book a CBT test with Apex Training Services in Peterborough

Unit 3 Oxney Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 5YW

admin@apextrainingcentres.co.uk

01733 567 478

https://www.apextrainingcentres.co.uk/motorcycle-training

Helmet hire included

About Apex Training Services

Here at Apex Training Services in Peterborough, we can offer you our motorcycle training courses, which start from just £90. We understand that everyone learns at their own pace, which is why all our instructors are both experienced and patient.

At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for;

Category A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motorcycle licence. To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must successfully complete a CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a machine over 75cc but not more than 125cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle upto 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (15bhp) without L plates, carry pillion passengers also use motorways.

Category A licence you must successfully complete a CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than a 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. A full standard category A licence permits you to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without L plates, carry pillion passengers also use motorways.

You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 33bhp for two years. After this period then you may ride any size motorcycle.

Accelerated Access

Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW. They may practice on bikes over 25 kW under the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status while practicing (on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.

Direct Access

If you are aged 21 or over you can opt to train and take your test on a larger motorcycle. This is called the Direct Access Scheme (DAS). This training is usually done on one of our 500cc plus motorcycles.

There are several advantages with DAS (Direct Access Scheme) training. First off you learn on a larger more powerful machine, similar to the ones many people will buy on passing their test. Once you have passed the test, you can ride any motorcycle you wish with no restrictions on power output or engine size. While we would definitely not recommend buying a super bike as a first big bike the Direct Access Scheme does allow a much greater choice of machines and this can be useful if commuting, riding with a pillion passenger or touring by motorcycle is planned.

If I book a CBT test in Peterborough 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 Peterborough

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 Peterborough

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 Peterborough, you will be required to re-sit your CBT test after two years.