Motorcycle Compulsory Basic

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Who needs to do CBT?
All learner motorcyclists must complete their CBT before riding ANY motorbike or scooter on the road. This means they must hold a certificate DL196. The ONLY exceptions are:

• If you passed a full moped test after 1st December 1990
• If you live and ride on specified offshore islands.
• If you already hold a certificate of completion obtained during a previous motorcycle entitlement or when riding a moped.
• Or if you wish to ride a moped using the full moped entitlement provided by a full car licence.

Please check with us to see if you need to take CBT or not, don't ride illegally - it's not worth it!
It should be noted that the DL196 only has a two year life.

What is CBT?
Introduced in 1990 CBT is intended to reduce the rate of accidents in new and inexperienced riders. CBT must be taken with an approved training Body, such as BIKE-IT. CBT is designed to be helpful not difficult and will give you a good start to your training. Feedback tells us people find it a very enjoyable experience.

There are five main parts (A-E) to CBT. Each must be passed before a DL196 can be issued.

A - Introduction
This includes a discussion about the aims of the CBT, the importance of the right equipment and clothing and the need to have your eyesight tested.
Your eyesight will be tested by the instructor on the day so if you wear spectacles remember to bring them along. To pass the test you must read a standard number plate at a distance 20.5 meters in good daylight.

B - Practical on-site training
This part of the training aims to familiarise you with the motorcycle and its controls. By the end of the session you should be able to:

• Carry out basic checks to the bike
• Put it on and take it off its stand
• Start and stop the engine
• Wheel the motorcycle around to both the left and right with good balance
• Bring the bike to a stop using the brakes

C - Practical on-site riding
This is where you will first be shown how to ride the motorcycle and by the end of the session should be able to show that you can ride the bike and keep it in your control. This will include, amongst other parts, riding the bike slowly and braking in an emergency.

D - Practical on-road training
This will be a comprehensive discussion about riding safely on the road. It will include, amongst other topics, rider visibility, legal requirements, riding at the correct speed, anticipation of others actions, observation and hazard perception.

E - Practical on-road riding
In this final part the instructor will take you and possibly one other learner out on to the road for a minimum of two hours. During this time you will be expected to demonstrate riding in a competent and safe manner in a variety of road conditions and the instructor will be looking to see how you cope with obstacles such as roundabouts, junctions, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Completion
Once you have completed all five parts in sequence to a satisfactory standard you will be issued with certificate DL196. Keep your DL196 safe you will need it again!

What does a DL196 entitle me to do?
Once you have a DL196 you will be entitled to ride on the road to train further towards your motorcycle or moped test. As a learner, displaying 'L' plates you cannot carry passengers or ride on the motorway. The machine you are allowed to use must have an engine not over 125cc unless you are accompanied by an instructor and are wearing the appropriate safety gear.

CBT normally takes a full day to complete with a break for lunch. The training can be completed on your own bike or on one hired from us. You should wear tough clothing, leathers or other specialised clothing is best but heavy jeans will do. We can provide you with a safety helmet though you should provide your own gloves, boots and if needed waterproof clothing. Discussions will take place in our classroom and we have basic kitchen facilities and a toilet on-site for your use.