What is CBT for a motorbike or moped?

What CBT is

CBT stands for compulsory basic training. It is a course you usually have to take before you can ride a moped or motorcycle on the road. Your trainer moves you on to each part once you have learnt the theory and shown the practical skills to a safe, basic level.

The course usually lasts a full day. It can take longer if you need more time to learn. There are 5 parts:

1. Introduction and eyesight check
2. On-site training
3. On-site riding
4. On-road training
5. On-road riding

When you finish, you get a certificate of completion. This is sometimes called a DL196.

What you can ride after CBT

You must show L plates. In Wales you can use L or D plates.

Your CBT lasts 2 years. You must pass your theory test and full moped or motorcycle test in that time. If you do not, you must take CBT again or stop riding.

Riding without a valid CBT certificate can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points.

Who does not need CBT

You may not need CBT if, for example:

• you passed your car test before 1 February 2001. You can ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates. You still need CBT to ride anything bigger.
• you want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990
• you have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another

If you passed your car test on or after 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates once you have done CBT. You do not need to take the full moped test.

How to book and what it costs

You book CBT directly with a motorcycle training school. GOV.UK has a course finder to help you find one. There is no single national fee. The school sets the price, which depends on where you train and whether you bring your own bike.

The school can ask you to share your driving licence information before the course.

What to take and wear

Take your UK driving licence. You must wear:

• a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (unless you are a Sikh wearing a turban)
• motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that protects your ankles
• textile or leather motorcycle trousers, or heavy denim trousers
• a textile or leather motorcycle jacket, or a heavy denim jacket with layers underneath
• motorcycle gloves

If your clothing is not suitable, your course can be stopped and you can be charged to take it again. You cannot ride your own bike to the course unless you already have a valid CBT certificate.

If you live in Northern Ireland

CBT in Northern Ireland has its own rules. Only trainers on the Northern Ireland register of Approved Motorcycle Instructors can run it. The certificate is valid for 2 years. Learners on larger bikes (categories A2 and A) can only ride on the road with an approved instructor with them at all times. After passing, A2 and A riders must show R plates for 1 year.

Related guides

• How do I get my first provisional driving licence?
• How do I book my theory test?
• What do the driving licence categories mean?
• What are the rules for learner drivers?

Where this comes from

• Compulsory basic training (CBT) (GOV.UK)
• How CBT training works (GOV.UK)
• Book a CBT course (GOV.UK)
• What to take to CBT (GOV.UK)
• CBT if you have a car driving licence (GOV.UK)
• About Compulsory Basic Training in Northern Ireland (nidirect)