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Can you Fail a CBT Test? | RideTo
James B · April 18, 2018
The CBT is not a test, so you theoretically cannot ‘pass or fail’ your CBT. The real question to ask here is if you are safe to ride on the road unaccompanied or if you would need further training before you receive a CBT test certificate. These are determined by the instructor who will be training you on the day of your CBT test. 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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These are two common pitfalls as to why learner rider may ‘fail’ CBT test training:
INSUFFICIENT DEMONSTRABLE KNOWLEDGE OF MACHINE CONTROLS.
In this case you will not be allowed to progress to the ‘on the road’ riding section of your CBT test. You will be given as much time to train with your instructor as possible. However due to the nature of the final element which takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete, there is a limit to how much time you can have on the practice session. This is done because the test course would eventually have to move forward with other learner riders on the same session. Read more about machine controls here.
INSUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE OF MACHINE CONTROLS OR THE HIGHWAY CODE.
In this case, you would have progressed onto the final element of your CBT test session which is ‘on the road’ training. However due to a lack of demonstrable competency with machine control or an insufficient knowledge of highway control - you may be asked to return for another day of training before you successfully complete a CBT test course. Read more about the highway code here.
Other factors in which you may be asked to return for an additional day of training include :
BEING LATE TO THE CBT TEST
Arriving past the start time time indicated on your booking will automatically disqualify you from completing the training on the same day. This is because you are briefed with important information that you are expected to know throughout the course of your whole test session within the first 15 minutes. In addition to that at RideTo, arriving early is an emphasis we consistently make. Making sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time will also enable you to relax and get composed before your CBT test starts.
LACK OF BALANCE
Balance is a fundamental skill that you are expected to have before you attend a CBT test session. Without this, you may be potentially asked to return on another day for your CBT test session. The best way to know that you are able to balance on a motorcycle is to practice beforehand on a pushbike or bicycle. This core skill of balance is not something which can be learned from scratch in a day.
NOT LISTENING TO INSTRUCTIONS
It is important that you receive and carry out instructions at your CBT test session. You may be an experienced rider, however if you do not follow your instructor’s directions, you could be putting yourself and other road users at risk, and therefore be may asked to return for an additional training. Make sure you are well rested, fed and hydrated before your CBT test training so you can be on top for on the day!