CBT

A CBT is compulsory basic training. It is the minimum requirement for beginning to learn to ride motorcycles. It is required for riding a motorcycle or moped. A moped has an engine not over 50 cc with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour which is approximately 31 miles per hour. If you obtained your car licence before 1st February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.

What does a CBT involve?

The CBT course involves five elements:

A. Introduction (Go to)
B. Practical on-site training (Go to)
C. Practical on-site riding (Go to)
D. Practical on-road training (Go to)
E. Practical on-road riding (Go to)

The five elements must completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level. Trainees must, by law, receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E.

Certificate of completion (DL 196)

When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion, called the DL196, is issued. This is a legal document which validates the relevant entitlements on your driving licence.

DL196 certificate entitlement lasts for two years - CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life For moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is not subject to expiry, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safely. Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years.

CBT Syllabus

ELEMENT (A) – INTRODUCTION

Trainees must be told and must understand:

- The aims of the approved training course
- The importance of having the right equipment and clothing

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).

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ELEMENT (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 and 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 and bring the motorcycle to a controlled halt by braking.
- Be able to start and stop the engine satisfactorily.

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ELEMENT (C) - PRACTICAL ON SITE RIDING

Trainees must undertake practical on site riding at the conclusion of which 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 a 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.

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ELEMENT (D) - PRACTICAL ON ROAD TRAINING

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.

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.

Trainees must be aware of:

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

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