Courses from LET'S RIDE!

CBT : Pre-CBT : Post-CBT : Standard Test : Direct Access : Back-to-biking

Compulsory Basic Training

Compulsory Basic Training (or CBT) was introduced by the government on the 1st December 1990. The course objective is to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcyclists. CBT must be completed by all new riders* and covers the following 5 elements;

Designed for the total novice, CBT will take you from zero experience to achieving a minimum standard of safety and competence, as set by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Elements A to D will last approximately 4 hours. Element E will be at least two hours in full radio contact with your instructor with an instructor/pupil ratio of no more than 1 to 2.

When your instructor is happy with your riding you’ll be issued with a certificate of completion of training (DL 196).

The certificate is valid for two years and will allow you to ride a learner legal motorcycle or moped.

If you do not pass your practical test within two years you will need to complete another CBT course to acquire a new certificate.

Legal Requirements

In element A your instructor will check that you have all the legal requirements such as the correct driving licence**, insurance and a roadworthy bike with road tax and MOT (if bike is over 3 years old). L plates must be displayed front and rear, as near to vertical as possible and without being cut down.

After completing a CBT a 16 year old can ride a moped. 17 and older can ride a learner legal 125cc machine.

*If you passed your car driving test before 1st February 2001 then you do not need to complete a CBT if you wish to ride a moped, although it is recommended. The driving licence automatically gives you full moped entitlement.

** You must have category A on your licence if you wish to ride any bike bigger than a moped (category P).

[Top of page]

Pre-CBT

We get many enquiries from pupils who are concerned that they have never ridden before and will be "shown up" in a large group on the main CBT. Whilst this is the last thing we want our pupils to feel we do appreciate things can go a little smoother with a bit of experience beforehand. As such we've devised the Pre-CBT course. Held completely in our safe off-road environment, the course will get you riding within the first hour and will continue for a further hour going through a series of excercises.

At the end of the course you will be competent in machine control and will have a great head start for your main CBT course.

This course is available to anyone, with or without a licence and we can even accomodate pupils from 14 years old upwards.

The course has proven very popular as a gift for people who are thinking of riding bikes but are still undecided if they will like it or not and/or are unsure of paying for a full course.

It's a great, fun morning and open to everyone.

[Top of page]

Post-CBT

If, like us, you don't feel just one days training is enough for today's busy roads then you might be interested in our Post-CBT course. Designed with the new motorcyclist in mind, this course is a whole days riding under the watchful direction of your instructor. Expanding on the elements taught in the CBT, this course will also introduce real-world riding experience, covering new roads and new situations making you safer, more aware, and increasing your confidence - making your riding better and more fun.

The course is open to anyone ages 16 and over, with a valid CBT certificate.

The maximum instructor to pupil ratio is 1-to-2 but quite often will be 1-to-1.

[Top of page]

New Motorcycle Test & Training Programme

Standard Test Training & Direct Access Scheme

As of April 27th 2009, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have implemented a new test in compliance with the Second European Driving Licence Directive (2DLD).

This new two-module test consists of an off-road examination and an on-road test.

The advantage to the candidate is an increased quality in training with more emphasis on bike control rather than simply road craft.

Module 1 - Specified Manoeuvres

This module must be passed first and consists of a series of specified manoeuvres that will be conducted off-road. It will include excercises designed to assess the rider's ability to control their machines safely, including avoidance and emergency stop excercises and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. On successful completion you will be issued with the Module 1 Test Certificate and is valid for the life of your Theory Test Certificate (which is 2 years).

This module can be tested at the existing VOSA test station in Poole at the weekends only, or the candidate can travel to Lee-on-Solent as part of their Module 2 training where the DSA have a full-time site available during the week.

The training for this module is conducted over the course of a day.

Candidates must have completed the DSA Theory Test and a Compulsory Basic Training course before taking this module.

Module 1 - Excercise guide

1. On and off the stand
2. Wheel the machine
3. Slalom
4. Figure of eight
5. 30 kph circuit ride
6. 50 kph avoidance
7. Controlled stop
8. U-turn
9. Slow ride
10. 30 kph circuit ride
11. 50 kph emergency brake

Module 2 - Road Riding Test

This consists of an eyesight test, some safety questions and a road-ride lasting approximately 40 minutes and is designed to assess the rider's ability to safely interact with other road users.

Module 2 can be conducted at the regular test centres in Poole & Bournemouth as well as the new Multi-Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) in Lee-on-Solent.

Module 2 - Course Length Recommendations

We train on an hourly basis (minimum of 2). The following are recommendations only, bsaed on our extensive experience with previous candidates - you may find you need more, or less, depending on your ability & confidence.

No car or bike experience - 30 hours

Car experience but no bike - 24 hours

Riding experience but a few years ago - 18 hours

A good amount of recent riding experience - 12 hours

You will take your Module 2 test when both you and your instructor decide you are ready, giving you the best possible chance of passing first time.

Training Hours

Early Bird - 6am to 9am
Daytime - 10am to 4pm
Evening - 6pm to 9pm (daylight permitting)

Nb. Minimum booking is 2 hours. We train 7 days a week, including bank holidays.

Standard test or Direct Access?

Standard test training is completed on a 125cc motorcycle. On passing your test you will have a restricted motorcycle licence allowing you to ride any bike up to 33bhp. After two years this restriction is automatically lifted without having to pass any further tests. You must be 17 years of age or over. The course length is usually less than Direct Access and therefore cheaper.

Direct Access is completed on a 500cc motorcycle. On passing your test you will have a full motorcycle licence free of any restrictions. You must be 21 years of age or over.

Legal requirements

The minimum age is 21 for the Direct Access Scheme & 17 for the Standard Test Training. Candidates must have completed a Compulsory Basic Training course. To take the Module 2 test the candidate must also have successfully completed the Module 1 test.

Training prices include bike hire, fuel, helmet & fully comprehensive insurance.

[Top of page]

13 Columbia Road, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH10 4DZ