back to the blog
Can I Do A CBT With No Experience?

Alex K · September 28, 2018
Compulsory Basic Training, otherwise known as the CBT, is the first and most basic level of motorcycle training you can receive. Once the instructor his happy you have passed the 5 sections of the CBT you’re awarded a certificate which allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc (50cc if you’re still 16) on the road for a period of 2 years. It's worth remembering but there are no guaranteed passes with Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
The CBT
The short answer is yes, you can do a CBT Training with no experience. The very minimum amount of skill and knowledge a rider needs is the ability to ride an adult sized bicycle and be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of the UK Highway Code. We here at RideTo routinely have riders taking their CBT with no experience and they make it through the training and get their certificate on the first attempt.
The CBT covers the very basics you'll need to be able to ride a motorcycle.
Other Forms of Training
If you’re worried that you don’t have enough experience or you feel some training before your CBT is what you want then there’s something for you. An ITM (Introduction To Motorcycling) Course is a 2 hour training session with an instructor and at most one other rider. The instructor will teach you the basics of bike control without the pressure of other riders and whether you may pass or fail the training as you would have with the CBT. Once you’ve completed your ITM you should be prepared to take on the CBT - if you’re still not ready you can always have more training.
What Happens If I Need More Practice?
The Approved Training Body (ATB), your instructor, will likely have something called a Continuation Course. This is a discounted day of further training to help you get through your CBT. It helps going back to the instructor you had on the first attempt as they’ll know what you struggled with the first time and also where your strengths lie so you can save time and get your CBT Certificate.