Initial Basic Training (I.B.T.) was introduced in December 2010 and updated again on 19 Jan 2013 as part of the RSA initiative to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that inexperienced riders were involved in. An IBT course can only be delivered by IBT certified instructors which are regulated by the RSA.

Motorcycle IBT is a training course for learner motorcyclists. It gives new riders a strong foundation of training on which they can build their knowledge and skills.

Module 1 (required for AM, A1, A2 & A category permits)

• Personal protective equipment (P.P.E.)

• Introduction to motorcycle controls

• Technical checks – P.O.W.D.E.R.

• Placing the motorcycle on and off the stand

• Walk alongside the motorcycle

• How to start and stop the engine the engine (inc precautions when mounting & dismounting)

Module 2 (required for AM & A1 category permits)

• Move off and stopping

• Correct use of brakes

• Use of clutch control & gear changing

• Slow riding – controlling a motorcycle at walking pace

• Figure of eight

• U-turn

• Slalom

• Rear observation and mirrors (O.S.M.- P.S.L.)

• Turning left and right

• Emergency adjustment of speed

Module 3 (required for Am, A1, A2 & A category permits)   

• Legal requirements for riders

• Rules of the road

• Being seen

• Road surfaces

• Road and lane position

• Rear observation and mirrors

• Speed

• Anticipation and reaction (inc dealing with emergency vehicles)

• Weather conditions (inc model choices & route planning)

• Fatigue

Module 4 (required for AM & A1 category permits)

• Gradients

• Junctions

• Traffic lights

• Roundabouts (O.S.M.-P.S.L.)

• Safe distance

• Anticipation and reaction (inc emergency vehicles)

• Pedestrian & Rail crossings

• Bends

Module 5 (required for A2 and A category permits)

• Moving off and stopping

• Use of brakes

• Use of gears

• Slow riding exercise

• Figure of eight exercise

• U-turn exercise

• Slalom exercise

• Rear observation and mirror work

• Turning left and right

• Obstacle Avoidance

• Emergency adjustment of speed

• Emergency Stop

• Overtaking

• Carrying pillion Passengers

• Using a Sidecar / towing a Trailer

• Gradients

• Junctions

• Traffic lights

• Roundabouts

• Safe distance

• Anticipation and reaction to hazards including dealing with Emergency service vehicles.

• Pedestrian & rail crossings (rail where possible)

• Bends

• Socially responsible Riding/driving

THE PROGRESSION MODULE

Module 5 or The Progression module is a repeat of Modules 2 and 4 as well as some additional topics. If you are upgrading your vehicle, i.e. to a more powerful bike or from an automatic to a manual, you can complete this module to get the necessary training without having to go through the whole IBT programme again.

Once the correct modules have been completed and you have received your certificate of completion you can take a learner legal motorcycle onto the road and begin your biking experience.