CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) - Riding a scooter

If you want to learn to ride a scooter, and you are a complete beginner, you need to take your (CBT). This is a course run by training bodies approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). If you pass, this entitles you to ride on the roads on your scooter with L plates. If you have a full drivers licence, you can ride a scooter up to 50cc without taking a CBT or having to display L plates. However, if you want to ride anything over 50cc, you have to have the CBT, so taking the test is recommended. mm

• Remember, by law, all scooter learners, (ie those who do not hold a full car licence) and all motorcycle learners must complete CBT before riding on the roads. Once you have successfully completed CBT, and have your Certificate, you can carry on to take additional training to pass your tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or scooter licence.
• Just like with car driving licences, you will have to pass a theory test before you take you practical test for scooters, however, you do not need to take a Theory Test if you already hold a full car licence or have passed a moped test since 1 July 1996.
• The Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. The practical test must be passed within this period otherwise the Theory Test will have to be taken again.

The government definition of a scooter is a moped or a motorcycle which has the following features:

• Maximum Design speed not exceeding 50 kmh (approx 31 mph).
• Does not have an engine over 50cc.
• Can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 August 1977.
• A learner motorcycle has the following features:-
  • Engine up to 125cc.
  • Power output not exceeding 11kW.

The CBT:

The CBT really does teach you everything you need to know about riding a scooter safely. You will learn the basics:

• What to wear,
• Legal requirements,
• Safety issues,
• The Highway Code,
• Theory,
• Introduction to your bike,
• Safety checks,
• Motor cycle controls,
• Basic maintenance,
• Practising manoeuvre like walking with the bike,
• Getting it on and off the stand,
• Road practice like approaching junctions and the correct procedure for turning left and right road hazards,
• Awareness of other road users,
• On-road training,
• And finally, certification.
  

When doing your CBT, you are taught to be aware of the following areas:

• Basic Road Safety: Understanding basic Road Safety concepts. Do you know your Highway Code? Would you know what to wear when riding a two-wheeler?
• Introduction to your bike: Knowing where the essentials are on your bikes. How would you operate your brakes, clutch, gears (if you are learning on a manual vehicle), and most importantly how to start up your bike.
• Manoeuvring & Parking: Walking with the bike. Making the bike stationary and getting ready to move away again.
• Slow control: Learn how to balance and ride your bike at a slow pace without wobbling or falling off.
• Road Practice: Practice approaching junctions and the correct procedure for turning left and right.
• Compulsory Skills: Learn the correct emergency stop procedure. You will also be taught how to comfortably do a 'U' turn on your bike.
• The Real Thing: Out on the road in radio contact with your instructor to give you some further guidance.