The law in the United Kingdom stipulates that you need to complete a CBT course before you ride any scooter or motorcycle. The information out there about riding a motorcycle can be quite vague and we will do our utmost best to put it in clear and simple terms. The information in this article is based on our experiences in obtaining a CBT.

Before you can do a CBT test with any instructor, you will need to at least have a Provisional Drivers License. The Provisional Drivers License can be obtained by completing a form, attach a passport photo and send off £50.00 to the DVLA. See our post on the procedure if you want to apply for a Provisional Drivers License.

What is a CBT?

It stands for Compulsory Basic Training and it was introduced by the Government on 1 December 1990. The aim of all this hassle is to reduce the amount of accidents caused by inexperienced motorcyclists. Rather safe than sorry is always a good motto to have when you decide to use any roads.

A CBT day course will normally set you back between £85.00 to £140.00. The rate varies across the United Kingdom. This will normally include using their equipment (motorcycle, protective clothing, helmet and insurance). You are not allowed to ride your own motorcycle to the facility without obtaining your CBT. Some instructors allow companies to deliver your new motorcycle to their facility to have it ready for when you complete the CBT.

It is normally advisable to wear jeans, trainers or boots and a padded jacket if you do not have the proper gear but instructors can be flexible. It is advisable to consult them before you turn up to make sure you are suitably dressed as you will go riding on the roads during the CBT course.

What to expect of a CBT during the course?

All approved instructors do follow the same guidelines as set out by the DVLA which is the following.

The CBT course involves five elements:

A. introduction
B. practical on-site training
C. practical on-site riding
D. practical on-road training
E. practical on-road riding

The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

Trainees must, by law, receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E.

And here is how it unfolded for us during the CBT.

Arriving on the premises I had to provide my Provisional Drivers License along with the fee required to do the CBT. The next point of call was a discussion on protective clothing, helmets, gloves, trousers, jackets and shoes. The law only requires you to wear a helmet when on the road but considering how much of an impact your body takes during an accident it is wise to invest in protective clothing. We also discussed the different motorcycle licenses one can obtain after doing the CBT. Basic road safety was next and our instructor gave us a lot of tips one standing our in the traffic and how to handle anger on the road. Motorcyclists have to pay much more attention to their surroundings as accidents lurk around every corner. The instructor conducted an eye test with each learner as part of the procedure.

We then got geared up and got our motorcycles. We were showed how to take the bike off the stand, put it back and general buttons and knobs on the motorcycle. Finally got the chance to get on the motorcycle and rode it around on their premises through cones and simple manoeuvres. This session lasted about an hour, had lunch and then discussed road safety a bit more.

The instructor is only allowed to take two riders on the road with him so we all took turns. The first group were given headphones to listen to the instructors instructions whilst on the road. The session on the road lasted about two hours, which was a lot of fun after you got over the scary parts. The instructor was satisfied with our performance and we were issued with a DL 196 Certificate. You do not need to have this certificate with you when on the motorcycle but may need to provide it as proof at the nearest Police Station if pulled over by a police officer.

Upon successful completion of the CBT and obtaining the DL 196 Certificate you have to abide by the following rules:

• Display ‘L’ plates at the front and rear of your bike
• NOT ride a bike larger than 125cc (17 and over, 50cc restricted for 16 years of age)
• NOT carry pillion passengers
• NOT ride on motorways

The hunt now begins to finding that perfect scooter or moped to zip around London with. A great place to start is by browsing through Gumtree or Autotrader. You will then need to make sure you have your motorcycle’s MOT and registration and at least 3^rd party insurance.

Be safe on the roads!