| northwind |
09-12-04 12:58 AM |
I read a thing in the press a while back saying that larger training centres would be needed for CBTs in future, but nothing suggesting that the whole thing would be done off road... I think that's just hyperbole really.
Still, I'd say there's bound to be some changes, the system at the moment is a bit of a lash-up at best. I rode for 9 months on CBT and I don't think it's adequte for serious, regular road use- to allow it for 2 years, with resitting the only requirement at the end, just doesn't make sense to me. It's intended as a route into obtaining a full license, so why give it such a huge timescale? 6 months should be enough to get you up to a standard where you can pass the 125cc test, surely?
Then you have DAS... Pass your test on a GS500 and then go and buy a 499bhp turbo hayabusa, you'll be fine. Maybe more categories are needed, or compulsory training before you get on a higher output bike...
The general perception, or at least the impression I got talking to instructors and candidates, is that there's only 2 levels of qualification that riders want, DAS or CBT. The other test categories seem to be only for those who can't do DAS, or who lack the confidence or skill to do DAS. I'm not saying this is a hard-and-fast rule, but it's certainyl common, in my experience it's the majority. And that's a bit mad. DAS is the accelerated scheme, but now it's become the norm it seems.
The way a lot of people use the system, it works very well- I think I'm a reasonably good example, did CBT, spent 9 months on my orrible Yam then did DAS, before getting on a powerful but not ludicrous machine. But that's certainly not the way everyone's doing it.
One of my customers just did his DAS and now he's on a new Blade 2 days later. He's a good guy, and not a reckless kid, but I fear for him on that thing. There's plenty of experienced riders that'd find that bike too much.
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