Cheapest place to do CBTA in Auckland? [Archive]

biketimus_prime

29th September 2014, 21:58

Hi everyone, I'm looking for the cheapest instructor to do my CBTA R. So far $175 is the cheapest I've found in Auckland but I'm wondering if there are private instructors that do it cheaper? I've heard that private ones are cheaper as they don't have overheads/middle man fees compared to if you did it through a company.

Going through LTNZ is an option but I would rather give my money to a proper motorbike company/instructor.

Also I know the differences in cost are around $50 but that is $50 I can put towards something else, being a student it matters a lot.

nzspokes

29th September 2014, 22:10

The best, dont know if cheapest. Dont care. Phill knows his stuff and will teach you things you didnt know you needed to know.

http://www.riderskills.co.nz/

Training and testing is not something you cheap out on.

Gremlin

29th September 2014, 22:19

Also I know the differences in cost are around $50 but that is $50 I can put towards something else, being a student it matters a lot.
Except your life matters the most. Quality over cheap any day for proper training.

I'd agree with the spoked one.

TheDemonLord

29th September 2014, 22:22

I highly recommend Dawn from Rider Training - in fact there is a thread here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/165924-CBT-and-why-you-should-do-it-over-a-normal-licence-test?p=1130703334#post1130703334

where I gush about how awesome it was to do my test with Dawn and Co. So much so that sometime this November, we (my mate and I) are going to book in our tests with Rider Training for our CBTA2 - Restricted to Full.

as others above have said - Good Quality training is worth paying for, and I can assure you, that I feel I got every cent worth of value out of my CBTA1 test from Dawn

Blackbird

30th September 2014, 06:50

Ditto with Philip from RiderSkills. Outstanding, patient tutor who puts a huge amount of voluntary time back into raising riding standards outside his main business. Amazing guy.

f2dz

30th September 2014, 09:05

+1 for Dawn from Rider Training. Did my CBTA-F with her last year and it was very good.

I've heard good things about Phil too though, so perhaps whoever is closer to you?

FJRider

30th September 2014, 17:30

Hi everyone, I'm looking for the cheapest instructor to do my CBTA R ....

If you know everything ... why do you need an instructor .. ???

Quality instruction costs ... poor instruction (can) cost more. I hope you live long enough to learn the difference.

DamianW

30th September 2014, 18:31

+ 1 for Philip at RiderSkills

biketimus_prime

30th September 2014, 22:10

Thank you for your replies everyone.

I am by no means saying I'm advanced or amazing at riding, but I don't want to pay extra for tuition during CBTA when I get a ton more tuition outside of it. Doing it through LTNZ will give me absolutely no feedback I'm sure but the $50 I save I can put towards the Ride Forever Silver course next that is an entire day of riding with plenty of valuable teachings.

I will check out Dawn or the guy who took me for my learners licence who operates in Henderson who is as far as Philip but I'd rather go back to the same guy.

I just feel like this stupid move to Restricted licence is purely an obligation and a way for LTNZ to make a bit more money off me. I literally gain nothing except the ability to remove my L plates! I wish you could just wait a year and move to your full licence. Hell even make me wait 2 years before I move up, I just don't understand the point of the restricted!

BlackSheepLogic

1st October 2014, 08:22

I just feel like this stupid move to Restricted licence is purely an obligation and a way for LTNZ to make a bit more money off me. I literally gain nothing except the ability to remove my L plates! I wish you could just wait a year and move to your full licence. Hell even make me wait 2 years before I move up, I just don't understand the point of the restricted!

Or it could be a valuable life saving checkpoint of your skills and road sense with someone who's an experienced seasoned rider.

Erelyes

1st October 2014, 15:45

There is a certain stand-down with the 'ride forever' funding so it'd hardly be that you get a 'ton' of tuition outside of CBTA. I did bronze on my learners and silver on my restricted. More wouldn't have hurt but it would have cost $$$.

If you aren't doing the CBTA course to shortcut the process then you would probably be better just going for a standard restricted test. Rather than trying to save $20 from one CBTA instructor to another.

By the way, LTNZ haven't existed since 2008.

biketimus_prime

1st October 2014, 22:57

Or it could be a valuable life saving checkpoint of your skills and road sense with someone who's an experienced seasoned rider.

Ok I get your point. I agree when you look at it that way, many people may be on their learners riding alone and picking up bad habits until their restricted. I was thinking about myself rather than many other people who ride but won't have the same teachings I have had so far. Pretty fortunate for that to be honest but others may not always have access to that.

There is a certain stand-down with the 'ride forever' funding so it'd hardly be that you get a 'ton' of tuition outside of CBTA. I did bronze on my learners and silver on my restricted. More wouldn't have hurt but it would have cost $$$.

If you aren't doing the CBTA course to shortcut the process then you would probably be better just going for a standard restricted test. Rather than trying to save $20 from one CBTA instructor to another.

By the way, LTNZ haven't existed since 2008.

LTNZ, LTSA, NZTA whatever, you get the idea.

I was just considering my options before biting the bullet and paying for a CBTA. Way rather do CBTA than with a tester who doesn't even ride. I was just considering my options and looking for advice.

Gremlin

1st October 2014, 23:14

Way rather do CBTA than with a tester who doesn't even ride.
Don't think it's even possible. The whole point of CBTA is more intensive learning, with more skills developed, and in return, your licence period is shortened.

You must have a lot of faith in whatever instruction you've been given.

biketimus_prime

2nd October 2014, 21:35

You must have a lot of faith in whatever instruction you've been given.

I actually do have a lot of faith in my instruction I've received. The riders have never had a serious incident, and are amazing to watch during a ride. The knowledge they have is vast and has helped me made recognizable improvements almost overnight sometimes.
The instruction I've received from a couple of really experienced riders, the numerous books and online articles I've read, trawling through these forums reading all sorts of advice and opinions, and watched/watching a ton of videos on skill improvements and even spills, then gone and applied those by myself in carparks and quiet roads... (still do, never stop learning and always need to see how far I can push my emergency braking!) the thousands of kms I've done in the few months I've ridden have all added so much. I literally ride every single day and it's like a part of me I can't even describe how obsessed I am with bikes now I just love it and I want to get better and better. I want to buy a track bike next year after I graduate and get a full-time job so I can really improve my riding and leave the nice cruising for the weekend roads. I think I'll do it till I die. Maybe when I have kids I'll have a track-only bike. But hell I'll never stop riding.

Maybe I'll have an incident tomorrow or whenever in the future but I'm pretty sure I'm not overconfident. My heart still beats fast with fear when I get on my bike every morning because I'm scared I'll get hurt. But I think you need some of that to keep you humble.

Gremlin

2nd October 2014, 22:23

I actually do have a lot of faith in my instruction I've received. The riders have never had a serious incident, and are amazing to watch during a ride. The knowledge they have is vast and has helped me made recognizable improvements almost overnight sometimes.
Great, but how do you know they are great? I was told I was a good rider, but what qualified them to pass that judgement?

Incidentally, I've raised my riding since then. You must continually strive to be better, and you're never going to be finished. However, make sure you continue to keep a receptive frame of mind. I've come across plenty a rider that thought they were good... and weren't.

biketimus_prime

3rd October 2014, 18:52

Great, but how do you know they are great? I was told I was a good rider, but what qualified them to pass that judgement?

Incidentally, I've raised my riding since then. You must continually strive to be better, and you're never going to be finished. However, make sure you continue to keep a receptive frame of mind. I've come across plenty a rider that thought they were good... and weren't.

Well both who mentored me have never had any major incidents. One of them always does track days and teaches me that side of riding, the control etc and the other rides for fun and teaches me awareness and those street skills. But a lot is also from just learning myself by reading and watching videos then going out and actually practicing.

Yes I definitely agree I should always keep a receptive frame of mind. I'm only as good as my last ride!

BlackSheepLogic

4th October 2014, 09:50

I've had a license for many years and yesterday went out for a day with RiderSkills in Auckland on a RoadCraft one-on-one lesson. Don't think you know everything until you've been out and assessed by someone who really knows how to survive on the road. I've got a lot to learn.

Well both who mentored me have never had any major incidents. One of them always does track days and teaches me that side of riding, the control etc and the other rides for fun and teaches me awareness and those street skills. But a lot is also from just learning myself by reading and watching videos then going out and actually practicing.

Yes I definitely agree I should always keep a receptive frame of mind. I'm only as good as my last ride!

Blackbird

4th October 2014, 10:20

I've had a license for many years and yesterday went out for a day with RiderSkills in Auckland on a RoadCraft one-on-one lesson. Don't think you know everything until you've been out and assessed by someone who really knows how to survive on the road. I've got a lot to learn.

Yep, going out with Philip for the first time for an IAM initial assessment as opposed to his one day advanced course (but based on the same Roadcraft system) was a bit of a shock for me after riding for a few decades and thinking I was an "ok" sort of rider :facepalm:. Philip was incredibly patient and a great tutor and there was no certainly no fault on his part. It was simply that his knowledge of road survival techniques and mine were light years apart and that's what was so humbling.

chasio

4th October 2014, 16:31

I have done the Rider Skills Silver training with a respectable outfit and was somewhat underwhelmed, to be honest. The lines taught were the lines I rode already; the general approach likewise; the low speed skills and braking practise I had done for free with NASS in the past (and still do from time to time on my own). Much of this was because I had also done Ride Right, Ride Safe ($50) and repeated it for free a couple of years later and done similar research and sought feedback much as you describe.

I'm not saying I know it all because I absolutely do not. But Silver Rider Skills really didn't move me on very much, simply because it was one trainer to seven riders, as I recall, and there were a couple of people who needed quite a bit of help. So those of us who needed less direction, got less.

I believe I'd have got more learning out of less time spent one-on-one with a really good trainer. If you can get someone with outstanding knowledge and the ability to teach it for $50 more, I'd suggest it may well be money better spent than a cheap CBTA and Silver Rider Skills later. YMMV.

FJRider

4th October 2014, 16:54

I have done the Rider Skills Silver training with a respectable outfit and was somewhat underwhelmed, to be honest. The lines taught were the lines I rode already; the general approach likewise; the low speed skills and braking practise I had done for free with NASS in the past (and still do from time to time on my own). Much of this was because I had also done Ride Right, Ride Safe ($50) and repeated it for free a couple of years later and done similar research and sought feedback much as you describe.

You have taken rider training with more than ONE organisation .. ??? ... WHY ... ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? :scratch:

I'm not saying I know it all because I absolutely do not. But Silver Rider Skills really didn't move me on very much, simply because it was one trainer to seven riders, as I recall, and there were a couple of people who needed quite a bit of help. So those of us who needed less direction, got less.

If you needed less ... why should you GET more ... :scratch:

I believe I'd have got more learning out of less time spent one-on-one with a really good trainer. If you can get someone with outstanding knowledge and the ability to teach it for $50 more, I'd suggest it may well be money better spent than a cheap CBTA and Silver Rider Skills later. YMMV.

Your experience with a variety of instructional organizations show ... you are lacking in confidence in the instructions value ...

or stupid.

yevjenko

4th October 2014, 18:13

You have taken rider training with more than ONE organisation .. ??? ... WHY ... ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? :scratch:

Cos he wanted different advice from different riders

If you needed less ... why should you GET more ... :scratch:

Your experience with a variety of instructional organizations show ... you are lacking in confidence in the instructions value ...

or stupid.

Not necessarily. It's always good to get different points of view from different experts

FJRider

4th October 2014, 18:21

Cos he wanted different advice from different riders

Not necessarily. It's always good to get different points of view from different experts

Silly you ... he has US to give him ALL the advice (what WE think) he NEEDS ... :innocent:

yevjenko

4th October 2014, 18:42

Silly you ... he has US to give him ALL the advice (what WE think) he NEEDS ... :innocent:
Oh of course. I totally forgot :D

chasio

4th October 2014, 19:24

You have taken rider training with more than ONE organisation .. ??? ... WHY ... ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? :scratch:

If you needed less ... why should you GET more ... :scratch:

Your experience with a variety of instructional organizations show ... you are lacking in confidence in the instructions value ...

or stupid.

I wrote a post based on my observations. I really do not understand your ad hominem reply.

FJRider

4th October 2014, 19:34

I wrote a post based on my observations. I really do not understand your ad hominem reply.

My post was written based on your observed lack of faith ... in the worth of instruction you had already received.

Understanding what you have already been told seems to be an issue with you ... No amount of Latin will change that.

chasio

4th October 2014, 19:43

My post was written based on your observed lack of faith ... in the worth of instruction you had already received.

Understanding what you have already been told seems to be an issue with you ... No amount of Latin will change that.

Thank you for not shouting. However, I still don't believe you have made a point worth making.

I will try to explain so you understand:
1. No-one knows everything.
2. Different people can teach me different things.
3. I have the humility required to accept that.
4. I make a point of booking some training every year so that I learn new things and get picked up on bad habits.
5. I did not find Silver training very useful, due to a lack of personal feedback and I shared that experience with the OP.

I remain at a loss why you find it necessary to attack me for sharing this experience. TTFN

FJRider

4th October 2014, 20:11

Thank you for not shouting. However, I still don't believe you have made a point worth making.

I will try to explain so you understand:
1. No-one knows everything.
2. Different people can teach me different things.
3. I have the humility required to accept that.
4. I make a point of booking some training every year so that I learn new things and get picked up on bad habits.
5. I did not find Silver training very useful, due to a lack of personal feedback and I shared that experience with the OP.

I remain at a loss why you find it necessary to attack me for sharing this experience. TTFN

I've no need to shout .. you're too far away to hear me anyway ...

1: There are some on KB that claim differently.

2: But they can't teach you what you've already learned. Even if you don't realize that you HAVE learned anything.

3: But not to accept when you are wrong.

4: Obviously an incorrect result regardless of intention) if you admit you had been instructed stuff you had ALREADY been taught by previous training instructors. Perhaps ... make a better (educated) choice of your instructors in future. In future check the course content before parting with your time/money.

But I admit ... it is your time/money.

No attack ... just questions.

Oh ... 5: Being told stuff you have already been taught/know is seldom useful.

Madness

4th October 2014, 20:19

FJ, take the blue pills please, for fucks sake.

chasio

4th October 2014, 20:25

3: But not to accept when you are wrong.

On the contrary, but I prefer evidence over opinion. And I suggest we stop pissing in this thread now. All the best.

Gremlin

4th October 2014, 20:38

4: Obviously an incorrect result regardless of intention) if you admit you had been instructed stuff you had ALREADY been taught by previous training instructors. Perhaps ... make a better (educated) choice of your instructors in future. In future check the course content before parting with your time/money.

But I admit ... it is your time/money.

No attack ... just questions.

Oh ... 5: Being told stuff you have already been taught/know is seldom useful.
There is nothing wrong with doing multiple courses, and everyone is human, so not everyone picks up everything. Training is also ongoing, you don't complete a course and then you're good to go for a decade (or life). You can also have good and bad days when riding, so ongoing training has further validity there.

In terms of training, yes, it will vary. Obviously the cheapest option is going to have multi people to instructor, one on one is going to be the most intensive and tailored. It can also be hard work remembering all the little things by the time you come to a debrief.

Also, because he's done multiple sessions of training, he's able to see what's worthwhile and what isn't. It seems he approached all sessions with an open mind, but was able to pick and choose what was good and what was bad. This in itself means he's able to self-assess, which will be invaluable every day he rides, as an instructor won't be following him all the time.

Blackbird

4th October 2014, 22:22

I have done the Rider Skills Silver training with a respectable outfit and was somewhat underwhelmed, to be honest.

Just in case there's any confusion regarding your post, the RiderSkills organisation to which BlackSheepLogic refers does not offer the bronze, silver and gold courses to which you refer. The one day course which he took is an advanced one based on Police Roadcraft - there's no comparison. I don't think you'd be underwhelmed on that :rolleyes: