We are sure you will have some questions. Please see below or contact us.

Frequently asked

questions

Do I need a CBT?

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to reduce the high accident rate amongst new motorcyclists. A CBT must be completed by all learner motorcyclist and most moped riders before they can ride on a road. L plates must be displayed.

You will need to complete a

CBT if;

You want to ride a moped. A moped has an engine not exceeding 50cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 28mph. You want to ride a motorcycle. If you obtained your full car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped

What does a CBT involve?

The CBT course involves five elements: A. introduction B. practical on-site training C. practical on-site riding D. practical on-road training E. practical on-road riding The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move on to the next element when we are satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level. Trainees receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E. When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion, called the DL196, is issued. It is important that the holder of a DL196 considers the following points: A DL196 certificate validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years - 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, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safe Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for 2 years.

Do I need any equipment

for my CBT

If you do not have your own riding equipment we can provide it free of charge. We do however ask that you wear footwear that covers your ankles. Fully comprehensive insurance is provided when using our bikes.

Can I use my own bike for

training?

Yes you can. It must fit the regulations for the category it is being used for and it must be road legal. Our insurance does not cover student’s own bikes so this must be arranged prior to use.

What is the 3rd driving

licence directive (3DLD)?

The EU decided that the licence structure would change from January 2013 making the route to a full unrestricted licence a rather tortuous one. The new Driving Licence Directive 3DLD was implemented on the 19th January 2013, which affects both members of the public and the motorcycle industry. This is not retrospective, so anyone currently holding a licence will not be affected, but it will impact the ages at which young riders can access certain machines and motorcycle trainers had to purchase new motorcycles to meet the new minimum test vehicle specifications. 3DLD is European Union legislation, aimed to encourage those who begin motorcycling at 17 to take a series of tests as they progress to bigger bikes and also to delay the age at which young riders can access larger bikes. An amendment to 3DLD was brought in on 31/12/18 and it is a result of this that we had to replace our KTMs because, believe it or not, they were deemed to be too light!

So what are the licence

categories?

A1 Licence Age: 17 + Max. 125cc / max. output of 14.7bhp. Passing your test grants a restricted Category A1 motorcycle licence. You can ride any motorcycle up 125cc and 14.7bhp. You can carry a passenger and use motorways and don’t need L plates. A1 licence WILL NOT automatically convert into a full Category A2 licence, you will be required to complete a Category A2 licence test. A2 Licence Age: 19 + No sidecar Passing your test grants a restricted Category A2 motorcycle licence. You can ride a motorcycle up to 46.6 bhp. You can carry a passenger, use the motorways and don’t need L plates. A2 licence WILL NOT automatically convert into a full Category A licence, you will be required to complete a Category A licence test. You will have to take the Tests again on the bigger bike once you are 24 or have held an A2 Category licence for at least 2 years. *Upgrading from an A1 licence DOES NOT require a CBT & Theory Test re-take in the majority of circumstances. A Licence Age: 24 + (21 if upgrading from an A2 licence, with minimum 2 years experience) Test motorcycle: No sidecar / min. 595cc / min. 53.6 bhp. Minimum kerb weight of 180kg. Passing grants a full Category A motorcycle licence. You can ride a machine of any size, carry a passenger and use motorways. *Upgrading from an A2 licence DOES NOT require a CBT & Theory Test re-take in most circumstances. If that all sounds a little confusing please contact us with any further questions.