Why do you need CBT training?
Before you’ll be able to hit the road you’ll need CBT training. This applies if you want to ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc. Every motor bike with a bigger engine requires you to have the full license. The CBT training takes one day and there’s no test. The instructor will show you how to operate a small bike and through the day she/he will assess if you can be let loose at the end of it!
The CBT is required for all learner riders on motorcycles (over 50cc) and mopeds, and to validate the moped entitlement gained on passing a car test if the car license was issued after 01.02.2001.
So, what does “CBT” stand for?
CompulsoryBasic Training. That describes it perfectly. You have to do it!
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) says that the CBT training consists of 5 parts:
- Introduction
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- Practical on-road training
- Practical on-road riding
This is my CBT training day experience :
For weeks I had been excited about the prospect of finally being able to ride my new Vespa. The course I booked was on a Sunday (weekend days are very popular, I had to wait 4 weeks) and started at 8.30 in the morning. Zack (Who’s Zack) rode my brand-new Vespa down to the CBT course so I could use it for the day.
We were in a group of four and one instructor was assigned to us. We started with an introduction and discussed our individual road experience. Our ID was checked and then we had to do an eyesight test. You must prove that you can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 meters. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses you can wear them.
After that we had a walk around the bikes we were using for the day and the instructor explained how to check the tyres, take a bike from it’s stand and what all the controls are for.
Zack says:
"Make sure you dress appropriately. The instructors like to see that you are aware of the importance of your clothing. And yes, read the Highway Code. The current edition (revised 2004, ISBN 0-552698-6) costs £1.99 and you will be asked some questions. You don’t want to look stupid in front of others, do you? ;-)"
(Who's Zack?)
Part of the course was about 2 hour (total: 1hour in the morning, 1 hour before we went on the road in the afternoon) theory training and advice about the dos and don’ts. We discussed the Highway Code, general safety rules, clothing and equipment.
In the morning we practices on the bikes in a designated area at the school. We were shown how to generally maneuver the bike, how to do an emergency stop and a U-turn.
In the afternoon we went on the road with an instructor for about 2 hours. After that we were assessed and the CBT course endet at 17.00.
If the instructor thinks that your riding skills are good enough, you have shown that you can safely navigate through traffic and you know the Highway Code, he/she will issue you with the CBT certificate (DL196). This piece of paper is valid for two years. After that you will either have to come back and do the same training again, or you can take a full license course. If you want to do the motorcycle license you will need CBT training anyway.
I got my CBT certificate (DL196) and rode home on my new Vespa. I have to display L-plates at the front and the back though! If the police stop you without displaying them you could be fined £60 on the spot. Plus, you’re invalidating your insurance – not a good idea!
Disclaimer:
This website is based on my own research. It does not constitute advice. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. All tips are followed at your own risk and should be followed up with your own research. A good resource for CBT training is the DSA (Driving Standards Agency).
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