DSA: Routes to motorcycling Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to licence acquisition and beyond (UK)

Routes to motorcycling Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to licence acquisition and beyond

So you want to learn to ride?

2. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Choosing to learn to ride is just the beginning to becoming a rider, there are many things you have to think about. This leaflet has been prepared by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) as a general guide, to help those who are considering learning to ride a motorcycle. Full details of how to obtain a motorcycle licence and the skills required are set out in ‘The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Ride’.

Before you are allowed to ride your motorcycle/ moped on the road with L plates, you must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) **.

The course is designed to ensure that you aquire the necessary knowledge of motorcycling and have demonstrated the basic practical skills and attitudes to make you safe on the road.

What do you want to ride – a motorcycle or a moped?

What type of training do you need to take for instance do you want to take Direct Access so that you can ride a larger motorcycle straight away? You will need to know the different stages required to obtain your full motorcycle licence.

There are several routes to achieving this, depending upon your age and the size of motorcycle you choose to ride. A flowchart on pages 6 and 7 shows this more clearly.

CBT involves the following five elements which must be completed in sequence: A. Introduction the basics explained and an eyesight test B. Practical on-site training an introduction to the motorcycle, including its controls, safety checks, starting and stopping C. Practical on-site riding developing the basic riding skills, including stopping, brakes and gears D. Practical on-road training preparing for the on road element, including: anticipation, observation and positioning

The stages of learning 1. Applying for your licence.

You must have a valid driving licence before you can ride on the road. This can be either* • a provisional driving licence which provides provisional car, motorcycle and moped entitlement, or

E. Practical on-road riding at least two hours accompanied road riding with a certified instructor to demonstrate that you can cope safely with a variety of road and traffic conditions. This may be longer depending on each individual’s training needs.

• a full car or moped licence which also provides provisional motorcycle entitlement.

Licences are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can apply online at direct.gov.uk/motoring or by completing an application form available from most post offices.

* minimum age for riding a moped is 16, for motorcycles is 17 or 21 for DAS.

** unless you hold a full moped licence having passed a moped test after 1/12/90 or motorcycle licence and wish to upgrade to another category.

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Getting started –

CBT is taught only by those motorcycle instructors certified by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

It is delivered by an Approved Training Body (ATB).

You can find the name of your nearest CBT trainer by visiting direct.gov.uk/motoringnearest and selecting ‘Approved Training Bodies’.

The duration of CBT is not fixed but is dependant on your ability and aptitude.

On successful completion of all five elements, you will receive a DL196 (CBT Certificate).

This entitles you to ride a solo motorcycle up to 125 cc, or with a power output of no more than 11 kW. However, you • must be at least 17 years old (16 for a moped) • display L plates (D plates in Wales) to the front and rear of your motorcycle • cannot ride on motorways or carry a pillion passenger.

As a learner, you will then have two years to pass the theory and practical tests before the DL196 certificate expires. If you don’t pass both tests within these two years then you will need to complete another CBT course to continue riding as a learner.

For more details about CBT, visit direct.gov.uk/cbt

Compulsory Basic Training

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3. Motorcycle theory test This is a screen based test and consists of two parts, which are taken together. It has been devised to test your knowledge of riding theory, in particular the rules of the road and best riding practice.

Part 1 consists of a series of 50 multiple choice questions and lasts 57 minutes. Five of the questions are presented in a case study scenario.

The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that riders might encounter on the road.

Part 2 of the theory test is called the hazard perception test and involves responding to a series of film clips containing one or more developing hazards. This part of the test lasts about 20 minutes, during which time you will be shown 14 video film clips, containing 15 hazards.

You will need to pass both parts in one sitting to pass your theory test. If you fail one of the parts, you will need to take the whole test again.

Your theory test pass certificate is valid for two years.

The licence categories are:

A. Category P

Moped. This covers any

motorcycle with an engine up to 50 cc and a design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (approx 32 mph). A pass on this machine will get you a category P licence and entitlement to ride a moped.

B. Category A1

Light (or ‘learner’) motorcycle.

This covers a motorcycle with an engine between 75 and 125 cc. A pass on this size of machine will get you a category A1 licence and entitlement to ride machines up to 125 cc and a power output of up to 11 kW.

C. Category A

Test to be taken on

121 125 cc. This licence can be obtained in one of three ways, with or without a two year qualifying period.

used will determine the type of licence you can obtain and with it, the size of machine that you will be able to ride after passing.

How category A is obtained 4. The practical motorcycling test To help you prepare for this ‘The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Ride’ publication has details of the practical test. It sets out the full test syllabus and explains the skills you should show when taking your test. DSA recommends however, that you take some formal training to prepare for your test.

This is taken in two modules, which are explained in more detail on page 8.

Type of motorcycle and licence There are four categories of motorcycle (including moped) that can be used for test purposes, giving three categories of licence. The type of motorcycle

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1. With a two year qualifying period. This is available to anyone over 17 years of age. You must pass your practical test on a motorcycle with an engine size between 121 cc and 125 cc, and which is capable of at least 100 km/h (62.5 mph).

However, for the first two years after passing your test, you will be restricted to machines of 25 kW (33 bhp). After that time has elapsed you may ride any size of motorcycle without taking a further test.

2. Without a qualifying period via Direct Access.

This is available to riders who are aged 21 years or older. You must pass your practical test on a ‘large’ motorcycle with a power output of at least

The theory and

35 kW (46.6 bhp). A test pass allows you to ride any size of motorcycle straight away. All or part of the CBT may be taken on either a learner motorcycle or a large motorcycle but only if progressing to DAS as part of the course. You may practise for the practical test on motorcycles larger than the learner motorcycle specification provided you are accompanied at all times by, and are in radio contact with, an approved Direct Access instructor on another motorcycle. You must wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

3. With a partial qualifying period via Accelerated Access. This is available to riders who hold a Category A licence and reach the age of 21 whilst within the two year qualifying period, but who do not want to wait for this to end before being able to ride a larger motorcycle. To obtain this licence you will need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW. You may practise on motorcycles over 25 kW under the same rules as those taking the Direct Access route (see above).

You will revert to learner status while practising (on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.

Motorcycles and mopeds with automatic or semi-automatic gear boxes If you wish to take your training and test on an automatic (twist and go) moped or motorcycle, your licence will be restricted to automatic machines only.

If you subsequently wish to ride a geared machine you must pass a further test.

practical tests

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Want to acquire a moped or motorcycle licence?

Select one of the routes below Want to ride a moped?

Start your route here

Moped (Provisional Cat P) 50 cc / 50 km/h Minimum age 16 years (valid to 70th birthday)

Take Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Completing CBT allows you to ride a moped whilst displaying L plates Valid for 2 years. See Notes for moped riders

Want to ride on a 125 cc machine?

Start your route here

Motorcycle 75 -125 cc (Provisional Cat A1)

Motorcycle 125 cc / 11 kW (Provisional Cat A)

Minimum age 17 years (valid to 70th birthday)

Capable of 100 km/h (62.5 mph) Minimum age 17 years (valid to 70th birthday)

Take Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Completing CBT means you can ride a learner motorcycle up to 125 cc displaying L plates Valid for 2 years

Take the moped/motorcycle theory test From the date of passing the theory test, you have two years to pass both practical modules If you have passed the theory test, proceed to practical test Module 1

Take the moped/motorcycle practical test Module 1 Consists of off-road specified manoeuvres If you have passed Module 1, proceed to practical test Module 2

Take the moped/motorcycle practical test Module 2

Eyesight test, safety questions and road riding When you have passed Module 1 and Module 2 you qualify for a full licence (see below)

Gives full Cat P Licence * See notes

Gives full Cat A1 licence licence limited to 125 cc

Gives full Cat A licence licence limited to 25 kW for two years

POST-TEST You are now eligible for the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) – designed to provide you with an assessment of your riding and any additional training you may need to improve your riding skills.

Successfully completing an ERS course will entitle you to significant discounts on your insurance (check out direct.gov.uk/ers for more information and to find your nearest approved post-test motorcycle trainer).

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The routes to your

Want to ride a bigger bike?

Start your route here or take Direct Access

Direct Access Scheme (DAS) Undertaken on a motorcycle which exceeds 35 kW (46.6 bhp) You must be at least 21 years old and:

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Be accompanied at all times by a Direct Access Instructor on another motorcycle

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Be in communication with Instructor

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Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing

*Notes for moped riders A moped must have an engine capacity of up to 50cc and not weigh more than 250kg. If it was registered after 1 August 1977 its maximum design speed cannot exceed 50 km/h (about 32 mph).

Mopeds built after June 2003 are restricted to 45 km/h (28mph).

If you passed your car test prior to 1 February 2001, you have a valid Moped (Cat P only) licence. If you passed your car test after this date, you will need to take a CBT course; your CBT certificate will be valid for the life of your licence for mopeds only.

Motorcycles with automatic or semi-automatic gear boxes If you wish to take your training and test on an automatic (twist and go) moped or motorcycle, your licence will be restricted to use on an automatic machine only. If, subsequently, you wish to ride a geared motorcycle you will be required to pass both Module 1 and Module 2 tests on a geared motorcycle.

Accelerated Access

Gives full Cat A licence unlimited

If you hold a full motorcycle licence in a lower category and wish to upgrade to ride larger machines, you don’t need to re-take CBT and the theory test. You can take both modules of the practical test on the larger motorcycle (to be taken within six months of each other), providing you meet the age requirement for the motorcycle you intend riding.

motorcycle licence

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The practical motorcycle test explained The test consists of two modules. To get your full motorcycle or moped licence you will need to successfully complete both modules in turn within two years of passing the theory test.

If you are taking Accelerated Access to upgrade to riding a larger motorcycle, you don't have to retake CBT and the theory test. However, you will need to complete both modules of the practical test on the larger machine you will have six months of passing Module 1 to pass Module 2.

You must pass Module 1,

the off road

element, first. If you complete this to the required standard, you will then be eligible to take Module 2, the on road element. You must use the same subcategory of motorcycle for both modules of the practical test.

To take your Module 2 test,

you must

hold the following: a valid CBT certificate a valid theory test certificate a valid Module 1 test pass certificate

You are advised to take training to prepare for both modules of the test.

Module 1: The off-road element This will take place on a safe, off road manoeuvring area, and will include

Module 2: The on-road element This will be conducted from one of DSA’s test centres and will test your ability to ride safely in traffic under normal road conditions. The examiner will observe a number of features including your • use of controls • observation • signals • use of speed • meeting and passing other vehicles • awareness and anticipation • approach to junctions and roundabouts.

This will last about 35 40 minutes and will also include the eyesight test and vehicle safety questions.

Although you will be allowed to book both modules at the same time and for them to be taken on the same day, you must have passed your Module 1 test before you will be allowed to take Module 2.

To watch a step by step demonstration of the new motorcycle test, visit direct.gov.uk/newbiketestvideo For details about motorcycling test centre locations, visit direct.gov.uk/motoringnearest and select ‘Practical Test Centres’ or send an email to customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

• a series of eleven practical riding manoeuvres around a pre set circuit (see pages 4 and 5) including a slalom, avoidance exercise, U turn and emergency stop. Some manoeuvres are to be carried out at specified minimum speeds.

• The off road riding element takes around 10 minutes to complete.

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The practical motorcycling test

Off-road manoeuvring layouts (Module 1) Below is the usual layout of the off road manoeuvring area for the practical motorcycling test.

The 11 manoeuvres will be tested in the order listed and the examiner will decide on the day which circuit (left or right) you will use.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

4 6

11 9 7

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On and off the stand Wheel the machine Slalom

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Figure of eight

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30 km/h / 19 mph circuit ride 50 km/h / 32 mph avoidance

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Controlled stop U-turn Slow ride 30 km/h / 19 mph circuit ride

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50 km/h / 32 mph emergency brake

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3

For all mopeds, speed requirements are 30 km/h / 19 mph

2 1 START

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MOPEDS

3

8

10

MOTORCYCLE MANOEUVRING Circuits

2 1

8 START

If you are taking the new test on a casual hire site or VOSA site then the circuit layout may vary in shape, although the manoeuvres are the same. To find out more about the test, speak to your trainer or visit: direct.gov.uk/newmotorcycletest

– an enhanced approach to learning

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5. After you have obtained your licence Further development The learning process doesn't end once you have passed your test. DSA in partnership with the motorcycling training community and the motorcycling industry have put together the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).

ERS is a training scheme for all full licence motorcycle holders regardless of riding experience.

The training is tailored to your needs as a rider and you do as little or as much as necessary to improve your riding. At the end of the training you receive a certificate that entitles you to insurance discounts from the majority of motorcycling insurance companies.

To find out more about ERS or to look for a DSA approved trainer in your area, visit direct.gov.uk/ers

New Drivers Act – don’t lose your licence When you have passed your test you are on probation for the first two years. If you only held a provisional licence before passing your motorcycle test, your licence will be revoked if you receive six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test. This includes offences committed before passing your test.

If your licence is revoked, then you must apply for a provisional licence and complete CBT before riding on the road. You can then only ride as a learner until passing the theory and practical tests again.

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After the test

– the learning continues...

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For booking the theory test and both modules of the practical test

visit direct.gov.uk/drivingtest or call the following numbers: Enquiry and booking line:

0300 200 1122

Welsh Language booking line:

0300 200 1133

Minicom booking line:

0300 200 1144 (practical) 0300 200 1166 (theory)

For hearing impaired customers

Fax booking line:

Š Crown Copyright 2009

Version 11/09

0300 200 1155 (practical) 0300 200 1177 (theory)