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CBT what is it and do i need it?
CBT, what is it and do I need it? No, its not that thing that lorry drivers use to swear at each other across the airways, it stands for Compulsory Basic Training and the word Compulsory gives you a vital clue: you do need it (although, not if you passed your car test before 2001). Confused, then read on?
It started in 1990 as a way of trying to do something about motorcyclists habit of getting themselves injured in road accidents. Of course, you might argue that it's car drivers that could do with a bit of extra tuition, as they seem to cause most motorcycle accidents by not looking where they are going, but, nonetheless, CBT was born.
The rule is that CBT Boot Camp must be completed before a moped learner, or motorcycle rider learner, is allowed to don the L-Plates and take to the open roads (its D Plates in Wales by the way, although what happens if you cross the border with the wrong plates, is a puzzle)!
To make sure there's no confusion, a moped is not a 1000cc drag machine with 'moped' chalked on the petrol tank. A moped has an engine of size of no more than 50cc and a maximum speed not more than 50 km/h, or 31 mph in old money.
An oddity, some might say, is that if you passed you car test before 2001 (1 February), you do not have to endure CBT to ride a moped. Obviously, anyone getting their car licence before that date, is such a good potential moped rider, that there's nothing to worry about!
Okay, so most need to take CBT; what does it involve? Its made up of five key parts: 1. Introduction; 2. Practical On-Site Training; 3. Practical On-Site Riding; 4. Practical On-Road Training; and, 5. Practical On-Road Riding.
Each of the five key elements has to be completed in sequence. You can't just ignore the first four and jump onto your moped and head for exciting part five, although the order of the exercises within each element can be in any order. Also, your instructor has to be satisfied that you have passed each element properly, before passing onto the next. And, with the final element, the law demands that you have received a minimum, on-road ride of two hours.
So what do you get when you graduate from CBT Boot Camp. No, not a silver trophy and free meal at the local hamburger joint; you get a Certificate of Completion. Yes, a Certificate of Completion, or, as its affectionately known, a
DL196. This effectively updates your licence to list your new achievements.
Note, a DL196 lasts for two years, although there are a number of clauses and exceptions to this rule.
Right, so you're hot to trot. Where to go and how much will it set me back? CBT can only be taught by instructors certified by the Driving Standards Agency at an approved site. It costs between £70 and £100, although you can get deals which include the cost of the actual motorcycle test, and some kit may be included in the price.
CBT what is it and do I need it? Remember, it means Compulsory Basic Training and yes, you most probably do need it.
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