CBT

What is a CBT?

A CBT or Compulsory Basic Training is a course of basic skills training which will give even a complete novice the basic skills and knowledge to ride a bike. Usually taking a day this training, once successfully completed, will enable riders aged 16 to ride a 50cc moped, and riders aged 17 or older to ride up to 125cc machines, with or without gears. A CBT is valid for two years and in most instances has to be re-taken if the rider doesn’t successfully complete the full test and wishes to carry on riding. All learner motorcyclists and moped riders must satisfactorily complete CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) before riding on the road. The CBT course covers 5 elements – A, B, C, D and E. These have to be taken in sequence. The whole course takes from 6 to 8 hours but can be spread over longer if necessary.

ALL RIDERS WANTING TO RIDE 125CC AND ABOVE MUST COMPLETE A CBT AND BE IN POSSESSION OF A CBT CERTIFICATE (DL196)

Element A – Introduction & eyesight test

In element A your instructor will check that you have all the legal requirements such as a driving licence.

Bike hire and insurance cover are included in the price!

You must also have a helmet with a green or blue BSI kite mark and BSI approved visor (non-tinted), or more commonly nowadays the European type approval ECE-R22.05.

You will do an eyesight test and your instructor will talk to you about clothing and equipment.

At the end of Element A you will understand the purpose of the course and the relative merits of different types of protective clothing.

Element B – Practical on site training

Will Cover the following:

  • Control positions overview – foot controls
  • Left handlebar controls
  • Right handlebar controls
  • Instrument panel
  • Basic machine checks – the stand – wheeling – braking – starting and stopping the engine

Bikeskool - CBT

Element C – Practical on site training

Will cover the following:

  • Riding
  • Clutch control
  • Gear changing
  • Braking
  • Indicating and manoeuvring
  • Rear observation
  • The OSM/PSL routine
  • Moving off and stopping at the kerb
  • Turning right and left
  • Junctions
  • U turns and emergency stops

Element D – A long but important talk

A classroom session about the potential hazards of riding on the road. This element must be completed satisfactorily before any road riding is undertaken. At the end of the session you will understand the need to:

  • recognise the importance of reading and understanding the Highway Code
  •  ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users
  • use rear observation at appropriate times
  • assume the correct road position whilst riding
  • leave sufficient space when following another vehicle
  • pay due regard to the effects of varying weather conditions when riding
  • be aware of the effect on a vehicle of the various types of road surface
  • be aware of the need to be clearly visible to other road users (the use of visibility aids)
  • recognise the legal requirements for riding on the road
  • understand why motorcyclists are more vulnerable than most road users
  • drive at the correct speed according to road and traffic conditions
  • be aware of the consequences of aggressive attitudes when riding
  • be aware of the importance of hazard perception
  • be aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol use

Element E – The road ride

You will now go out onto to the roads, with a maximum of one other student, to practice everything you have learnt over the past few hours.

You will have to demonstrate that you can ride competently and safely in a variety of road and traffic conditions.

Your training will cover how to cope with a range of hazards and include as many of the following as possible:

  • Traffic Lights
  • Roundabouts
  • Junctions
  • Pedestrian crossings
  • Gradients
  • Bends
  • Obstructions

You must repeat the following exercises (originally practised during element C) but this time in on-road conditions

  • Carry out the U turn manoeuvre satisfactorily
  • Bring the machine to a stop under full control as in an emergency

At the end of this session you will be assessed

If you have demonstrated the necessary skills to keep yourself and other road users safe to a satisfactory standard, then you will be issued a certificate of completion (DL196).

The CBT certificate validates your provisional licence, it is valid for 2 years and must be kept with it and produced when required . You should also note that CBT does not train a rider to practical test standard, and that in the view of both the Driving Standards Agency (the people who conduct practical tests) and us, further training is advisable.

Whatever the course, you can rest assured that you are being trained by some of the best and most highly qualified instructors available. Why not get in touch and take the first step in passing your motorcycle test?