4. Delivery of CBT courses
Pre-course trainee checks, the compulsory basic training (CBT) syllabus, trainee to instructor ratios, automatic machines and dealing with complaints.
4.1 An ATB is authorised by the Secretary of State to provide approved training courses, CBT and DAS as specified in the regulations. The conditions of appointment are listed at Annex 1.
4.2 Any ATB not providing CBT courses in accordance with the regulations may have their authority to provide these courses withdrawn.
4.3 Before a CBT course starts, instructors must check their trainees identity and that they have the appropriate provisional licence entitlement. Further details can be found in Section 10 of this manual.
4.4 The syllabus of the CBT course and the order in which the five elements must be delivered is specified in regulations. This is set out in Annex 2.
4.5 The order in which the headings or exercises within each element is covered may be varied. However, each element must be completed in full and to an appropriate standard before the next commences.
4.6 Whilst it is accepted that some more experienced trainees may be sufficiently competent to progress at an accelerated rate, all elements of the CBT syllabus must be fully and satisfactorily completed before a CBT DL196 certificate can be issued, irrespective of whether or not a course has been completed previously. This includes the minimum 2 hours on road riding.
4.7 DVSA expect the overall duration of a CBT course to be at least a day in order to complete the training syllabus to a satisfactory standard and to comply with the legislation. It must be recognised some riders may take longer than a day to complete their training.
4.8 The CBT syllabus and guidance notes build on the existing five elements of approved training. It has been designed to make it easier to understand what is required in each element. It has three sections:
- what must happen
- what the learner must know and understand
- what the learner should be able to do (to show that they have reached the required standard)
4.9 In order to ensure that trainees receive the appropriate level of training ATBs must ensure that they comply with the appropriate trainee to instructor ratio for each element.
Elements A and D
4.10 There is no prescribed ratio for these elements although an ATB should ensure that only a reasonable number of trainees are involved during these sessions. If DVSA decides that the number of trainees present is adversely affecting their ability to participate and learn, or they prevent the instructor from being able to establish if learning has taken place with each individual trainee, then this would be reported as unsatisfactory instruction.
Elements B and C
4.11 A maximum of four trainees to one instructor must be observed. If more than four trainees are involved, they should be separated into groups that meet the permitted ratios. For example, eight trainees – two sets of four trainees with a separate instructor responsible for each group. It is not acceptable for training to be conducted in two groups combined, for example, an 8:2 ratio.
If a site is authorised for a maximum of two trainees, then only two trainees should be undergoing training at any one time. It is not acceptable to allow trainees to watch from within the approved site boundaries or to periodically rotate four trainees during the same training session.
Element E
4.12 A maximum of two trainees to one instructor must be observed for this element and all trainees must receive a minimum of two hours practical on-road training. Again, the training should be conducted in separate, distinct groups. It is not acceptable for two instructors to accompany four trainees as an overall group of six. The instructor must be able to communicate with each trainee by means of a radio that is not handheld. Trainees who are profoundly deaf are exempt from this requirement.
Direct Access Elements B and C
4.13 The ratio for these elements of CBT Direct Access trainees is two trainees to one instructor (i.e. where one or more trainee is using a bike larger than a 125cc).
4.14 Instructors have a duty of care to their trainees and should keep them in visual contact at all times.
4.15 Instructors and trainees must wear appropriate fluorescent or reflective safety apparel, showing the identity of the ATB, throughout the duration of the CBT course.
4.16 Under no circumstances should CBT candidates be mixed with other motorcycle trainees during on or off road elements – they cannot be ‘tagged on’ to other courses.
4.17 It is not acceptable practice for instructors to carry a third trainee as a pillion passenger to keep within the 2:1 ratio during CBT training.
4.18 The certificate of completion (DL196) is valid for both mopeds and motorcycles. DVSA encourages instructors to explain and, if possible, demonstrate gear changing during Element C for riders of automatics.
4.19 Instruction can only be given to trainees when the instructor is present with them on the road while riding another motorcycle; car to bike instruction must not be provided.
4.20 Lack of clarity about the service provided is one of the more common complaints about CBT courses that DVSA receives. DVSA recommends that before any payment is taken ATBs should provide the ATB’s terms and conditions and pricing policy (including vehicle hire). This will make clear to trainees exactly what they will get for their money.