The CBT or compulsory basic training has been around for more than 20 years now and is aimed at helping to reduce the number of motorcycle and moped accidents, especially those involving young and inexperienced riders. What follows, in no particular order are ten things about the CBT that you will most certainly encounter if you want to get yourself and your new bike on the road.
1. C is for compulsory - I suppose the most important thing to realise about the CBT is that it is in fact a compulsory training. A new motorcycle rider will not be permitted legal access to the roads and highways unless the CBT has been successfully completed.
2. Mopeds and Motorcycles - The CBT covers both of these machines and once completed only grants access to those machines that are 50cc or less and that has a top speed of 50 mile per hour.
3. If you have a car driving licence you may still need to take the CBT to ride a motorbike. It all depends on when you acquired your car license. If it was any time after February 1st 2001 then you will be required by law to take the CBT in order to legally ride a motorcycle or moped on the roads.
4. There are different elements in the CBT that you will encounter. Firstly you will learn things like foot controls, handlebar controls, how to read the instrument panel and basic machine checks.
5. Next up, you will learn things like basic riding, including clutch controls and changing gears. Along with indicating and rear observation you will also learn braking, junctions and U-turns.
6. It won't all be practical learning as there is plenty of theory to go through as well. The Highway Code will be instructed along with lots of advice and awareness teaching, so that your knowledge is thorough, not just of your machine but of what to expect when you finally hit the roads such as road and weather conditions.
7. The final stage of the CBT will be to gain some practical experience on the roads.
8. You will put into practice the practical elements learned within the confines of the training centre.
9. In addition you will tackle roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, how to deal with obstructions and more.
10. Once all of the elements have been completed, you will be assessed and if successful will be awarded the certificate of completion.
