CBT Courses in Darlington
For more details about our motorbike courses in Darlington and Durham contact MMT Motorcycle Training.
Please read a copy of the Highway Code before commencing your CBT
The starting point for learner motorcyclists and moped riders is the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. CBT was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcycle and moped riders. CBT isn’t a test and there’s no exam – it’s a course of training you are required to complete satisfactorily.
All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a CBT course before riding on the road. Also, with effect from 1 February 2001, all new car drivers wishing to validate their full moped entitlement granted with a full car licence must complete a CBT course. The course is specifically designed for novice riders and is conducted by training organizations that have been approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
Before undertaking a CBT course you must be in possession of a valid driving licence showing provisional motorcycle entitlement (unless validating the moped entitlement on a full car licence). Provisional motorcycle entitlement on licences issued before 1 February 2001 expired after 2 years. The law has now changed and holders of such licences can apply to have their licence replaced with one that will include provisional motorcycle entitlement valid until age 70. Replacement licences should be applied for from DVLA using the normal application forms (available from Post Offices).
You will need to make sure that you have some appropriate clothing for the day and the weather conditions, you will be cold during the autumn, winter and spring. The minimum that you should be wearing at all times are jeans, denim jacket, boots that aren’t steel toe capped but that will protect your ankles, you will have to provide your own helmet and gloves for the day. Take into consideration that you will be spending the day outside and you will be cold and will need to wear extra clothing in the winter, it is best to have thinner clothes in lots of layers rather than one thick layer as the layers will trap the warm air. The instructor’s may refuse to take you out if you are wearing unsuitable clothing for the conditions.
CBT courses can only be provided by Approved Training Bodies (ATB’s). You can telephone the DSA on 0115 9012595 for information and details of ATB’s in your area or consult you local telephone directory or Yellow Pages.
The CBT course syllabus includes five elements, details of which are provided on the reverse of this fact sheet. The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move onto the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.
When all five elements are satisfactorily completed, a Certificate of Completion of Training (DL196) will be issued to the trainee. This is a legal document, which serves to validate the relevant entitlements on the driving licence and should be kept with the licence.
Approved Training Bodies offer a range of services and costs do vary. You are advised to approach more than one, wherever possible, and discuss the options available. Most ATB’s provide mopeds/motorcycles for training purposes. On completion of CBT, individuals are advised to take additional training to pass a test and qualify for a full motorcycle or *moped licence (*unless they have a full car licence) More information about CBT is contained in the leaflet “Moped and Motorcycles – Routes to your licence”. The DSA has also produced a guide entitled “Official Motorcycling – CBT, Theory and Practical Test” published by The Stationery Office (ISBN 0-11-552258-1), priced at £7.99. This is available from all good book shops and the DSA Publications Unit (Tel: 01234 742297).