CBT was introduced in 1990 to combat the escalating numbers of moped and motorcycle riders who were being involved in Road Traffic Accidents and sometimes sustaining serious or fatal injuries due to a lack of basic motorcycle training. Since the introduction of this structured training package such casualty figures in all respects have taken a dramatic fall.
CBT is delivered by a Driving Standards Agency approved motorcycle training body and may be undertaken using any size of machine, depending on your age. It is a course of five elements and must be completed by all moped and motorcycle provisional license holders before they are permitted to ride their machines on the road. It usually takes one day to complete.
The training is carried out on the large runway facility at the former RAF Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan, which is an inspected and approved site. Our training has a maximum instructor ratio of 1:4 for site elements, which is reduced to 1:2 when on road training is conducted towards the end of the day. At this point radio communication is introduced to guide you through the final element.
The course itself is divided into five phases, known as elements, and is designed so that as one element is finishing the next will expand your newly acquired skills further. Throughout the training the emphasis is on motorcycle safety, and you will be taught comprehensive skills to develop your motorcycle riding, starting at a basic level.
The elements are as follows:
The training package is delivered by DSA certified motorcycle instructors, all of whom have undertaken assessment to a national standard. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to assist your development. By explanation, demonstration and coaching, your skills will improve as the day progresses.
When your instructor is satisfied that you have reached the required standard you will be issued with a DL 196 certificate which is an official document to validate your provisional licence entitlement and allows you to ride, subject to age restrictions, a moped or motorcycle up to 125CC on the road, unaccompanied with L-plates. This certificate is valid for two years from date of issue and should be retained by you for production when you take your practical test, or if required, for production to the police with your provisional licence.
The DL 196 will also allow you to take the Direct Access route to large motorcycle licence acquisition provided you are over 21 years of age.
If you have no previous experience and you feel you may not reach the standard in one day, do not worry. Another appointment will be made for you to complete the training at another date, suitable to yourself, with no further charge. CBT - The small print!.
Anyone passing a car test after 01/02/2001 is given a full licence for mopeds but cannot ride such machines as a full licence holder until they complete CBT. This CBT will be valid for life... for mopeds only! If you would like to ride a 125cc you are required to take another CBT which is then valid for two years, as above.
The old existing rule of provisional motorcycle licenses only lasting two years if no test was taken has been abolished as of 01/02/2001, and now lasts until you are 70.
Anyone with a provisional motorcycle licence running out after 01/02/2001 does not lose it after a year (as pre 2001) as you can apply to the DVLA for one that lasts until you are 70.