Booking your CBT test in Sheffield is the first step to experiencing some of the lovely roads surrounding the Steel City. World famous roads such as the Snake Pass and the Cat and Fiddle. If you want to get out there and experience these legendary roads on your own, we’re here to help you on your way.
Bikesafe Rider Training are based at Owlerton Stadium in Hillsborough, just off the A61, which means they’re easy to get to whether you’re coming from the north or the south. There are also good bus and tram links to the centre of the city. The roads surrounding Bikesafe Rider Training are relatively quiet for such a big city, so you’ll be able to relax during your road ride.
But the best part about taking your CBT test in Sheffield is the proximity to some of the best riding roads in the UK, located in the Peak District. The two most popular roads are the Cat and Fiddle (named after the inn located along the road), and the Snake Pass.
The Cat and Fiddle is located west of Sheffield, and connects Burton and Macclesfield. If you ride this road don’t forget to stop at the inn, there are always other bikers there enjoying who’ll be happy to chat.
Snake Pass is much closer to Sheffield, and it connects the city with Glossop. Otherwise known as the A57, Snake Pass winds through the Peak District, skirting the edge of Ladybower Reservoir before climbing to the top of the peaks just before Glossop. Snake Pass is a popular road with bikers and cyclists so it’s busy during the weekends - especially in the summer. If you want to get away from the traffic you can head down into Hope Valley and explore the picturesque country villages dotted among the hills, but many of the smaller villages are popular with walkers, so keep an eye out.
For unparalleled views across Yorkshire we’d recommend heading upto Holme Moss, near Holmfirth.
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training, and although it’s commonly referred to as a CBT test, there is no test involved. A CBT is the minimum standard you need to reach before you can legally ride on the UK’s roads with L-plates. Anybody from the age of 16 with a provisional or full licence can take the CBT test.
The day will start in the classroom, where your instructor will teach you how to handle a motorbike and scooter, and make sure you know basic highway code. Next you’ll head outside, where you’ll be introduced to your machine for the day. If you’re riding a manual motorcycle, the instructor will explain how the gears and clutch work on a motorcycle. You’ll spend this portion of the day getting used to your motorcycle or scooter by riding simple routes on the school’s off-road area. Once you can comfortably control the bike, it’s time to head out onto the road.
You’ll head out onto the road with the instructor and another student, taking it in turns to lead so the instructor can get a good look at you both. This portion of the day will take at least two hours. Your instructor is looking for you to show you can handle your bike in a confident and safe manner and that you’re not a danger to other road users. Once you get back to the test centre, you’ll be handed your certificate, and be given the OK to head out onto the roads on your own!
