Changes to CBT

A group of the UK’s biggest bike organisations are calling for the Government to change Compulsory Basic Training. Here’s what we know.

If you’ve learnt to ride a bike in recent years, you’ll know all about Compulsory Basic Training. The one-day course is the first step riders take when working to get their hands on a full licence – but ‘passing’ the day also entitles you to ride a moped or 125cc scooter or bike (depending on your age).

It’s an efficient way to get people on the road, although it’s not without its flaws. Which is why a group of the UK’s biggest biking organisations have joined forces to encourage the Government to make some changes to the way things are done.

The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), Transport for London (TfL), the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and a whole host of additional organisations have appealed to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, to enact a series of changes which were actually agreed and announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) by the end of 2017, but up until now they’ve not been enforced. They reckon it’s time to change that.

Here’s what’s been asked for…

■ Introduction of a training course to upgrade motorcycle licence entitlements

■ The creation of powers to revoke CBT certificates or take other measures for learner riders who have accrued six penalty points

■ Restriction of learners who complete CBT on an automatic transmission machine to riding only automatic machines

■ Provision for upgrading entitlement to manual machines for riders with such a restriction

■ Establishment of a combined CBT and DAS instructor qualification assessment

■ Limiting the time period that down-trained instructors can give instruction

■ Changes to the CBT syllabus, including requiring instructors to ensure trainees are appropriately attired for riding

■ Condensing the five elements of CBT to four

■ Strengthening the quality assurance scheme for motorcycle instructors

■ Introduction of the theory test as part of, or prior to, CBT

■ Digitising the CBT administration process

■ Implementation of earned recognition.

The letter describes the changes as ‘fundamentally important to the development of safer motorcycling across the UK’. It also urges for swift action to get the ball rolling and begin making the changes.

Speaking about the appeal, NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The changes we call for in our joint letter were agreed by government several years ago and their introduction is long overdue. We urge the Secretary of State and the Department for Transport to commence work to implement this positive and potentially lifesaving legislation.

“Our letter to the Secretary of State marks a moment when the motorcycle sector, public authorities and road safety organisations have come together to achieve positive change for motorcycle safety.

“We urge the Government to take note and act in partnership with all parties to make these changes to CBT and also to other areas of motorcycle safety, so that a more sustainable and proactive approach can be taken to support casualty reduction for this important mode of mobility, transport and leisure.”

All we can say is credit to them. Anything that can help make CBT more effective, riders safer and maybe even entices a few more people to get in on the act and start riding bikes is a good thing in our book.

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