Just got back from my CBT at Metropolis in Vauxhall, and I’m afraid I didn’t make it to the on-road portion.
Pulling away was fine, but I kept getting the feeling that the bike was going to run away with me in the playground, which made me a bit wary of changing up into second or third. Then, of course, when it came to braking, the engine did loads of the work, and I ended up panicking and snatching a bit randomly at the controls. It all got a bit wobbly.
When I got to ride around for a bit with the throttle and clutch set, using the back brake for low-speed control, though, it all started to come together a bit. It was just the stopping that got me almost every time.
I’ve got to go back on the 11th, so hopefully it’ll click then.
The instructor was great, though - really patient. She and her boss gave me a good pep-talk back at the shop, so no complaints there! To be honest, I didn’t feel ready myself when it came to going out on the road, so I’m glad they made the decision for me!
Does anyone have any tips for when I return? My DAS starts on July 18, so it’s now-or-have-to-take-the-new-test time, really.
Sorry to hear that I have heard that the school you use is a good one though and I am sure that you will pass on the 11th.
It just takes time to get used to riding a bike and it’s important that you feel safe, comfortable and happy. Biking is something you should enjoy and it’s important that you don’t feel pressured to go on the road if you don’t feel ready.
I did my CBT in 2004 and then had a 125 for a year before taking the A2 test in 05. Have been riding big bikes since '07 when the restriction came off my licence. That route might be the one you want to take, if you feel you need more time and practice to gte used to biking before doing the test. However, am sure that the training you’ll get on the DAS will boost your confidence and skills.
Good luck anyway. It does take time learning to ride and just taking it at your own pace is important.
Sorry to hear that…But don’t be afraid of moving up the gears. It will run away from you more in lower gears than if you put the bike in higher gears, as you loose acceleration in higher gears at lower speeds… so everything goes slower and you have more time to relax and it won’t feel so rushed.
As for braking, just remember apply the front gently at first and then gradually increase the amount you are squeezing it. That way you will not be so snatchy and jolty when stopping, and is good practice for when you start going quicker as it will help prevent any front locking incidents.
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As for your DAS… you will probably be put on an ER-5 or a CB500. I had a CB500 for a couple of years after I passed my test. Brilliant balance of fun and first time bike acceleration and the 500s are very forgiving. I found it far easier to ride than the little 125.
So don’t be scared of the DAS after today. You are climbing the biggest hurdle today, getting used to how it all fits together, and it is not unusual to feel more like a 1-man band than a motorcyclist at first.
It will be easier when you go back on the 11th undoubtably. And i feel you will be very reassured by the confidence-inspiring 500 that your school will give you… honestly.
Sorry to hear you didn’t get it over within one day, I didn’t either, had to go back next day.We went over the time allowed for the off road section as I struggled at junctions. So wouldn’t have had a full 2 hours on the road and in Feb. it gets dark so early. The instructor wouldn’t take us out as we wouldn’t have had enough daylight. I was disappointed on the day but the break gave my brain the time to process all the new stuff I had learnt and by the time I went in next day I had got my head around it and went straight out on the road and was fine. I like you was also worried about going up the gears until I did it. It really is much better when you get up in to 2nd and 3rd as I found the higher gears seem to have much less grunt and the bike only goes as fast as you want it to. I thought it was going to take off with me to but no. It was just fine as iank states once up in the higher gears things seam to slow down a bit. So don’t worry about it Just do it. Honestly it’s fine.
Enjoy the 11th. I won’t wish you luck as you won’t need it. You will come back with a really big grin.
I’m sure it’ll all click next time round. In the meantime, I’m going to try to go over all the hand/feet movements in my mind (it works for guitar playing, so it can’t hurt!) - and dust off my old pushbike to do a bit of slow-speed balance stuff.
I did enjoy it all, though - despite not passing. Can’t wait to get back on a bike next week!
Look where you want to go, not at the wall/obstacle.
Relax your arms and try to stay loose (especially in the wet).
If it is wet, the rain is not black paint, you can see through it. When braking apply a touch of rear brake first to push the weight onto the front to make good contact with the tarmac then progressively apply the front.
:w00t:How rude are you. It has little to do with how intelligent a person is. Some people are not as well coordinated as others and may take a little longer to get the control. No need to call people thick for not getting through in one day. The CBT is setup so that a person can take as long as is needed to aquire the skills necessary to make them safe to be on the road. It is great for those who develop the skill required to get through in one day, but is no slight on those that take a little longer.
Sorry if I appear to be harsh but as the Mother of a very intelligent daughter who works hard as a web developer and happens to have a coordination disability I do feel very strongly about your statement.
Fare point, But its very hard to fail a CBT, I passed mine 1st time and i was crapping my pants when i first went onto the road, Im not trying to sound a big head but pritty much anybody can pass a CBT.
I respect how you put your comment, Insted of shouting abuse
I think it was a combination of nerves, the fact that the other three people in my group had all ridden bikes before (whereas I’d never even touched one), trying to stop thinking in terms of car controls, and grabbing at levers like I was on a pushbike.
That all knocked my confidence for six - but I’m sort of glad, in a way. I’m feeling much more upbeat about take two tomorrow.
I’ll be putting everyone’s good advice into action!
Plus, I’m an old codger of 29. It’s harder to learn things when you get to my age - just you wait.
All the best for tomorrow. As others have said, it is nothing to do with intelligence and I know from experience, a morning in a car park is not long nenough to unlearn everything you have learned from riding/driving other vehicles.
Hope it goes well for you - I never had to do CBT cos I’m too old… but I’m now learning to drive a car at the ripe old age of 38, and it just doesn’t feel right.Taking the wrong lines across roundabouts and not slowing through the gears is a major problem for me.
practice practice practice!! just relax on the bike, try not to think too much and dont be afraid of the bike, you’ll find things are a whole lot easier. Good luck for the 11th:)
), and when it came to my crash course on gears i was not so nervous 