Scotland is an amazing place to ride a motorcycle - the first step in learning is to complete a CBT test. After passing this one day course you will be able to ride up to 125cc (unless you are 16 and you can then ride a 50cc moped).
You can then either pause your training there and enjoy your newfound freedom of 2 wheels or you can go onto further training and complete a Full Licence and be able to ride more powerful bikes without any restrictions.
Cost of a CBT in Edinburgh
The closest partner training school to Edinburgh is Cameron Bike Training in Stirling, where you will be able to complete your CBT test for just £155! You will need to bring your own clothing and gear to your CBT test - see more information about what is and isn’t acceptable in our clothing guide. You can choose to train on one of their automatic scooters or manual 125cc motorbikes depending on preference.
Restrictions of a CBT
There are a few restrictions to ‘just’ having a CBT Licence as opposed to a Full Licence. You will need to re-take the CBT test every two years by completing a CBT renewal (unless you go onto do a Full Licence). This takes the same length of time and is often the same price again, which adds up over the years.
You aren’t able to take passengers on the back of your bike with a CBT Licence, even if it has a double seat. You also cannot ride on motorways which means you will need to plan your routes to avoid motorways (luckily Google Maps can do this for you!)
Another restriction, this time more aesthetic than the others, is that you will need to always display an L plate on your bike when out on the roads.
How Quickly Can I Learn to Ride a Motorbike?
Despite the few restrictions, a CBT test allows you to quickly be able to get on the road as it consists of just one day of training and you get your certificate at the end of it.
This is beneficial if you’re looking to get a courier job quickly or suddenly need a new mode of transport as, depending on the availability of CBT tests, you could be on the road within a few days or weeks!
Once you have passed your CBT test there are a few bits of paperwork to sort out before you can legally get on the road. You must get yourself insured and your motorbike/scooter must have an updated VRD (Vehicle Registration Document) that has all of your details on.
If the bike you’re riding is over 3 years old, the MOT must be valid and kept up to date with a yearly check to make sure it’s roadworthy. It must also be taxed, and you need the bikes registration document, logbook (V5C), proof of insurance and proof of a MOT in order to do so.
