Compulsory Basic Training

What is Compulsory Basic Training?

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the one day course that all individuals wishing to learn how to ride a motorcycle or moped must take before being allowed to ride such a vehicle with L plates unaided.

What does Compulsory Basic Training Consist of?

The Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course consists of five modules that must be completed before the completion of the course is awarded and before you can legally ride a motorcycle or moped on the road with L plates.

These modules are:

• Eyesight Test
• Learning Your Bike's Controls
• Learning How to Ride the Bike
• Classroom Session
• Riding on Public Roads

First of all it is important to remember that the course can only be completed once all elements of it have been completed. If for some reason you cannot take one part of the test on the day you are due to, you must reschedule and complete the test to its fullest in order to be awarded a certificate.

Eyesight Test

Your eyesight and the ability to see over long distances are important so the first part of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course is designed to establish how good your eyesight is. You will be required to read at a distance of around sixty-seven feet (20.5 metres). If you have to wear glasses or contact lenses normally for this then you must wear them on the day. You will not be penalised for wearing glasses or contact lenses so if you need them wear them. At this stage it is worth noting that failure during the eyesight test will automatically bring a halt to the training.

Learning Your Bike's Controls

During this part of the course you will learn about the controls of the bike and how to use them in conjunction with one another whilst riding it. You will have to present a good understanding of all of the bike's controls before you can move on so it is important to pay attention and also - where possible - to spend time before the course getting to grips with the controls of a bike. If you are using your own bike (which most learner motorcyclists do) then this should be relatively straight forward.

During this part of the course you will learn about the controls on the left and right handlebars, the foot controls and the instrument panel.

Learning How to Ride the Bike

During this module you will have to demonstrate the ability to ride the bike confidently and safely on the road. You will need to be able to show you can:

• Move off from the kerb
• Turn left and right
• Have control of the bike
• Exercise clutch control
• Use the brakes correctly
• Be able to use mirrors properly

Classroom Session

During this module of the course you will have a discussion with your tutor who will go through the legal requirements for driving on the road, the dangers of alcohol and drug use whilst in charge of a vehicle and also the Highway Code. These elements of learning to drive any vehicle are important and he or she will endeavour to make sure you have as good an understanding as is possible in the time allowed.

Riding on Public Roads

In the final part of your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) you will get to ride out on the public highways under the instruction of your tutor. During this time you will be assessed on how much of the information that has gone before you have taken in and whether or not you are competent enough to be awarded the certificate (DL196) which is given to those who pass.

You should be aware that in order to ride on the roads you must have your provisional licence so before you apply to take this course you must have applied for - and received - your provisional driver's licence.

There are many centres up and down the country at which you can take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course and you can find details of them online or in your local telephone directory. Also the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will also have a list of these centres as well as motorcycle instructors.