If you’re looking to take your CBT test in Balham then we have all the information you need to book your CBT training, get you on the way to getting you your bike licence and to getting out on the road.
Taking your CBT training in Balham will be the first step to getting out on the road on a scooter or motorcycle. You can expect your CBT - which stands for Compulsory Basic Training - to last up to 8 hours and all you need to complete it is a UK provisional licence and to be at least 16 years of age.
If you’re looking to take your CBT test in Balham or the surrounding area of Wandsworth then there are several motorcycle training schools all within close distance that are fantastically suited to your needs.
Contrary to what most people think, there is no test involved with your CBT as there is with a full motorcycle licence - it’s literally just a day of training that is intended to help you get to grips with the basic skills and knowledge required for motorcycle or scooter riding.
The good news here is that you don’t need to worry about revising anything specific before the day, but it will may help to brush up on a few things. Luckily, we have plenty of handy guides and articles which will help prepare you for your CBT and there are plenty of resources online that will help you discover the answer to any specific questions that you might have.
The course itself only lasts a day and is broken down into three simple parts.
First you’ll learn how to handle your machine, and learn basic highway code in the classroom. This will take just an hour or two at best and the best schools usually accompany this learning with a good cup of tea and perhaps even a biscuit or two!
Once you’ve understood the theory, you’ll head outside onto the school’s purpose built off-road training area, where you will perform basic manoeuvres on your motorbike or scooter.
Then, assuming that your instructor is happy that you can handle the bike safely, it will be time to head out onto the open road for a short assessment ride. During this portion of the day your instructor is looking for you to be a safe and confident rider on the road. And that’s it… It really is that simple.
And once this is all over, you’ll be able to head out on the open road on your own.
The school will provide the specialty riding equipment that you need for the day, such as a helmet, gloves and jacket. For your lower half you’ll want to wear the sturdiest pair of trousers you own, such as some thick jeans. You’ll want something equally sturdy on your feet, such as walking boots.
We also, strongly recommend that you check the weather a day or two before you’re planning to take your motorcycle or scooter CBT, because wind chill can make it especially cold on two wheels. Even a light rain can make a dramatic difference regardless of whether you’re riding a motorcycle or scooter on your CBT training day, so pack extra layers or some waterproofs if you need to.
When you decide you want to gain a motorcycle provisional licence and take your CBT test in Balham or Wandsworth, the next step is deciding what kind of powered-two-wheeler you would like to ride.
If you favour practicality and ease of use, then your best best would be a scooter. Scooters have an automatic gearbox, which means you don’t need to worry about selecting the right gear while you’re riding. Most scooters also offer underseat storage, which in many cases doubles a a space to store your helmet when you’re not riding.
Scooters are very popular with inner-city riders, because of their practicality and ease of use, and you’re guaranteed to find one that’s just right for you. There are dozens of different scooters to choose from with both 50cc and 125cc capacities - even scooters with three wheels!
If you dream of riding bigger motorcycles with your full motorcycle licence in the future, you’ll surely want to go for a fully manual motorcycle. Motorcycles take a bit more skill to master, due to the addition of a clutch and gears, but once you have those mastered you’ll have much more control over the bike than you would a scooter.
Right now, these are our favourite motorcycle and scooters you can ride with a CBT.
If you need a little help choosing the right bike for you, head over to our bike guide and we’ll help you out.
Whichever you choose for your two-wheeled career, our CBT training centres in and around the Balham area will be able to provide with a suitable machine for your CBT test.