT, the training you should expect and what to do if you do not receive that training.

You may be 16 and looking for your first taste of freedom on a 49cc moped.

You maybe 17 and want to ride a geared 125cc motorcycle to get to college, work or socially.

You may be taking a CBT on a 125cc geared bike as you want to progress to your A1, A2 or A motorcycle licence.

The problem is that when people decide they want to ride they do not know what makes a good school and most people are driven by price and availability near them

Most people ask friend where they did their CBT and if they went to a good school then that is great, the problem is that 99% of people do not know the difference between a good and a poor school as they may never go anywhere else.

A CBT should be a full day ( about 7 hours) and should include a 2 hour road ride as a minimum. If you are a recertifying your CBT then the course may be shorter based on your skills and abilities.

If you are a novice rider with no experience it may be that you are unsuccessful on your first attempt. 

Yes you can fail to achieve the standard on a CBT as the instructor MUST be satisfied that you have the necessary basic theory and practical skills to be safe on the road.

What are the clues you should look for when booking a CBT course to prevent you selecting a poor school.

The CBT should last around 7 hours if the school offers you a morning, afternoon or an evening slot then this is your first warning.

They have no website so that you cannot see the prices and terms and conditions.

They are not on Facebook or other social media site where you can see the condition of the bikes or successful clients.

They are only reachable via a mobile number.

You have booked your training and you got a good price, what are the clues during your CBT that you have chosen the wrong school.

The helmet and kit you have borrowed or paid to hire is in poor condition. The helmets show bumps and scrapes, the clothing is frayed, looks worn and is too big for you.

The bike you are to use is dirty, is rusty and has oil leaks or even fuel leaks.

The training area is covered in leaves, stones or other debris. There are no facilities on site e.g. toilets or training room.

The instructor shouts at you and is rude and only cares about the bike. Everything that does not work is your fault and not the way you are being instructed

You are being told what to do but do not understand why you are doing a particular manoeuvre or exercise.

Your road ride is less than two hours. 

The instructor is always leading, you are never in front so that you can be assessed making your own riding decisions.

Why should you care if your CBT is only 3 hours and it cost you £50 less than the competition. 

You will not have the basic theoretical and practical skills to be safe on the road whilst building your experience.

You will not have slow control skills needed for riding in slow moving traffic, to be able to turn safely at junctions or turn your motorcycle around if you go wrong.

You will not understand how to use the brakes to slow down to manage hazards or how to stop in an emergency.

If you are aiming to get your full motorcycle licence you will not have the skills to manage a larger and more powerful motorcycle.

It is fraud and you are being cheated by someone you have put your faith in to give you the skills you need to stay alive.

Tips for selecting a good training school and booking a course.

Do not to go to the cheapest school as you are likely to receive a poor standard of training. 

Do not rely on the recommendation from a friend, do your own research.

Visit the training school in person if you can so that you can see the bikes and speak to the instructors.

Book a course in early spring or late autumn the courses are likely to be available when you want it, the summer is peak period and you may have to wait up to four weeks.

Do not buy any bike before you have passed a CBT as some people find that motorcycling is not for them or if appropriate you may have the skill to go for your full licence depending on your age.

If they have a website you MUST read the terms a conditions before you book so that you know what kit you need, what you are liable for if you drop and damage the bike when you are training and if you need to cancel how much notice you need to give.

Plan ahead and be ready to book when you have found the right school for you as places go quickly.

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you’re not happy with the standard of training you received, including if:

The on-road riding part did not last at least 2 hours

There were too many learners per trainer (The numbers should be a maximum of 4 students to 1 instructor on the training area and a maximum of 2 students to 1 instructor on the minimum 2 hour road ride)

You need to give:

Your trainer’s name and the training school name

The address where you took the training

The date and time you took the training

Details of why you’re not happy with the training

Contact the DVSA CBT team
cbt@dvsa.gov.uk

I hope you have found this blog helpful, if your require further information then please cut and paste or follow this link to the DVSA https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-cbt