This guide explains how to set up and run a motorcycle approved training body (ATB) so you can offer training to learner riders.
After completing the setting up process you will be able to provide compulsory basic training (CBT) and the direct access scheme (DAS) as part of running a motorcycle training school.
Only approved training bodies (ATBs) registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can provide:
Also, only DVSA certified instructors can give CBT and DAS training to learners through an approved training body (ATB).
Note: The DVSA must also approve the site used to provide motorbike rider training. The registration process for qualified instructors who provide on-road tuition and CBT training differs in Northern Ireland.
DVSA will want to see that you are a 'fit and proper' person for setting up and running a motorcycle approved training body (ATB). As a rule, that means they will look at whether you have:
Note: You must give compulsory basic training (CBT) courses as an ATB. All the CBT and direct access scheme (DAS) courses that you offer and conduct need to meet the legal requirements.
The DVSA compulsory basic training (CBT) syllabus and guidance notes contain further details on what you must provide. But, the key requirements state that:
During the off-road parts of the CBT course your ATB must have a suitable site (or sites) for training. The DVSA need to authorise the sites before you use them for training purposes.
All instructors need to have a valid instructor certificate for the specific type of training that they conduct. The certificate must also show the name of the ATB offering the training.
Note: At least one of the instructors who teach at your ATB must have successfully become a DVSA assessed CBT motorcycle instructor.
After you have set up an ATB, DVSA-assessed instructors can conduct 'down-training'. Down training is a process that allows instructors to train other staff members so you can appoint them as motorcycle instructors.
But, you would need to have at least one (1) DVSA-assessed instructor for every ten 'down-trained' instructors.
The required information and details that you should send to the DVSA about the courses you provide, include:
Note: The DVSA ATB manual explains how to set up and run a motorcycle training school to give CBT and DAS training for learner motorcyclists.
You will need to download three application forms from the GOV.UK website and send them to the DVSA to apply to become an approved training body (ATB).
CBT
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliament Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP
Note: You should allow up to eight (8) weeks for the DVSA to process your application (includes the time needed to inspect the site used for the off-road elements of compulsory basic training).
The DVSA need to authorise all sites intended for use in the practical training and the riding elements of the CBT course.
You get authorisation by downloading the compulsory basic training site application form (see above). Remember to include a draft plan of the site you intend to use (e.g. an annotated satellite image).
You MUST NOT use a site for motorcycle training until you have authorisation from the DVSA to do so.
The site report will include and explain any rules set by the DVSA (including how many trainees can be on the site). Be sure to inform all your motorbike trainers about these details.
You must inform DVSA without delay if you alter or add something to a site (using the CBT application form). You would also need to include:
DVSA can remove authorisation of a compulsory basic training (CBT) training site if it becomes unsuitable.
You must notify the DVSA without delay if you stop using a site for CBT courses (by email). Remember to include your approved training body (ATB) number and the unique code for your particular site.
DVSA CBT Team
Email: [email protected]
There are five (5) parts to the compulsory basic training (CBT) course. You must follow the course syllabus, and in the correct order, as set out in law for the United Kingdom.
After trainees reach the required standard you need to give them a CBT certificate of completion (DL196). As a rule, the instructor who conducts part E of the CBT course is the one who should complete and sign the trainee's certificate.
Note: Remember to include the name and address of your approved training body (ATB) on the certificate of completion (DL196).
You can order compulsory basic training (CBT) certificates from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) online. Each book costs £200 and contains twenty five (25) certificates.
Part of setting up and managing a motorcycle approved training body (ATB) means making sure your instructors are available for their motorcycle trainer standards check.
Staff from the DVSA will be monitoring the standard of instruction delivered by (both):
Note: Be sure to let your local DVSA CBT manager know the dates and times of when your ATB will be running CBT courses.
DVSA will give you a letter of confirmation and report after an assessment visit (if the training you deliver meets the required standards). But, the DVSA may conduct extra assessments, if:
DVSA can withdraw a motorcycle trainer's authority to deliver courses if he or she fails to achieve the required standard during any subsequent assessments.
Important: DVSA can withdraw ATB authorisation to deliver training courses if assessments show 'consistent' failings in the provision of full and proper CBT courses.
You can make an appeal to the DVSA if either you (e.g. someone running an ATB) or an instructor disagrees with a decision made to withdraw your authority.
Chief Driving Examiner
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliament Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP
Note: You can stay up to date with changes to the CBT syllabus and guidance notes by creating a DVSA email alerts account.
The DVSA carry out compliance checks as part of their crack down on non-compliant motorcycle trainers. As a result, the main objective is to ensure all approved training bodies (ATBs) stay on the right side of the rules.
Hence, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will be checking to see if the ATB:
Note: The DVSA carry out compliance checks based on intelligence gathered from several different sources, including customer complaints and previous standards checks.
How to Set Up and Run a Motorcycle ATB in United Kingdom