CBT

CBT Information

CBT Fact Sheet
Please read a copy of the Highway Code before commencing your CBT

What is it?
The starting point for learner motorcyclists and moped riders is the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. CBT was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcycle and moped riders. CBT isn't a test and there's no exam - it's a course of training you are required to complete satisfactorily.

Who has to do it?
All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a CBT course before riding on the road. Also, with effect from 1 February 2001, all new car drivers wishing to validate their full moped entitlement granted with a full car licence must complete a CBT course. The course is specifically designed for novice riders and is conducted by training organizations that have been approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

What do you need?
Before undertaking a CBT course you must be in possession of a valid driving licence showing provisional motorcycle entitlement (unless validating the moped entitlement on a full car licence). Provisional motorcycle entitlement on licences issued before 1 February 2001 expired after 2 years. The law has now changed and holders of such licences can apply to have their licence replaced with one that will include provisional motorcycle entitlement valid until age 70. Replacement licences should be applied for from DVLA using the normal application forms (available from Post Offices).

What do I wear?
You will need to make sure that you have some appropriate clothing for the day and the weather conditions, you will be cold during the autumn, winter and spring. The minimum that you should be wearing at all times are jeans, denim jacket, boots that aren't steel toe capped but that will protect your ankles, we will provide you with helmet and gloves for the day. Take into consideration that you will be spending the day outside and you will be cold and will need to wear extra clothing in the winter, it is best to have thinner clothes in lots of layers rather than one thick layer as the layers will trap the warm air. The instructor's may refuse to take you out if you are wearing unsuitable clothing for the conditions.

Where do you do it?
CBT courses can only be provided by Approved Training Bodies (ATB's). You can telephone the DSA on 0115 9012595 for information and details of ATB's in your area or consult you local telephone directory or Yellow Pages.

What does it involve?
The CBT course syllabus includes five elements, details of which are provided on the reverse of this fact sheet. The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move onto the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

What happens at the end?
When all five elements are satisfactorily completed, a Certificate of Completion of Training (DL196) will be issued to the trainee. This is a legal document, which serves to validate the relevant entitlements on the driving licence and should be kept with the licence.
 DL196 Certificates issued before 1 February 2001 are valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
 DL196 Certificates issued on or after 1 February 2001 validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement on a licence last for 2 years. CBT will need to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the life of the certificate.
 A DL196 Certificate validating full moped entitlement on a full car licence is not subject to expiry, so the DL196 Certificate should be retained with the Driving Licence as proof of entitlement.

Anything Else?
Approved Training Bodies offer a range of services and costs do vary. You are advised to approach more than one, wherever possible, and discuss the options available. Most ATB's provide mopeds/motorcycles for training purposes. On completion of CBT, individuals are advised to take additional training to pass a test and qualify for a full motorcycle or *moped licence (*unless they have a full car licence) More information about CBT is contained in the leaflet "Moped and Motorcycles - Routes to your licence". The DSA has also produced a guide entitled "Official Motorcycling - CBT, Theory and Practical Test" published by The Stationery Office (ISBN 0-11-552258-1), priced at £7.99. This is available from all good book shops and the DSA Publications Unit (Tel: 01234 742297).

Contact us

If you would like more information about our services contact us now on 01325 267 569 or 07989 267 569. You can also send us a message via the enquiry form on the contact page.

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