CBT is a course of compulsory basic motorcycle training which must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride unaccompanied on the road with L-plates. It was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists.

If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped. However we will advise you to take a course. The CBT is designed to introduce you to the very basics of riding a motorbike, skills, the machine and the law. It could help save your life.

This one day course consists of a short safety lecture followed by an introduction to the machine after which you are taught to ride. The CBT course involves five elements:

Introduction

This covers the course aims, clothing and equipment, visibility, legalities, vulnerability, traffic and conditions and the highway code

Practical on-site training

Practical on-site riding

Off the main road practice to gain skills to ride the machine under control, controlled stops, 'figure of eight' riding, emergency stops, braking, gear changes, rear observation, turning and U-turns. 

Practical on-road training and finally on-road riding 

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 on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.  Trainees must, by law, receive a minimum two hour on-road ride.

DL196

The DL196 is a certificate of completion. This document validates the entitlement on your licence. It lasts for 2 years, if the theory and a practical test is not taken within 2 years the DL196 lapses, however for  moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is not subject to expiry, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safely.

Once you have your certificate you are advised to take additional training to pass your theory and practical tests and qualify for a motorcycle or moped licence. You must take the DL196 certificate with you when you go to your practical test.