All learner moped and motorcycle riders have to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before they can ride unaccompanied on public roads. This training has been introduced to help reduce the number of accidents by making riders more aware of the dangers on the road.
Does CBT apply to me?
A CBT certificate is required for:
Mopeds (Licence Category P) where;
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL moped licence issued on or after 21 February 2011; or
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL moped licence issued before 21 February 2011 and has not passed the practical off-road and on-road tests by 20 February 2012; or
- Candidate holds a FULL car licence obtained on or after the 21 February 2011.
Motorcycles (Licence Category A1 or A) where;
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL moped licence issued at age 16 prior to 21 February 2011, becomes 17 years of age on or after the 21 February 2011, and wishes to use their new PROVISIONAL motorcycle entitlement; or
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL motorcycle licence (A1 or A) issued on or after the 21 February 2011; or
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL motorcycle licence issued before 21 February 2011 and has not passed the practical off-road and on-road tests by 20 February 2012; or
- Candidate holds a FULL car licence obtained on or after the 21 February 2011.
A CBT certificate is NOT required for:
Mopeds (Licence Category P) where;
- Candidate holds a FULL car licence obtained prior to 21 February 2011; or
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL moped licence issued prior to 21 February 2011 and intends taking the practical moped off-road and on-road tests prior to 21 February 2012. (If they have not passed the tests by 20 February 2012, they will need to complete CBT before they can continue training or take further tests.)
Motorcycles (Licence Category A1 or A)
- Candidate holds a FULL motorcycle licence (A1 or A);or
- Candidate holds a PROVISIONAL motorcycle licence (A1 or A) issued prior to 21 February 2011 and intends taking the practical off-road and on-road tests prior to 21 February 2012. (If they have not passed the tests by 20 February 2012, they will need to complete CBT before they can continue training or take further tests.)
Are you eligible to take a CBT course?
In order to be eligible to take a CBT course you need provisional Category A (motorcycle) or P (moped) entitlement. This will allow you to sign up for a course and ride on the road whilst undergoing CBT training under the supervision of an Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI).
How long does the CBT course last?
There are five elements in the syllabus that covers CBT training. Elements A to D are not time bound - the duration will depend on your ability. However, element E will be a minimum of four hours. The overall length of the course will vary depending on your ability, knowledge, understanding and skills.
CBT Syllabus
The CBT Syllabus contains five elements, grouped into three modules and each module is based on your competency. The table below shows the content of each of the modules:
| Module 1 | Element A |
Introduction - theoretical training |
|---|---|---|
Element B |
Practical training (touch, balance etc) |
|
| Module 2 | Element C |
Practical riding skills |
Element D |
Pre road-ride briefing |
|
| Module 3 | Element E |
Practical on-road riding (compulsory 4 hours duration) |
During CBT, you will receive a log book in which your instructor will record the topics covered and details of your knowledge or skills. Once you have passed all three modules the instructor will issue you with your CBT certificate.
A sample of the Log Book can be downloaded here:
CBT certificates
Once you have passed CBT you will be issued with a certificate valid for two years. This will enable you to ride legally on the road unaccompanied. You must produce your CBT certificate within seven days if requested to do so by the PSNI or an enforcement officer.
If you don't pass your full moped or motorcycle test by the time the CBT certificate expires (two years) and you want to continue riding on the public road you will have to retake the CBT course and be issued with a new certificate.
AMIs can issue a duplicate of the original CBT certificate to a trainee if the original is lost or stolen. However, if the AMI who issued the original certificate is no longer operating, DVA may issue a duplicate certificate. There will be a fee for the issue of a duplicate certificate. This is currently set at a maximum of £20.
Who will conduct CBT?
Only registered AMIs from the mandatory register will be allowed to conduct CBT courses and it is up to them to identify a safe and appropriate area to deliver the training.
CBT in Northern Ireland is not the same as the current scheme in Great Britain. Therefore, only those AMIs on the statutory NI register will be ‘licensed’ to deliver CBT in Northern Ireland.
Quality assurance of CBT trainers
DVA has responsibility to monitor and regulate the standard of instruction delivered by CBT trainers. DVA will ensure that courses delivered comply with regulations and the safety of pupils is protected. To meet these responsibilities, DVA examiners will attend and monitor CBT courses and report their findings to the Registrar as appropriate.
For further information contact DVA by:
- email: dvlni@doeni.gov.uk
