Prior to 1990, the accident rate amongst inexperienced motorists was high, so Complusory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced. This has to be completed before a learner on a 50cc moped or a motorbike rider is allowed on the road with L plates (D plates in Wales) in the UK. The only exception to this is if you obtained you car licence before 1 February 2001. Even then, if you are unfamiliar with riding a moped or bike, it is a good idea to pass the CBT.

There are five parts to the CBT:

• The Introduction
• Practical training on-site
• Practical riding on-site
• Practical training on the road
• Practical riding on the road

These five parts of the training have to be taken in this order. Your driving instructor has to be satisfied with the completion of each element. You will need to learn and understand the theory of riding and then be able to demonstrate you have all the practical skills to be safe for yourself and other road users at a basic level. The fifth element (known as Element E) will include at least two hours riding on roads.

A Certificate of Completion is then issued. Like all government documents, this has a number as well as name – a DL196. The DL196 last for two years to allow you to take you full theory and practical motorcycle driving tests, otherwise the CBT has to be taken again.

If you pass you car driving test within two years of getting a DL196, it does not expire for riding a moped, but is still an important document to keep safe. Do remeber that if you want to drive a morotcycle (ie anything with more than a 50cc Moped capacity) the DL196 is only valid for two years.

The best plan is to pass your theory and practical driving tests as quickly as possible. You are more likely to be safer. You can tear up those L plates. You can take pssengers and you can get on with life.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) certifies instructors for taking the CBT. They are assessed over a two day period. These have to be taught at an Approved Training Body (ATB).

Costs will vary according to where the ATB is located and whether you are borrowing a bike or bringing your own. Remember you cannot legally ride your bike to the ATB until you have passed the CBT! Generally it costs from about £100.