Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I done my CBT yesterday, and before i go on the next part of training for the full bike test i have some very basic questions on riding that i was not told about during the CBT.
On Sunday the 8th Feb, i will be going on what the learning centre call a 'day ride' which is a day when the intructor takes a group of people out on the bikes for the whole day to get used to the handling of the bikes, and my CBT instructor advised me to go on this day before starting the actual training for the licence because i know i would benefit from the practice.

1. How do you filter?
2. How do you overtake safely?
3. When do you indicate at roundabouts?
4. Is the speed limit 40mph on all A roads? (the A1306 in particular)

And just an opinion based question - After how long riding a bike did you become confident, and not brick it every time you go out? (i was very nervous going out on the road for the first time).

I havn't done my theory yet and i plan to buy the relevant books soon, and do the test before my training.

Thanks for any help you have, and please dont slate me for not knowing these things! ;)

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

184-190: Roundabouts

184


On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should

• use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages
• decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
• give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186). Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users
• get into the correct lane
• adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
• be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you

185


When reaching the roundabout you should

• give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
• check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
• watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all
• look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_070540.jpg
186

Signals and position.

When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
• keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave

When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
• keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout
• you should not normally need to signal on approach
• stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want

When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.
187


In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to

• pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads
• traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit
• traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly
• motorcyclists
• cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout. Allow them to do so
• long vehicles (including those towing trailers). These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals

188

Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.

[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10(1) & 16(1)]
189

At double mini-roundabouts treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.
190

Multiple roundabouts. At some complex junctions, there may be a series of mini-roundabouts at each intersection. Treat each mini-roundabout separately and follow the normal rules.


http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_070541.jpg

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

1. You will be taught this when you go out with your instructor, and it's easier to explain in person or demonstrate than talk through online. Don't worry about it yet.
2. Same as 1.
3. Same as 1.
4. No. It is 60, unless indicated otherwise. I can't comment on a specific road that I don't know.

Given that you don't appear to know a great deal about road rules, buy a copy of the Highway Code and start learning; you will need to know this anyway before you take your test. It might help put your mind at rest a bit too. Also make sure you ask your instructor anything you want to know before you go out for the first time, otherwise you will be too busy worrying about all your questions to concentrate on your riding.

As for being nervous, it happens to us all. You will soon get to enjoy it and the nerves will soon go.

Good luck with it all. :)

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Im sure people will be along here shortly to answer your questions but you will learn the answers to these questions when you start the next part of training.
IMO the CBT is a very basic skills test however it doesn't teach you everything you need to know.

I was nervous going out on the road the first time. There was too much to think about (i hadn't ridden a bike before) next lesson when you go straight out you will start to build up your confidence.

You really should start learning the highway code (IMO before you even drive on the road) not knowing what road signs mean will put you in danger.
A roads don't have a standard speed limit. They change according to conditions. If the sign says 30 its 30, 40 its 40, 50 its 50, and the white circle with a black line through it means its 60 unless its a dual carriageway which then it becomes 70.

Good luck for the rest of your training and buy a copy of the highway code before venturingout on the road.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Best of luck! :)

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Thanks for both replies.

The instructor did prompt me when to indicate, but it twas hard to take everything in at once, what with the gear changes and turning indicators off and on. Those diagrams clear it up nicely.

As for the highway code, my instructor also reccommended that i get a copy because i apparantly have "the road sense of a hedgehog". A little unfair since everyone else doing the CBT had car licences! :D

Is the highway code alone enough to pass the theory test, or do i need a specific theory book on top? (excluding hazard perception of course).

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Here is why the CBT is a joke.

Can we assume you've not had to read the Highway Code? The fact that your training centre gave you a certificate of completion without such basic knowledge as what speed limits are enforced is unbelievable.

When I did my CBT (and I've done it twice at various times) questions like this were being asked at intervals during the day to ensure we were at least vaguely safe on the roads.

I'd be looking for somewhere else to train, personally.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

WRT filtering and overtaking, you shouldn't really be doing much if any of that just yet, as it involves making yourself more vunerable at a stage where you are still only getting used to the bike. I'm guessing by your question about round abouts that you are not a car driver - so really you will need to put in the time riding to build up your observational skills before overtaking or filtering. You need to have fully assesed the road ahead for dangers that could possibly make the vehicle you are passing deviate from it's course or cause other vehicles to cross your path. Side roads, oncoming traffic, debris in the road, pedestrians etc etc.

For an overtake, once you are happy it is safe to proceed, signal your intention, check no one else is also overtaking from behind (blind spot and mirror check) then proceed at a safe speed to pass the vehicle. don't get too close but always try and have an escape plan in mind should things go wrong. You should minimise the time you spend in the oncoming caridgeway as this is the position in whioch you are at most risk.

For filtering take it SLOW to begin with. look out for pedestrians and cyclists who will not be expecting you. watch for cars making right turns or vehicles emerging from side roads that you may not be able to see. Take particular care when filtering past larger vehicles as they obscure your view and may be allowing another vehicle to pull out into yout path. If in doubt DON'T DO IT. there is no shame in not filtering.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+1. I have to admit, sounds like a lot of basic info was missed out when it really shouldn't have been.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Regarding the comments made about the centre, to be fair i was the only one there who did not have a car licence. He was surprised that i had not read the highway code, which i would have read if i knew we wouldnt be taught it on that day. He did tell me about important road signs such as give way.
I will be reading the highway code before going out on the road again.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Personally for safety I would say 3 times...if you allow twice the distance you have no margin if a vehicle appears going the same speed (as you) in the opposite direction as you commit to your overtake....if they are going faster then you're stuffed.

As has been mentioned, go through everything with your instructor, if you are unsure after instruction and practise then pester the instructor some more. It's better to be thought of as a 'slow learner' than dead.

I would suggest that the biggest mistake many make on overtakes is to check it's clear and accelerate towards the vehicle you are overtaking and then pull out to overtake. Best is to check it's clear, then move to the offside for a really good look before committing to the overtake. If it's not right a quick check that someone hasn't taken your space on the inside and back you go no harm done. If you accelerate and move out then you may find you are alongside the vehicle you are overtaking and have limited safe options if the overtake has to be aborted.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I was going to say about the highway code and its not something you can be taught in a day. You will need to do a theroy test before taking a DAS or test of any kind, and these are mainly questions on the highway code so i suggest that you get reading, and best of luck in your riding and test.

My rules for filtering and overtaking are, if YOU dont think its safe, then DONT. We all take risks on a daily basis but this does come with expeierence (unlike my spelling!)

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+1

And add....just because the rider in front thinks it's safe to filter or overtake doesn't automatically make it safe for you following.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Have you booked the theory test?
Best pratice is to buy the disk copy of a pratice theory test, and spend a couple nights going through the questions, buy one which also includes the hazard preception.
Also, as said before, a copy of the highway code wouldnt go down badly?

Are you planning on taking you're DAS?
Good Luck with the theory and the test :)

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I my opinion, the Theory Test should be mandatory BEFORE a 1st Provisional License is issued.......

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I havn't booked it yet. How long in advance do you have to book?

No, i will be doing the restricted test because im 17.

I aggree with SoulKiss, after doing the CBT i think it is too easy to be allowed on the road, and there is no legal requirement for me to actually study any road safety, although i will for my own safety i can't imagine many others will.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+1

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Aye am on a restricted licensce too, am still 17.

Not sure about booking times, depends on how busy you're test centre is.

Have you got a bike yet?
As long as you know you're basic road knowledge, read the highway code when you come accross something you dont understand on the road, or when you're praticing the theory test you should be fine.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

mate seriously, get the theory test done asap......

filtering....dont bother IMO, i didnt on my test, even when i knew i could have easily and safely, as id be riding for a while before my das, but i didnt on the test as they wont fail you for not filtering, its not a requirement.....and if you do filter then your just adding to your potential hazards.....

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I havn't got the bike yet, i'll have to see how much money i have left after doing the test and, fingers crossed no re test.
But i still should be able to afford a £1800 SV. I have a restrictor and a haynes manual at the ready.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

The fact that you don't have a car licence is no excuse for poor training. IMHO you should never have been issued a CBT certificate (which effectively certifies you as being safe in the instructor's eyes to ride unaccompanied on the public highway) when you don't know something as basic as the speed limits on the road.

How the instructor can with a clear conscience certify you as safe in those circumstances is beyond me. How can anyone ride safely when they don't know/know how to determine the speed limit?

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Fair enough, i just thought it would be required in a test, but i won't really need it immediately where i live, so i won't bother till i have more experience.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Magnum - this training place should not assume anything about you. Just because everyone else has a car licence doesn't mean to say that you have one. I am honestly shocked that they gave you a CBT certificate when you don't know what some road signs mean and when you don't know the protocol at a roundabout - in this area there are so many r/bouts that you'd be stuffed, and at really is critical to know when and what to signal because other road users will rely on the accuracy of the messages that you are giving. Now that is not a judgement on you I hasten to add, it's a comment on your trainer.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+1. very well put Ed.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+2

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Mhm tests and the training are expensive..
Theres no subsititute (< spelling) for miles under you're belt, just make the most of you're training.
If you arent planning on passing you're test soon (not sure if you are), maybe buy a older 125, and just put miles on the road, then sell it when you want to buy you're SV.
Not sure, whats other peoples opinions..??

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

+3 Ed.

My CBT instructor was ace, had roundabouts, junctions, about everything i needed to know drawn up on sheets, only takes a maximum of 2 people per course, as he doesnt like group training.

How long did you're CBT last magnum?

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Including the CBT the training will cost me around £550, depepnding on what discount i will get.
I plan to do the full test in the week beginning the 16th Feb, so my deadline for the theory is before then.
I'm planning for the SV to be my first bike.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

totally agree, this is what i did....there is a h*nda cityfly (great bike for learning on) for sale in the for sale section ATM for around £700, I had one of these for 4 months and then sold it on for £100 more than i bought it for so i held its price well...

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I got there at 8.30 in the morning, 3 other people there being instructed. We first had a talk for about 30mins on safety gear, helmets etc.
Me and this one other bloke had gears, the other two had mopeds. So we learnt how to use gears and practiced slow speeds round the track. We eventually moved up to changing gears, the order of braking, slow speed figure of 8's round cones, U-turns (which i was rather good at), and then we were let loose around the track after learning the correct signals, mirror checks, lifesaver and road positions when exiting junctions and turning into one. When we went out on the road, i would say it was over half an hour. The instructor took the mopeds out first, while the other bloke and i practiced while they were out. The day ended at around 3pm.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I think you are allowing insufficient time. You might want to give yourself a bit more slack, cos if you fluff the first test I doubt you'd get another appointment before the rules change - you have to leave it for a few days (5???) anyway.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Better look at booking you're theory ASAP, as the test centres are shared by bike and cage drivers, so it will be busy.
That has to be you're first priority.
Theory is valid for 1 or 2 years or something stupid, so get it done as soon as.
Full test in 3 weeks ish??
I think you're cutting it a bit fine..
I would rather spend more time on a cheap 125, get some road sense, and you're confidence will increase over time.

This could be you're probelm, you say you just got over 30mins on the road??

We spend the whole afternoon on the road in my CBT.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Well, i was going to do 3 or 4 days training including the test consecutively. Worst comes to the worst and i fail it on the friday i could just do it the following saturday/sunday?
I believe the test is changing at the end of March, but i'm not certain.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

As i mentioned in the first post, i am going to go on a ride day next sunday which is from about 9 till 4 in the afternoon solid riding to get used to the handling and hopefully a bit of instruction.
If my instructor doesn't think that i am capable of passing the test after 3 days additional training to this, then i can always do an extra day, or even two if needs be. I have the whole week free.

Edit: i will have actually studied the highway code prior to this

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

You will have to wait 10 working days days after a fail,for another test.
as per DSA rules.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...est/DG_4022723

pete

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I see... do most people pass first time?

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Aye, you;re instructor should tell you if you're ready for you're test or not.
Going with the same guy that did you're CBT?

Remember and ask questions for the things you dont understand, he will go over it with you.

Good luck with it. :)
Let us know how it goes aye?

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

Pass rate is 65%, IIRC. A lot of people fail on u-turns on the bigger bikes.

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

entirely depends on the person, however u need to study it and learn it (not just the highway code but a proper theory test cd/book) so if your hoping to pass the theory and do a das all in the next 2-3 weeks u better get swatting based on your first post.....i wish you luck bud but you may be hard pushed....


edit..sorry i thought you ment the theory....

Re: Very basic questions that i missed in the CBT.
 

I would say it depends on what your riding abilities are and how your examiner see's you.
If your skill's are not up to the standard of the test,then you
would be wasting your money as the fee's are not cheap for the test.

pete