Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) will be introduced in Northern Ireland on 21st February 2011. This is training that all learner moped and motorcycle riders will have to complete before being permitted to ride unaccompanied on public roads. Once implemented, it will affect all learner moped and motorcycle riders.

Why is CBT being introduced?

CBT is being introduced to help reduce the high number of motorcycle related incidents on our roads. CBT will better prepare a rider to deal with, and make them aware of, the dangers associated with riding a moped or motorcycle. Since CBT was introduced in GB there have been benefits to riders in terms of road safety.

Who will be affected by CBT?

• From 21st February 2011, all new moped or motorcycle riders applying for provisional moped or motorcycle entitlement will have to successfully complete CBT before being permitted to ride unaccompanied on public roads.
• Learner motorcyclists who have provisional entitlement prior to 21st February 2011 must complete CBT, or pass their motorcycle test, within 12 months of introduction if they wish to ride unaccompanied on a public road.
• Anyone who passes a full car test and receives full moped entitlement after 21st February 2011 will have to complete a course of CBT once in order to validate this full moped entitlement for life. However, those who passed a car driving test before 21st February 2011 will retain full entitlement to a moped licence.

In essence any motorcyclist who does not have a full motorcycle licence will have to complete CBT, and provide a certificate as proof of completion if requested. Eligibility to take CBT course.

In order to be eligible to take a CBT course a leaner rider would require provisional Category A (motorcycle) or P (moped) entitlement. This will allow you to sign up for a course and ride on the road under the supervision of an Approved Motorcycle Instructor whilst undergoing CBT training.

How long does the CBT course last?

There are five elements in the CBT syllabus that will need to be covered in CBT training. Elements A to D are not time bound; the duration will be needs driven and dependent on trainees’ ability. Whereas element E will have a minimum duration of four hours attached to it. The overall duration of the course will therefore vary depending on the ability, knowledge, understanding and skills of the trainee.

CBT Syllabus

The CBT Syllabus contains five elements, grouped into three modules and each module is competency based. 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

Whilst undergoing CBT, trainees will be issued with a training logbook which instructors will complete and sign providing a record of the topics covered and the level of knowledge or skill demonstrated by the pupil. Once a pupil has successfully completed all three modules, the instructor will issue them with a CBT certificate.

CBT Certificates

On successful completion of CBT, a certificate valid for two years will be issued. This will enable a learner to ride legally on the road unaccompanied. Riders must produce their CBT certificate within seven days if requested to do so by the PSNI or an enforcement officer.

If a rider has not gained a full moped or motorcycle licence by the expiry of the CBT certificate, they will, if they want to continue riding on the public road, have to retake the CBT course and be issued with a new certificate.

AMIs will 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 to a trainee. There will be a fee for the issue of a duplicate certificate.

Information provided from DVLNI

Call Gene for more information on the CBT.

07821 420 100