Compulsory Basic Training

This course is conducted by training organisations that have been approved by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency).

All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a C.B.T. course before riding on the road. The C.B.T. course syllabus includes 5 elements that have to completed in sequence.

Element A - driving licence check for correct entitlement. Eye-sight test. Discussion of the aims of C.B.T. and clothing/equipment.

Element B - Introduction to the controls, how they work, basic maintenance checks, use of stands, wheeling the machine around and starting and stopping the engine.

Element C - Practical riding on an approved DSA site. Moving off and stopping. Changing gear. Emergency stop, correct rear observation, u-turns, riding in a figure of 8 and left and right turns.

Element D - Before leaving the C.B.T. training site and going out onto public roads, there will be a theory lesson given by the instructor. A variety of points in relation to practical on-road riding will be covered. Some of the points discussed will include - Highway Code, legal requirements, defensive riding, the vulnerability on a motorcycle and hazard perception.

Element E - This is the practical on-road phase where you will ride on public roads for a minimum of 2 hours whilst under radio communication with the instructor. Instruction will be given on correct procedures to negotiate roundabouts, junctions, bends, pedestrian crossings, obstructions, traffic lights, u-turns and emergency stops. The on-road session will end when the instructor is satisfied that the student has learned how to ride safely.

When you have satisfactorily completed all 5 elements, you will then be issued with a Certificate of Completion of Training (DL196). This is a legal document which serves to validate the relevant entitlements on the driving licence.

*Car drivers who held a FULL car licence before 1st February, 2001 do not require a C.B.T. certificate if they want to ride only a 50cc. However, car drivers who passed their car test after 1st february, 2001 must hold a C.B.T. certificate to validate their full moped entitlement (50cc). Provided the individual only rides a 50cc machine, the C.B.T. certificate will be valid for the life of the driving licence.

A DL196 issued after 1st february, 2001 lasts for 2 years.

Once C.B.T. has been completed the individual can then proceed onto the theory and practical tests.

At M.T.W. we run C.B.T. courses 7 days a week including Saturdays and Sundays. The course usually starts at 09.30a.m. and normally ends at 5p.m. Generally C.B.T. can be achieved in 1 day.

For location/directions to M.T.W. please view the site map here and choose an option.

Re-do C.B.T. course

If an individual has not reached a standard to successfully pass the course and obtain their DL196 we offer them another full day training at a discounted price. (See prices for full details)

On successful completion of the C.B.T. you can then go on to 125cc training. For those over 21 years of age who wish to by-pass this phase, you can jump to the Direct Access Scheme. Click the links for more information.

Theory test

All test candidates must sit and pass a motorcycle theory test and that includes full car licence holders. The test includes 35 multiple choice questions, covering a wide range of driving topics. In order to pass you must answer 30 or more questions correctly in 40 minutes.

After a break of up to 3 minutes, the hazard perception part will start. The test consists of 14 video clips, each lasting approximately 1 minute. The clips feature various types of hazard, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard. The eralier a developing hazard is spotted and a response made, the higher the score.

You must pass both parts of the theory to pass overall.

You can do a mock theory test at the DSA web site by clicking here and following the links to the test.

To help prepare for the theory test the DSA recommend the Highway Code, Driving Skills series, CD Roms and Know Your Traffic Signs - all of which can be ordered through the DSA at www.dsa.gov.uk or call on 0870 0101372

The cost of the theory test is £20.50 and is bookable either on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk or you can phone as above.