About Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Compulsory basic training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. CBT must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride on the road with L-plates or D-plates in Wales.

Who Needs to Complete CBT

You will need to complete CBT if:

• You want to ride a moped (a moped has an engine not over 50 cc with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) (approximately 31 miles per hour))
• You want to ride a motorcycle

If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.

What CBT Involves

The CBT course involves five elements:

• A. Introduction
• B. Practical on-site training
• C. Practical on-site riding
• D. Practical on-road training
• E. Practical on-road riding

The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level. Trainees must, by law, receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E.

Further Information

For more information please see the Directgov website (www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/Motorcyclists/index.htm).