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What is a CBT Licence? Motorcycle Licence Information
Matt D · July 10, 2024
A Compulsory Basic Training licence, also known as a CBT licence, is what you need in the UK to legally ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter on the roads. You receive your CBT licence once you’ve completed CBT training, a day-long course teaching you the basics of riding motorbikes safely.
What exactly is a CBT licence?
A CBT licence isn't officially a licence type but a certificate. With a CBT certificate and at least a provisional licence - the same one that lets you drive a car - you can legally ride entry-level motorbikes on public roads. All learner moped and motorcycle riders have to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to get their CBT certificate before they can ride alone on public roads.
Remember: You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding without a valid CBT certificate.
A CBT certificate acts as a basic requirement allowing you to further practise safe riding and road awareness on your own, so that you can go on to a higher licence type such as the A1, A2 or full A-licence when you have more experience. The CBT licence lasts 2 years, after which you’ll have to retake your CBT training, or upgrade your licence, depending on what suits you.
What do I need to book my CBT training:
The CBT licence is the foundation you need for riding a motorcycle. It is usually the very starting point of getting on two wheels.
You can get started with your CBT training if you:
- Have a provisional or full driving licence. If you don’t have a provisional licence, you can apply for one on the UK Government website.
- Are 16 years or older.
- Are able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you need glasses to be able to do so, that’s fine - but you’ll need to wear them on the day of training.
- Be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away. If you wear glasses, you can have these.
- Don’t already have a full motorcycle licence. If you do, you won’t need to take any more CBT training.
- Don't have a car driving licence which was valid before 1 February 2001. If you do, then we’ll explain what this means for you below.
Who doesn’t need to take a CBT licence:
There are certain circumstances where you are exempt from needing a CBT licence, such as if you:
- Want to ride a moped (limited to 50cc) and passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001.
- Want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence obtained by passing a moped test since 1 December 1990.
- Already have a motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to a higher licence category.
- Will only be riding on some offshore islands. Check the Government's site to see if your island is covered and if a CBT certificate is required.
What previous experience do I need to pass my CBT?
It’s called ‘basic’ training for a reason - you’re not expected to be experienced. In fact, you can take your CBT training without ever having been on a motorcycle.
However, we strongly recommend that you know how to ride a bicycle before signing up for your CBT training. Cycling gives you a good feel for the balance required on two wheels and how to handle basic manoeuvres like stopping and starting, as well as understanding traffic flow. If it's been a while since you rode a bike, it's a good idea to take some time to practise beforehand.
You’ll also need to have a basic knowledge of The Highway Code and traffic signs in order to be on the roads safely.
RideTo offers Introduction to Motorcycling courses across the UK, aimed at giving new riders some experience before their CBT training if they want extra practice.
Other than that, come into the CBT training with an open mind and ready to learn! The instructor will teach you everything you need to be a great motorcycle rider. We'll talk about what you might want to brush up on before you start a bit further down.
Ready to begin your training? RideTo operates in over 40 cities across the UK. Find your nearest training centre and take your first steps into motorcycle riding today!
What can I ride once I’ve completed my CBT training:
Your riding options depend on your age at the time of completing your CBT training. If you were 16 years old, you're limited to a 50cc moped. If you were 17 or older, you're restricted to a 125cc motorcycle. We’ve written an article on our favourite 50cc and 125cc motorcycles you can ride on a CBT licence, so have a look and see the types and styles on offer.
You will need to renew your CBT licence every 2 years. When you approach the end of this period, you'll have the choice to either retake your CBT training or progress to a higher licence. Getting a higher licence allows you to ride larger and more powerful motorbikes.
How should you prepare for the CBT training?
The best way to prepare for your CBT training is to research exactly what the day will involve, what to bring, and what will be expected of you. To help you, we’ve prepared a blog post covering what’s needed to prepare for your CBT training.
Our very own Tom got his licence recently and wrote about his experience getting his CBT, if you want a first hand account.
You should also make sure you give the UK highway code a thorough read. If your training goes smoothly, you’ll get a chance to go out on the roads and have a ride around. Your instructors will cover the basics in training, but being prepared ahead of time helps you understand everything better and lowers the chance of needing extra training days.
What do you have to do in the training?
There are 5 parts of a CBT training day. The training day is broken down into the following:
- Introduction and eye test - This is just taking you through the very basics and checking that your eyesight is good enough to ride.
- On-site CBT training - This is the theory section where you will be taught about the vehicle and maintenance checks.
- On-site CBT riding - You’ll be taught how the bike works and how to ride it.
- On-road CBT training - This will involve the theory for riding a motorcycle on the road. It will also be a roundup of everything you’ve covered so far.
- On-road CBT riding - This is the final element bringing together everything you’ve been taught. You’ll be given a chance to ride on the roads and demonstrate that you can ride safely.
If you're looking to get onto two wheels but not sure where to start, why not take our getting started survey
FAQs
Do I need a CBT with a full driving licence?
Yes, even with a full driving licence, you need to complete a CBT in order to be able to legally ride a motorcycle on public roads.
Can I ride a 125cc without a CBT?
If you are planning to ride on the road, you need a CBT to ride a 125, regardless of age or if you have a full driving licence. If you already have a full motorcycle licence, then you won’t need additional CBT training to ride a 125.
Do I need L plates on my 125 with a full car licence?
Any 125cc will mean you have to take your CBT and fit L plates to ride on roads, regardless of your car licence. If you get a higher motorcycle licence level however, you will no longer need L plates.
