Plenty of people book a CBT having never sat on a motorbike. Feeling nervous is completely normal. Instructors see first-time riders every week and the course is built for them.
Start with a short introduction session
If the idea of a full day feels like a lot, book our two-hour Introduction to Motorcycling first. It's for people who have never ridden. You get time on a bike, off the road, without the pressure of working towards a certificate. Many riders go on to their CBT feeling much more settled.
Ride a bicycle if you can
Balance, steering and looking where you want to go all carry over from cycling. If you haven't ridden a bike for years, a few trips round the park in the weeks before your course will help more than you'd expect.
Choose an automatic if gears worry you
An automatic scooter takes clutch control and gear changes out of the picture, so you can focus on balance, braking and observation. A CBT on an automatic still lets you ride a geared bike legally, although we'd recommend some training on gears before you do. Read more in manual or automatic: which CBT should I book?
Tell your instructor how you feel
Instructors adjust the pace to the rider. If you're anxious, say so at the start. You won't be rushed onto the road before you're ready, because the road ride only happens once you can control the bike confidently on the training area.
Female instructors
Some riders feel more comfortable learning with a female instructor. We have female instructors, so just mention it when you book.
On the day
- Eat a proper breakfast and bring water. It's a long day outside.
- Arrive early so you're not stressed about the time.
- Bring everything on the what to bring checklist, so nothing stops you starting.
Most nervous riders are surprised by how quickly the first hour goes. By the afternoon they're riding round cones, and by the end of the day they're on the road.