Compulsory Basic Training is the first step in obtaining your full motorcycle license. The CBT is not a test but a training course developed to build your skills and confidence on a bike. It consists of an off road and on road training session and progresses at the pace of the student. The CBT is conducted by an Approved DSA Instructor. There is no time limit to the assessment. The instructor will continue until the student shows a reasonable level of confidence on the motorcycle. The CBT is only a provisional entitlement and will only last for 2 years.
The theory test is made up of a multiple choice part and a hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass it. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again. The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for eg a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test. For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, the items are drawn from the same pool, and each vehicle category takes the same test. However the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
This is an assessment of your riding skill and involves a 15 minute test incorporating manual handling, slow speed maneuvering, high speed avoidances and an emergency stop. All of which is completed off road on an designated DSA test area. You will be assessed by a DSA Examiner. You must pass this module before progressing. In this Module you will be assessed on the control you show over the motorcycle while completing certain maneuvers. You will be marked down if you display any faults while completing these exercises.
This assessment involves a 40 minute road ride undertaken with a DSA Examiner. This is a test of your ability to safely ride on-road. It will take in all different traffic situations including duel carriageways and roundabouts. In this Module you will be expected to be capable of reading road signs and marking, taking correct action in different traffic situations and avoiding potential danger. You will again be marked down if you display faults in your riding.
Different License Categories
P: Moped - Bikes of up to 50cc
A1: Light Motorcycle - Bikes up to 125cc
A: Standard Bike - Bikes of up to 33bhp (Automatically moves to A: Big Bike after 2 years)
A: Big Bike - Bikes of over 33bhp