How do I get my motorcycle CBT, how much does it cost and how long does it take?
For anyone with at least a provisional licence, riding a motorbike can be far easier than you might think - Sun Online took a CBT and learned to ride in just one day
EVER watched a motorcyclist cruise down the road on a summer's day and wondered what it felt like?
For many of us regular car drivers, riding a motorbike or moped just seems like yet another set of skills - and another load of tests - to master.
But it's actually easier than you might think to get yourself road legal on two wheels.
Anyone over the age of 16 with at least a provisional licence can take a simple (CBT) course to get themselves prepped for the road in just one day.
Having never ridden a motorbike in my life, I decided to roll the dice and take a CBT to see if I could handle driving on two wheels.
Turning up at in St Albans, I was not-so-pleasantly surprised to discover I was the only rider in my course that was actually a total motorbike newbie - but I was quickly assured that the day is geared for bike freshers like myself.
Before being handed a key, my instructors gave me a proper run-down on how to be safe out on the road, including everything from the Highway Code to the crucial "life saver" look and what I needed to wear.
When it comes to the law, riders are only actually required to wear a helmet - which means you could legally wear shorts and a T-shirt on your bike if you felt crazy enough to do so.
But for anyone that doesn't like the sound of sliding along the road on nothing but your exposed skin, you are probably best to get yourself some proper riding clothes.
Once it was time to head out to the training arena, the nerves started to set in.
Getting yourself insured to ride your first bike
For a learner rider, it can be difficult to find yourself the right insurance deal when it comes time to buy a bike.
Rebecca Donohue, Head of Marketing at , describes some key elements for a new rider looking to get the best and most affordable insurance deal:
“A first insurance policy for any learner will most likely be more expensive because experience is obviously a big influence on the cost of cover – however obviously the size of bike makes a huge difference also.
"New riders can combat higher premiums by expanding on their CBT with some further advanced training.
"They can also look to build up experience as a named rider on a more experienced rider's policy rather than taking out their own insurance.
“When deciding on the right bike, learner riders should choose a less sporty model.
“Another straightforward and sensible measure is to invest in bike security.
"A secure parking space, with added use of a bike cover, trusted lock, an accredited alarm, forensic protection system such as Carole Nash DNA+, immobiliser or ground anchor will all help to trim down the cost.”
Images of Jay from The Inbetweeners crashing Neil's bike through a door came to mind, but I could only hope my first take off would be a little more graceful.
Fortunately, despite my initial concerns, I was surprised at how easy it was to get a grasp of controlling the bike.
I was taken through the controls: steering, clutch, throttle, and most importantly, the brakes. Then I actually got to try my luck.
After a few stalls and some jolty takeoffs, I got used to riding around in first gear for about an hour, managing turns and working out how to stop.
Then before I knew it, I was carving around the practice course just like Casey Stoner.
Because I imagine at some point in his career, Casey Stoner rode a Yamaha 125cc at about 15mph around a basketball court turned learner rider course...
The on-site practical was perfect just to get my eye in and learn how it all works.
Then it was time for the big test. My short motorcycling career's Super Bowl. It was time to get on the road.
Partnered up with instructor Dane, I wasn't sure what to expect.
I pulled up to the main road, let out the clutch slightly, gave it some throttle, and to my surprise, I didn't stall.
Once you're out on the road, riding is much the same as driving for anyone with a car licence - you just need to remember that you are far less visible to others.
Get on the road with these essential motorcycle items
Halfords offers a great range of products to get you kitted out for your first ride. These are some items you might want to buy:
- Full face helmet -
- All seasons waterproof gloves -
- Jacket -
- Trousers -
- Bike lock -
It didn't take long to feel comfortable out on the road, and being connected via radio with the instructor really makes you feel more confident.
After two hours of riding with Dane, I was pretty confident that I would be able to handle it on my own.
Having gone from a total novice to a confident learner in one full day, it was an amazing feeling being able drive on the road from a whole new perspective - and just in time for summer too.
More motorbike news
Every CBT course involves a theory element on bike gear and road safety, an on-site practical to make sure you know how to operate your bike or moped, and a two-hour block of real-life riding.
The average training day costs about £120, which includes bike and helmet hire.
Once you have successfully completed a CBT, you can ride a motorbike up to 125cc if you are over 17, or a moped if you are over 16, on the road with L plates for up to two years before taking your motorbike licence test.