Match Motorcycle Training to your Needs
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
17-21 125cc not relevant CBT,
Theory
,
Restricted Access
Power restricted to 33bhp for two years.
21+ 125cc or 500cc not relevant CBT,
Theory
,
DAS

CBT training uses 125cc motorcycle.
If test taken with 125cc motorcycle then power restricted to 33bhp for two years.

Also take a look at our Refresher and Advanced Training Courses

Motorcycle Training Courses


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.

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 & Basingstoke 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 0870 0101372 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk. The web site contains further information regarding the tests and some mock tests for practice.

When 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


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 is started in Andover, but is normally conducted in the relevant test area, so you get that all essential country riding experience as well.

At the end of final session you will undertake your practical test. The test fee is included in your training fees. Generally most students require between 2 - 3 training days.

Match Training to Needs Table

What Restricted Access Test Training Achieves for the Under 21s.

Once you have passed the Restricted Access Test you will be able to ride any size motorcycle, however the power must be restricted mechanically to 33bhp (approx. 250cc) for two years, after which you will be eligible to ride any size or power of motorcycle.

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

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.

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.

Match Training to Needs Table

DAS Unrestricted licence to Ride for the Over 21s.

If you are over 21 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 21 year old you can take your test on a 125cc motorcycle if you so choose - (see Restricted Access 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.

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.

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Motorcycle Training, Hampshire and Wiltshire, UK