Motorcycle Training
Alconbury Driving Centre also offers motorcycle training through our partners Ride Safe.
Instructor, Simon Hadley is an accredited Driving Standards Agency Approved Training Body. We offer CBT, Direct Access and Advanced Rider Training from age 16 upwards. We can provide safety equipment and bike hire is included in our fees. Our trainers are DSA approved instructors, CRB checked and hold advanced rider qualifications including, Institute of Advanced Motorcyclist (IAM), RoSPA (Gold Grade), DSA Registered Post Test Trainer and BTEC DipM. Our facilities at Alconbury are second to none with a well-equipped classroom, refreshment area and two off road training areas including a mile long runway and a special purpose built road layout with junctions, a roundabout, hills, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“To provide the highest quality up to date training with current and competent instructors, within a safe, legal and risk managed environment, as laid down by the Driving Standards Agency Regulations, promoting road safety in conjunction with the Government’s Strategy and associated Road Safety Bodies. Ensuring we meet our customer requirements
and they receive excellent service, training and value for money.”
What is CBT?
CBT Compulsory Basic Training Course is designed to ensure all new licence holders wishing to ride a moped or motorcycle achieve basic motorcycling skills in order to ride unaccompanied on the road. The DSA introduced the course in 1990 and as part of road safety initiatives it has proved successful in assisting motorcycling safety on the roads.
What does the course involve?
5 elements must be completed to a satisfactory standard during the day in order to be issued with a certificate of completion (DL196), some students may require additional training to meet the required standard *.
The certificate is valid for 2 years and will enable a provisional licence holder to ride with L-Plates on the road.
The 5 Elements
A Introduction
The aims of the CBT, Equipment and Clothing, Eye Site Test and Driving Licence Check
B Practical on-site Training
Motorcycles and controls, Basic safety checks and use of stands, wheel the machine around and braking to stop., Starting, stopping the engine.
C Practical on-site Riding
Riding in a straight line and stopping, riding slowly, using brakes, changing gears figure of eight, Emergency Stop, rear observation, Turning Left / Right, U-Turn
D Practical On-Road Training
Legal requirements, Vulnerability, Speed, Highway code, Anticipation, Rear observation, Road Positioning, Separation distance, Weather conditions, road surfaces, Alcohol and drugs, Attitude, Hazard Perception.
E Practical On-Road Riding
Two Hours accompanied by Instructor in Radio Contact.
Traffic Lights, Roundabouts, Junctions, Pedestrian Crossing, Gradients, Bends, Obstructions, U-Turn, Emergency stop.
What Next?
The Practical Test?
There are several options once you have passed your CBT, your motorcycling training has only just begun.
Remember your CBT is only valid for 2 years.
You must remember to renew the certificate if you do not pass a practical test within this time.
You can of course progress to the next level and pass a practical test which is a DSA exam to prove you can ride safely on the road.
What is Direct Access Training?
Direct Access training is a much higher level of riding skill compared to CBT, if you are over the age of 21 it is carried out on a 500cc machine giving you a full licence to ride any bike if you pass your test. You are only permitted to ride a 500cc when accompanied by an instructor until you pass the test. You can ride a 125cc machine unaccompanied on L plates once you have passed CBT. The training ratio will be no more than 2 students to one instructor, if you require one to one instruction there will be an additional charge, please call for details.
If your control of a 500cc machine is not up to the standard required, the Director of Training will advise that you will sit your test on a 125cc machine, once the test is passed you can ride any bike up to 33BHP for 2 years and then your license can be renewed for a full license with the DVLA without further testing. The Director’s decision is final and gives you the best chance of passing your test.
You will conduct a minimum of two full days training on a 500cc machine before taking your test.
Advanced Riding Skills Training
The training is conducted on your own machine please ensure that your machine is roadworthy, insured, taxed and with a valid MOT if required. Please bring with you both parts of your driving licence with you, as the instructor will need to see it before any training takes place. Ensure that you wear suitable motorcycle clothing.
Training Format
½ Hour Observed Ride
Please see the attached training schedule for your allocated dates and times. The day will normally start with an informal chat about your experience, and aspirations for the training, followed by a look round your machine and a pre ride briefing. The first ride is normally around half an hour to allow the instructor to identify and assess any areas of risk. A training plan is developed to then improve any areas of weakness, through discussion, presentations and practice.
Enhanced Rider Scheme
If a rider demonstrates a high standard of skills the instructor will recommend that the individual can take the Driving Standards Agency Enhanced Rider Scheme Assessment. Successful individuals will be issued an Enhanced Rider Insurance Certificate (ERIC) giving them up to 17% off their insurance policy. The assessment lasts for 2 hours including 90 minutes riding covering all road types and traffic conditions. The fee is £60 which includes all certificates, administration and the instructor’s time. The assessment is graded A though to D, with a D grade being unsatisfactory. The assessment is carried out in the spirit of friendliness, not intimidation. You will still succeed with some minor faults but infringements of the law cannot be condoned and will result in a D grade.
