Need cheap transport ? happy to ride a 50 or 125 on L plates ? or want to gain experience on two wheels before taking the motorcycle test then you will need a Compulsory Basic Training course.

Training is the important bit, it is not a test, I mention this because some people come in really stressed thinking I must get this right first time  or I won't pass. It's really not like that at all, it is a fun day learning new skills, but you will have a head start if you have read the Highway Code!

You can take a CBT at either of our centres, Keynsham or Clevedon.

You must have provisional valid licence for the bike you are going to ride, you must be able read a standard number plate from at least 20.5 metres. A working knowledge of the Highway code. Be sensible dressed, we can loan jackets gloves and helmets, but strongly suggest that you have you own equipment.

The CBT is a training course with the following syllabus, each Module must be completed satisfactorily before moving on to the next. Once the last Module has been completed satisfactorily a CBT certificate will issued.

Module A – Introduction

The aims of the approved training course

The importance of the right equipment and clothing

Trainees eyesight must be tested. Trainees must be able to read in good daylight a vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures 79.4 mm high at a distance of 66 feet (20 metres) (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn).

Module B – Practical On Site Training

Trainees must receive practical on site training at the conclusion of which they must fulfil the following requirements, that is to say they must:

Be familiar with the motorcycle, its controls and how it works

Be able to carry out basic machine checks to a satisfactory standard and be able to take the bike on and off the stand satisfactorily.

Module C – Practical On Site Riding

Trainees must undertake practical on site riding at the conclusion of which they must be able to: -

Ride the machine under control in a straight line and bring the machine to a controlled halt

Ride the machine round a figure of eight circuit under control

Ride the machine slowly under control

Carry out a U–turn manoeuvre satisfactorily

Bring the machine to a stop under full control as in an emergency

Carry out controlled braking using both brakes

Change gear satisfactorily

Carry out rear observation correctly

Carry out simulated left and right hand turns correctly using the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre (OSM) and Position Speed-Look (PSL) routines

Module D – Practical On Road Training

Trainees must understand the following

The need to be clearly visible to other road users (the use of conspicuity aids)

The importance of knowing the legal requirements for riding on the road

Why motorcyclists are more vulnerable than most road users

The need to ride at the correct speed according to road and traffic conditions

The importance of knowing the Highway Code

The need to ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users

The need to use rear observation at appropriate times

The need to assume the correct road position when riding

The need to leave sufficient space when following another vehicle

The need to pay due regard to the effects of varying weather conditions when riding

Trainees must be aware of

The effect on a vehicle of the various types of road surface that can be encountered

The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse

The consequences of aggressive attitudes when riding The importance of hazard perception

Module E – Practical On Road Riding

Trainees must undertake on road riding for a period of not less than two hours. They must encounter all the following traffic situations and demonstrate their ability to handle each one competently and safely

Roundabouts

Junctions

Pedestrian Crossings

Traffic lights

Gradients

Bends

Obstructions

Trainees must also repeat the following exercises in normal road conditions: -

Carry out a U–turn manoeuvre satisfactorily

Bring the machine to a stop under full control as in an emergency