Learner New Drivers
As a Learner Bike Rider
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
Compulsory basic training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. You will need to complete a CBT if:
- You want to ride a moped (a moped has an engine not over 50 cc with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour which is approximately 31 miles per hour)
- You want to ride a motorcycle
- If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.
The CBT course involves five elements:
- Introduction and eyesight check
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- Practical on-road training
- Practical on-road riding
You’ll move from one element to the next when your trainer is happy you’ve learnt the theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.
The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level. Trainees must, by law, receive a minimum two hour on-road ride in Element E.
When you complete CBT to at least the minimum standard, you’ll get a certificate of completion – also called a DL196. This certificate of completion lets you ride a moped or a motorbike up to 125cc on the road with L plates for two years. You have to take your full motorcycle test within a two year period, or have to take the CBT again.
As a Learner Car Driver
Being a good driver isn’t just about knowing how to operate a vehicle. A good driver takes responsibility for their own safety, the safety of their passengers and others around them. Choose an approved driving instructor (ADI) who cares about road safety and will discuss this with you in detail.
Do you have a 17 year old (or one who is almost 17) with a desire to learn to drive? There is a charity who are able to help pay for some driving lessons for young people who have had care experience.
Please go to the link below to have a read and see if you are eligible to apply.
As a new driver
You are vulnerable: Having passed the driving test you are able to drive unsupervised for the first time and this can be quite daunting initially making you much more vulnerable than you may realise. Consider further training so that you can drive safely in all conditions and on all types of road and this will reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. That risk is already reflected in car insurance premiums which could be reduced by taking further training.
Any driver who receives 6 points within the first 2 years after obtaining their full licence will have their licence returned to the DVLA where it will be revoked and they will have to retake their driving test.