Raccoon Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 I believe I'm posting this in the correct place, if not I apologise in advance. I've been learning the process of getting a motorcycle license and find that CBT and the way it works to be quite confusing, something about it doesnt sit right with me. The idea that I can safely ride by myself after reading the highway code and doing 6-8 hours of basic training with only 2 hours of that being on road practice fills me with anxiety. A bit of background, I've never driven a car or rode a motorbike and roads intimidate me greatly, I'm a slow learner and quite honestly think I must have some form of learning difficulty. My reason for this post is I would like some opinions on how I'd like to go about eventually taking my CBT and whether or not it seems like a good route to take. Since I don't feel I'd be able to confidently ride by myself or understand how roads work with such little training I'm thinking about getting actual driving lessons beforehand simply so I can get sufficient practice on the roads and so I can go into the CBT as a confident road user. Maybe it's dumb since I'm learning to drive a car and I have no interest in getting a car, but the time on the road and the hours of hands on practice with an instructor seems beneficial. Has anyone heard of someone who has done this before ? Am I being stupid ? Or does this seem logical perhaps in some weird way ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shepherd Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 (edited) If you haven't ridden a bicycle on the roads, that's your best bet to start with. Everything is then that much slower, but the rules are the same* Most drivers are more scared of upsetting pedal pushing pillocks** than injuring a biker, and will give you a wide berth and room to manoeuvre. Balance and coordination is pretty much the same. Good luck Shep * except red lights of course. And pedestrians crossings... ** personal opinion only Edited June 19 by Shepherd Disclaimer added to wind up mamils 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairsy Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 I'd second the idea of getting comfortable on a push bike - even only on minor roads. However, if you're apprehensive and would benefit from having someone sitting next to you and coaching you then I think your idea of some driving lessons is a good one. It will help you build your confidence and it will give you some insight into what it's like for car drivers. Either way, it sounds as though you're thinking things through AND happy to acknowledge the need to develop at your own pace. This is (a) rare and (b) great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Firstly, don't beat yourself up! Everyone learns differently, and at their own pace. Bicycle seems like a good suggestion, and you can also do taster days with some bike schools, you don't HAVE to go straight to CBT. Also, there's no problem with learning to drive first. Have fun with it, and don't stress 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Westerly Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Get familiar with roads and traffic by riding a pedal bike. No stress. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raccoon Posted June 19 Author Share Posted June 19 6 hours ago, Hairsy said: I'd second the idea of getting comfortable on a push bike - even only on minor roads. However, if you're apprehensive and would benefit from having someone sitting next to you and coaching you then I think your idea of some driving lessons is a good one. It will help you build your confidence and it will give you some insight into what it's like for car drivers. Either way, it sounds as though you're thinking things through AND happy to acknowledge the need to develop at your own pace. This is (a) rare and (b) great. Thanks for the insight, I just needed that bit of reassurance that my progression path of choice wasn't completely pointless, appreciate ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungleaio Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 You could also get extra lessons from the riding school to get a CBT plus type experience or just go the whole hog and do the direct access training for the A/A1//A2 license depending on your age Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstronautNinja Posted August 3 Share Posted August 3 Is there a reason you want to ride so much despite the fear? A cbt should, for most be sufficient to get out and about at a steady pace to build familiarity and confidence. I'd suggest going to a cbt, having a ride round a car park etc and doing the road section whilst under supervision to assess if this fear is 1. Valid and 2. Worth sticking out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndigoJo Posted August 28 Share Posted August 28 On 19/06/2024 at 13:08, S-Westerly said: Get familiar with roads and traffic by riding a pedal bike. No stress. Definitely practice riding a pushbike. CBT operators often will not let you take the course unless you are confident riding a bike. It's in the terms and conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstronautNinja Posted August 28 Share Posted August 28 53 minutes ago, IndigoJo said: Definitely practice riding a pushbike. CBT operators often will not let you take the course unless you are confident riding a bike. It's in the terms and conditions. And rightly so. If you can't control a push iron you shouldn't be on any motorbike imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.