CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is a course that was introduced in 1990 that all learner motorcyclists and moped riders must complete before riding on the road.

In addition, holders of a full car licence obtained by passing their driving test on or after 1 February 2001 must complete a CBT course if they wish to validate the full moped entitlement on their driving licence.

CBT can only be conducted by Approved Training Bodies who have:

• Instructors that have been assessed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
• Sites approved by the DSA for off-road training

CBT allows you to learn the following in a safe environment

• Motorcycling theory
• Skills which will make you safe on the road
• The correct attitude towards motorcycling

"Many people find CBT is an enjoyable activity and opportunity to meet like-minded motorcyclists"

(DSA, Official Motorcycling CBT, Theory & Practical Test, 2003)

WE CONDUCT CBT TRAINING 7 DAYS PER-WEEK

CBT's are conducted at Norton School over the weekend, the training area is very large with room for eight bikes at once however we only ever train four candidates at a time, (pictured Mark Fairman (Peterlee))

There is no time limit set for CBT, each individual is different, people learn at different speeds. We won't move you from one exercise to the next until we are sure that you fully understand the one you're working on. The five elements of CBT need to be completed in sequence, some people progress more quickly than others but the important thing is that we do it safely at a pace that suits your own ability.

The Training Area is very large at BILLINGHAM RUGBY CLUB about 250ft x 100ft, this enables the trainee to attain speeds of around 25mph and make use of the motorcycles throttle, gearbox and brakes. The training surface is probably the best in the area with absolutely no potholes or loose gravel that can cause a trainee to skid. There are no curbs and the Training Area is surrounded by a large area of lawn that can act as run-off areas if necessary. 

We conduct CBT courses on 50cc mopeds, YAMAHA YBR125's or our SUZUKI Bandit 600's. If you are a competent rider before you take CBT (and manage to convince me), which many people do, then you could start training on the larger motorcycle.

Element A covers

• The aims of CBT
• Equipment and clothing
• Eyesight test

Element B covers

• Motorcycles and their controls
• Basic safety checks and use of stands
• Wheeling the motorcycle and braking to stop
• Starting and stopping the engine

Element C covers

• Riding in a straight line and stopping
• Riding slowly (under control)
• Using the brakes
• Changing Gear
• Riding in a figure of eight (under control)
• Emergency stopping
• Rear observation
• Turning left and right
• U-turn

Element D covers

• Conspicuity
• Legal requirements
• Vulnerability
• Speed
• Highway Code
• Anticipation
• Rear observation
• Road positioning
• Separation distance
• Weather conditions
• Road surfaces
• Alcohol and drugs
• Attitude
• Hazard perception

Element E covers

Anything you will come across within two-hours on the road, for example;

• Traffic lights
• Junctions
• Roundabouts
• Pedestrians and pedestrian crossings
• Dual carriageways
• Country lanes, busy town centres

The list is almost endless.

FIRST AIDER ALWAYS ON SITE

There are three types of DSA Approved Motorcycle Instructor these are:

• Direct Access and CBT qualified, these have attended the DSA assessment course held at Cardington in Bedford. Their teaching and motorcycle based knowledge skills have been assessed by the DSA and therefore in my opinion reach the highest standard of instructor. The ADI Licence they must carry with them whilst training carries a number which looks like this "D07873C", the D signifies Direct Access and the C signifies Cardington. The licence carries a photo and is blue in colour.
• CBT qualified, these instructors have attended Cardington for the CBT assessment but not completed the Direct Access assessment. The licence is yellow and would have a number like this "07873C". These instructors are only able to carry out CBT's on light motorcycles of 125cc or less.
• Trained-down instructors are normally bike enthusiastic new riders who would like to become qualified instructors, indeed this is how most of us start. A training body is allowed to licence a trainee instructor to conduct CBT on machines up to 125cc and issue the DL196 certificate. These instructors are assessed by the Cardington assessed instructors at the training body who are empowered to ensure standards remain high. These instructors can also be checked by the DSA Supervising Examiner for the area, who will ensure standards are maintained. Licence is yellow and number would look like this "07873"

When you attend CBT ask to see the instructors credentials, we all carry them.

We are able to conduct CBT courses SEVEN DAYS PER-WEEK. Courses start at 9am