The starting point for learners is Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This is a course run by training bodies approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

You MUST complete CBT before riding on the roads for the first time.

To take a CBT you must:

• Hold and current provisional or full UK licence
• Have catagory 'A' on your licence for machines of over 50cc (usually found on the paper counterpart under the heading 'Provisional Entitlement')
• Be 16 years of age,have provisional licence with catagory 'P' to ride a 50cc machine
• Have some knowledge of the Highway Code

The Course

At Riverview we carry out CBT courses 7 days a week at our Hesketh Bank and Bolton training sites. These sites are designed specifically for motorcycle training with road markings etc (we do not use car parks or school playgrounds). We also supply the bike, and equipment (helmet, jacket, gloves, waterproofs) if required.

The CBT course consists of 5 elements taking you through the legal requirements for the bike and equipment, road procedures and signs, slow speed manouvers and observations (practised on the Training Pad) and finally out on the road to put it all into practice.

RiverView never take more than 2 pupils out on the road with 1 instructor.

At the end of the course if you have reached a safe and confident level of riding then you are issued with a CBT certificate (DL196).

CBT certificates are valid for two years from the date of issue.

Once you have your certificate you can ride up to a 125cc (17 and over) or a 50cc (16 and over) bike on the road as long as:

• You display 'L' plates
• Do not use motorways
• Do not carry a pillion passanger
• Your machine is taxed,insured, and has a valid MOT
• You will need to re-take CBT if you do not pass both the theory and practical tests before your CBT certificate expires

Once you have successfully completed CBT, and have your certificate (DL 196), you can carry on to take additional training to pass the theory and practical tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or moped licence.