1. Changes to the UK Learner Motorcycle Specification

2. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds

up to 31 January 2001

From 1 January 1997 all learner moped and motorcycle riders irrespective of when a licence was issued must have completed a Compulsory Basic Training [CBT] course before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road.

When you successfully complete a CBT you will get a Certificate of Completion (DL196) which is valid for 3 years. Keep your certificate safe because you will need to show it to the examiner when you take your moped or motorcycle practical test. You may also need to show it to the police. Certificates issued before 1 July 1996 expired on 30 June 1999. The requirement to complete CBT does not apply to those riders who are:

• learning to ride a motorcycle and who have already obtained full moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after 1 December 1990, or

• riding a moped with full entitlement given automatically with a full car licence.

from 1 February 2001

After 1 February 2001 when you successfully complete CBT you will get a Certificate of Completion (DL 196) which will be valid for 2 years. Certificates issued prior to that date will be valid for 3 years. Keep your CBT certificate safe because you will need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle theory test.

You will also need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle accompanied test, and you may need to show it to the police if required.

If you have any enquiries about CBT phone Driving Standards Agency on: 0115 901 2500 and ask for the CBT section.

If you are learning to ride a moped or motorcycle,you cannot carry a pillion passenger.

You can only learn to ride on motorcycles over 125cc if:

• you are over 21 and accompanied by an approved instructor on a separate machine at all times, or

• you are riding a motorcycle with a sidecar

Moped

A moped is a motorcycle which:

• cannot go faster than 50km/h

• must not have an engine over 50cc

• can be moved by pedals, if the moped was used before 1 August 1977.

Any enquiries about CBT should also be referred to the DSA.

3. The Theory Test

4. The New Category A and A1 Driving Licence

To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must successfully complete CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle between 75cc and 125cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.

To gain a full standard category A licence you must successfully complete CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After two years you may ride any size motorcycle.

5. Direct Access for learner riders aged 21 or over

6. Accelerated Access

7. Training for Direct Access or Accelerated Access

8. Notes

For CBT enquiries, please call the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0115 901 2595.

For general enquiries about driving tests or minimum test vehicles, please call the DSA Customer Service Unit on 0115 901 2515 / 2516

Theory and practical test appointments may be booked, and any test enquiries may be answered, by telephoning 0870 010 1372