Compulsory Basic Training (C.B.T.)
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 as a means of lowering the number of accidents involving Motorcyclists and Scooter riders.
The syllabus has been laid down by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Training bodies such as ours are overseen by the DSA to ensure that training meets their requirements.
Whilst we do not promise to complete your CBT training in one day, we do guarantee that you will get your CBT certificate without having to pay extra if you do not reached to required standard on the first attempt.
There are no added extras and the cost is the same whether you do your training midweek, weekend or public holiday. We do not charge extra for the use of our bike or safety equipment.
So, what is involved in CBT?
If you want to ride a Motorcycle, Scooter or Moped on a public road, you must undergo a CBT course. (An exception relates to those who passed a car test before 1 February 2001. These people can ride a Moped if their licence shows Category P as a full entitlement).
CBT is not a "test", it's a training course with a certificate at the end. The CBT certificate validates your Driving Licence, allowing you to ride Mopeds and Motorcycles for 2 years from the date of issue. You must ride alone. You cannot ride on Motorways. You must display L plates, to the front and to the rear.
The content of the CBT course is laid down by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). It contains five elements, all of which are concerned with SAFETY.
At Valley Bike School we aim to complete our CBT course in ONE day but if you do not complete the course within the one day, don't worry. We will finish your training at a time to suit you at no extra cost. Do other riding schools offer this?
Whilst riding a bike you will encounter hazardous situations. There is no mileage in rushing your training or short-cutting the system. Unlike some, our prices are all inclusive - there are no hidden extras. We have heard of some that charge for bike hire, insurance and EVEN petrol. How are you supposed to complete your training without these things?
The five elements of the CBT course are:
1. Introduction
2. Practical on-site training
3. Practical on-site riding
4. Practical on-road training
5. Practical on-road riding
Even if you don't intend taking your test just yet, it is a good idea to "gen up" on the Highway Code. This is especially true of younger riders who have little or no experience of the "rules of the road".
So, what's next after CBT?
You have three options:
OPTION 1
Ride your Moped, Scooter, or Motorcycle for up to 2 years with L plates. Within that 2 years you must pass your practical test or undergo CBT training again which will give you a further 2 years. Currently, you can complete a CBT Course as many times as you like.
OPTION 2
Restricted Licence (You must pass a theory test)
Take a Practical Test on a 125cc (STANDARD) machine. We use Honda CG125's Yamaha YBR 125's and Kawasaki BN125's. For taller riders we have a Yamaha WR125cc. When you Pass you will be restricted to riding a machine that produces 33 brake horse power (bhp) for two years. If you are under 21 or are looking for the most cost effective way of getting a full bike licence, this is the option for you. Many bikes that produce more than 33 bhp can be "restricted". After the two years, you are totally unrestricted. N.B. If you pass your test on an "automatic" machine (Scooter) you will be restricted to riding an automatic. Our automatic machine is a Yamaha Vity 125cc.
There is another option, similar to Option 2, which is to take the test on a "light bike". This licence restricts riders to any motorcycle up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW (14.6 brake horse power). The practical test must be taken on a motorcycle of between 75 cc and 125 cc. The Light Bike test is NOT a popular option and we do not recommend it. Again, you must pass a theory test before taking this practical test.
OPTION 3
Direct Access (You must pass a theory test)
Take a Practical Test on a bigger bike. (We us Kawasaki ER5's, Kawasaki ER6's and Yamaha XJ6's). It must be capable of delivering 46.6 brake horse power (bhp). This route is known as Direct Access and is only available to people over 21 years of age. Once you pass the "Big Bike" test you can ride any bike from day 1.
The Practical Test is the same as Option 2 but to take advantage of the Direct Access option, you must take lessons with an Approved Instructor and be in radio contact. Currently, we have four Direct Access Instructors, three of whom are trained to Advanced level with the police.
The Direct Access route is due to change, not for the better, in early 2013. It is a good idea to get it done before then.
Theory Test
Based on the Highway Code, the Theory Test must be taken by everyone before they can take their Practical Test. Even though you have been driving a Class I HGV since Noah launched his Ark or have recently passed a Theory Test for another class of vehicle, you must pass a Theory Test for Motorcycles. The current cost of a Theory Test is £31.00 and can be booked on line at www.dsa.gov.uk or over the phone on 08700-101372. We book theory tests in advance if you want one of ours.
The Theory Test consists of two parts:
Part 1... 50 multiple choice questions. You must get 43 right to pass.
Part 2... Hazard Perception element. This involves 14 video clips than contain 15 "scoreable hazards". You must score at least 44 from 75 in this element.
If well prepared, the Theory Test should hold no fears for anyone.
There are a number of books, CD-ROMs and DVDs on the market to help you pass the Theory Test. We recommend the DSA's own products that can be obtained from most large bookstores, or from The Stationery Office (TSO) direct.
For details of the Practical test, click here
Last updated 17 May 2012