CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT (COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING)

The CBT is the first step to getting you on the road and requires no previous riding experience.

What you need:

  • Provisional or full UK car licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement
  • A valid Licence Check Code, or your National Insurance number
  • Knowledge of the Highway Code
  • A sturdy pair of boots (no steel toe caps)
  • A pair of motorcycle gloves

In June 2015, the paper counterpart of the licence was no longer issued and is no longer valid.

Along with your photocard licence, you will need to provide a valid licence check code or provide us with your National Insurance number, so that we can check your licence details online.

If you have the old paper style licence, you will need to bring this as well as a passport as photo ID.

If you have a foreign licence, you should contact the DVLA as you may need to apply for a UK counterpart (D91).

DVLA Licence Enquiries –
Telephone: 0300 790 6801
Monday to Friday – 8am to 7pm,  Saturday – 8am to 2pm

or by post to Drivers Customer Services, Correspondence Team, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL

What we provide:

  • A 125cc learner motorcycle or an automatic scooter
  • Any protective clothing you require (up to 5XL in clothing, and up to 3XL helmet), except boots and gloves.

Once you complete your CBT with us, you will qualify for a discount in our clothing department, so you can start building up your own bike kit.

At Saltire Motorcycles we are proud to be able to offer the use of our indoor Rider Training yard. This unique setup allows our rider training students to stay comfortable and dry, for the most part of the day and prior to the 2 hour road ride!

This also means that even when the weather is not at it’s finest; you can still come in to complete most of the CBT, and we can reschedule the road ride element at a more suitable time.

CBT prices are as follows:

Available Tuesday to Saturday
Cost: £185.00 per person

Available Tuesday to Saturday
Cost: £145.00 per person

The list of all our training prices can be found here.

About the CBT

The CBT curriculum was set by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in 1990 with the aim of increasing skills for learner motorcyclists and improving road safety.

It is made up of five different elements, some in the classroom, some in the training yard and lastly out on the road.

We train 2 students per instructor, and will match students of similar capability (total beginners / repeat CBT students etc) together to ensure students progress at a similar level.

The training, is fun, informative and done to a relaxed pace.

Our instructors will only take you out onto the public roads once they feel that you are confident handling a motorcycle, and safe to do so.

Traditionally, the CBT course is one full day, but can continue for another half day or so, depending on how individual students get on (or if the weather causes problems!).

Learners will be expected to use the roads safely and legally, so we highly recommend that provisional licence holders read The Highway Code before undertaking a CBT.

But remember, The Highway Code is for life, not just for learners!

This element is set in the ‘classroom’ and discusses the aims of the CBT, making suitable decisions about equipment and clothing, and meeting the eyesight rules.

This element shows you

  • how the motorcycle or scooter works (where to find and how to work the different controls).
  • what basic maintenance checks are needed (eg oil, coolant, electrics and tyres) to confirm that the vehicle is fit and roadworthy to ride.
  • getting a feel for the weight and balance of the vehicle
    – how to position your body weight to put the vehicle on and off its stand  without injury or losing control of the vehicle
    – and being able to wheel the vehicle forwards and through right and left hand turns, keeping control at all times
    – bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, using the correct brake(s), keeping control at all times.

In this element you will begin to ride the vehicle and will develop enough basic skill to ride the vehicle safely.  This is carried out in our indoor training yard.

The overall outcome of this element is to:

  • demonstrate a range of core riding skills – carrying out manoeuvres safely and under full control, using the brakes, changing gear
  • become fully aware of what is going on around you as you carry them out –  all-round observation, blind-spot checks etc

This element is clasroom based and discusses the legal requirements to ride, attitude, positioning, separation distances, speed, anticipating what other road users may do, and preparing for developing hazards.

Here we discuss:

  • the affects of alcohol, drugs or medication on riding skill, ability and reaction speed
  • some of the reasons why motorcycle riders are more vulnerable on the road
  • situations in which riders may seem ‘invisible’ to other road users and what we can do to be seen
  • safe separation distances from other road users
  • how weather, road conditions and speed may influence the separation distance
  • how to anticipate road conditions and possible hazards
  • questions about elements of the Highway Code, including those about motorcyclists

The 2 hour road ride brings together the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in elements A to D.

Riding in typical traffic conditions (including traffic lights, roundabouts, junctions, pedestrian crossings, gradients and bends), and carrying out a U-turn and an emergency stop.

During the road ride part of the CBT the instructor will be in constant contact with you via in helmet radio, giving instruction on traffic, hazards, observations, road positioning etc.

By the end of this road ride you should be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to ride independently in all  situation.

Student Discounts

All new students of the Saltire Rider Training School are rewarded for their loyalty and get the added advantage of our exclisuve 15% off discount in the Clothing department (in store)

If you have any questions, please email us at ridertraining@saltiremotorcycles.com or call us on 0131 478 6661 option 4.