book a CBT test with Go Bike Motorcycle Training in Bideford

Wrinkleberry Lane, Clovelly parish Hall, Higher Clovelly, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5SU
Bike hire included

About Go Bike Motorcycle Training

Go Bike CBT & Motorbike Training School for your CBT Course Compulsory Basic Training in the South West since 2015.

The CBT Course is a programme of instruction, safe practice and assessment for new riders wanting to ride a scooter or geared motorcycle.
It is the first step to two wheels and must, by law, be taken by any new rider before they ride on the road using L plates.

You have to be at least 16 years old to ride a 49 cc machine and 17 years old to ride a 125 cc scooter/motorcycle.
Don't worry if you have never ridden before as the CBT course is aimed at complete novices with no experience at all.

Usually a CBT course will be completed in a day, however the pace is set by the ability of the student so it could take less time, on the other hand it could take more the focus on the course is to get you on the road safely, confidently and knowledgeably.
If you are not used to it, and have never ridden sometimes the CBT course can be intensive and tiring.
Some riders feel that this one day CBT course is too short a course with not enough riding on the roads with an Instructor.

We will take you through all elements of the course at your own pace, there is no time limit and no test at the end of the course!
However naturally there will need to be a cut off point during the day where your Instructor may invite you back again on a different day to complete your course
(this is not FREE and does carry a charge so please ask for details)

What you need!

You will need your photo-card driving licence, the card with your picture on.
If you still have the old style licence, then please bring along your passport as well.
Wear suitable clothing (we can provide Jackets(some sizes), Gloves and Waterproofs), bring a packed lunch and you will need a basic understanding of the Highway Code and road signs.

If I book a CBT test in Bideford what would I be doing?

A CBT test consists of 5 elements labelled A to E. You will do these 5 elements in order throughout the day.

The DVSA have produced an excellent short video showing you the elements of a CBT. Here is the video and below it is the description of each of the elements.

Element A comprises of talk about clothing, safety helmet and equipment. This is also when your licence and eyesight will be checked and the aims of the course outlined. Make sure to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them as you will need to read a registration plate at a distance of 20 metres. You will also learn:

  • Understanding the legal requirement to riding
  • Reinforcing your understanding of the Highway Code to a good level
  • Objectives of completing the CBT test
  • Understanding the importance of using good motorcycle equipment and clothing
book a CBT test in Bideford

Element B introduces you to the machine and its controls and includes:

  • Using the motorcycle stands to safely park your bike
  • Familiarity with the different motorcycle or scooter controls
  • Wheel the bike round to the left and right
  • Starting and stopping the engine
  • Carrying out basic maintenance checks

Element C is the main part of the course and takes place on an approved training site (CBT pad). This is when you will learn to:

  • Pull away, stop, start and change gears (where applicable)
  • Ride in a straight line
  • Ride in a slow and controlled manner
  • Change gears
  • Use both brakes
  • Ride a figure of eight
  • Carry out left, right and U-turns
  • Carry out emergency braking
  • Ride round bends safely
  • Carry out rear observation
book a CBT test in Bideford

Element D is a return to the class room prior to going out on the road. You will get a full briefing explaining:

  • The use of speed, road positioning, safe driving distances
  • The importance of the Highway Code
  • Your visibility on the road
  • Using rear observation
  • Riding at the correct speeds, road positioning and distance between other vehicles according to traffic and road conditions.
  • Learning to anticipate danger and riding defensively
  • Care will also be given in explaining about the radios and how not to get lost on the road

Element E is where you put all the above into practise by riding on the road. You will go out on the road with an instructor two at a time with a radio link. You must do at least two hours of road tuition, which must include doing a U-turn and emergency stop. At the outset the instructor will give plenty of guidance and help, but towards the end of the time on the road the instructor will be looking to see if you can get safely from one place to another without hurting yourself or anybody else.


How long does a CBT Test Take?

A CBT test can normally be completed in a day, but may take longer if you need more time to master the control of the motorcycle or moped. Knowing how to ride a bicycle will really help, so if you have not ridden one for a while it's a good thing to do before you take your CBT.

If you do not complete your CBT to the instructors satisfaction then you will be asked to come back on another day for additional training. If this happens do not be alarmed or upset, some people take longer to master control of a two wheeled vehicle than others, but we all get there in the end. The most important thing to remember is its for your safety. Your instructor will be thinking of your safety if they ask you to come back for additional training.

Is CBT a test or an evaluation?

Contrary to popular belief, a CBT is more of an evaluation than a test; your instructor will, throughout the day, observe your abilities and, if you complete the day to the required competency, you shall be awarded a pass certificate (professionally known as a DL196). A CBT certificate is valid for two years and once you have completed your full motorcycle examination, you will no longer have to renew your CBT. However, if you do not carry on your training in Bideford, you will be required to re-sit your CBT test after two years.