an instructors guide to delivering compulsory basic training - NIDirect

2. CBT Syllabus
• develop their earlier skills;
• help ensure their safety if an emergency does arise; and
• prepare them for carrying out the exercise during their practical motorcycle test.
You need to find a quiet side road to perform this exercise and explain clearly the
signal you intend to use.
Initially you should get your pupils to perform the exercise at a low speed and as
their skill and ability improves, increase the speed gradually until they can perform
the exercise effective at normal riding speeds. You should always keep pupils within
sight.
However, the braking exercise should not just focus on providing the necessary skills
to bring the motorcycle to a controlled stop in the shortest distance possible, you
should also discuss with your pupils their understanding of the:
• effect of speed on braking distance, reaction times and overall stopping distances;
• effects of different surfaces (their condition), gradients and weather on the above
distances;
• riding at an appropriate speed for the traffic (the available stopping distances are
much shorter at higher speeds);
• condition of brakes and tyres; and
• potential of the rider freezing up in a critical situation.
Basic skills:
• quick reaction to the ‘stop’ signal;
• use of both brakes in the appropriate ratio; and
• the ability to quickly correct a locked wheel.
Faults to avoid:
• riding too slowly before the signal;
• taking rear observation before reacting to the stop signal;
• locking one or both wheels and failing to correct the fault;
• stopping too slowly; and
• moving off unsafely after stopping.
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