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Course: CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

What is CBT?

The CBT — Compulsory Basic Training — is the first step of your motorcycling journey.

This course is designed to provide you with the riding skills that you will need. Successfully complete your CBT and you are legally entitled to ride on the road as a learner rider.

A valid CBT certificate is a legal requirement on the Isle of Man and must be obtained before you can legally ride on the road without an accredited instructor present.

Want to take that first step on your riding journey? Or do you need to renew your existing certificate? Simply  book in or if you have any questions, feel free to email us. Please note that prices may fluctuate depending on your level of experience and riding competence during the course.

Note: If you have passed a CBT course in the UK or elsewhere, it is not valid on the Isle of Man, equally IOM CBT certificates are not valid in the UK and elsewhere.

Schedule course
Length
4 hours
Group Size
1 student to 1 instructor, in secure car park & on-road
Road
On-Road Duration
2 hours

Where to meet?

All CBT’s must be started within the approved training site at Port Soderick. This is located adjacent to the public car park on the left (travelling towards the glen/beach from Marine Drive).

Address:
CBT training Site, Port Soderick, IM4 1BH
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What to bring

  • You need to wear:

    • A helmet which complies with BS 6658:1985 or ECE22.05. Helmets are available for hire if required.
    • A jacket which should ideally be warm, waterproof and provide good abrasion protection.
    • Good quality leather (or strong material) gloves. These should cover and extend above the wrist.
    • A pair of sturdy boots which cover the ankles, and which provide good grip.
    • Tough jeans or trousers – no shorts, lightweight materials or skinny fit trousers which may ride up and expose the lower leg.

  • Also bring:

    • IOM driving licence (at least provisional).
    • Glasses, if you need them for driving.
    • Valid insurance certificate (if using your own motorbike)
    • If using your own motorbike, it must clearly display uncut L plates to the front and rear

The course itinerary

The day is split into five parts (A-E), including initial theory training as well as riding practice on-site and a final assessed road ride.

  1. A

    Eyesight Test & Introduction

    After having checked your driving licence and insurance (if using own bike) you take a quick eyesight check. Your instructor will then explain the course and give you some hints and tips about the clothing that you are best to wear when riding.

  2. B

    On-Site Training

    After being introduced to the controls of your motorcycle you will be given the time you need to get used to the weight and feel of the bike. In addition, the instructor will also run through some of the basic maintenance that you are advised to carry out regularly.

  3. C

    On-Site Riding

    This is where the fun starts. You will get started learning all of the basic manoeuvres. You will be guided through pulling away and braking, slow control, changing gear, hill starts and all the necessary observations.

    This is conducted in the secure car park which the public do not have access to, therefore you can concentrate safely on picking up the skills without distraction. The instructor will guide you through the functions of the motorbike, get you on the bike to put the theory into practice and build on those skills until the instructor feels you are ready to go out onto the open road.

  4. D

    Road Ride Briefing

    Before taking to the road you will be given a full road ride briefing. This will tell you what to expect from your road ride and what the minimum 2-hour session will include. When you are good and ready you will take to the road. It is important that you have knowledge of the Manx highway code and understanding of the variety of road signs, hazards and how different junctions operate.

  5. E

    On-Road Training

    The road ride must last at least two hours and will take you on a route which will cover a range of different road types and conditions, all of which you will experience in your day-to-day riding. You will also be asked to complete a U-turn and an emergency stop during this part of the CBT.

    Time on the road ensures the skills are put into practice in a real life way and routes vary, again to reflect the variety of roads we have on the Island. A understanding of the Highway Code and it’s application is essential.

    A minimum of 2 hours must be conducted on the road. If the instructor is not assured that the student is competent to go out onto the road, the student will not be signed off, safety is the most important aspect of this course. Additional time can be provided at another date to get up to the required standard

Schedule course

What’s next?

If you are successful in meeting the standard to complete your CBT, then you will be awarded you CBT certificate of completion.

Once you have your CBT certificate, you need to pass a motorcycle theory test and practical test within 2 years, or your CBT will expire and you will be required to re-new it.

Before the two years have ended, the student (if they haven’t passed their test in this time) must contact an accredited CBT instructor to undergo a renewal CBT (bearing in mind possible waiting times to book in).

CBT certificates should not be allowed to lapse, they cannot be backdated. The certificate is your legal authority to ride on ‘L’ plates on the road.

Schedule course