Going for a CBT

Diddums

Diddums

Diddums

Caporegime
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Godalming
I used to ride mopeds all the time in Holland and had a licence for them (the equivalent of a CBT over here, except they only go up to 50cc) and when I did my test, it was theory only.

Now I'm itching to ride again and with summer around the corner, I'm wanting to get a little bike or scooter to zip around London on, and hopefully one for my wife too.

Thing is, I'm in a different country and a decade and a half from last time I was involved in this, so what should I expect?

And more importantly, my wife has pretty much zero experience riding a bike and won't even know how to change gears. Is there a class for people who are completely new? I don't mind paying a bit extra for a class which caters for the completely inexperienced, the last thing I want is an instructor who gets impatient with her.

Any suggestions?
 
scooters are automatic

you wanna ride in the uk? if you hold a valid uk car licence you can ride a scooter upto 50cc

otherwise you'd need to take another bike theory and do a cbt,cbt will cover/learn you how to change gear on a geared machine and using the clutch ect
 
my wife was also a complete novice having never used a bike prior to going for her cbt
the instructer was great and gave her all the time needed to eusre that she was comfortable with the machine before they even thought about taking her on a public road
i'm sure they won't rush her through it
 
Do you both drive (manual) cars? If so, gears won't be an issue.

Forget about the theory test for now, just wait for some decent weather and get 2x CBT slots booked, you'll probably get to share an instructor. CBT is the day long course aimed at complete beginners.
 
As others have said the whole point of the CBT is to cater to a complete novice, book a geared CBT course and away you go by the end of the day you'll legally be allowed to tear round the streets on your 125.
There's also no need for a theory test.
 
CBT Should get her up to standard. If not, I finished my CBt on a scooter (geared bike broke down) went home, got on my CBR125 and was hooning up and down using gears fine within 10 minutes :)
 
I just did my Geared conversion yesterday which is essentially doing the CBT again but this time on a geared bike, it's surprisingly easy don't know why I was so apprehensive about doing it last time. Worst case scenario you have to go back and do it again. Everyone on the course was Ok with the gears after a couple of hours although they were much more cautious with speed than I was but I have a few months on the roads that they don't.
 
Lovely, thanks all. I've let her have a read of this thread and she seems to be a bit more convinced that she's not going to spontaneously combust into a ball of fire and brimstone :)
 
CBT will refresh your memory and pick up on any particularly bad habits, as well as bring her up to speed. Definitely worthwhile.

Also, while certain people can ride 50cc 'Peds on a car licence, I believe that was only if you got your car licence before 2001 and may only apply to domestic licences. If you got your licence outside the UK, or did not convert it until after 2001, you still have to take CBT.
 
Whatever you do don't skimp on cost. I did my CBT with Liberty MCT in London and there was a very good reason that they were cheap! Would not recommend.
 
Stovepipes said:
I just did my Geared conversion yesterday which is essentially doing the CBT again but this time on a geared bike, it's surprisingly easy don't know why I was so apprehensive about doing it last time. Worst case scenario you have to go back and do it again. Everyone on the course was Ok with the gears after a couple of hours although they were much more cautious with speed than I was but I have a few months on the roads that they don't.
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Out of interest, did you choose to do this gear conversion for confidence or were you told you had to do it?

The CBT does not distinguish between manual or auto, you can take the CBT on a twist and go moped and ride a geared bike. Some schools say otherwise to make a few quick quid.
 
gcaster said:
Whatever you do don't skimp on cost. I did my CBT with Liberty MCT in London and there was a very good reason that they were cheap! Would not recommend.
Click to expand...

This is one concern I have too. As mentioned I have no issues spending a bit more for a quality instructor and a decent day, so to speak. What I don't want is someone who just rushes us through to get the job done.

If anyone can recommend a place in or around London, I'm all ears :)
 
Scythe said:
Out of interest, did you choose to do this gear conversion for confidence or were you told you had to do it?

The CBT does not distinguish between manual or auto, you can take the CBT on a twist and go moped and ride a geared bike. Some schools say otherwise to make a few quick quid.
Click to expand...

Yeah they told me I could go out and buy a geared bike but for me that would have been an insane thing for me to do. I originally did the CBT on a scooter as I hadn't ridden a bicycle in over a decade & didn't think I could handle doing that while also learning to change gears.
 
wazza300 said:
you wanna ride in the uk? if you hold a valid uk car licence you can ride a scooter upto 50cc

otherwise you'd need to take another bike theory and do a cbt,cbt will cover/learn you how to change gear on a geared machine and using the clutch ect
Click to expand...

Not Strictly true.....

https://www.gov.uk/rules-motorcyclists-83-to-88/motorcycle-licence-requirements

"If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you are qualified to ride a moped without L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), although it is recommended that you complete CBT before riding on the road. If you passed your car driving test after this date you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road."
 
Diddums said:
This is one concern I have too. As mentioned I have no issues spending a bit more for a quality instructor and a decent day, so to speak. What I don't want is someone who just rushes us through to get the job done.

If anyone can recommend a place in or around London, I'm all ears :)
Click to expand...

I did my DAS with 1on1 Rider Training up in Bedford who were very good although it might be too far for you? I've also heard good things about Metropolis but they are quite pricey.
 
isn't a 50cc a moped? they change the law everyday by the looks of it so im out of touch since I did mine

pretty sure you need to do a cbt again aswell? EDIT (depends on passing after/before 2001 then)
 
Yer CBT only lasts 2 years and then you have to retake or do full test.

Mine expires in June so I'm doing my full test next month I think. Just booking theory soon.
 
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