Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Please 'mouse over' a question and
'click'.
If your question is not covered here please feel free to contact us.
Q1. I've just turned 16 and want to ride on the road; what
do I need?
A1. The government introduced the CBT
(Compulsory basic training) course some years ago to help reduce the
number of accidents in young riders starting out on their riding careers.
Before you even go out on the road for the first time, this is where
it all starts. For anyone wanting to ride a motorcycle or moped, It
is the minimum level of training legally required to ride unaccompanied
on the road, the aim being to provide you with a basic level of skill
and competency to ensure you can ride safely. Our courses are carried
out mostly at weekends and during school holidays, but a CBT course
can be run on any day during the week as well. The course normally takes
a complete day and includes a minimum of two hours instruction on the
road by one of our qualified Instructors.
As a 16 year old you may only ride a Moped, <50cc on the public highway.
Q2. Do
I need a licence to do CBT training?
A2. Yes, a 16 year old must have Group
P on their provisional licence. Those over 17 years of age who wish
to ride a motorbike over 50cc must have Group A on their provisional
licence. No licence, no training. For those people who do not hold a
UK licence please call for advice.
Q3. How long does a CBT certificate last?
A3. A CBT Certificate lasts for 2 years - if yours
is about to expire, talk to us about renewing it or look at our Restricted
or Direct Access courses.
Q4. Do I need
to have any special equipment for CBT training?
A4. No, we ask you to come with a stout pair of boots
and a pair of jeans as a minimum. We can supply a suitable motorcycle
/ moped, helmet, jacket and gloves. Wet weather gear is also available.
We also sell motorcycling safety equipment, all at very competitive
prices.
Q5. When I took my CBT, I was 16 years old; do I need to
take another one for a geared bike now I'm 17 years?
A5. No your CBT Certificate lasts for
2 years and covers you automatically for a 125cc motorbike. However,
if you want to learn how to change gear contact us and we can give you
a gear changing lesson on one of our 125cc motorbikes, before you go
on the road. We can also advise you about doing your Restricted licence.
Q6. I want to ride a motorcycle to work, I have never ridden
one before although I can ride a push-bike, and I passed my car test before
the 1st February 2001; what do I need?
A6. As you passed your car driving test
before the 1st February 2001 and if you're going to ride just a moped,
you don't need to take a CBT or even put 'L' plates up on the bike.
However, we would recommend that you come and still do a CBT course
so you can learn how to control the motorbike and gain expert knowledge
about the right clothing to wear. If you intend to ride a bigger motorbike
you will need to obtain a CBT Certificate. If you passed your car test
after 1st February 2001 you will be required to attend a CBT Course.
Q7. What is a moped?
A7. A Moped is classed as a powered two wheeler with an engine size no
greater than 49cc and capable of no more than 31 mph even if it has gears.
Everything else is classified as a motorcycle.
Q8. I've passed my car test and groups C and D; do I need
to take a Theory Test for a motorcycle as well?
A8. Yes, you have to take and pass the Theory Test
prior to us booking your final practical riding test. This is taken at
one of a number of theory test centres, Reading, Salisbury & Basingstoke
are the most local. This test can be booked directly by contacting 0870
0101372 or www.dsa.gov.uk.
Q9. If I take
my Restricted Access test on a 125cc motorbike, can I ride a bigger motorbike
immediately?
A9. Yes, once you have passed this test you will be able to ride any size
motorcycle, however the power must be mechanically restricted to 33bhp
for two years, after which you will then be eligible to ride any size
or power of motorcycle.
Q10. If I want
to do a DAS Training Course, how do I arrange it?
A10. Simply call us and we arrange
it all, including booking your test. All you need to do before your
training is pass the Theory and Hazard Perception test. We will carry
out a free assessment of your riding abilities and advise you of your
needs. Our DAS training is generally undertaken over a 2 - 3 day course.
Alternatively, we can provide courses over a period of days if this
is more convenient for you. The number of sessions or days training
required will vary depending upon your previous experience.
Q11. Do
I need to have any special equipment for the DAS / Restricted Training
Course?
A11. No, we ask you to come with a stout pair of boots and a pair of jeans
as a minimum. We can supply a suitable motorcycle, helmet, jacket and
gloves. Wet weather gear is also available.
Q12. I hear that the test examiners have to fail a certain
number every day?
A12. This is totally untrue.
Q13. If I want
to take my test on a larger motorbike, like a 500cc, can I practice on
my own?
A13. Most definitely not. You are not
allowed to ride a motorbike bigger than 125cc unless you are under instruction
from a DSA Approved Instructor or have passed the appropriate test.
Q14. What is an Advanced Rider?
A15. Simply put, an advanced rider
is one who is able to think ahead, continuously planning and changing
their ride based on all of the prevailing circumstances. This well developed
sense of observation and planning results in a smooth ride, without
any surprises or any compromise to safety. A rider using advanced skills
will be able to spot potential danger early on and so will have time
to stop, avoid it or escape. Our Advance Riding Course will fulfill
all of the above and give you practical insight into basic maintenance
as well.
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