Book a motorcycle CBT test in Stornoway, Western Isles

Have you been hunting for a motorcycle CBT test in Stornoway, Western Isles?

Have you been on the hunt for a company that can help you organise a motorcycle CBT test in Stornoway or nearby in Shetland, Ullapool and Portree? Whilst price is important, the most important factor is the quality of motorcycle training.Book CBT Now has the largest listing of all motorcycle training companies in the UK. Simply enter your postcode and we will show you all of your local training companies that run compulsory basic training. Completing your 'Compulsory Basic Training' CBT test will allow you to ride any scooter, moped, electric motorbike, 50cc moped or 125cc motorbike of your choice. All you'll need to do is get a provisional UK license, suitable clothing and then book your CBT.

Is Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) really a test?

Here at Book CBT Now we want you to fully understand what is required before you go on to undertake your CBT test in Stornoway. Although the word 'test' is used, this is misleading; in actual fact, you will not be examined, but rather your ability evaluated by the instructor throughout the day.

Subsequently, if you are deemed to have the required competency level, you will be awarded with a pass certification, known as a DL196 certificate. However, this certification does not last indefinitely - its validity will expire after two years, after which you will be required to renew your CBT, unless you have taken and passed a full motorcycle A1, A2 or DAS  test. For anyone that would like to read further regarding the specific details relating to CBT tests, we encourage you to take a look at our dedicated informative page.

If I a motorcycle CBT test in Stornoway 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

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

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 much is the cost of a motorcycle CBT test?

The price varies depending on which motorcycle training company you take your CBT test with, but in Stornoway or the closest towns of Shetland, Ullapool and Portree will typically be between  £160 and £200. There are four main things that affect the price:

1.  Bike hire. Not all CBTs include the price of the bike hire so make sure you check if it is included in the price.
2. Experienced or beginners CBT. If you've done your CBT before you can book an experienced CBT which usually costs less. This is because it will be shorter as you will already have been through all of the basics. Only do this if you have done at least 1 CBT and are confident riding your motorcycle or scooter.
3.  Clothing and equipment hire. This includes your safety helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. Once again it may not be included in the price, so check first.
4. Collision damage waiver. This is an insurance that will be offered to you before your training. It means that if you damage the motorcycle or scooter during your training then you will not have to pay for the repairs. It typically costs between £10 - £20 but is well worth having as repairs are much more than that.

Don't try to simply get the cheapest price, the quality of the training is the most important thing. Quality training will one day save your life.