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Compulsory Basic Training

Compulsory Basic Training is, as its name explains, neccesary for all riders. The CBT course is not a test but the applicant must show a basic level of competence in order to qualify. The CBT is intended to show that the rider can ride safely and show road awareness. You MUST have a CBT certificate to ride legally on the road alone.


The CBT is in two parts. The first is away from the roads in our training area. Here a qualified instructor will teach you how to start, ride and handle your motorcycle. You will learn junctions on a simulated course and be taught manouevers such as the Emergency Stop. Don`t worry if you`ve never ridden a motorcycle before - the purpose of this course is to teach beginners.


Once your instructor thinks you are riding safely you will watch a short video then procede to the second part, the road test. You, and perhaps others, will accompany the instructor through a route that encompasses roundabouts, junctions and differing types of road. At all times you will be in radio contact. The ride will give you experience and allow the instructor to help you in real situations. Once your instructor is happy with your progress you will return to the center and be awarded your CBT certificate. Congratulations! You can now legally ride a motorcycle displaying `L` plates. Remember - you cannot ride on motorways or carry a pillion whilst displaying `L` plates, and a CBT certificate lasts two years.


From here you can, if you wish, procede to a 125 licence, or if you are 21 or over go for a full licence.

The information that follows is the CBT syllabus, as provided by the DSA. This is what you will learn on your CBT.

CBT SYLLABUS
ELEMENTS OF AN APPROVED TRAINING COURSE

(A) INTRODUCTION

1. Trainees must be told and must understand: -

  • the aims of the approved training course
  • the importance of having the right equipment and clothing.

    2. Trainees' eyesight must be tested. Trainees must be able to read, in good daylight, a vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures 79.4mm high at a distance of 20.5 metres (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn).

    (B) PRACTICAL ON SITE TRAINING

    Trainees must receive practical on site training at the conclusion of which they must fulfil the following requirements, that is to say they must be:

  • familiar with the motorcycle, its controls and how it works
  • be able to carry out basic machine checks to a satisfactory standard
  • be able to take the bike on and off the stand satisfactorily
  • be able to wheel the machine around to the left and right showing proper balance
  • bring the motorcycle to a controlled halt by braking
  • able to start and stop the engine satisfactorily.

    (C) PRACTICAL ON SITE RIDING

    Trainees must undertake practical on site riding at the conclusion of which they must be able to execute the following manoeuvres, that is to say they must be able to: -

  • ride the machine under control in a straight line and bring the machine to a controlled halt
  • ride the machine round a figure of eight circuit under control
  • ride the machine slowly under control
  • carry out U-turn manoeuvre satisfactorily
  • bring the machine to a stop under full control as in an emergency
  • carry out controlled braking using both brakes
  • change gear satisfactorily
  • carry out rear observation correctly
  • carry out simulated left and right hand turns correctly using the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre (OSM) and Position-Speed-Look (PSL) routines.

    (D) PRACTICAL ON ROAD TRAINING

    1. Before undertaking practical on road riding trainees must be instructed in the matters set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 below and achieve the objectives mentioned therein.

    2. Trainees must understand the following: -

  • the need to be clearly visible to other road users (the use of conspicuity aids)
  • the importance of knowing the legal requirements for riding on the road
  • why motorcyclists are more vulnerable than most road users
  • the need to drive at the correct speed according to road and traffic conditions
  • the importance of knowing the Highway Code
  • the need to ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users
  • the need to use rear observation at appropriate times
  • the need to assume the correct road position when riding
  • the need to leave sufficient space when following another vehicle
  • the need to pay due regard to the effect of varying weather conditions when riding.

    3. Trainees must be aware of the: -

  • effect on a vehicle of the various types of road surface that can be encountered
  • dangers of drug and alcohol use
  • consequences of aggressive attitudes when riding
  • importance of hazard perception.

    (E) PRACTICAL ON ROAD RIDING

    1. Trainees must undertake on road riding for a period of not less than two hours. They must (subject to paragraph 2 below) encounter all the following traffic situations and demonstrate their ability to handle each one competently and safely.

  • roundabouts
  • junctions
  • pedestrian crossings
  • traffic lights
  • gradients
  • bends
  • obstructions.

    2. Upon application being made by an approved training body for the purpose, the Secretary of State may excuse that body from compliance with a requirement mentioned in paragraph 1 above in respect of practical on-road instruction conducted from the premises where the training body provides courses if, having regard to the location of those premises, he is satisfied that it is impractical to comply with that requirement.

    3. Trainees must also repeat the following exercises in normal road conditions: -

  • carry out U-turn manoeuvre satisfactorily
  • bring the machine to a stop under full control as in an emergency.