So, you have decided that you want to get on two wheels, but where to start?
Well, the first thing you need to do to get yourself on the road is to apply for a provisional motorcycle licence. https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence Once you have received your Provisional Licence you are ready to arrange a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) at a local test centre. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 in a bid to reduce the number of road accidents amongst inexperienced riders.
Unlike a car, where a new driver under instruction can legally drive on the road accompanied, a UK provisional motorcycle licence does not permit the rider to carry a pillion passenger, therefore a qualified instructor must assess new riders for competence. A list of local CBT schools can be found here https://www.gov.uk/find-motorcycle-training
The CBT is not a test, it is an assessment of basic riding skills, assessed by a qualified instructor who certifies that a learner rider is competent and safe to ride unaccompanied on the road whilst practising for the full motorcycle licence. Anybody who wants to ride any motorcycle on the road must complete the CBT.
The minimum age that you can sit the CBT and ride legally on the road is 16, however, this age group are limited to a maximum 50cc moped. From the age of 17, a rider can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kw of power. All riders who successfully complete the CBT must ride using L plates, front and rear, until they pass the full motorcycle licence test. The CBT is valid for 2 years in which time if the rider has not passed their full test then they will need to re-attend the CBT course in order to become re-certified.
The minimum age that you can sit the CBT and ride legally on the road is 16, however, this age group are limited to a maximum 50cc moped. From the age of 17, a rider can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kw of power. All riders who successfully complete the CBT must ride using L plates, front and rear, until they pass the full motorcycle licence test. The CBT is valid for 2 years in which time if the rider has not passed their full test then they will need to re-attend the CBT course in order to become re-certified.
The CBT is split down into 5 sections (A-E)
A – Introduction
The introduction covers the basic aims of the CBT and stresses the importance of using the correct clothing and safety equipment. An eyesight test will also be conducted during the introduction which involves reading a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight.
B – Practical on-site training
Section B focuses on the motorcycle and its controls. Riders will be shown how to carry out basic daily checks (Daily motorcycle maintenance), how to start and stop the engine, how to wheel the motorcycle around, positioning on and off the stand and stopping the bike using breaks.
C – Practical on-site riding
This is where you are shown how to ride the motorcycle in a slow and controlled environment. Starting off with the clutch and gear selection, progressing on to slow riding and how to perform an emergency stop.
D – Practical on-road training
Section D is a theoretical section and aims to cover, amongst other topics, hazard perception, observation, anticipation of other road users, correct speed and position on the road, rider visibility and legal requirements.
E – Practical on-road riding
On completion of the practical training, if the instructor is happy with the progress so far, you will be taken out on the road, under the direction of the instructor and assessed for safety, competence and ability. This practical usually lasts for an hour or two.
The CBT normally lasts for a full day with a break for lunch. Most schools provide riders with a learner legal motorcycle for the day, safety equipment and insurance. Riders can use their own bike and safety equipment if they so desire but this must be legally compliant with the highway code and DVLA. Riders should ensure that they take warm and waterproof clothing plus a sturdy pair of boots with ankle cover for protection.
On completion of the CBT, riders will be issued with the DL196 certificate which entitles the holder to ride up to a maximum of 125cc motorcycle at 11kw for a maximum of two years.
If you intend to use your own bike or safety equipment, these can be purchased here - https://www.victordevine.com/
So now you have an idea where to start, let’s look at the gear you will need to purchase to stay safe and cool on the road.
