book a CBT test with All Bikes Motorcycle Training Ltd in Colchester

About All Bikes Motorcycle Training Ltd

We offer bike/motorcycle training for new and experienced riders, in Colchester, Clacton, Harwich, North Essex and South Suffolk. We are based just off the A12 & A134 at North Colchester.

This is a family run motorcycle training business, run by Steve and Louise Cook, the biking tradition carries on in the family, with both children holding full motorcycle licenses (taught by Steve). We wont give you the hard sell for bikes, clothing and helmets or push motorcycle mechanic services on you, we just deliver high quality training tailored to your needs with a smile.

Steve has been riding since he was 16 years old, with his first two wheels, a Honda SS 50, progressing to a GT 185 which was the love of his life. The biking passion has continued, whether on the road or off road. Hes been a instructor since 2009, deciding from day one that this was the job he loved doing. Hes also a member of several vintage trials bike clubs and can often be seen going ploughing up muddy fields in the interests of sport!

He has a lot of experience at both CBT and DAS level, has a fantastic pass rate, with 50% of the training package taking place in Ipswich close to the test center, enabling students to feel familiar and confident with potential test routes.

Our 50cc mopeds and 125 bikes are brand new and one of our direct access bikes has been specially modified to make it suitable for ladies, shorter people and those who feel confident when they can place both feet on the floor. It is light, manoeuvrable and easy to control for both mod 1 & 2 training.

Our aim is to support and train you to our high standards, come and train with us, you will enjoy learning new skills to help you on the road. We want you to discover your inner biker with a smile, we promise to put the fun into your biking.

Our clothing is new and maintained to high hygiene standards.

If I book a CBT test in Colchester 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 Colchester

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 Colchester

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