10 most common motorcycle training (cbt) mistakes to avoid
**TL;DR:** Motorcycle training mistakes can delay your licence and waste money. Common errors include poor body positioning, throttle control issues, inadequate braking practice, and lack of concentration. Start with a quality CBT course. Avoid rushing your training and practise between lessons. Focus on fundamentals rather than speed.
## Introduction
Learning to ride a motorcycle is exciting and rewarding. However, many new riders make costly mistakes during their CBT training. These errors can slow your progress towards getting your full licence. Understanding what goes wrong helps you avoid the same pitfalls.
A Compulsory Basic Training course gives you essential skills. But trainers see the same problems repeatedly. Fixing these mistakes early saves time and money. It also keeps you safer on the road. This guide covers the ten most common motorcycle training errors you should avoid.
## What’s Wrong With My Body Position?
Poor body positioning is the biggest CBT mistake. Your body placement affects balance, control, and comfort significantly.
Sit too far back and you’ll struggle with the front wheel. Sit too far forward and you’ll tire quickly. Your hips should be centred on the seat. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Don’t grip the handlebars tightly. Let your arms bend naturally at the elbows.
Your legs and feet matter too. Rest the balls of your feet on the footpegs. Don’t dangle your legs outward. When turning, keep your inside leg tucked. Move your upper body slightly into the corner. This separation between head and hips is crucial for balance.
## Why Can’t I Control the Throttle Properly?
Throttle control problems lead to jerky acceleration and poor handling. Many trainees twist the throttle too much or too quickly.
Use smooth, gradual movements. Your wrist should do small rotations. Think of rolling it gently backwards towards you. Practise on a stationary bike first. Get a feel for how much movement creates what response. During CBT, spend time just getting comfortable with throttle sensitivity.
Poor throttle control makes braking harder and reduces confidence. It wastes fuel and strains the engine. Smooth riding is efficient riding. Ask your trainer to observe your wrist movements. They’ll spot tension you can’t feel. Regular practise between lessons makes huge differences.
## Are You Neglecting Brake Training?
Inadequate braking practise is surprisingly common. Trainees often focus more on acceleration than stopping safely.
Your CBT course includes braking drills. Don’t rush these. Practise emergency stops multiple times. Learn how both brakes work together. The front brake provides most stopping power. The rear brake helps stability. Squeezing both smoothly gives best results.
Braking mistakes cause real accidents. Poor braking distances put you and others at risk. Many riders feel overconfident after CBT. Then they encounter unexpected situations. Strong braking skills save lives. Dedicate at least one training session primarily to braking. Practise in different conditions. Wet surfaces require different techniques. Your trainer can adjust brake feel with you between rides.
## How Important Is Concentration During Training?
Lack of focus ruins learning outcomes quickly. Some trainees chat constantly or seem distracted during instruction.
Concentrate fully during each session. Listen to feedback carefully. Ask questions about what you don’t understand. Take mental notes about how movements feel. Your trainer has years of experience. They spot problems you won’t notice yourself.
Between sessions, review what you learned. Think about your balance and control. Mental practise is nearly as valuable as physical practise. Getting a licence isn’t just about passing tests. You’re building lifelong skills. Poor concentration now means dangerous habits later.
## Common Rushing and Impatience Mistakes
Many trainees want to progress faster than they should. This creates holes in your foundation skills.
Mastering basics takes time. Don’t demand advanced techniques too soon. You’ll feel frustrated and disheartened. Your trainer sets lesson progressions for good reasons. Tight body control comes before speed. Smooth inputs come before complex manoeuvres. Balance comes before cornering.
The CBT course is typically two days. Rushing through it creates poor riders. Some people take three or four days instead. This extra time helps everything click into place. Quality beats speed every time.
## Conclusion
Avoiding these ten common mistakes speeds up your progress significantly. Focus on body position, throttle control, and braking first. Stay concentrated and patient with yourself. Your training period lays groundwork for safe, confident riding.
A proper CBT course costs between £120 and £200. It’s a bargain investment in your skills and safety. Start with a quality provider who focuses on fundamentals. Find a motorcycle training school near you by searching our free UK directory. Your future self will thank you for getting proper training right now.
## FAQ
**Q: How long does a CBT course typically take?**
A: Most courses take two full days. Some riders benefit from spreading it over three or four days for better learning.
**Q: Can I practise riding between CBT sessions?**
A: No, you can’t ride legally without completing CBT first. However, mental practise and studying are helpful.
**Q: What should I wear for motorcycle training?**
A: Wear protective gear including an approved helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and trousers. Your training centre will advise on requirements.
**Q: How much does CBT training cost in the UK?**
A: Prices range from £120 to £200 depending on your location and training centre.
**Q: What happens if I fail my CBT?**
A: You can retake it. Most providers offer refunds or discounts for second attempts within a short timeframe.