What exactly is a CBT training course?

If I book a CBT in my area what would I be doing?

A CBT test consists of 5 elements labelled A to E. You will do these 5 elements in order throughout the day.

The DVSA have produced an excellent short video showing you the elements of a CBT. Here is the video and below it is the description of each of the elements.

Element A comprises of talk about clothing, safety helmet and equipment. This is also when your licence and eyesight will be checked and the aims of the course outlined. Make sure to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them as you will need to read a registration plate at a distance of 20 metres. You will also learn:

Understanding the legal requirement to riding
Reinforcing your understanding of the Highway Code to a good level
Objectives of completing the CBT test
Understanding the importance of using good motorcycle equipment and clothing

Element B introduces you to the machine and its controls and includes:

Using the motorcycle stands to safely park your bike
Familiarity with the different motorcycle or scooter controls
Wheel the bike round to the left and right
Starting and stopping the engine
Carrying out basic maintenance checks

Element C is the main part of the course and takes place on an approved training site (CBT pad). This is when you will learn to:

Pull away, stop, start and change gears (where applicable)
Ride in a straight line
Ride in a slow and controlled manner
Change gears
Use both brakes
Ride a figure of eight
Carry out left, right and U-turns
Carry out emergency braking
Ride round bends safely
Carry out rear observation

Element D is a return to the class room prior to going out on the road. You will get a full briefing explaining:

The use of speed, road positioning, safe driving distances
The importance of the Highway Code
Your visibility on the road
Using rear observation
Riding at the correct speeds, road positioning and distance between other vehicles according to traffic and road conditions.
Learning to anticipate danger and riding defensively
Care will also be given in explaining about the radios and how not to get lost on the road

Element E is where you put all the above into practise by riding on the road. You will go out on the road with an instructor two at a time with a radio link. You must do at least two hours of road tuition, which must include doing a U-turn and emergency stop. At the outset the instructor will give plenty of guidance and help, but towards the end of the time on the road the instructor will be looking to see if you can get safely from one place to another without hurting yourself or anybody else.

How long does a CBT Test Take?

A CBT test can normally be completed in a day, but may take longer if you need more time to master the control of the motorcycle or moped. Knowing how to ride a bicycle will really help, so if you have not ridden one for a while it's a good thing to do before you take your CBT.

If you do not complete your CBT to the instructors satisfaction then you will be asked to come back on another day for additional training. If this happens do not be alarmed or upset, some people take longer to master control of a two wheeled vehicle than others, but we all get there in the end. The most important thing to remember is its for your safety. Your instructor will be thinking of your safety if they ask you to come back for additional training.

Is CBT a test or an evaluation?

Contrary to popular belief, a CBT is more of an evaluation than a test; your instructor will, throughout the day, observe your abilities and, if you complete the day to the required competency, you shall be awarded a pass certificate (professionally known as a DL196). A CBT certificate is valid for two years and once you have completed your full motorcycle examination, you will no longer have to renew your CBT. However, if you do not carry on your training in my area, you will be required to re-sit your CBT test after two years.