The Entire guide to...getting your motorcycle CBT

What is CBT?

We’re glad you asked. There are some NSFW definitions of CBT, but ours stands for Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), a one-day course designed to give new motorcyclists an introduction to two-wheels.

Interestingly, CBT isn’t a test, so technically you can’t pass or fail it. CBT is what it says it is, a training course that will arm you with the basic skills on a two-wheeler so that you can take to the road with both the confidence and the knowledge of road craft to be safe out there.

There is absolutely no need to worry about CBT, the instructors are there to help you and take the day at your pace with no pressure to perform. And no prior riding experience is required. Although it’s not a pass/fail scenario, the instructor does need to be satisfied that you are safe enough to ride unsupervised. Once you’ve completed the CBT you can ride a scooter or motorcycle up to 125cc on L plates.

Does everyone have to complete CBT?

Technically no. If you have passed your car driving test before 1^st February 2001 you have automatic entitlement to ride a moped (with or without gears) of up to 50cc. If you have a full moped licence since 1^st December 1990 you are also exempt and if you have already passed a motorcycle licence for one category (AM, A1 or A2) and want to upgrade you don’t need to take CBT again.

How do I book CBT?

Before you look at booking CBT, you need to hold a UK driving licence. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for a provisional licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) from the age of 15 years and 9 months old. It costs £34 when you apply online and should take a few weeks to be granted. Once you have a licence and are over 16 years old (or even on the day of your 16^th birthday), you can attend CBT.

Booking CBT is easy. There are loads of training schools located all over the UK and quite a few motorcycle dealers have links with schools as well. A simple internet search is all it takes although you can use the tool on the government’s website. Once you have located a school, you can book directly with them – just be aware they will probably ask for your driving licence details, so you will need to have this on hand.

How much does it cost?

There is no set fee for CBT and costs vary around the UK. Expect to pay roughly £180 and for the course to take a day to complete.

What do I need to take?

Absolutely nothing aside from your licence and glasses if you require them.

As CBT is targeted at beginners and those with no prior motorcycling experience, most schools will provide you with everything you need. You will be loaned a motorcycle of either 50cc (if you are under 17 years old) or 125cc and all your insurance and petrol costs will be covered by the school. The school should also loan you a helmet, jacket and gloves and often also boots, however it is a good idea to bring your own pair of sturdy boots just in case.

Most also have a supply of waterproofs for loan – well, it is the UK... If you have your own kit already feel free to bring it but don’t rush out and buy any, it isn’t necessary. Obviously check with the school what they have while booking just in case you are an odd size or they are short on kit.

Generally, a school won’t want you to bring your own bike and remember, you can’t legally ride it on the road until you have completed CBT, so you can’t ride it to the school even if you have a CBT course booked. You can however (hopefully...) ride it home provided you have sorted insurance etc.

What is CBT comprised of?

During CBT, the instructor will talk you through all aspects of motorcycle riding, not just the physical control of a motorcycle. You will need to compete an eyesight test, which involves reading a car numberplate from a set distance so if you wear glasses, bring them!

Every school has their own routine (there is a syllabus, which can be seen on the gov site, but the day starts with a classroom session that involves a chat about motorcycle clothing and why it is important to wear the correct kit.

Then you will be taken to the training ground, which is generally a car park or area of open asphalt, and you will be talked through the basics of motorcycle control and what things like the clutch, gearbox and throttle do and how they operate as well as basic maintenance.

After a bit of bike familiarity such as how to get it off its stand, start it and stop it, you will be helped to start to ride the bike itself at slow speed.

If you have never ridden before, this can be worrying and you can expect the possibility of a few gentle tip-offs but don’t worry, the instructors have seen it all before and are there to help you gain confidence. After a while you will progress to changing gears, U-turns, emergency stops, cornering, observations and all basics you will need when you take to the road.

All of this happens in a safe environment and there is no rush – you are there to be trained. Once this part has been completed, it’s back to the classroom.

A key part of taking to the road is knowing, or at least having a basic knowledge of, The Highway Code. You can read the Highway Code online, or you can buy a copy for about £5 (it is regularly updated) and the instructor will talk you through things like road positioning, speed, hazards, signals, all the knowledge you need while out on the road. When completed, it is time to take to the public roads.

CBT must include at least two hours of on-road riding, which seems like a lot but the instructor needs to be confident you are safe to be out there on your own. You will ride in a group of a maximum of two pupils per instructor and generally you will have a listen-only form of in-helmet communication so that the instructor can give you hints and tips and also tell you where to go.

Don’t worry, you won’t get lost and again, it is taken at your own pace but remember you are on the public highways with other road users. The route will involve a variety of roads (but not motorways) with both urban and open-road riding covered and things like roundabouts, junctions, etc all included. The route is designed to take into account most everyday hazards or situations you will encounter when out on your own. Route completed, you will head back to the training centre.

What happens once I have completed CBT?

Provided the instructor is satisfied you are safe to be on the road, you will be presented with a ‘certification of completion’ (DL196). This entitles you to ride a 50cc moped with or without gears if you are 16 years old or a 125cc bike if you are 17 years old or older with an L-plate displayed. You are not allowed to take pillions. In rare cases the instructor might insist on more training, so don’t assume you will walk away with a certificate, especially if you are completely new to two wheels. Everyone learns at their own rate.

So what next?

Once you have obtained your CBT you can look at progressing to either an AM, A1, A2 or full A licence. The licence you can gain is dependent on age but you will need to take a Theory test and Practical test (split into two modules). Or you can just stick to a 50cc or 125cc bike with L-plates, the choice is yours.

Remember, it doesn’t last forever...

The ‘certification of completion’ is only valid for two years from when it is issued. If you haven’t passed either a full motorcycle (A1, A2 or A) or moped test (AM) within this period, you will have to take CBT again to regain another certification.