Top Gear Motorbike training and motorcycle lessons in Ulverston and Dalton in Furness, South Cumbria

Tel: 01229 584497

Top Gear Motorbike training and lessons in Barrow in Furness, South Cumbria

Extra info - Things you need to know

licence Info

All the official info about licences can be found on the Government's site: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing

If you passed your driving test before Feb 2001 you can ride a 50cc moped without doing a CBT.

2013 changes confirmed
Details of new 2013 licencing regime confirmed: www.motorcyclenews.com

CBT

The CBT has 5 elements, completed in this order;

  1. Introduction to CBT and gear - legal requirements and protective gear
  2. Getting to know the bike - what control does what, basic maintenance, etc
  3. On-site riding - practising starting, turning, stopping and controlling the bike
  4. On-site road training - rules of the road, defensive riding, the knowledge
  5. On the road ride - putting it all together and practising on the road

It's not a test but a day designed to introduce you to riding a motorbike, or moped. It will give you the basic skills and knowledge needed before you take to the road. You will be introduced to riding off-road in a safe place to learn to control the bike, then at least two hours practising on the road.

Having completed the CBT to a reasonable level you will feel much more confident. You will also gain your DL196 CBT Certificate, which is the first step on your route to riding, allowing you to ride on the road as a learner.

We can supply you with a moped or 125 bike for the day, together with helmet and gloves. You need some warm, waterproof and protective clothes and some sturdy footwear like walking or work boots. See DirectGov for information on gear.

If you already have a bike or are buying one, it makes sense to use it for your CBT. Either arrange to have it delivered or we may be able to pick it up, along with you. Don't forget you can't ride on the road until after your CBT so don't ride your bike to the course!"

You must bring both parts of your licence along with you.

Contact us to book your CBT. We'll send full details about the day and what you need to bring etc. Currently we are running CBTs at sites in Barrow and Ulverston both easily reached by train or bus if you're from further away.  We can pick you up from the bus/train station.

Theory

The Theory Test can be taken at any time - whenever you're ready. Most people tend to do it after the CBT but there's nothing to stop you doing it before if you have your provisional licence.

The Theory Test consists of two parts: First, 50 multi-choice questions about the rules of the road, signs and other riding topics.

Second, 14 video clips showing various hazards, the earlier you see the hazard the higher the score. You need to score 44 out of 50 for the questions and 43 out of 75 for the hazard perception. Both parts need to be passed at the same time. The nearest Theory test centre is on Duke Street in Barrow. A DVD is the best thing to buy to practice the Hazard Perception and learn the knowledge for the questions - try the supermarkets or Amazon, the best one is made by Focus. A copy of the Highway Code is also very useful.

Details can be found on www.theory-tests.co.uk Warning: this is the official site from the DSA but you my come across other sites that will charge you more than the test fee to book it - don't use them, stick with the official site otherwise you're just wasting money.

Practical

Armed with a CBT Certificate and a Theory Test Certificate, you have a maximum of two years to pass your practical test. The Practical Test changed in 2009 and is now taken in two modules. Module 1 is all the manoeuvres, now done off-road at a purpose built test centre. The nearest are Blackburn and Carlisle. Module 1 covers:

Module 2 can be taken in Barrow or Kendal. Mod 2 is just like a driving test with you riding on the road followed by a Driving Examiner in radio contact with you. A safe and reasonable standard of riding is expected, with you making good observations, complying with road signs, responding to other road users and following correct road procedure.

Advanced

Once you've passed both modules of the Practical Test you now have a full licence. If you haven't done the Direct Access Scheme you are restricted to medium sized bikes for two years.

When you've been riding for a while, or if you're moving up to a big bike, you could consider further training in the art of motorcycle riding. Advanced training can help you extend your skills, awareness and planning abilities resulting in a smoother, safer, more precise ride but one that makes effective progress. Riding a motorcycle is an active, mentally engaging process and bikers are generally much more interested in developing their skills than car drivers.

We also provide refresher courses for those returning to biking after a break. Get back up to speed quickly and safely with some personalised, guided training, allowing you to enjoy the thrills of modern bikes but without any spills!

TopGear motorbike training

What's the most dangerous part of a motorbike?
The Nut holding the handlebars.
(... so don't be a nut and you'll be fine!)