Finally taking the plunge - any advice?

[Tammer]

Hi guys,

After months/years of thinking about it, I've finally put aside the cash and am looking to do the full whack (Theory/CBT/Direct Access) in the next month or two.

Just wondering if any-one has any advice on the Theory test - i.e. what are the best books/cd's etc to read up on before it.

As for the CBT/DA - I'm currently based near Heathrow - so looking to do it at any reputable place within a reasonable travelling distance. Does anyone know of any good schools around this area. I know some offer 'guaranteed pass' schemes, where you only pay for bike hire if you fail - is this worth it, or a gimmick?

Any other help or advice much appreciated,

Cheers!

[tombott]

When I did my CBT years ago it really was a piece of piss.
The whole thing took about 5 hours IIRC, and that included teaching some people how to actually ride a bike!

Ok there was no Theory then, but if it is anything like the Car theory which I took 2 years ago then for a man of your intelligence it should be easy mate.

You will go on my first whistle

[Mrgump]

Hi, did mine last year after many years of putting it off (fear of failing )
CBT is no problem, takes all day now but nobody realy fails it aslong as you listen.
as for the theory i purchaced the DSA hazard perception DVD and the book with all the questions and answers and the highway code. the questions are mostly simple and just common sence(but my mate did fail on them, did not study) the hazard perception is a bit hit and miss i think, but again as long as your prepaired you should be fine.
i think its all changing this year so there may well be new dvd's and books out there but have a google search for DSA and you will find what you need.
Good luck mate hope all goes well

[Tammer]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Have moved things forward a little. Doing my CBT tomorow in Wimbledon, and have booked theory for Mid-April. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Here's hoping the weather stays ok!

[tiggerbiker]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Have moved things forward a little. Doing my CBT tomorow in Wimbledon, and have booked theory for Mid-April. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Here's hoping the weather stays ok!

i assume that would be elite motorcycle training...............

anyway, the practical test is changing on september 29th 2008 - not for the better either

[mozzi]

good luck fella but cbt is nowt to worry about u cant fail it all they will do is ask u to come bk for a hour or 2 the next day so it doesnt piss u off and u get sick but its a peace of piss so is the da and i hadnt been on a bike for 10 years and that was on a field

its well worth it thou i just wish the weather was better so i cud get out more hopefully moving aboard soon so ill be out as often as i can

[Tammer]

i assume that would be elite motorcycle training...............

anyway, the practical test is changing on september 29th 2008 - not for the better either

It was actually Advantage Wimbledon. I did check out Elite, but opted for Adv because they could fit me in sooner. But as I've not yet booked up for the Direct Access I'm open to any reviews of either you have mate?

CBT was fun - if anything its pushed me to get the full license quicker than before. It was pissing down for nearly the whole day, but the sun came out for the last hour and I got a great road ride done.

Have bought the theory test dvd-rom, so will be giving that a good going over in the next few weeks - don't fancy failing for something stupid like not reading the material.

[Argyll]

Tammer when I was lived in London I completed my CBT at Crystal Palace, right next to the athletic track. The instructor seemed a bit odd and I would have put him down as a nonce but he was spot on as an instructor and really knew his stuff.

I don't know if it's too far away from you or not.

[Tammer]

Thought I'd update you guys on the progress.

Theory test passed this morning. 98% for the multiple choice, and just below 80% for the hazard awareness part. Pretty chuffed, as I didn't end up revising until yesterday.

Next step - looking to book the 4 day Direct Access course this afternoon, for ASAP - probably end of the month if they can fit me in!

[RSV]

Good on you mate, nice to see another biker emerging, thing is i thought the 4 day direct access course includes your cbt on the 1st day

[4me2]

Thought I'd update you guys on the progress.

Theory test passed this morning. 98% for the multiple choice, and just below 80% for the hazard awareness part. Pretty chuffed, as I didn't end up revising until yesterday.

Next step - looking to book the 4 day Direct Access course this afternoon, for ASAP - probably end of the month if they can fit me in!

get it done mate.

[tiggerbiker]

my student passed today with no minors and picked up his brand spanking new 2008 R1 2 hours later

i wouldnt advise anyone buying an R1 as a first bike but he has booked up an advanced riding course with me this weekend on it!!

[Tammer]

Thats the 4 day course booked. Starting 25th May, Test on Wed 28th May!

Can't wait!

[Realist]

You know what, I've never been a bike fancier but thats one licence I've always wanted, got the car and HGV but never a bike.

Oneday.

Owe, congrats M8 and best wishes on the CBT.

Regards

[matt1chelski]

same as, got my car test at 17, pcv at 18, want my bike test for 19, just need to save some cash.

[urbsy]

I failed my bike test twice till I passed after riding motorbikes since I could stand lol. I loved every minute of the training and it made me a far more alert car driver no end.

Good luck tammer, you will learn a shitload of things you thought you knew but these will become second nature rather then a chore and you will do these actions without even thinking.
For example, before your cbt how many times did you actually check the left hand door mirror of your car before turning left?

I rest my case

[FireBlade]

If i were you if you fail rent the bike and driv eit for a few weeks get used to the road and the bike. Practice U turns as thats what a lot of people fail on first bike advice get something cheap and disposible so your not upset when you fall off Id say something like a Suzuki Bandit or a 250-500cc moto cross or super moto bike

[4me2]

If i were you if you fail rent the bike and driv eit for a few weeks get used to the road and the bike. Practice U turns as thats what a lot of people fail on first bike advice get something cheap and disposible so your not upset when you fall off Id say something like a Suzuki Bandit or a 250-500cc moto cross or super moto bike

Yep U turns are a bugger .

Also with 3 or 4 days riding training you'll come home a night shattered as its exhausting moreso if its hot weather.

You might even shed the odd pound.

[Tammer]

Update:

Had the 3 days training and my test this afternoon. Didn't pass this time, unfortunately - but it was only due to one thing - during the U-Turn I didn't spot a car coming when doing lifesaver check (150 yards or so away). I got 0 minors and the examiner said I gave an excellent performance.

I've booked in again (did it as soon as I got back to the office) but its 5 weeks waiting time now, due to the amount of people wanting to get it done before the rules change.

As for the training itself - it was amazing. Most fun i've had all year - I'm definitely going to be getting a bike ASAP.

[RSV]

Unlucky on the test mate, but keep your chin up and good luck on your re-test, i was going to post a pic of my bike earlier today but cant find where to do it