CBT Motorcycle Instructor Requirements UK
Your driving licence should be from Great Britain or Northern Ireland. If not, use form D9 to register a non-GB licence (e.g. from the EU or EEA).
Other key requirements for becoming a CBT motorbike trainer include:
- Being at least 21 years of age
- Having held a full category A2 or A motorcycle licence for a minimum of three (3) years.
Note: A 2-day assessment (conducted at DVSA training and development centre in Cardington, Bedfordshire) is required before you start giving CBT motorcycle and moped training to learners.
After Qualification
Once you have qualified as a DVSA assessed CBT motorcycle instructor, you would need to work at a motorcycle approved training body (ATB) to:
- Carry out the compulsory basic training (CBT) course to learner riders.
- Provide training for up to ten (10) instructors at the ATB to deliver CBT courses (a process called ‘down-training’).
- Apply to become a direct access scheme (DAS) motorcycle instructor.
How to Book a CBT Instructor Assessment
You can book the compulsory basic training (CBT) instructor assessment through the GOV.UK website. There is no charge to attend the motorcycle instructors’ compulsory basic training assessment.
After filling in the application form you should send it to the address written on the document. Once DVSA have finished checking your application they will contact you to schedule an assessment date.
What if You Cannot Attend Your Assessment?
If you can’t go to your assessment you will need to inform the DVSA (e.g. by email or by post). They will need at least five (5) working days of advance notice (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). You would need to provide your signature if you want your approved training body (ATB) to notify the DVSA on your behalf.
DVSA Training and Development Centre
Mail: [email protected]
Harrowden Lane
Cardington
Bedford
MK44 3EQ
Important: Failing to tell the DVSA in time would result in an invalid application – and count as an ‘unsuccessful attempt’. If you make two (2) unsuccessful attempts you would need to wait a year before reapplying.
Preparing for the CBT Instructor Assessment
The compulsory basic training (CBT) syllabus and guidance notes explain more about what is required of moped and motorcycle trainers.
Other preparation should include studying the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency publications (available from most high street and online book shops):
- The Highway Code
- Know your traffic signs
- The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Ride (Driving Standards Agency) Paperback
- The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills
- The Official DVSA Theory Test for Motorcyclists Book
What to take to an Assessment
When you attend the DVSA assessment for becoming a CBT motorcycle trainer it is important to have:
- Valid driving licence
- CBT1 card (if applicable)
- Fully taxed, insured, and roadworthy motorcycle (the power output should be at least 20kW)
Note: The DVSA will cancel your assessment if you don’t have the minimum requirements. You can take a pen and notebook (or training aids).
CBT Motorcycle Instructor Assessment Procedures
The primary purposes of the compulsory basic training (CBT) instructor assessment is to assess your ability to:
- Train learner motorcyclists to meet the CBT course requirements.
- Train and guide other motorcycle instructors within an approved training body (ATB).
As a rule, you will be in a small group of three instructors who are all taking the assessment at the same time. A DVSA assessor will take on the role of a novice motorbike rider.
The assessor will ask you to deliver lessons based on the topics of the training. The roles swap through the group – taking turns to act as a supervisor and an instructor.
Passing the Eyesight Check
To meet the legal eyesight standard for driving you will need to read out the correct letters and numbers on a vehicle number plate from a distance of:
- 26.5 metres (for vehicles with the new-style number plate).
- 27.5 metres (for vehicles with the old-style number plate).
Note: The new-style number plates begin with two (2) letters followed by two (2) numbers (e.g. AB99 ABC). Failing the eyesight check means the assessment would end.
Session 1: Element A
The first session focuses on the introduction to CBT (element A of the syllabus). You would get an overview of the assessment from the DVSA assessor.
Following that, you would deliver a lesson based on the modules in element A. You can use your notes and any training aids you have with you. The other CBT instructor candidates in your group watch your instruction and then decide whether it is a valid lesson and ‘achieves the objective’.
Session 2: Element B
The second session focuses on practical on-site training (taken from element B of the CBT syllabus). You get an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the motorcycle used on-site. You will need to give a controls lesson or a basic machine check lesson.
The person assigned as the ‘novice rider’ will act on your instructions. The other CBT instructor candidates watch your instruction and then decide whether it is a valid lesson and ‘achieves the objective’.
Sessions 3 and 4: Element C
During the third session you will instruct the person acting as the ‘novice rider’. Other candidates in the group give a debrief when each lesson finishes. Changing the roles several times allows you to show your ability as an instructor and a supervisor.
Session 5: Element D
Element D focuses on practical on-road training. You give a lesson based on the three modules in the syllabus. The other instructor candidates supervise you – before swapping the roles.
Sessions 6 and 7: Element E
The final sessions focus on further practical on-road riding taken from element E in the CBT syllabus. You follow the ‘novice rider’ while riding YOUR OWN MOTORCYCLE on the road.
As part of the assessment, you will need to:
- Give instructions to the ‘novice rider’
- Correct any faults they make
- Direct them (using radio equipment) over a route on public roads
CBT Assessment Results Process
The DVSA assessor will give you your result, along with a debrief, at the end of your CBT assessment. You will also receive confirmation of the results by post.
If You Pass Your Assessment
Passing the assessment means you will get extra information explaining how to apply for registration as a DVSA assessed CBT motorcycle instructor.
Even so, until you actually receive your registration certificate you must not:
- Conduct compulsory basic training (CBT) courses
- Train any CBT instructors through your approved training body (ATB)
If You Fail Your Assessment
Failing the assessment twice within a 12-month period would mean you cannot apply to retake it straight away. Hence, you would need to wait for a full year from the date of the second failed assessment before you can apply again.
Note: Failing as a down-trained instructor would mean you can continue to provide CBT training. But, you would need to get a standards check at your ATB.