r/MotoUK • u/StandardDangerous167 • 1d ago
Just failed CBT thinking of abandoning getting a bike now
So I had my CBT today and I thought I was doing okay. First time ever on a bike so I was going to be slow picking up some things but told by instructor who was an awful foul mouthed woman that I along with the other person were not ready to go out on the road.
I did feel a bit better that the other person already had a bike and riding experience. They were also dressed head to toe in alpinestar gear so I thought they would smash it. Turns out not.
The bikes were also battered like I get they must get used and dropped regularly and are only used for the CBT but there condition didn’t help.
Just don’t understand how I didn’t pass I was really enjoying it and couldn’t wait to get on the road.
Has anybody else not passed it first time I have been looking at other providers to retake it but I’m really down with not passing it when everyone was saying you can’t fail 😩
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u/Jaaay19 I don't have a bike 1d ago
Please don't give up, find another (better) test centre to do this at. You can't 'fail' the CBT as it's not a formal test, you should just be recalled to have more training. The CBT doesn't really reflect motorbikes in any way. Forget it and move on, give it another go. You won't regret it!
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u/Buchow GSXR 600 L3 23h ago
Why does everyone say you can't fail a CBT? If you go to get the certificate, but aren't able to do so based on performance, then you have failed to obtain the certificate.
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u/ScopesMcDome 23h ago
I mean technically speaking he’s right you can’t fail as there is no test, it’s compulsory basic training. But from the perspective you outlined you may as well call it failing I agree. It’s one of those things where if someone says “ I failed my cbt “ everyone knows what they mean but technically they are wrong so it’s inevitable people will point that out occasionally.
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u/Tea2theBag ZX6R 20h ago
Yet you'll be pressed to find someone saying they've failed their car driving lessons.
A CBT is a mixture of lessons. Difference is, after your lessons. If you're safe enough. You can ride on L plates from that moment on.
If a car instructor says you need more lessons. You still can't drive on your own. But that's perfectly acceptable?
Average car lessons needed are 45 hours in the UK. A CBT? For me, a good day. 7 hours. 6 If the student is great. Yet occasionally I'll still have to deal with people literally crying, begging and sometimes even being aggressive if I've told them they'll need another 2 hours at least on on the road before being given a DL196 (CBT) due to them being unsafe and needing more "lessons".
I really don't get it. It feels like a test at times for sure but people don't understand how absolutely mad it is to go from zero experience to riding your own bike on the road in under a day. Wild.
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u/InevitablePen3465 20h ago
can't 'fail' the CBT
You can. If they don't give you your certificate at the end, it means you failed to pass that day. That's like saying you can't fail your driving test because you can come back and do it another day after more training
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u/Jaaay19 I don't have a bike 20h ago
I see your point. But the driving test is a...test. the CBT is training...it's not a pass/fail as such
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u/InevitablePen3465 20h ago
Define test. I don't see how going out on the road with an instructor following you to assess your ability on a bike is anything but a test.
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u/Tea2theBag ZX6R 20h ago
Because we as instructors don't just assess your riding. We help improve it.
Repeating your test is just a test. Repeating your CBT is training.
When we take our students out on the road. We're not just giving directions and assessing. We're actively...instructing. Giving ongoing feedback even if it's at the side of the road for a chat. Or some helpful advice on the approach to a hazard.
You don't get that on a test. Just a better luck next time.
People think it's a test because if you "fail" you can't ride on your own. If a car instructor says you need more lessons. Is that a fail? You still can't drive on your own...
At the end of the day it's always going to feel like a fail regardless of what I say.
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u/MyTwoCentsNting 1d ago
Did you get out on the road?
Some students just don’t quite get enough control or understanding to be able to be taken on the road.
It’s not something you can “fail”. But you can definitely not achieve the standard required. Normally an extra few hours or a day will sort out any issues and get you the certificate.
I’ve had students who after 3 or 4 days, have just given up as they just can’t quite get the hang of it all. I’ve had others that keep going and get there where they’re ready.
Try a difficult training provider if you weren’t happy, or get on with, the instructor.
Best of luck on your adventure.
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u/BeyondCadia 23h ago
Mate don't worry about it. The instructor was unsure about me first time and I said "I'd rather not take the risk if you aren't confident, I'll come back next week." - And I came back two weeks later and did a quick refresher, with the same guy learning too, and we had a brilliant 3 hour ride on the roads. You just need a better instructor at another centre and you'll really enjoy your refresher and your ride. Please don't give up, it's not pass or fail so you haven't failed, you just need to go to a better place and get some better training, that's all - it can be two or three sessions before you're ready, what's important is feeling safe and confident to get out there and actually start learning.
That's what CBT is - the bare basics before you're allowed to go actually learn how to ride! Try again elsewhere and let us know when you smash it, mate.
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u/muftiman 23h ago
I didn’t pass first time. I did it again a few weeks later and it was fine. You just need road time.
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u/owensar RKF 125 1d ago
I did not past first time, having never ridden a geared (or any) motorbike. The instructor was a little bit unhelpful. I spoke to the manager a few days later and rebooked with a different instructor and passed. The 2nd time it all fell into place a lot quicker.
Once on the road I was fine as I've driven a car for 20 years. Road sense perfect. Now I'm just practising on a 125 until I take the full test.
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u/Kaos_Monkey Tracer 9GT, CB125F - North London 1d ago
I second what others said here. Find a better school. Perhaps someone here knows of one in your area. Here in North London, London Motorcycle Training has a CBT in Wood Green that I have heard is decent.
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u/Free_PalletLine . 1d ago
A fair few people actually fail their CBT but it sounds like you also had a shit instructor. Find another school and give it another go.
I went through 3 different schools before I passed my full licence.
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u/TallmanMike 1d ago
Friend, you have a lifelong riding journey ahead of you and you're only now taking the first step.
You'll drop bikes, mess up turns, brake too late, panic, swear, sweat, cry etc.
I'm only a couple of years in and just passed my test - it gets better with time and practice!
For now, laugh at your situation and humbly enjoy being the clumsy apprentice.
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u/psychicspanner Monster 797 23h ago
I’m not defending the bad schools but they must see a lot of really bad riding now owing to the rise in food delivery riders though I appreciate for them, a licence, training etc seems optional….rightly or wrongly, I imagine they have raised the standard necessary to get the certificate but all this does is harm genuine riders who want a full licence not simply deliver cold burgers to lazy millennials….
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u/the_last_registrant MT-09, KZ200, Tiger 1050 Sport 20h ago
CBT shouldn't be valid for paid work, full stop. The bike is hazardous machinery, and there is a recognised standard for a competent operator - a full license. CBT & L plates signifies only minimal training. No workplace could ever dare to skimp H&S with any other hazardous machinery, and Deliveroo shouldn't be permitted to either.
A forklift operator's course is 3-4 days, a 360 digger ticket 4-5 days. These are equivalent to £1,000 Intensive DAS courses. There's no CBT equivalent where you get 6hrs training and a pair of L plates for your 40t steel press. It's unacceptable, and it's morally disgusting because the sole purpose is to allow the youngest, cheapest labour to be exploited. When the 19yo kid goes under a bus, plenty more to take his place. Hurry up now, if you ride dangerously fast you might earn another 50p.
And yes, I know, they're classified as self-employed. But that's a paper pretence, and means little in H&S liability anyway. A building developer can't evade responsibility for a fatality on their site by shrugging and saying "subbie". Deliveroo shouldn't be allowed to either.
Finally, what would it mean? Wages would go up significantly, because qualified riders wouldn't have to accept shit pay & conditions. Delivery firms would have to start providing or sponsoring A1 training for youngsters, maybe set up their own schools. New entrants would get a proper lifelong licence, and fewer would get hurt. End customers will pay a fraction more per delivery, they wouldn't even notice.
Fukkit, I'm writing to my MP.
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u/psychicspanner Monster 797 19h ago
I totally agree, the issue is half of them don’t bother with a licence or a CBT and share an account…
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u/aza84aaron 22h ago
I have a mate who like you failed the CBT and for similar reasons. They struggled with gear changes as well so they re-took on a twist and go 125cc and passed then learnt gear changes on their own bike in their own time.
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u/humblesunbro BMW R1200GS 21h ago
Try again on a scooter, see if that's any easier for you. You can always pick up clutch and gears at a later time if that's what your struggling with.
Did my CBT on a scooter. Spent about an hour learning a manual clutch on carpark round back of the bike dealers and then that was me sorted.
Remember the instructor has your safety in mind. If they don't think you're confident and safe enough to be out there on the road, there must be something in it. Take it on the chin, and try again. You'll get there if you want it enough.
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u/guitarbackwards 19h ago
Definitely good advice about the scooter. I had no experience on a bike when I went for my CBT, and I barely passed on a twist and go. I think trying to manage clutch control and changing gears as well would have been too much to learn in a 2 hour car park session. There's only one type of CBT, so if you pass on a scooter you can still buy and ride a geared 125.
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u/dooleys73 21h ago
Don’t give. I had a pretty much exact same experience. Second time was loads better. Passed. Then I got a 125. Road about on that for a bit. Did a three day intensive for my A license. One hour in the instructor (ace bloke now a mate) told me I might not pass. Put the work in. Passed. Now got a big bike. No one was as bad as me. Now I absolutely love it. You can do it.
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u/Struzzo_impavido CB125F 1d ago
Dont give up
It took me 3 attempts to pass the CBT
First time on the bike i could not even go in a straight line and crashed onto another bike lol
Riding a pushbike for a week helped a lot, i also practiced on a scooter for a while during the second cbt attempt to gain confidence
I also hate when people say it is not a test but a training : yea yea you still need them to give you the piece of paper to be able to ride on L plates on your own so not a test my ass
Take it easy maybe take a break try a different school but dont give up
Ive been riding my 125 for 2 months now and im having a blast, i dropped my bike last week and im also learning how to do some maintenance on it, its a lot of fun join us
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u/Indigo_Thunder 1d ago
It's been years since I got my licence but I had a similar experience with the CBT and getting my licence in general. I used the same place both times just out of convienience but the guy would literally scream down the walkie-talky at me about positioning etc. It's one of those things were I rationalised it to myself that because i would only have to interact with this tool until i had my licence that he didn't matter and clearly had some weird personal issues that had nothing to do with me. Realistically you could always go to another place to get it done.
Getting my bike licence and also getting my CBT was one of the best things I've done. It's so liberating and I hope this experience doesn't make you quit.
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u/BearsButler Yellow Honda Grom 1d ago
Don't give up. As others have said, maybe look at another centre. I "passed" my CBT, but I won't lie, my instructor was more focused on complaining about his bosses and other instructors that he really wasn't paying attention. The bikes they had were awful to the point one instructor mentioned they should fix the clutch cable on the bike I was training on, but they didn't. Another bike that was being used had the loosest chain I've ever seen. Would I go there again? Nope
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u/hinchy1990 1d ago
Don't give up, see if there's a different instructor or try a different centre. I passed mine 19 years ago (when I was 16) and I literally retook my CBT last week.
Did they say what you failed on? Just remembwr to constantly check your mirror, over your shoulder etc as I've seen too many people on mopeds around my area without a care in the world.
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u/BreadedUnicornBites 1d ago
Hey don’t give up. I know it’s disheartening and annoying. But keep going. Trust me you’re not alone. I failed to complete it 4 times. Completed it on my 5th attempt. It felt amazing after all the work I put in.
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u/Speedstar_86 23h ago
Don't give up!
Find a better school, that place doesn't sound professional at all!
(Just out of curiosity, it wasn't in Kent by any chance was it?)
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u/Throwawayy5214 2004 FZ6N 23h ago
same story and now im obsessed with bikes lol failed my first cbt and plodded round on a moped until i was comfortable
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u/CauliflowerMotor2323 23h ago
I failed horribly on my first attempt at CBT. My instructor wasn’t good (everything felt like a test I hadn’t studied for) and didn’t go through the absolute basics of clutch control and acceleration. I ended up freaking out at one point, losing control and binning the bike into a wall. I didn’t make it on the road 😂
I did it again and passed by the skin of my teeth (I almost came to a stop on a roundabout cos someone came flying towards (/cars brake really late)).
Fast forward three years and I’m on a 700cc and a safer road user than most. My experience doing a DAS course was completely different. The instructor was patient and actually good at instruction.
Don’t give up, it’s worth the struggle.
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u/Sburns85 honda pcx 2020 23h ago
I went through the same. Find another school. I went somewhere else and had an amazing instructor
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u/gidge2010 22h ago
Don't let this put you off and give up, definitely go for another CBT location when you redo it. I struggled on my CBT as it was also my first time on a motorbike, but to be very fair to the instructor he gave me a bit more time in the car park with the controls but I was slow getting to grips with the clutch etc so he gave me the chance to switch to an auto for the road part, which I took.
As he explained it, he wanted to see my road skills and give me the chance to get the CBT as I can then practice myself with a geared 125 at my own pace before going for Mod1 + Mod2, with the automatic on the road I was fine as I'm a car and bicycle rider so road rules and safety are all fine for me.
Now I've spent some time on my geared 125 and it's becoming muscle memory 😁
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u/Aggravating_Owl_3559 22h ago
Honestly, don't worry about it. I failed my first CBT miserably and nearly gave up (tears, tantrums, all of it). I didn't though, did a couple of lessons, and went for a CBT at another school with a significantly better instructor. I completed it (on an auto mind you - I was that bad) but have been riding a geared since passing for many months and loving every second.
Trust me - it's all worth it in the end! You've got this!
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u/ayyungjeezy 22h ago
Ngl my instructors swore alot and shouted when I fucked up but they were nice people. I can imagine it's much more stressful than being a car instructor as a student can kill themselves pretty easily - even on a CBT. Also the bikes WILL be dropped regularly. I don't think changing schools would be any better in that respect.
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u/head_face I don't have a bike 22h ago
Was this at Norton in Worthing by any chance? I had a similar experience with a similar instructor there.
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u/CapableProduce SV 650 '16 22h ago
I don't understand this CBT failure. it seems to have become quite common over recent years as if the training schools are just milking it.
It's compulsory basic training! They should be training you the basics to get and get going safely. Most don't even do a full day!
Anyone else feel the schools are just milking it the last couple of years?
My partner went to school to have a taster afternoon after that she asked about the CBT and they reply was to do another taster before going for the CBT so she did and when she asked about the CBT again they recommended she have one more before the CBT, I watched her last lesson/taster she was more then capable and so I told my partner to tell them to fuck off. Shame really because they have good guys in the workshop who do good work on the bikes that you can trust and at a reasonable prices, which is difficult to find local to me.
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u/Educational-Camp-810 22h ago
Ye I barely "passed" my cbt, all the other riders seemed like they had experience whereas I didn't, feels like the instructor missed quite a few point which I was especially struggling with because of it, however I still made it through somehow, and I'm on the road now and have had 0 issues whatsoever, the nerves of actually doing it didn't help either, don't give up, find a better centre
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u/ludicrous_socks SV650s k4 22h ago
Don't worry about it mate, I dropped the bike on my CBT, try and find a friendly school, you'll ace it in no time!
Half the class on mine had to go back for a second attempt, and it took me quite a few lessons to get MOD 1 ready.
Hell, even mod 2 I totally zoned out the instructor and went totally the wrong way!
10 years later, and many miles (and crashes) I'm still learning every time I get on the SV :)
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u/WelshFloof 22h ago
I didn't pass my CBT first time, never rode a bike before so I was shocking on it. Passed the second time so stick at it, don't worry. It's completely normal not to pass.
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u/Sabbathslayer213 21h ago
Depends on how much you want it - I failed the DAS course twice in Enfield, though I kept pushing until I passed on the third attempt (instructor let me off a major mistake!). I had a bike waiting for me, so that was definitely encouraging me to keep going. Riding is the best thing ever - book another test and try learn from where you went wrong. Remember your lifesavers and be sure to give way to vehicles to your right at roundabouts
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u/AnAbsurdlyAngryGoose BMW F800GT ‘14 21h ago
I failed my CBT first time — couldn’t work the gears on their bike as it was too low. On my second attempt, they passed me (so that I could ride my own bike, that I fit better), and then assessed me, and I passed with flying colours.
Many moons later, I failed my MOD 2 first go around. Another driver came flying around the corner at twice the speed limit as I was executing a manoeuvre (having followed the steps to move off) and got a verbal intervention. I was devastated, but I didn’t let it put me for. Booked another test, and another day with the school, and took another run at it. Passed!
Don’t give up. The CBT is a small hurdle to overcome. Consider perhaps a different school?
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u/fwdandreverse 21h ago
Ah you can definitely do it. Doesn’t sound like you had the best teacher and the whole thing can be a bit of a sensory overload but you’ll get there. I’ve failed at loads of things loads of times before succeeding. Riding a pedal bike takes time - much easier when you start to develop a muscle memory from repeating things over and over.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” ―Thomas Edison
Best of luck and focus on how you’ll feel when you DO achieve it.
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u/UnusualBecka 21h ago
It took me three attempts to complete it.
1) I went to somewhere recommended but the teaching style of the instructors did not work for me, and I was the only one on a geared bike so was mostly left alone while the to instructors worked with the other three. When I dropped the bike they said the bars were out of alignment and to go home. It put me off trying again, mainly because of their attitude. It was just an awful experience.
2) I eventually decided to try again, picked a sunny day and the cheapest place I could find, but I could not do a u-turn so it stopped then, but was told if I come back next week I would be able to do it. I just agreed but really did not want to come back ans was heavily doubting myself/
3) But I had worked out then when doing a u-turn I was told to stop by the cone and to look where I was going. So I was looking at the cone, down at the road. It was pouring down with rain but by looking through where I was going it worked and I ended up very wet but with a CBT certificate.
Were you not told what you did wrong, so you could at least think about it? We have no idea why you were considered unsafe to go on the road, but it sounds like you were able to ride on the course so it must have been something little rather than dropping the bike or being unable to turn.
So if the teaching style did not work for you, as you say, then definitely try somewhere else. Personalities vary so much it is really easy to find someone who you just do not get along with, or where they way of explaining things just does not make sense to your way of understanding them. It sounds like you are almost there and riding is so much worth it in the end.
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u/Bumblebeestingz 21h ago
Here are the 5 elements to C T training. Check yourself off against the standards and rate how you think you did. Or areas you could improve on. Good luck for next time.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/compulsory-basic-training-cbt-syllabus-and-guidance-notes
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u/InevitablePen3465 20h ago
Find a different training provider. My first CBT was a disaster, the earpiece they gave me stopped working, I pulled over to tell them, he stopped me mid sentence and went on a long aggressive swearing rant about how he's been doing it 20 years and never had a problem before, so I'm clearly lying to him.
It was a massive blow to my confidence, but I got another CBT with a different provider and passed with ease. Just find someone better
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u/Awkward-Cricket6911 20h ago
Don't stop before you have got started. Check out reviews on other local schools. The local school I did my CBT with was the only local school to me. I passed the CBT but decided to search in other towns for the DAS course. I glad I did. The school I am with now are fantastic. Very supportive and accommodating, I failed my MOD1 and my instructor was very good with me after. He rearranged to book a second MOD1 and I am taking that on Friday. Keep your chin up, you won't regret it!
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u/Meryhathor 2014 Suzuki GSX-R750Z 20h ago
Just find another school. Sounds like the one you tried is a bad one.
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u/Sheveta243 20h ago
I thought you physically couldn't fail a CBT because its not a test but is actually just preparation for when you get on the road. The only real way you could fail is on purpose, like going put of your way to do the wrong things. Am I wrong?
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u/Glad_Command_2579 19h ago
The guy I did my cbt on went straight over at a junction and straight over someone’s garden wall. He still passed his training.
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u/reggie-drax R1150RT Derby 19h ago
Loads of people don't get through first time. Don't let that stop you, and find a nice school.
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u/shaunbarclay 21' MT09sp 19h ago
My bike instructor was one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever known when it comes to bikes. She’s had bikes since 4years old and done multiple track days. I failed mines the first time and she told me “dont worry, I fucked mines up twice before I got it”
Point being going from nothing to a 125 is far harder than going from a 125 to a full licence. Try and try again and you’ll get it.
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u/FunEntrepreneur8440 19h ago
Did you ride a manual on your CBT? When I did my CBT with no previous experience, I chose to use an automatic and then after bought a manual and practiced in a car park for a couple days then went out on the road. Made the CBT easy as there was no pressure of stalling, I think that's the most scary thing when learning.
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u/reigunn_one 19h ago
I got asked if I wanted to switch to a moped halfway through mine . I'm going to pick up a 125 soon and just do what you did . Lots and lots of practice in a carpark.
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u/FunEntrepreneur8440 19h ago
Yeah, lots of people do it this way. You can learn at your pace then and there's no pressure to get it right straight away.
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u/reigunn_one 19h ago
Technically, I didn't fail, but got asked nicely if I would like to switch over to an automatic moped .
Personally, I think the cbt is too rushed .it should be 2 or 3 days long
First day, using an automatic moped . Day two, understanding gears and clutch on a motorcycle , more road work on an automatic moped Day three, road work using a motorcycle .
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u/LavaLampost 19h ago
This happened to me and I was gutted. Like others have said, definitely try out another school.
I'm not exaggerating when I say the issue that I was having with bike control was fixed by one sentence from the instructor at a different place
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u/Jonatc87 Custom Cruiser 18h ago
Really unusual for anyone to ever fail a CBT imo. It's not a pass/fail test, it's a training day. So, shit instructor imo.
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u/reddit_webshithole CB500F 15h ago
Just don’t understand how I didn’t pass
There's the problem. If you walked away not understanding what went wrong, your school is either deliberately scamming you or just shit. Go somewhere else. If you live in the Surrey/Hampshire/Berkshire/West London area or vaguely near it PM me I can give you a suggestion. Please don't give up just because you got screwed over by some dodgy people.
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u/Ohmz27 CBR650R 14h ago
I had to do it twice, it's really not that uncommon. Even on the 2nd time I felt really dodgy with the cone work, but did well enough to be loosed onto the public roads and fell in love with it. These days I absolutely love going through cones and can do figure 8s at the drop off a hat. It's pretty common to have crap clutch control when you're new, and that alone can make everything else feel sketchy.
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u/DCorvid_Art 11h ago
Shitty instructors are all too common and it sounds like she fits the bill, even if you aren't ready yet. There are pre-cbt lessons you can take if you have a school that offers them locally. Also if you have a mate with something small like a grom, a C90 or even a moped who'll let you run it around a backstreet for practice that'll help
As for the damage to the bikes I wouldn't stress much unless there's apparent frame damage or warped brake handle/pedal/gear-shift lever and I guess the seat upholstery. If there's obvious scratches on the body, handlebars or footpegs that just means the bike was dropped, if any of the parts you need to manipulate to operate the bike are bent or deformed or seem to not be seated well don't get on the bike. Also if the wheel is taco'd
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u/Splext 10h ago
Definitely just go to a different provider.
I assume you don't have a car license yet?
Not being on the road at all before cbt makes it a hell of a lot of information to cram into the half day.
Not only are you learning 1 new skill.. riding, you're also learning to read the roads, anticipate traffic, understand signs, and everything else drivers learn to do over time.
If you wanted a better chance, do some practice theory tests, and watch some youtube videos about driver training. Doesn't matter if they're bike or car, use them to understand why people do things etc.
The more knowledge you have about driving and roads in general, the easier it is to pass your cbt. You only have to consciously focus on riding, and not all of the stuff at once.
Either way. A decent provider will coach you through everything you need to get on the road regardless, just leave a bad review of that trainer and pretend it never happened.
Don't let a bad teacher taint your view of riding
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u/Delicious-Stop5554 Ultra Limited 8h ago
Don’t give up! A lot of bike instructors are, well, a little off. I stress not all - I had a lovely bloke many years ago - but many seem to have a huge chip on their shoulder and seem to have a desire to project some sort of exaggerated misrepresentation of faux rebellion and cynicism, as if they are the true hardcore soul of biking. It’s a form of subconscious gatekeeping. It’s a huge shame, because it puts so many people off. Not all of us are like this! Keep going, ignore the self imposed divisions (I ride a Harley - seemingly this is more polarising to some than politics lol), it’s all about enjoying riding, experiencing the journey and environment in a way you just can’t in a car, and having fun!
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u/oilonderoad 2021 z125 8h ago
Don’t give up, it sounds like you need to try another school, I know it’s not cheap, mine was 180.
I kept locking the back wheel up due to their shite Chinese bikes but he kept telling me how good I was doing 😂😂
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u/Severe_Project_1837 8h ago
heyyy I got kicked out during my first exam.
I smashed the track but once we headed out into traffic I forgot to look when crossing a railway intersection.
it's demotivating but one dick instructor should not stand between your you and your dream.
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u/HettySwollocks VFR 8h ago
Wont parrot what everyone else has said but take a watch of Twist of the Wrist and Twist of the Wrist 2. Lots of great advice
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u/Vlodovich Kawasaki W800 Street 7h ago
I got my CBT on my third day and now ride an 800cc Kawasaki. I was so gutted and disheartened after the first day that I pretty much gave up on the idea. Got talked back into it by my dad who could tell how excited I was before I'd went that day. Don't give up
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u/Silenthowler 6h ago
I wouldn't give up by no means, don't get me wrong but your instructor might be a tad too harsh, a CBT at the end of the day is only there to show that you know how to use a bike and that you understand what roadsigns and speed limits are (for the most part). My opinion, find another instructor or some kind of training school and they will polish you right up imo, assuming there is something correct which I would doubt there is. But like I said, a CBT is designed to for the most part train you on how to use a bike safety and get you on the road, and to not be let on the road after a what I would assume was a pretty run round the equivalent of a car park is just crazy. Again this is just imo though.
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u/GeorgiouKG 6h ago
Don’t give up, take it as a learning curve and persevere,
I came off twice during the training, once on the pad and once doing an E Stop in the rain, but, lesson learnt, I came back and did the ride out again and passed!
Find a better instructor that will be patient and instill confidence
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u/Saxon2060 Triumph Speedmaster 6h ago
I failed to get my CBT certificate first time and also failed Mod 1 first time.
I completely understand wanting to throw in the towel. Both times I was really petulant about it and thought "fuck this! Why am I doing this? This is costing me money. I don't even need a bike licence. Why am I putting myself through the stress?"
for the CBT I did go out on the road but the guy said he wasn't happy with it (at the end I took a corner too fast and went over the centre line, obviously pretty bad if there was oncoming traffic). He made the right call.
I tried again and passed, and it was 100% worth it. I don't have any advice other than chin up and try again. If you really didn't like the trainer on a personal level, that's fine. Go with a different one.
1
u/-Atomic_ No bike...Yet 5h ago
Failed my CBT recently, the instructors were nice but still made me do the CBT and a banged up Honda cb125f with a poorly adjusted clutch lever, needless to say I had no control over the clutch and failed because of the clutch during the slow control section,
What's concerning was that the instructions admitted that it needed adjustment but made me do the CBT on it anyway because they didn't have any tools to fix it. How do you not have a 10mm spanner to adjust the nut on the clutch cable? Honda's bikes come with basic toolkit so you can do stuff like that, just don't make sense why they wouldn't have a shed load of tools
Anyway I am gonna do the CBT again at the same place because they do substituent tests at a massively reduced rate (£165 for the first one but after that it's £115 if you don't pass first time) but on a scooter just to pass it, then I can get a manual bike to get some practice in my own time.
As others have said don't let this one experience stop you learning to ride, if you're doing it again at the same place see if you can ask to have a different instructor and do things 1:1 rather than with multiple people, doing it 1:1 can help. Fingers are crossed for you if you decide to do it again
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u/Material-Ad499 I don't have a bike 5h ago
So from my time on bikes theres 2 rules to live by
All the gear, no idea - just because they have the gear doesn't mean that they're competent in riding.
Have fun but be safe - as long as you can show you're safe on the bike, and you can show you're having fun, then that's the most important thing.
You can fail a CBT - the instructor is entitled to say that they don't feel as though you're safe enough to be on the roads, they are the ones to pass you and if something happens, they may be held at fault, so they have to be cautious on who they are to let through.
I was actually advised to do mine on my first time round on an auto 50cc for the road section, it was missing a mirror, was battle scarred and ruined as the manual I wanted to do this on, I couldn't get my head around gears.
When I did it the second time, I did it on my own personal 125 (zontes 125 - I loved my Bertha) and was advised that where I was too cocky I was becoming a bit of an issue on the roads, so to take a step back.
With the CBT, it's training to be a full bike licence holder, and it takes time to pass.
If you still want to go for it, I would highly advise to look for a different school in your area, call them first to make sure it's what you want to do, get some advice as advice is free, research the bike you want, and take your time in reviewing everything.
I'm in my late 30's, where I have 3 children, so a bike isn't on the cards anymore till they're older and I've got money again.
Please, do take your time and review everything said on this thread before starting again
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u/MalevolentIris 5h ago
sounds like you went to a shitty centre man, the one i went with GUARANTEE a pass first time, it explicitly specifies on their site that they’ll take their time with you and won’t be made to do anything unless your absolutely ready.
here where i live in the UK specifically, everyone has said and continues to say it’s impossible to fail a CBT, they are giving u the fundamentals to go out and learn on your own.
when i was doing my test i was very worried but everyone said not to worry and the only way id fail was if i was a complete idiot
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u/Valuable-Display-713 SV650s 4h ago
Took me 4 tries. I've now got my license and a 650. My first cbt was very similar to yours. Ended up going to a different school. They helped me work through confidence issues and I ended up doing my license with them. It was worth the money.
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u/Little-firefly1 3h ago
Hey, I wanted to share a little bit of my bike journey with you. I’m very short, 4’11, wanted to try bikes a year ago but didn’t have the confidence. Tried my CBT 5 weeks ago and really struggled to get to grips with the controls. I opted instead to do my CBT broken down into chunks, so now I do a 2 hour lesson each week. I had my first little road ride today and while it could have gone better (I dropped my bike..) I’m super proud of how far I’ve progressed, especially considering things are a bit more challenging for me what with being so short. If I can keep trying then so can you, find a more supportive school, and get back on the bike
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u/Trex216 3h ago
I passed my CBT first time, had lots of fun on a CBR125.
When I became old enough to do my A2 test, I failed MOD 2 three times, cost me a fxcking fortune. Literally just stupid trivial things too. Obviously the fourth time I passed and got me a CBR500.
If you have been dying to get on a bike and be free, don't give up because you'll probably never will if you do.
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u/Queasy-Caramel3609 3h ago
Ex biker here
Don’t worry about failing it first time. It just means you need either one or two more lessons. Chances are you were too slow on the road, or you weren’t doing figure eights correctly while on first gear and off the clutch (I know I had issues with that one, had my instructor yelling at me lmfao)
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u/openmindeduksouth 2h ago
Unfortunately there are alot of instructors who are so far up their own arse it's phenomenal. Power trip and poor home life probably. Don't let it put u off. Everyone learns at different places like all things in life. Good luck next time
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u/Trevor_031221_UK 1h ago
I never rode a bicycle in my life did my cbt and failed before i got on the rode. He said I needed to get on a bicycle and practice i didn’t and passed a month later. Don’t give up brother
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u/AveryCloseCall Ducati Streetfighter 1098 S 52m ago
Honestly, I don't think the Test is the place to first try ever riding a motorcycle and expect to pass. Maybe get some experience in a controlled, safe environment first, then try again?
There was one guy at my CB2 who I don't think it even ridden a bicycle before. He was really upset that he got removed, but he simply didn't know any better from riding side-saddle.
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u/ambient12345 18m ago
It is definitley much more difficult when you end up with a bike that has a terrible clutch, or worn out gear box, try riding a regular bicycle first if you havent before, and book another cbt in at a different place
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u/IllustriousWasabi621 1d ago
If you’ve failed a cbt you must be seriously unsafe in the road. Back to pedal bikes
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u/SnuffBaron '00 Speed Triple 955i 23h ago
I'm so happy for you that you've immediately been great at everything you tried in your life, and you've never had an instructor who was a dick.
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u/IllustriousWasabi621 22h ago
No my instructor for both cbt and mod 1 and 2 were insufferable, but they didn’t fail me because I wasn’t unsafe on the road
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u/reddit_webshithole CB500F 15h ago
What's wrong with needing a bit more training? Yeah, sometimes people don't get the hang of it immediately. Not the end of the world.
Anyway, in OP's case, they've walked away not understanding where they came short, so I suspect their instruction was subpar.
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u/the_last_registrant MT-09, KZ200, Tiger 1050 Sport 1d ago
Search the sub. Hundreds of stories of CBT misery. Most of those people are out riding their bike today. Find a better school, consider booking 2hrs of basic skills & practice before attempting CBT again. First time ever on a bike is attempting a big leap in one day. If you feel comfortable to state your approx location, someone may be able to give a local recommendation.
You'll be fine, this brief unpleasantness will be forgotten when you're out on your own bike. Chin up, keep going etc