Become a DVSA assessed CBT motorcycle instructor
What the assessment involves
The compulsory basic training (CBT) instructor assessment assesses your ability to:
- train learner motorcyclists in the requirements of CBT
- train and guide other instructors within an approved training body
There will usually be 2 other instructors taking the assessment at the same time as you.
The DVSA assessor will play the role of a novice rider throughout the assessment.
You’ll be asked to deliver lessons based on the topics being assessed. One or both of the other instructors will act as your supervisor. You’ll then swap the roles of the instructor and supervisor.
Eyesight test
You’ll have to pass an eyesight test before the assessment starts. You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
- 26.5 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
- 27.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, for example AB51 ABC.
The rest of the assessment will not go ahead if you fail the eyesight test.
Session 1
This session focuses on element A of the CBT syllabus - introduction to CBT.
The DVSA assessor will give you an overview of the assessment.
You’ll then deliver a lesson on the modules within element A of the CBT syllabus. You’re allowed to use notes and training aids. The other candidates will watch your instruction and decide whether it’s valid and achieves the objective.
Session 2
This session focuses on element B of the CBT syllabus - practical on-site training.
You’ll be introduced to the motorcycle that will be used on-site. You should familiarise yourself with it so you can give a controls lesson or basic machine check lesson.
The ‘novice rider’ will act on the instruction you give. The other candidates will watch the instruction you give and decide whether it’s a valid lesson and achieves the objective.
Sessions 3 and 4
These sessions focus on element C of the CBT syllabus - practical on-site riding.
You’ll instruct the ‘novice rider’. The other candidates give a debrief at the end of each lesson.
The roles will be changed several times so you can prove your ability as an instructor and supervisor.
Session 5
This session focuses on element D of the CBT syllabus - practical on-road training.
You’ll give a lesson made up of 3 modules from element D. The other candidates will supervise you, and then the roles will be swapped.
Sessions 6 and 7
These sessions focus on element E of the CBT syllabus - practical on-road riding.
You’ll ride a motorcycle and follow the ‘novice rider’ on the road. You’ll have to:
- give instructions
- correct any faults that they make
- direct them over a route on public roads using radio equipment
You’ll need to use your own motorcycle for sessions 6 and 7.