In the United Kingdom, anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle or moped needs to take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
CBT Motorcycle Training – What Is It?
A standard CBT Motorcycle Training Course proves that the driver has the proper motorcycle driving skills and knows road laws and safety rules. It usually has five components.
The first component is an introduction and a physical exam that rules out vision or hearing problems that can impair his ability to drive.
The second component covers basic motorcycle controls, which includes how to get on and off the bike, tips for learning how to balance, using the gears, and more.
The third component prepares you for off-road driving. This is very important since driving on rough terrain is much more difficult, especially during rainy or snowy weather.
The fourth component tackles the rules of the road, and necessary safety precautions you should take. Statistics show that two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error or misjudgment, so this part of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course can prevent injury and save lives – your own, and the other drivers and passengers you meet on the road.
The last component is practical riding, where you take your vehicle on the road and are observed by the instructor.
WHEN THE CBT COURSE BECOME MANDATED BY UK LAW
Great Britain introduced the CBT course on December 1, 1990, to curb the rising rates of motorcycle accidents. Other members of the UK followed suit, with Northern Ireland finally implementing it on February 21, 2011.
WHO CAN TAKE THE CBT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE?
To take the course, you need to be of legal age to drive: 16 years old to ride a moped, 17 years old to ride a motorbike.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO TAKE THE CBT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE?
This is a necessary step to getting a legal license to ride a motorcycle. The license will be valid for two years before you need to renew it.
However, those who got a car license before February 2001 do not need to take a CBT course to be able to ride a moped. You do not have to get a new CBT certification if you are upgrading from one motorcycle to another.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE CBT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING COURSE?
There is no specific timeframe for a CBT course. You can take the classes and components as your schedule permits. You can complete this in one day, but if you’re very busy because of school or work, you can break it down into mini-sessions. You may also repeat the components or ask for more practical training with an instructor – some people need more time to get used to the bike or master the controls, and it’s better to get this right now.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COMPLETING MY CBT COURSE?
You will be issued a CBT certificate, and you can then proceed to apply for your license. Bear in mind that a CBT certificate is only valid for two years, so if you don’t get your license before then, you will need to go through the CBT training all over again.