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Can you Fail a CBT Test? Common Pitfalls Explained
James B · July 11, 2024
Compulsory Basic Training, or ‘CBT’, is not a test, so you can’t pass or fail. The main goal of the day is to determine whether you’re safe to ride on the road unaccompanied or if you need more training. This is determined by the instructor who’ll be training you on the day of your CBT. Although you can’t fail a CBT test, you may be asked to come back for additional training until the instructor feels you are safe to ride on the road.
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What are common reasons for failing a CBT?
The CBT is made up of 5 elements, run through in order:
- Introduction and Eye Test
- The On-site CBT Training
- The On-site CBT Riding
- On-road CBT Training
- On-road Riding
Two of the most common reasons a learner rider may ‘fail’ CBT training can be grouped into:
Insufficient Demonstrable Knowledge of Machine Controls
If you struggle to grasp the motorbike controls during the on-site training and riding part of the CBT, you won’t be allowed to progress to the ‘on-road’ riding section. While the instructor will try to give you as much time to train as possible, the final element of the day takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete. This means that after a while, the course will move on with the other riders in your session without you, and you'll be asked to come back for more training.
To minimise any issues with understanding the controls, make sure you’re familiar with the motorcycle controls ahead of the training day to give yourself the best chance of progressing to the on-road training.
Insufficient Knowledge of Machine Controls or the Highway Code
Once you've finished the on-site training, you'll go over machine controls again on the road to make sure you're fully prepared and confident in real-world conditions.
If, during the 'on-road' training, you show a lack of skill with machine controls or don't know the highway code well enough, you might need to come back for another day of training before you can pass the CBT course. This is to make sure you can handle the motorbike properly and understand the road rules that keep everyone safe.
Make sure you study up on:
If you don't show enough knowledge in these areas, your instructor might decide you're not safe to ride and won't give you your CBT certificate.
Other Reasons You May Be Asked to Return for an Additional Day of Training
Arriving Late to the CBT Test
Arriving past the start time indicated on your booking will automatically disqualify you from completing the training that day.
A CBT certificate is a legal requirement for people to be able to ride a motorcycle on the road in the UK, so the CBT course has legal standards to keep to as well. Learners MUST be present during the whole of the course. You’re briefed with important information during the first 15 minutes that you’re expected to remember for the entire test session.
The DVSA sets these rules, therefore instructors will not make an exception for you as part of their legal obligations.
We suggest you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. Rushing and stressing to get there on time won't help you get in the right mindset to take in important information.
Plan your journey to your course carefully and allow extra time for potential delays—trains don't always run on time!
Lack of Balance
Balance is a fundamental skill that you are expected to have before you attend a CBT test session. Without this, you could be asked to return on another day for more CBT training to demonstrate you can balance well on two wheels.
The best way to assess whether you’d be able to balance on a motorcycle is to practise beforehand on a bicycle. This core skill of balance is not something which can be learned from scratch in a day, so give yourself a longer time frame before your CBT to learn cycling if you’ve never ridden a bike before.
Not Listening to Instructions
It's crucial to listen to and follow instructions during your CBT test session. Even if you're experienced, not following your instructor's directions could endanger yourself and others on the road. If your instructor doesn’t feel you’ve shown an ability to follow instructions, it’s likely they won’t allow you to progress with your CBT that day.
Ensure you're well-rested, nourished, and hydrated before your CBT training so you can perform at your best on the day!
Not Being Able To Speak And Understand English
Learners will need to be able to communicate well in English in order to receive instructions. CBT training is conducted exclusively in English, so it's essential that everyone can speak and understand English at a conversational level to be able to progress with their training.
Instructors will use question-and-answer methods to confirm you’ve understood aspects of the course throughout the day. If you can’t understand this, you won't be able to proceed with the training. The same can be said for the on-road training where instructors communicate via radio to their students. It’s imperative that you can immediately understand them in order to stay safe during your training on public roads.
