Compulsory Basic Training

The very first thing you need to do before you can use your motorcycle or moped on the road is to successfully undertake and pass your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). The CBT provides you with the basic information required to equip you to ride safely on the open road. However it is only the first step to becoming a safe and proficient rider.

Your CBT consists of 6 to 8 hours of training spread out over one or more days. You can take your Compulsory Basic Training at any of the one of the many Motorcycle Training Centres that have been approved by the DSA to provide CBT courses. The overall aim of this training is to show you how to use the motorcycle safely and make sure you fully understand and are competent in riding a motorcycle on the road. The structure of the day is normally as follows:

• In some schools your very first step will be to sit down with the other learners (normally in groups of between 2 and 6) and watch the DSA safety video to introduce you to motorcycling.

• You will then be measured up and given a helmet and suitable clothing. However if you already have your own items you are encouraged to bring them along and use them.

• You will be introduced to your motorcycle, this will normally be a 125cc bike (or 50cc if you are 16) which you will be using throughout the day. You will learn how to do some basic safety checks on the bike and be shown where everything is located. You will also be shown how to start the motorcycle.

• You will then have the chance to get on the bike, this will normally be within the driving schools yard and you will be able to generally practice manoeuvring the bike. You will get to practice the basics including clutch control, braking, indicating and how to change gear.

• A selection of cones will be set up and you will manoeuvre through the cones and begin learning how to carry out an emergency stop and to turn the motorcycle safely.

• Lastly you will be required to show everything you have learnt, however this is not a test conducted by an examiner, instead it is conducted by your instructor and they will mark off when they think you are competent. If you are struggling with any aspect they won’t fail you. Instead they will show you how and let you practice until you have passed.

• Upon completion of the course you will be issued a CBT certificate (also called a DL196) and you will now be able to book you theory test.

To undertake your CBT you must be 16 years old or over, If you hold a full UK Driving License and passed your test before February 1^st 2001 you do not need to complete your CBT if the bike you wish to ride is 50cc or under.

For everyone else, you need to undertake this mandatory training. Once passed it will last for a period of 2 years if you hold a provisional driving licence, otherwise if you hold a full driving licence it will remain valid for the life of the license.

Passing the CBT entitles you to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc, you must also always display your L Plates whenever you are on the road and have adequate insurance cover. Undertaking your CBT really will introduce you to the safety of being a motorcyclist and even if you fall into the category that you do not legally need to undertake your CBT, it is definitely recommended and ultimately could save your life.

The cost of your CBT will normally be between £70 to £110 and including your safety equipment, use of a motorcycle and all of your tuition. Your Motorcycle Training School will let you know what you need to bring and what facilities are at the centre.

Some training centres give you the option to pay a reduced fee if you sign up for your CBT, theory test and practical test at the same time so it is worth enquiring about this.

So what are you waiting for, if you are serious about enjoying motorcycling, then telephone your chosen training school and undertake the basic CBT training to enable you to get on the road and begin enjoying what motorcycling has to offer.