There is currently a government review looking at CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and the DAS (Direct Access Scheme) route (click here to read), and I have been reading through the consultation paper. Some interesting ideas in there… and some that need a proper reality check.
First one made me smile. I have never once heard Category A referred to as “A3” 🧐 but we will park that one. The only reference I have ever seen is to the vehicle type and this should not be confused with the licence itself.
There are some sensible thoughts coming through though.
One I absolutely support is giving A2 riders on restricted bikes a proper upgrade training route, rather than forcing them to go back and re-sit a full practical test again. Currently riders have to re-apply and take the MOD 1 and MOD 2 tests again in order to ride larger capacity bikes. If you have already demonstrated safe road riding, hazard perception and machine control, progression should be about development, not repeating hoops. There is a difference in power and I fully support an Instructor-led assessment and training day (or similar) as the gateway.
To put it in perspective, the only current “gateway” controlling a 17 year-old car driver from stepping into something daft is basically their insurance premium. On bikes we have far more structured control, so it makes sense that progression should be sensible, measured and skill-based, not just test-based.
I also think there should be a theory component linked to CBT. At the moment there is effectively none. That is a big gap. Where I deliver CBT training at Swain’s centre we spend extra time with 16 year olds (and other non-road users) talking to them throughout the day about HYC issues, rights of way and the idea of potential and developing hazards. I think there should be a national motorcycle theory gateway assessment at whatever point you start learning to ride.
There are online courses you can do prior to CBT, but there is currently no requirement to complete one. However, theory testing itself can be a real barrier for some riders, and there needs to be a more accessible way for people to demonstrate knowledge, awareness and understanding without simply shutting the door on them. This could easily be delivered by a trainer in a three-hour workshop style session with an assessed outcome.
The structure of the five CBT elements is also in need of an update. A lot of Element A, B and D could be delivered via an online session. This would then leave more time for a more developed Element E, which could build reflection, evaluation and action planning into the riding experience.
Where I start to worry is the suggestion of enforced minimum waiting periods between CBT renewals. That will not magically improve safety or incentivise people to take the tests to obtain a full licence. In reality it is far more likely to push some people into riding illegally during that gap.
I believe serious consideration should be given to allowing all riders to prove their competency to a DVSA examiner on an A1 or A2 motorcycle, and then be able to progress to larger capacity machines at the age-related point (no change needed) by training with a licensed provider (DAS trained instructor) and being assessed as competent.
I would suggest that for most riders:
- A1 to A2 progression would typically require 12 to 15 hours minimum
- A2 to A around 12 hours
- Direct A1 to A progression (for suitable candidates) around 18 hours
This would incentivise far more riders to complete MOD 1 and MOD 2 earlier in their riding careers and would also free up DVSA examiners to perform gateway tests for other vehicle categories. Clearly any assessment system would need moderation, but this could be built into the existing quality assurance framework.
Currently the QA system itself is quite laborious. For my first one I had an examiner shadowing me all day across every CBT element. If examiners instead carried out structured provider review days observing all instructors and all aspects of delivery, they would be able to make clear judgements, and then deep-dive only where concerns were identified.
Skills, judgement, awareness and real road behaviour matter far more than ticking administrative boxes.
The big elephant in the room is the auto versus manual issue. Cars have separate licences, yet at CBT level you can complete training and assessment on an automatic and then immediately ride a geared 125cc. In my view that is dangerous. Where candidates complete CBT on an automatic but intend to ride a manual, I already strongly advise a minimum three-hour conversion session (one hour pad and two hours on the road). Many do this because they trust our judgement. It would be safer if this were mandatory.
Another area for review is instructor training. Currently all instructors wishing to deliver CBT and DAS must complete a two-day DVSA course at one of only two national centres. This is expensive, time-consuming and, in my view, not proportionate.
Why insist that someone who wants to train riders must first pass an assessment that qualifies them to train instructors? These are completely different skill-sets. The current course also does not cover running a training centre, legal responsibilities, health and safety, insurance requirements or syllabus design.
CBT and DAS should be down-trained and quality assured by examiners. Eligibility to train instructors should be a separate and higher-level qualification.
What would you change if you could redesign CBT and rider progression from scratch?
Click here to access the on-line survey to add your thoughts to the consultation
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