COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING

Compulsory Basic Training or CBT for short is firstly not a test so I don't want you having sleepless nights about it! It's a motorcycle training course that was introduced in 1990. There is no pass or fail, although if I feel you need more training to bring you up to a competent standard then I will ask you back for extra instruction.

Everyone has to do a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) before they can legally ride a motorcycle on the road. You need to be sixteen in order to ride a 50CC motorcycle or seventeen or older to ride a 125CC motorbike. The CBT has to be done before a motorcycle test can be taken. Everyone with a provisional licence can take a CBT to ride a moped, scooter or motorcycle; the only exception is if you have a full UK car licence that you passed before February 2001, in which case you can ride a moped without L plates or the need for a CBT.

So, what happens on the day?

Davies Motorcycle Training Centre will provide the motorcycle, Jacket (size s - xl) and helmet. All you need to do is turn up, provide your own lunch and enjoy the day. There are five elements that have to be completed, each element has to be completed to a safe standard before moving onto the next element.

At the start you will have an eyesight test (reading a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres).

Element A - Introduction, helmet and clothing talk

Element B - shown the controls on the motorbike, what to do, what not to do and basic checks you should do on your motorbike daily and weekly.

Element C - off road riding. You will learn and practice:

Moving off and stopping
Riding slowly under control, ride in a figure of eight, do a U-Turn, change gear satisfactory.
Right turns major road to minor
Right turns minor to major
Left turns major to minor
Left turns minor to major
Emergency stop

Element D - a classroom session about the dangers or riding on the road. Should should have a basic knowledge of the highway code.

Element E - this element will last at least two hours in which you have to demonstrate that you can ride a motorcycle competently and safely in a variety of road and traffic conditions.

Once I am happy we will return to the motorbike training centre where you will be issued with a certificate (DL196). This lasts for two years.

How long the day lasts depends on each individual. I aim to make it fun, I think you learn more when you're having a laugh and enjoying it. I've got so much out of biking over the years and

I want you to enjoy it as much as I do!