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Check into the nitty
gritty of the CBT. |
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Want
to learn to ride a motorbike? by Molly
Gower |
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Compulsory
Basic Training for Motorcyclists and Moped Riders
The first thing you need to do is the Compulsory Basic Training
(CBT) course which was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the
very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists.
The course is conducted by approved Driving Standards Agency
training organizations.
All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must now complete
a CBT course before riding on the road.
Also, with effect from 1 February 2001, all new car drivers
wanting to validate the full moped entitlement granted with
their full car licence, must complete a CBT course.
CBT courses can only be provided by Approved Training Bodies
(ATBs). To gain this approval ATBs must have:
Instructors who have successfully completed a 2-day assessment
by DSA examiners
Sites approved by DSA for the off-road training aspects of
the course
Most ATBs offer the loan of machines and helmets for the course.
The CBT course syllabus includes five elements that have to
be completed in sequence:
Element A - Introduction.
Element B - Practical on-site training.
Element C - Practical on-site riding.
Element D - Practical on-road training.
Element E - Practical on-road riding.
When you have satisfactorily completed all five elements you
will be issued with a Certificate of Completion of Training
(DL196). This is a legal document which serves to validate
the relevant entitlements on the driving licence. It is important
that the holder of a DL196 certificate considers the following
points:
Since 1st February 2001, a DL196 certificate validating a
provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts
for 2 years. CBT will have to be re-taken if both theory/practical
tests are not passed within the 2-year certificate life.
A DL196 certificate validating a full moped entitlement is
not subject to expiry.
You do not have to take CBT again if you hold a full motorcycle
licence and wish to obtain a licence for another category
of motorcycle.
With effect from the 1 February 2001 riders completing their
CBT course on a moped with more than 2 wheels or who use a
motorcycle/sidecar combination will be restricted to riding
those machines as a learner.
The motorcycle entitlement on provisional motorcycle licences
issued before 1 February 2001 expires after 2 years. The law
has now changed and holders of these licences can apply to
have the licence replaced with one that will include provisional
motorcycle entitlement valid to age 70. Replacement licences
should be applied for from DVLA using the normal application
forms (available from Post Offices).
Once you have your Certificate (DL 196) you are advised to
take additional training to pass your tests and qualify for
a full motorcycle or moped licence.
CBT must be completed before riding on the road by all learner
riders (and moped riders using a full car licence gained after
1 February 2001) who are resident on mainland Great Britain,
islands that are connected to the mainland by a road, and
the following islands: Wight, North Uist, Lewis, South Uist,
Harris, Benbecula, mainland Orkney and mainland Shetland.
Residents of all other islands will be exempt from the need
to take CBT, but only if riding on roads which are on an exempt
island. |
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Theory
Test
You will need to pass a Theory Test before taking a practical
test for a moped or motorcycle.
You do not need to take a Theory Test if you have passed a
moped test since 1 July 1996.
The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. The
practical test must be passed within this period otherwise
the Theory Test will have to be taken again. |
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Full
Motorcycle Licence Options
There are 2 types of full motorcycle licence to aim for if
you are under 21 years old:
A light motorcycle licence (A1) which restricts riders to
any bike up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW. The practical
test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc.
A standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the practical
test is taken on a bike of over 120cc but not more than 125cc
and capable of at least 100km per hour.
After passing the standard motorcycle practical test you will
be restricted for 2 years to riding a bike of up to 25kW and
a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. After this you
may ride any size of bike. |
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Direct
& Accelerated Access
Riders age 21 or over, or those who reach 21 before their
2-year restriction ends, have other options.
Direct Access
After taking CBT and the Theory Test the practical test may
be taken on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW/46.6BHP.
A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. All or part of
the CBT course may be taken on either a learner bike or a
large bike. You may practise for the practical test on bikes
larger than the learner bike specification provided:
1: You are accompanied at all times by an approved instructor
on another bike and in radio contact
2: you wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow
all other provisional licence restrictions.
Accelerated
Access
Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the 2-year
period where they are restricted to maximum 25kW/33BHP machines,
but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test
on a motorcycle of at least 35kW. They may practise on bikes
over 25kW under the same practice conditions for Direct Access
riders. You will revert to learner status while practising
(on a motorcycle greater than 25kW) although test failure
will not affect your existing licence. |
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Sidecars
Learners who wish to ride with a sidecar can practise on a
combination with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
On obtaining a standard licence, you will be restricted to
a combination with the same power/weight ratio for 2 years.
At age 21 learners may, only within Direct or Accelerated
Access, practise on a larger combination. But the test must
be taken on a solo bike (although physically disabled riders
can use a combination). |
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Mopeds
and Motorcycles
A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:
Maximum Design speed not exceeding 50kmh (approx. 31mph).
An engine capacity no greater than 50cc.
Can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before
1 August 1977.
A learner motorcycle has the following features:
Engine up to 125cc.
Power output not exceeding 11kW. |
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Licences
Full Car Licence
If you have a full car licence, you are automatically entitled
to ride a moped without L-Plates although if the licence relates
to a car test passed on or after 1 February 2001 you must
first complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 Certificate
to validate your entitlement.
Your full car licence also gives you provisional motorcycle
entitlement for learner machines (up to 125cc) i.e. you may
ride a motorcycle as a learner with L-Plates and NO pillion
passengers or motorway use after completing CBT.
Provisional moped
You can only hold this if you are at least 16 years old. It
entitles you to ride a moped on the road as a learner with
L-Plates and NO pillion passengers or motorway use. Your provisional
licence is only valid when you have the DL 196 Certificate
issued on completion of CBT by an ATB. A CBT certificate obtained
on a moped is also valid for motorcycles once the rider has
reached the age of 17 years and has the necessary licence.
Full moped licence
A full moped licence automatically gives you provisional motorcycle
entitlement. However, you must be at least 17 years old to
take up the provisional entitlement.
Provisional motorcycle licence
You can only hold this licence if you are at least 17 years
old. It entitles you to ride a moped or a learner motorcycle
(up to 125cc) as a learner with L-Plates. You
must have a valid CBT certificate.
MUST NOT carry pillion passengers or use motorways.
The motorcycle entitlement on provisional motorcycle licences
issued before 1 February 2001 expires after 2 years. The law
has now changed and holders of these licences can apply to
have the licence replaced with one that will include provisional
motorcycle entitlement valid to age 70. Replacement licences
should be applied for from DVLA using the normal application
forms (available from Post Offices). |
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Further
Information
If you have any queries or require details of your local approved
training bodies, please contact the Driving Standards Agency
on 0115 901 2595.
For more information contact your:
Local Motorcycle Dealer
Local Authority Road Safety Officer
Motorcycle Rider Training Association |
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