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 Restricted Access Test or DAS test.

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.

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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 & Basingstoke are the most local.

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

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Restricted Access (Under 21yrs) Test Training

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.

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DAS - Direct Access Scheme - (21yrs 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 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 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.

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Refresher / Back to Biking Rider Courses

It'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.

Advanced Motorcycle Training

Whether 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.

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