DSA approved Established 1986 CBT Courses

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What The Law Requires CBT All learner riders MUST successfully complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) BEFORE riding on the road, regardless of the type of licence held, and the length of time it has been held. EVEN IF YOU ARE RIDING ON 'L' PLATES, YOU MUST HAVE A VALID CBT CERTIFICATE. Upon successful completion of CBT a certificate called a DL 196 is awarded. This certificate validates your licence and is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. The certificate can be renewed by retaking the CBT every 2 years, if you wish to continue to ride on 'L' plates and do not wish to take the full test. Age Restrictions At 16 you can ride a maximum of a 49cc moped once you have successfully completed CBT. At 17 or over you can ride a moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output not exceeding 14.6bhp (11kW). The same CBT certificate validates your driving licence for both moped and motorcycle, regardless of which machine the course was taken upon. E.g. If you take your CBT at 16 years old on a moped, once you turn 17 years your CBT Certificate validates you to ride up to 125cc without retaking a further CBT, provided you have the required category upon your licence. Licences should be checked for the correct category provision. There are 3 motorcycle categories: Category P - Moped. Sub-Category A1 - Light motorcycle, restricted to any bike up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW. Category A - Standard motorcycle. At 21 or over you can ride any size bike after the appropriate training (see DAS course below). CBT is usually completed in one day and comprises both 'off-road' and 'on-road' rider training. CBT is not a test; it is basic training that has become compulsory by law. Once completed it allows you to ride on the road as a learner with 'L' plates on. The 'L' plates must be clearly visible on the front and back of your machine and may not be cut down in size or obscured in any way. You are not allowed by law to carry pillion passengers whilst a learner and may not use motorways or any other road with learner restrictions on them. The Theory Test Anyone wishing to take their first bike test with the DSA must pass the motorcycle theory test before applying for the full test. The theory test certificate is valid for 2 years. The practical test must be passed within this period otherwise the Theory Test will have to be taken again. Books, CDs and help with the study towards the theory test are available from Southern Riders, if required You do not need to take a theory test if you already hold a full licence for another category of motorcycle or have passed a moped test since 1 July 1996. Full Test Options Anyone 16 or over can take a full moped test. Anyone 17 or over can take a full moped test or either of the following two full motorcycle tests: A light motorcycle licence (A1) which restricts riders to any bike up to 125cc and a power output of no more than 14.6 bhp (11kW). The test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc. If the test is taken on an automatic or semiautomatic bike the full licence will be restricted to that type of bike. A standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the test is passed on a bike of between 120cc and 125cc and capable of 100kph (62.5mph). After passing the standard test you will be restricted for 2 years to a bike not exceeding 33bhp (25kW) after which you can ride any size bike without any further training or testing. (Unless personally required) Anyone 21 or over can take Direct Access or Accelerated Access Direct Access If you are over 21 you may take the full bike test after completing the direct access (DAS) course on a bike greater than 46.6 bhp (35kW). A successful result will enable you to ride any size bike without any restriction. Accelerated Access Riders who already hold a full 'restricted' licence and are over 21 or reach the age of 21 while still within the 2 year restricted period and wish to ride a bike larger than 25kW, may train and take a further test on a large machine. The same test and training conditions for Direct Access will apply. Although you revert to learner status while practising, test failure will not affect your existing motorcycle licence entitlement. YOU CANNOT ride a bike greater than 125cc on 'L' plates without being accompanied by a suitably qualified DSA approved Direct Access Instructor.