Before taking your Motorcycle practical test, you will have to pass the motorbike theory test. You can take your theory test before your CBT (compulsory basic training) but most people wait until after.

The motorbike theory test will gauge your knowledge and understanding of riding theory. A sound knowledge of the theory is essential.

All provisional driving licence-holders will have to pass the motorbike theory test before a booking for a practical test will be accepted.

As from 1st February 2001, all riders have to take the written theory test, even if they hold an existing full car licence.

* The Theory Test costs £31.00. You can apply for it by post with form TT26, which is available from Theory Test Centres, driving test centres, or by phone by calling the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Information and Booking Service on 0870 0101 372 (which can also give you the location of your nearest test centre)

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Compulsery Basic Training (CBT)

Compulsory basic training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. CBT must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride on the road with L-plates or D-plates in Wales.

When to complete a CBT

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.

What does CBT involve?

The CBT course involves five elements:

A. introduction

B. practical on-site training

C. practical on-site riding

D. practical on-road training

E. practical on-road riding

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.

Certificate of completion (DL 196)

When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion, called the DL196, is issued. This is a legal document which validates the relevant entitlements on your driving licence.

It is important that the holder of a DL196 considers the following points:

* a DL196 certificate validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years – CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life

* for moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is not subject to expiry, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safely. Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years

Once you have your certificate you are advised to take additional training to pass your theory and practical tests and qualify for a motorcycle or moped licence. You must take the DL196 certificate with you when you go to your practical test.

Where and how much?

Only instructors certified by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) can teach CBT at an approved training body (ATB). ATBs must have instructors who have successfully completed a two day assessment and have sites approved by DSA for off-road training.

The cost for the course varies from around £100 upwards, and can be affected by where training is taking place, and whether a rider brings their own bike. Most ATBs offer the loan of bikes and helmets for the course. The cost of CBT may be incorporated into the cost of a full training course that leads to a motorcycle test.