These days, it can seem more complicated than ever to get a licence to ride a 50cc moped or scooter in the UK. The CBT test is the first obstacle to overcome and you can learn all about it in this informative article.
New licence holders need to go through Compulsory Basic Training (“CBT”) before riding even a 50cc scooter on the public highway and before taking the other parts of the motorcycle test. Note that a provisional licence is needed before the CBT can be carried out, as this needs to be shown at the start of the training.
The CBT is made up of five parts:
- Introduction
- Off-road training
- Off-road riding
- On-road training
- On-road riding
You can only move onto the next part if you have completed the previous part to the instructor’s satisfaction.
Note that a basic sight test is the only part of the training that you can fail absolutely with no hope of overcoming it through further training on the day. You will be asked to read a car number plate at 20 metres (wearing glasses is allowed) and if you cannot, you will not be allowed to continue the training.
The introduction is carried out in a classroom setting and covers basic road safety, what to wear and what to expect. The next four sections are practical and trainees normally carry them out at or on the 50cc scooters or 125cc motorbikes provided by the training centre, although usually you can use your own bike if it is legal for your age. Note that until you reach age 17 you can only ride 50cc bikes. You can opt to train on an automatic 50cc bike or a manual (geared) scooter.
The initial off-road training involves a tour of the bike and an introduction to the main parts and controls such as brakes, steering and lights. The clutch and gears are also covered except for those trainees on automatic 50cc scooters. Next you will progress to walking with the bike and getting it on and off its stand. Then things get really exciting because you actually climb onto the bike for the first time and start to learn to ride it.
This off-road riding session covers control of the bike at slow and not-so-slow speeds, and also the procedure for approaching junctions and turning, not to mention setting off and stopping. Emergency stops and “U” turns are also covered in this off-road practical session.
Later in the day, usually after lunch, if you have successfully passed the other sections of the training you will go out onto the road. You will be fitted with a one-way radio headset so that you can hear the instructor. You will need to carry out at least two hours of road training which includes the manoeuvres that you learned in the morning. Note that if you have not ridden a moped or scooter before, plunging into the middle of fast-moving traffic can be a bit of a shock and you will need to stay calm and remember what you have been taught because it can be tricky at first.
On successful completion of your CBT training, you will receive a DL196 certificate which is valid for two years. This certificate allows you to ride on the road as a learner and enables you to go on and take the theory and practical tests in order to get your full licence.
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