If you’re looking to take your CBT test in Colwick or the nearby areas of Nottingham or Gedling then there are a few options for motorcycle training schools all within close distance that are fantastically suited to your needs.
If you’re looking around Colwick for your CBT training 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 Colwick 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.
The good news is that contrary to what most people think, there isn’t actually a test involved with your CBT as there is with a full motorcycle licence - it’s simply 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.
There’s more good news here too, because you don’t need to worry about revising anything specific before the day – as there is no theory test as there is with the full car or motorcycle tests. But it may well 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 Colwick or Nottingham, then the next step is deciding what kind of powered-two-wheeler you would like to ride?
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.
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 as a space to store your helmet when you’re not riding.
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 Colwick area will be able to provide with a suitable machine for your CBT test.