What Is a CBT Test?
You may have heard of the term ‘CBT’ before if you have been looking into learning to ride a motorcycle or this may be the first time you have heard of it? Either way a CBT stands for ‘Compulsory Basic Training’.
It is a course that everyone wanting to ride a moped, scooter or motorcycle must complete to legally ride on roads in the UK.
This is actually a little white lie because if you passed your driving test before February 1st 2001, you can legally ride a 50cc moped with a passenger on the back and do so without displaying L plates on your bike! However, if you don’t feel safe riding a moped we would recommend you still complete a CBT.
A CBT test only lasts around 6-8 hours which means you can be riding on the roads in no time at all! You will be restricted to riding up to a 125cc scooter or motorbike though (if you are 17 or older).
You also cannot take passengers or ride on motorways and you must have an L plate on your bike at all times when riding.
If you would like to ride a larger, more powerful motorbike or ride without the other restrictions mentioned above, you will need to complete another course after your CBT test called a Full Licence course and you will also need to sit a theory test.
We have a full guide explaining the ins and outs of motorcycle laws and licences over on our blog should you want to learn more.
Booking A CBT Test In Bolton
RideTo makes it super easy to book in a CBT near Bolton. Our partner schools in the surrounding area are as close as 8 miles away.
Elite Rider Training in Heywood run a professional motorcycle training school at Birch Garage Yard.
Nearer Manchester, only a 7-minute walk from Manchester Victoria train station is Moto Technique. A great option if you were wanting to travel to your CBT test by train as it’s only a 30-minute journey away from Bolton.
Sale and Blackburn are 2 other locations that might work well for those living in Bolton. Take a look at what each CBT test centre offers in their training packages. Check that the course start time works for you, that the location is convenient for you to get to on time and what gear is included.
Can I Do A CBT In Bolton?
If you’re 16 or over you’re able to do a CBT test in Bolton, just make sure you have a provisional driving licence if you are only 16.
You can apply for a provisional licence from when you are 15 years and 9 months old, so as long as you have received it in the post you can book your CBT in straight away as soon as you turn 16!
You need to take your physical driving licence to your CBT test whatever age you are - do not forget it as you won’t be allowed to train! It's fine if it’s a provisional licence or EU licence but you must have the UK counterpart licence number if it’s the latter.
Other requirements for booking, attending and completing a CBT are that you must speak English as you will be taught in English and it is vital that you can understand what the instructor is teaching you.
You must also have good knowledge of The Highway Code before you attend your CBT test.
Apart from that just turn up on time (15 minutes early in fact!), with the correct clothing and gear and bring your glasses/contact lenses if you need them as you will be given an eye test to check you can read a registration plate from 20.5 metres away.
