Urgent changes to CBT testing are needed before thousands of key workers are forced off the road when their CBT certificates expire.
CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificates expire after two years and they need to be retaken again, if the holder wishes to continue riding. Currently, test centres have been closed due to the coronavirus lockdown, meaning that no one can retake their CBT test. Without a valid CBT, or a full licence, riders are not legally able to ride on the road.
Motorcycle training centres do not currently fall under the government’s business exemption list and this means they cannot open to carry out CBT testing. What this means is riders who have CBTs about to expire cannot get them renewed.
This will force them off the road as they will not legally be able to ride because, unlike MoTs which have been given an automatic six month exemption during the pandemic.
Key workers involved in the delivery business deliver medicines, prescriptions and food but there is also the scenario where key workers for the NHS, emergency services or education are no longer able to use their scooters or motorcycles for work.
The government agency in charge of licencing and testing is the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). A spokesman for the DVSA said: “This situation has been raised and is currently under review at the moment. We hope to update this as soon as possible.”
The issue has been raised by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) which has written to Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The letter from MCIA boss Tony Campbell has asked for motorcycle training schools to be deemed a business type exempt from closure under the current lockdown restrictions. This would allow CBT certificates to be issued or renewed.
What is the CBT?
Compulsory Basic Training must be undertaken by all riders before they are allowed to ride a motorcycle on the road without supervision.
It is a one day course spend learning practical skills, initially spent riding away from the public roads and closing with a supervised road ride. Upon completing the CBT, riders are allowed to ride ‘learner’ machines up to 125cc (49cc for under 17s) with certain restrictions, such as not being allowed to use motorways, or carry a passenger, and they must display L plates front and rear.
These learner riders must either take a full motorcycle test within two years, in which case the restrictions are lifted, or have to take the CBT again if they wish to continue riding on L plates.
