Compulsory basic training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. CBT must be completed by Law, before any new moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride on the road with Lplates or D-plates in Wales.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE CBT IF:
- you want to ride a moped (a moped has an engine not over 50 cc (4kw max) with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) which is approximately 31 miles per hour)
- you want to ride a motorcycle/scooter up to 125cc (11kw max)
Note: If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a 50cc moped/scooter. If you passed your car driving test on or after February 1st 2001 you only need to complete the CBT once in order to validate your moped licence and be able to ride 50cc mopeds/scooters. The same is true if you complete a CBT course and then pass your car driving test within 2 years.
Age restrictions on CBT:
- Age 16 You can ride a 50cc moped (geared or automatic)
- Age 17+ You can ride a 125cc learner bike (geared or automatic)
OUR CBT COURSE
WHAT DOES CBT INVOLVE?
The CBT course involves five elements:
Introduction
Practical on-site training
Practical on-site riding
Practical on-road training
Practical on-road riding
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 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 will receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E* (see Note).
Certificate of completion (DL 196) when all five elements have been satisfactorily completed (this may take more than one day), a certificate of completion, called the DL196, is issued. This is a legal document which validates the relevant entitlements on your driving licence.
Unless otherwise stated, CBT Courses usually start 8.30am and will finish at around 5pm* (see Note).
NOTE FOR THE DL196 HOLDER
It is important that the holder of a DL196 considers the following points:
- a DL196 certificate validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for 2 (two years) – CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life for 50cc 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 50cc mopeds only, for riding motorcycles and scooters over 50cc as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years. Once you have your certificate you are advised to take additional training to pass your theory and practical tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or moped licence. You must take the DL196 certificate with you when you go to your practical test.
- Only instructors certified by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can teach CBT at an approved training body (ATB). ATBs must have instructors who have successfully completed a two day assessment and have sites approved by DVSA for off-road training. If booking using our bikes/scooters, helmet gloves and waterproofs are included in the price. The cost of CBT may also be incorporated into the cost of a full training course that leads to a motorcycle test.
NOTE *: At any point throughout the CBT course the instructor may stop training and ask the student to rebook. This may be due to a number of reasons. If this is the case the instructor will explain why he/she has chosen to do so and will be available to give a full debrief and answer any questions.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
In order for you to qualify to undertake CBT training, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Be 16 years of age or over
Have your UK photo card driving licence (EU licences must be accompanied by a D91 letter of confirmation)
You can ride a bicycle confidently and with good balance, and have recently done so (within the last 6 months)
Have a reasonable understanding of The Highway Code if you are a provisional licence holder
