BikeStormer

Getting a bike license is fairly simple. There are three stages, the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), the theory test and then the practical test. None of them are actually that hard, and for ‘tests’ that can be surprisingly fun – anything to do with motorcycles is fun.

The CBT is actually hard to fail. The idea is that the instructors will provide you with everything you need to get out on the road and start learning properly. The day begin with a talk on equipment, including how to spot a road legal helmet and why you should wear the proper gear. Once you are equipped with a suitable helmet it's time to get on the bikes, or at least it will be once you've practiced taking them on and off the stands. The CBT assumes you have no experience so it starts at a low level.

The first half of riding involves riding a bike around a car park while you learn some basic manoeuvres like not falling off, stopping and then more advanced road skills like turning left and not shouting at people in cars.

The main manoeuvers you will practice are the figure of eight and the u-turn. Because this is training rather than a test if you struggle with any of these the instructors will just get you to do them again and again until you get it right. A lot of people wobble at these points due to nerves but again the instructors will do everything they can to help you pass.

Once your basic bike skills are okay the instructors will mark out a few different road situations on a whiteboard and talk you through them, after a bit of instruction they will lay them out with cones and then get you to approach them as if it was a real road. As with previous situations the idea of this training is to give you the basic skill to get you riding safely on the streets.

On the course I took there was a break at this point for lunch while everone talked about motorbikes and what they were going to get and why they are taking the test. You tend to get a good mix of people on the courses, and it can be a fun way of making new friends.

After lunch you can expect to be paired up with another learner, and then go out on the road for the first time with an instructor following you.

The instructor will have a microphone in their helmet and you will an earpiece so your first ride will be with the voice of god telling you when to turn left or right and gently telling you off for leaving your indicators on. Everyone does this when they start out so don’t worry.

The ride takes about an hour, and might include a stop half way through to have a cup of tea - riding can be quite tiring for people who aren't used to it. If possible you will practice an emergency stop, but if the weather is bad it might be skipped.

After your day of wobbling around the roads and bonding with other trainee motorcyclists you will get your certificate and you can start riding properly, albeit on a bike with a tiny engine and L-plates. Still everyone has to start somewhere.

Sam

(Sam trained with http://offthekerbmct.co.uk the CBT costs £125 including bike hire. Off The Kerb didn't know that Sam was going to write about this and so he paid for it himself)