Passed CBT & Theory Test But Some Reservations

[simonw]

Well I took and passed my CBT last Saturday and also managed to pass my theory test on Wednesday so it should have been a good week. However, my gut feeling after completing my CBT was that I didn't feel particularly confident in my abilities and wasn't certain that I should have passed. I was worried about my safety as a biker, especially in light of having an eighteen month old daughter. However, since then I have spoken to someone from the training company (not the instructor who was actually very good but I wanted a second opinion) who has said that this is a common reaction and that most people would now go out on a 125 on some quiet streets to build up some confidence and perhaps have a few extra rides with an instructor before starting their Direct Access course. She also mentioned that the testing system is being revised in 2008 which will make things more complicated and more expensive so giving up now may not be the best choice.

Since I could do with gaining some confidence before doing a Direct Access course (although I could go for an A1 license and be restricted for a couple of years but I'm not keen on this route) should I think about buying myself a used 125 for a few months to build up some confidence and then trading that in against a bigger bike later? I assume that buying a used 125 and then selling it a few months later won't lose me too much money. Any recommendations for suitable bikes? The Honda CG125 has been mentioned to me but any other suggestions would be welcome.

[MRX Steve]

Most people don’t feel very confident after completing a CBT, as the name states its only basic. You would probably become more confidant once you start your training, but if you really do want to get a 125 a old cg125 is the best way to go. You could buy a old one for £700 and in a few months time you could probably sell it on for the same money you bought it for.

[Funky]

Everyone feels a bit anxious after the CBT, your right about gaining some experience. When it comes to traing and doing the test, send Speedy a pm, he'll at least give you some sound (and honest) advice, was great for me.

[A_T]

Since I could do with gaining some confidence before doing a Direct Access course (although I could go for an A1 license and be restricted for a couple of years but I'm not keen on this route) should I think about buying myself a used 125 for a few months to build up some confidence and then trading that in against a bigger bike later?

A restricted test is the A2 test, like you said though it doesn't make much difference as you want to do DAS.

Getting a 125cc would make some sense for now as in the meantime you could go out and get some practice in before your training starts, don't spend too much money on a 125 though as I can guarantee you will want to trade it in for a bigger bike once your practical is passed (you won't be able to resist the temptation ), your training for the DAS test will be more intense and they will teach you everything you need to know, building your confidence along the way with it and don't forget they wouldn't have given you a CBT certificate if they thought you didn't have the ability.

[roper]

I would say to you that once you start your training your confidence will grow.When i did my CBT 2 years ago i'd never even sat on a bike before let alone ridden one,even now me and my mate laugh at the memory of the instructor having to PUSH me round the car park as i couldn't get the hang of balancing at all but once i started doing my DAS my confidence grew and now I TRY to ride a GSXR 1000

[simonw]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I actually had an email from the owner of the training company this evening suggesting that I go for an assessment with him or one of the other senior instructors and that they also give me some additional training which seems like a good idea. I think that I will do that and then decide whether to get a 125 or just go for the CBT. Hopefully the session with them will reassure me that I am not as bad as I think I am!

Anyway, I'll keep you guys updated and hopefully I'll be zooming around with confidence soon!

[DynaMight]

If you get on a bike, do a CBT and come away thinking you're upto any kind of real road worthy standard you'd be delusional. I felt like I shouldnt be on the road after mine, but 125's dont give you a real road presence anyway. Get on the DAS and those lovely sturdy 500cc bikes and you'll feel 100% better.

Bigger bikes are easier to ride imo, you dont have to ride like a plank, just take everything at your own pace. Riding at a sensible pace plus good road awareness and I personally reckon theres a slim chance of becoming dead

[Mervin]

yup get on a bigger bike more power, more sure footed & easier handling, easier going altogether, you do not need to thrash the nuts off it to get anywhere, I am sure if you try you wil gain confidence quickly,
Merv