This is your first objective.

No-one can progress onto the motorcycle test without first earning a CBT certificate.Training starts with the basics: on an off road tarmac area, familiarisation with the controls of the bike, starting, stopping, slow riding, manoeuvring around cones and emergency stops. With such a large training area to work with you can achieve speeds of up to 40mph.

You'll also be given a session on cornering techniques on the race track where we will introduce you to: counter steering, pivot steering, ideal reference points, suspension setup and emergency braking in the bends. With no traffic around, you can build your confidence and technique at speeds of up to 80mph!

All good stuff that'll make you a better, safer rider. Further training on inclines is included in the off road element, which is ideal preperation as not all roads are flat! Once you (and we) are confident you've got it, we'll transfer these skills on to the road and take in hazard perception and overtaking manoeuvres along the way.
The course is completed with a two hour assessment on public roads.

All of our students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the extensive facilities on offer at Mallory Park.

This enables all clients to experience:

Proper use of gears to obtain realistic rates of acceleration.

1. Correct use of brakes to perform emergency stops at up to 60 mph. (this will be twice the speed of the one on test)
2. Counter-steering to enable students to safely negotiate bends and corners at road legal speeds.
3. Use of the racing circuit to get up to the speeds needed for dual carriageway/motorway riding.
4. Higher speeds also enable our clients to experience road and weather conditions and the feeling of vulnerability BEFORE they go out on the open road.
5. Hill starts, U Turns (both uphill and downhill) braking on bends and realistic left and right turns.

The extra experience and machine control that this allows ensures that our clients are fully prepared before going anywhere near a public road. This makes the whole learning experience more enjoyable for both client and instructor. It also means that maximum progress is possible as all the basics have been covered in far greater depth.

We find from experience and customer feedback, that to many people feel “rushed” out onto open roads before they are properly prepared. This approach generally leads to more problems further down the line. The additional training and preparation, using the whole paddock and racing circuit, ensures that our clients are both prepared and confident. This generally leads to them making rapid, safe progress towards passing their test.

Course content.

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

First introduced in 1990 by the government to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities on public roads.

It is a training program with constant assessment which you must complete satisfactorily before any certificate is issued by the Approved Training Body (CBT Mallory Ltd). Attendance does not qualify you for a certificate- it is not a guaranteed pass!

There are 5 elements to the course

Element A

Introduction to the course, it’s objectives and strategies.

Discussion on the legalities and merits of clothing and crash helmets.

This is your chance to ask as many questions as you wish before we start!

Your eyesight will be checked at this point by reading a standard number plate at a distance of 21metres

Your driving licence to be checked at this point-please keep it with you throughout your course, especially for test day!

Element B

This is a practical lesson where you are introduced to your bike, be shown the controls and how it all works.

You will be shown the following;

How to get the bike on and off the centre stand.

How to walk the bike in all directions.

How to get on and off the bike correctly.

How to start and stop the engine

At this point we will also demonstrate basic safety checks which are the riders responsibility covering chains and sprockets, brakes, oil, lights, tyres, steering and suspension. (C-BOLTS)

Element C

This is a practical lesson where we teach you basic machine handling through a minimum of three gears up to a minimum speed of approx 30mph.

Throughout your course our instructors will always talk you through each new manoeuvre and are readily available to demonstrate each aspect of control to further clarify matters.

You will be expected to demonstrate safe use of gears, throttle, brakes, steering and balance to continue further.

Specific exercises such as emergency stops, controlled braking using both brakes to a halt, figures of eight, u-turns, rear observations and left/right turns must be performed to an acceptable standard.

Observe, Signal, Manoeuvre, Position, Speed ,Look. (O.S.M.P.S.L) is introduced at this stage to provide continuity when riding.

Element C2

Prior to moving onto public roads with the obvious hazards this entails, we supply optional extra training which goes way beyond the CBT syllabus.

We believe that it is imperative for each client to build their confidence and understanding of bike control at high speed as well as slow. Before continuing with your CBT schedule you can take advantage of the facilities of the race circuit outside of our designated “CBT area” This will allow you to safely explore the bikes potential through all six gears and build confidence in your ability to control the bike through corners at up to 80mph! Whilst emergency stops for both CBT and the practical test are conducted at a maximum speed of 30mph in a straight line, we actively encourage and demonstrate how to perform emergency braking both on the straight and halfway round corners up to a maximum of 80mph whilst you are leant over! Using the racetrack to improve your newfound skills will have a positive effect on your performance once you take to public roads. This element does not form an official part of your CBT certification.

Before taking to the track a classroom briefing will discuss the objectives to be met.

You will be instructed on how to corner correctly at speed using counter steering techniques traditionally reserved for more “experienced” riders. Emergency stop procedures are also demonstrated both in a straight line and as a separate exercise halfway round a corner.

A minimum speed of 50mph must be achieved to progress further.

Element D

This is a classroom session to fully prepare you for your first venture out onto public roads.

This is an open discussion on all aspects of road riding covering a number of topics with particular relevance to motorcyclists e.g. road positioning, hazard perception, forward planning, appropriate speed, road and weather conditions, following distances, the need to be clearly visable to other road users, why motorcyclists are more vunerable than other road users and legalities of CBT certificates / 125cc test passes/ 33bhp laws/ direct access/ full test pass.

Element E

This is a practical on road lesson lasting a minimum of 2 hours. Whilst on the road you will be in radio contact with your instructor (one way only). You must successfully negotiate the following;

A + B roads

Hill starts

U-turns

Emergency stops

Variable speed limits, junctions, roundabouts

All of these elements should be negotiated at a speed that does not hinder any other road user or pedestrian. A safe following distance (min 2 seconds in dry conditions or min 4 seconds in wet conditions) allowing defensive riding is mandatory to pass this stage.

Direct access

Subsequent days start at 9.30am with a full briefing outlining areas to be covered on each particular day.

Classroom sessions are designed to prompt open and honest discussion of previous days’ experiences, accomplishments and difficulties. We encourage clients to plan ahead and anticipate areas of their bike control or road awareness that may need further attention. Counter steering techniques are reinforced at this stage.

A short practice session (30-60mins) involving slow control is often required at the start of the day for all clients. All clients must wear full protective clothing and be in radio contact during slow speed practice.

On road riding forms the majority of the day. As confidence builds, dual carriageways and overtaking techniques will be introduced. Clients are reminded to ride for themselves and not to feel as if they are to be influenced in any way by other road users. A staggered formation is generally used but can be changed at the instructors discretion. You will have the opportunity to follow and lead throughout the day.

Key areas to be addressed prior to test are;

U-turns / slow control / balance

Forward planning / Appropriate speed

Left and right turns inc O,S,M,P,S,L routine

Roundabouts / Traffic lights

Emergency stops / controlled braking

Safe following distance (2second rule) road positioning, rear observations

Cornering speed / Use of gears

Maintenance checks / Riding with a pillion

Questions to ask before you book a motorcycle training course;

• Is there room to get out of second gear on the off road training area?
• Do they teach counter-steering?
• Emergency stops – are they done at realistic road speeds?
• What is the instructors view on practicing emergency braking mid corner?
• How fast can you practice before going onto public roads?
• Who decides when you are safe to go onto public roads?

Lunch is taken on location and is an excellent opportunity to clarify progress and refresh yourself, occasional breaks are encouraged through your riding day.

The day is scheduled to finish at 4.30pm. You will be required to complete a client progress report at the end of each day which will be kept on file for 7 years.

Your full bike test will take place on the final day of your scheduled course.

You must be in possession of your driving licence (both paper and plastic of the new one or a bring a current passport with the old one). The examiner will offer you an explanation of his result.

If you can't see a list of course dates on the Right Hand Side of the page, Click here to view

£Free with every DAS course