How to set up and run a motorcycle training school to provide compulsory basic training (CBT) and direct access scheme (DAS) training for learner motorcyclists.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

This guide is sometimes called the ‘approved training body (ATB) manual’.

  • Introduction

    What compulsory basic training is, who can deliver it, information about this manual.

  • 1. ATB authorisation and responsibilities

    The law about providing compulsory basic training (CBT), applying to register as an approved training body (ATB), and making changes to your ATB.

  • 2. Certified instructor authorisation

    The different types of instructor authorisation, what it means to be a fit and proper person, Disclosure and Barring Service checks, instructor certificates and monitoring your instructors.

  • 3. Approval of CBT sites

    How to get your site approved for compulsory basic training (CBT), including planning permission, rules for using the site and inspections.

  • 4. Delivery of CBT courses

    Pre-course trainee checks, the compulsory basic training (CBT) syllabus, trainee to instructor ratios, automatic machines and dealing with complaints.

  • 5. Certificates of completion (DL196s)

    Issuing certificates, ordering more, making mistakes on certificates, reporting lost or stolen certificates, and issuing replacement certificates.

  • 6. Direct access scheme (DAS)

    Rules for riders, how instructors qualify, and instructor to trainee ratios.

  • 7. Incident reporting and other administration

    How to report training incidents, including the deadline for doing it, and who you have to report them to.

  • 8. DVSA monitoring

    What gets monitored, how standards checks work, having your approval cancelled, and appealing a decision.

  • 9. Vehicle types

    Legal requirements, motorcycles with sidecars, motor-tricycles, speedometers, using dipped headlights during training, and trade plates.

  • 10. Driving licences and restrictions

    Rules for the type of driving licence learner riders need, including UK and foreign licences, photocard licences and rules for direct access and progressive access.

  • 11. Business practices

    Book and manage riding tests for your pupils, use DVSA motorcycle manoeuvring areas for training, offer introductory assessments prior to CBT, and train members of the public to become down-trained instructors.

  • 12. DVSA action when rules or regulations are not followed

    What DVSA will do if rules are not followed, the representations process, making an appeal against a decision.

  • Annexes

    The conditions that you will have to follow if you want to provide compulsory basic training, the 5 elements that make up an approved training course, and contact details for DVSA, DVLA and HSE.