Match Motorcycle Training To Your Needs

Training Requirements - With Effect From 19th January 2013 (EU Third Directive Rulings)
Age Vehicle Full Car Licence Obtained
Before 1st February 01
Minimum Training Constraints
16 Moped,
geared or automatic
not relevant CBT Show L Plates.
Renew certificate every two years
16 50cc + not relevant wait until you are 17 not legally able to ride on public highway
17+ Moped,
geared or automatic
YES none mandatory.
CBT recommended
You may only ride a Moped
17+ 50-125cc not relevant CBT Show L Plates.
Renew certificate every two years
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I undertook a DAS with Andover Rider Training and I can thoroughly recommend both the school and James, he is an excellent instructor, patient and clearly very experienced. James managed to install a high level of awareness and increased confidence in a short space of time. I came to A.R.T from another local riding school, feeling unready for my test and ill at ease on the bike, three days later I passed my test with 1 minor and haven't looked back since.
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craig on motorbikeCraig Lamble
 
Also take a look at our Refresher and Advanced Training Courses

For those who will be taking The Full Motorcycle Test the following is required.

Training Requirements - With Effect From 19th January 2013
Category Moped or Motorcycle Used On Test Min. Age Entry Requirements
AM 2 wheeled machine with:
  • Cubic capacity of 50cc or less
  • Max. design speed not exceeding 45km/hr (28mph)
16 CBT theory and practical
A1 Motorcycle with:
  • Cubic capacity of at least 120cc and no more than 125cc
  • Power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6 bhp)
  • Capable of a speed of at least 90km/hr (55mph)
17 CBT theory and practical
A2 Motorcycle with:
  • Cubic capacity of at least 395cc
  • Engine power of at least 25kW (33bhp)
  • Engine power of no more than 35kW (46.6 bhp.)
19 (Progressive Access). Must have held an A1 licence for a minimum of 2 years and take either:
  • A practical test
  • Or, training option*
  • Or must hold a valid CBT and theory certificate and take practical test.
A Motorcycle with:
  • Cubic capacity of at least 595cc
  • Engine power of at least 40kW (53.6 bhp)
21 (Progressive Access). Must have held an A2 for a minimum of 2 years and take either:
  • A practical test
  • Or, training option*
A As Above 24 (Direct Access). Hold a valid CBT and theory test certificate and practical test.

Motorcycle candidates must always have a valid theory test certificate before taking their first practical motorcycle test. Unless they take a Progressive Access route, they must have a valid theory test certificate before taking any further practical motorcycle tests.

*The feasibility of the training option is currently being looked into. A final decision is yet to be made.


Motor Cycle Test Manoeuvres from 27th April 09

The motorcycle test aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. The test will be completed in two modules.

Module 1

The specified manoeuvres are conducted at specific speeds on safe off-road sites and take on average 22 minutes.
These specified manoeuvres are:

  • At least two manoeuvres carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
  • At least two manoeuvres carried out at higher speed, of which one exercise should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
  • At least two braking manoeuvres, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)

On the day of the Module 1 test, you will be asked by the examiner to demonstrate your riding ability on either a left-hand or right-hand circuit. Those candidates who have passed Module 1 will receive a Test Pass Certificate which they must bring with them when they take Module 2.

Module 2

Module 2 of the test is about 57 minutes in length and will consist of the eyesight test, road safety questions and at least 30 minutes of road riding, consisting of a road ride covering a variety of road and traffic conditions and will also include normal stops, hill and angle starts.

Video about the Module 1 test (part 1 of 6 videos).
Note: YouTube 'Privacy Enhanced Mode' is enabled. YouTube places a cookie on your computer when you play the video. Click for information about 'You Tube Privacy Enhanced Mode and cookies'

Part 2-6 and other Driving Standards Agency videos at YouTube.

Further information is available from the the Directgov website.

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Motorcycle Training Courses available from Andover Rider Training for Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire riders.

CBT - Compulsory Basic Training

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.

If you obtained your car licence before 1 February, 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped, or show an L plate. However, for any other motorcycle or Scooter you will need to hold a CBT certificate.

Once you have completed your CBT training you will be issued with your CBT certificate (DL196). This is valid for 2 years and entitles you to ride, unaccompanied: -

  • A moped up to 50cc if you are aged 16
  • A motorcycle up to 125cc if you are 17 or over

L Plates must be shown. The certificate has to be renewed every two years or until such time as you pass the Progressive Training Test (A1/A2) or DAS test (Category A).

If you complete the CBT at the age of 16 you will need to wait until you are 17 before moving on to a motorbike up to 125cc with gears. Further CBT training is not required for this.

Andover Rider Training Terms & Conditions (pdf)

Match Training to Needs Table

CBT Course Details

CBT is a structured training course, regulated by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), which comprises 5 parts: -

  1. Element A - Introduction - talk about CBT, helmets, clothing and equipment
  2. Element B - Practical on-site training - introduction to the moped or motorcycle, its' controls & basic maintenance
  3. Element C - Practical on-site riding - learning all the skills of riding the moped or motorcycle
  4. Element D - Practical on-road training - pre-road briefing and talk about hazards and safety on the road
  5. Element E - Practical on-road riding - on the road, putting into practice everything learnt during the course whilst in radio contact with your instructor

Elements A-D are all completed off road in an area where you can learn and practice your new skills safely until you are ready for the road.

CBT introduction to the controls of a mopedcbt - basic maintenance instruction for a 125cc motorbike

Theory Test

The theory test is not required before taking a CBT course, but you will be required to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Highway Code. Your Instructor will assess this.

Before your final practical test you will have to have passed a Theory and Hazard Perception test. This is taken at one of a number of test centres. Reading, Salisbury & Swindon are the most local.

A pass from the Theory Test is only valid for two years whilst owning a provisional licence.

Match Training to Needs Table

Booking the Theory and Hazard Perception Test

These tests can be booked directly by contacting 0300 2001122 or online at www.direct.gov.uk. The web site contains further information regarding the tests and some mock tests for practice.

book theory test onlineWhen booking you will need to be in possession of both your driving licence and a payment card. To prepare you for the test you can buy a book called 'The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists' from all major bookshops


Progressive Test Training (Under 24yrs)

After completing your CBT training you will then undertake a number of training sessions on a 125cc motorbike to bring you up to test standard. This training starts in Andover, but is normally conducted in the relevant test area, so you get that all essential country riding experience as well.

From the 27th April 2009 the practical test will have two modules. Generally most students require 1 days training for the specified manoeuvring part and between 2 - 3 training days for the on road part. The first module, tests your skills in a designated manoeuvring area under examination from a DSA Examiner. Once module one has been successfully passed, then you can move onto the second module, which involves training on the open road. At the end of your road training you will undertake your practical test.

All test fees are included in your training costs. In the unlikely event that you do not pass module one, this needs to be retaken before attempting the test for module two. You can still do the training for module two.

Andover Rider Training Terms & Conditions (pdf)

Match Training to Needs Table

What Progressive Test Training Achieves for the Under 24s.

Once you have passed the Progressive Test Part 1 and Part 2 you will be able to ride any size motorcycle up to the restriction of either an A1 or A2 licence. After a 2 year period you can either take a further practical test or a training option to gain access to a larger machine.

restricted access practice by rider on 125cc motorcyclerestricted access instruction for rider on a 125cc motorbike

DAS - Direct Access Scheme - (24yrs and over) Test Training

Once you have completed your initial CBT training on a 125cc motorbike, there will then be a period of conversion training to progress you on to a larger motorcycle (normally a Suzuki 500cc) for your DAS training.

From the 27th April 2009 the practical test will have two modules. Generally most students require 1 days training for the specified manoeuvring part and between 2 - 3 training days for the on road part. The first module, tests your skills in a designated manoeuvring area under examination from a DSA Examiner. Once module one has been successfully passed, then you can move onto the second module, which involves training on the open road.

DAS training is generally conducted as a 3-4 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 depend upon your previous experience of motorcycles. All the training takes place on the road with a qualified instructor who will accompany you and be in radio contact at all times. Your training will reflect the fact that you are riding a larger motorcycle and will take place in the town where you'll be taking your test, familiarising you with the area. At the end of your final session you will undertake your practical test.

All test fees are included in your training costs. In the unlikely event that you do not pass module one, this needs to be retaken before attempting the test for module two. You can still do the training for module two.

Andover Rider Training Terms & Conditions (pdf)

Match Training to Needs Table

DAS Unrestricted licence to Ride for the Over 24s.

If you are over 24 and want to gain an unrestricted licence allowing you to ride any size of motorbike, then this is the route you need to take. Even as a 24 year old you can take your test on a 125cc or 395cc motorcycle if you so choose - (see Progressive Test Training above).

das turning manouevredas practice at roundabout

Refresher / Back to Biking Rider Courses

motorcycle riding on a bright sunny dayIt's a bright, sunny day, you've out driving along a country road when someone comes past you on their brand new motorcycle or your on the way to the coast and stuck in traffic, when a motorbike passes you, or it may just be that you now need a cheaper form of transport. Suddenly, the longing that hasn't risen for a long time returns and you find yourself eager to be on a motorbike on the open road again. In an instant you've made the decision to buy yourself, not just any motorbike, but THAT motorbike...

If the above sounds familiar, then our Back to Biking rider courses are designed with you in mind. The trouble with the above scenario is that today's motorbikes are technological masterpieces - lighter, faster machines with far more powerful engines and much more effective brakes.

It's a sad fact, but those returning to biking after a long time are more vulnerable and at a much greater risk of being involved in an accident within their first few weeks back on a motorbike.

So, if it's been a long time since you last rode a motorbike it really would be worthwhile to take a refresher course on today's more powerful machines before you take to the open road on your own again. We'll happily discuss your requirements individually and decide on the best training for you.

Andover Rider Training Terms & Conditions (pdf)

Advanced Motorcycle Training

motorcyclistWhether you have just passed your practical motorcycle test, or have been riding for a while and would like to develop your skills further advanced training is a route to consider.

This course is to improve the skill and safety of your riding so that you can make the best use of road and traffic conditions - in essence you will have the skills and ability to control the speed and position of your motorbike relative to everything and everyone else on the road. We will cover:-

  1. The importance of high levels of concentration and accurate observation
  2. Road positioning and cornering
  3. Matching your speed and direction to the situation
  4. Acting to keep identified risks to a minimum
  5. Skillful use of motorcycle controls and most importantly, being aware of your own limitations, those of the motorbike and the road.
  6. Riding in the correct position for all circumstances
  7. In the correct gear
  8. At the right speed for the conditions and capable of stopping in the distance you can see to be clear.

Your cornering will become more accurate and it will be unlikely that any traffic situation or weather condition will unsettle you.

You will, through accurate observation and planning, be able to make smooth progress under any conditions.

Andover Rider Training Terms & Conditions (pdf)

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Motorcycle Training Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire including Basingstoke, Salisbury and Newbury.