book a CBT test with ATB Rider Training in Sheffield

About ATB Rider Training

ATB Rider Training is a wholly family owned motorcycle training school with good old fashioned family values.

Three generations of the Bickerstaff family, along with a fantastic team of experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors ensure that our training school can cater for anyone. We welcome all ages, genders and motorcyclists with any level of experience to our friendly, relaxed environment. We pride ourselves on not only teaching pupils to achieve the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) National Standard for motorcycling, but to a level far beyond that. Exceeding the normal levels of training and service you would expect from a motorcycle training school.

Whether you are looking to ride for pleasure or to commute we can offer a course to suit your needs, from Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), to a full license through the Direct Access Scheme (DAS). We have bikes and scooters that cover the full range of training needs including 50cc scooters, 125 cc motorcycles up to 650cc machines, all maintained to the highest standards.

For more experienced riders we offer courses that include the highly regarded Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) in conjunction with the Derbyshire Road Safety Team and Advanced Training, as well as Back to Biking for those who have taken a bit of time out of the saddle.

We can build a course to suit your specific requirements, so whether you are in Sheffield, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Barnsley or coming back to the area on leave from the Forces we will deliver a tailored service with quality second to none.

Over the years we have created an extended family of ex-pupils who constantly drop in for tea, coffee and a chat, we organise charity events and ride outs to which everyone is welcome!

We are the most recommended training school in South Yorkshire, our post course evaluation proves that 100% of our customers would recommend us to friends or family, and we firmly believe that we have have built a reputation as Training School to Get Results we do not pick and choose pupils; we believe that as professionals we can teach anybody to ride all you have to remember is:

Every goal that has ever been reached began with just one step and the belief that it could be attained. When the road becomes hard to travel and it feels as if youll never reach the end. Look deep inside your heart and you will find the strength you never knew you had.

Believe in yourself and remember all at ATB Rider Training do too!

If I book a CBT test in Sheffield 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 Sheffield

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 Sheffield

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