Damerells Motorcycle Training - Learn to Ride with us

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Explained

All learner moped and motorcycle riders are required to complete a CBT before going out onto the road. The only exception to this is holders of full car licences issued before 1st February 2001 who are entitled, by a quirk of the law, to ride a restricted moped. The CBT can only be delivered by a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) approved training school.

So why can't all motorcycle trainers offer these courses?
All CBT's include an off road section which can only be conducted on a specially approved area by instructors who passed the DSA course and who hold a current CBT licence. The off road area used has to pass stringent criteria laid down in the CBT regulations and must be inspected and approved by a DSA examiner. Only Authorised Training Bodies (ATB's) offer these facilities.

Highway Code

Once you have booked your course, you should make sure you are familiar with the Highway Code. It is not a prerequisite for taking a CBT, but you will find that you will really benefit from brushing up on its contents. Part of your course involves a discussion of the rules and regulations of the road.

On the Day

If you have the older single part license you must bring it with you. If you have the newer 2 part license then you must bring both parts. Failure to do so with either license may mean that the CBT cannot be completed on the day. Your training provider will give you a full briefing of what to do on the day of the course and importantly what to wear. If it is wet then make sure you have some good warm waterproof clothing. If it is hot, do NOT turn up expecting to ride in a T shirt and shorts. It is really important to wear clothing which will protect you. Helmets can be provided but if you are using your own make sure that it is in good condition, and do not wear trainers or soft shoes. Whatever the weather you should wear a strong pair of shoes or boots. Try to have something that will protect your ankles as well as your feet. The CBT is a long day, so try to get a decent nights sleep before the course. A late night out and an early start will not help you concentrate. Also remember if you have been drinking the night before you may have residual alcohol in your blood the following morning.

What the CBT involves

Your course will be divided into 5 sections and your instructor will assess your performance in all of these areas as the day progresses. Each of the sections must be taken in order and must be properly completed before moving on to the next section. There is no time limit on the sections but there is a minimum time for the road ride section. You must spend a minimum of 2 hours on the road with your instructor. This should be spent riding and not sitting by the side of the road or in a café. Feedback is given during the ride at appropriate times and a debrief will take place at the end of the ride. If you spend less than 2 hours out on the road you have not properly completed your road ride, and if you are still presented with your pass certificate (DL196) at the end of your course, the instructor is in breech of the regulations. An outline of what is included in each section is listed below:

Element A - Introduction

The first part of your CBT is classroom based, and will introduce you to the course and what to expect from your session. There will also be a discussion on the importance of safety equipment, license check and eye sight test. Candidates must be able to read a number plate at 20.5 mtrs.

Element B - Practical on site training

At this stage you will meet your machine for the first time. You will be shown the controls and the instructor will explain how they work. You should also cover some of the basic checks that you will need to do each time before you ride, checking oil and petrol levels and the tyre pressures for example. You will be shown how to take the bike on and off the stand and you will be asked to push the bike to get used to the weight and feel. Finally, you will be shown how to start the engine.

Element C - Practical on site riding

You will now move onto a safe off road area to start to ride. There are 8 exercises for moped riders and 9 for 125 geared machine riders that must be completed to a satisfactory standard. This range from moving off and stopping to how to deal with junctions. There are specific control exercises designed to give you confidence, such as the figure of 8 and U turn exercises.

Element D - Practical on road training

Now, it's back to the classroom for a well earned break from riding. You will now go through the pre-road ride briefing. Here you will cover all the aspects of staying safe on the road. You will cover the Highway Code, and the relevant sections covering motorcycles and mopeds. You will discuss how to stay visible and reduce the level of vulnerability. You will find out about the principles of riding defensively - making sure that other road users know you are there and take you into account. Finally, you will cover the legalities such as speed and obeying road signs and instructions.

Element E - Practical on road riding

On the road with your instructor. You may be riding on your own or with another trainee. You will never have more than 2 students out with an instructor. You will normally start steadily on quieter roads before progressing to a town centre location and some longer, faster roads to give you the chance to experience a range of road conditions and demonstrate your skills. You need to show that you are safe and competent. Your instructor needs to feel confident that you would be safe if allowed to ride on your own. If you achieve this you will be issued with your Certificate (DL 196) and your course is complete. Some candidates need more time and may be asked to come back and complete more training (normally at no extra cost) before the course is complete.

Certificate of completion (DL 196)

When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion, called the DL196, will be issued. This certificate validates the relevant entitlements on your driving licence. You need to note that:

• A DL196 certificate is valid for two years - your CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life.

• 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. Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years

125/Direct Access Scheme (DAS) Test Training

There are four hurdles that must be completed.

1. Compulsory Basic Training. A valid CBT certificate must be held (see above). It lays the foundations for the 125cc/DAS courses.
2. Theory Test - You will need to book this directly with the DSA (check the DSA website for details or phone 03002001122).
3. Module 1 Off road manoeuvres test.
4. Module 2 On road riding test.

The CBT and theory can be completed in any order but you must have both prior to starting a 125cc/DAS course (module 1 & 2)

The DAS (Direct Access Scheme) course is for riders aged at least 21, on passing you can then ride anything (scary thought!). If you are under 21 then you have to use a machine of no more than 125cc for training and test, on passing you are restricted to any machine restricted to 33bhp (not a lot) after 2 years you can ride anything. My recommendation is if you are over 21 then do a DAS course.

The 125cc/DAS training course will typically will last 3 or 4 days for 125 or 4 days for DAS depending on experience, we can use the CBT to gauge what is required. The module 1 test must be passed before module 2 can be taken and because of this the module 2 test is normally taken a week or two later.

A 125cc/DAS course is normally broken down as follows:

Day 1 - AM: Theory session, machine familiarisation and road riding. PM: Module 1 manoeuvres and road riding.
Day 2 - AM/PM: Road riding. Practise Module 1 test at the test centre.
Day 3 - AM/PM: As per Day 2 except the Module 1 test is taken.
Day 4 - AM: Road riding (test route familiarisation). PM: Module 2 test.

If required we can break the training into 1/2 day slots.

Enhanced Rider Scheme

The DSA, along with the motorcycle industry, has put together a new package of training known as the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).
The scheme is beneficial to all bike riders who have a full motorcycle licence, no matter what size of bike, or the experience level of the rider. There is no test involved and if you have no significant areas of weakness, the trainer will give you a DSA Certificate of Competence - Enhanced Rider Bonus. You can then get an insurance discount from one of the many insurers who have signed up to support the scheme. If you do have areas that would benefit from further training, you would qualify for your certificate after successfully completing the recommended training. By having your riding ability assessed, we can tailor a development programme to suit your needs.

More information on the ERS can be found at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/ers