Learner rider completing CBT course with instructor

CBT Training Course

CBT training is a 1-day course preparing new riders to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle or scooter. If successful, riders will gain their CBT Certificate at the end of the day.
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CBT Course details

The CBT course is often confused as a test however it is not a test but a course typically completed in one day, usually taking around 6 - 8 hours. There are 5 elements which must all be completed consecutively in order to gain the paper CBT Certificate at the end of the course.
  1. 1

    Introduction and Eyesight Check

    Welcome and brief to what to expect during the course, as well as an eyesight test to check you can read a registration plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. You may wear glasses if you use them.
  2. 2

    On-Site Theory Training

    A basic demonstration of how a motorcycle works; the controls, maintenance and safety checks and how to move and park your bike. You will be shown how everything on a bike works then given the chance to try.
  3. 3

    On-Site Riding

    The instructor will teach you manoeuvres, braking, observations, clutch control and gear changing (on a manual motorcycle). You'll spend a lot of time riding around cones, practising different road riding scenarios and techniques.
  4. 4

    On-Road Theory Training

    Road riding theory, covering the highway code and best practice for riding safely on the road. You'll be shown diagrams of how to ride safely on the road in different scenarios and asked questions about what to do.
  5. 5

    On-Road Riding

    This is a 2 hour minimum road ride which will take place on various roads around the training site. You will be in a group no larger than 2 students with your instructor, who will give directions through a radio earpiece.

Course Requirements

In order to take the CBT training course, you must meet the following requirements:

01

Licence Card

Hold the correct licence: a UK driving licence, UK provisional licence, or an EU licence with a UK counterpart number

02

Highway Code & English

Speak and understand English and have a good knowledge of the Highway Code

03

Suitable clothing

Wear suitable clothing including sturdy jeans and boots

04

Bicycle skills

Be able to confidently ride an adult-sized bicycle

05

Eyesight check

Be able to read a vehicle registration plate from 20.5 metres

06

Insurance number

Have your National Insurance number available for a licence check

What can you ride after

Two motorcyclists on a training course

A CBT Certificate allows you to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle or scooter on the road for 2 years. You must display L-Plates and cannot carry a pillion passenger or ride on motorways.

At 16 years old you are restricted to riding a motorcycle or scooter up to 50cc, restricted to 28Mph

At 17 years and above you can ride up to 125cc with a limit of 11kW of power.

If you take the CBT on an automatic scooter, you are technically still entitled to ride a manual geared motorcycle on the road, however we would strongly recommend taking a Gear Conversion course before riding a manual bike if you have not had professional training.

CBT Training Near You

Looking for CBT Training nearby? RideTo operates across the UK, with professional instructors and qualified schools in 40+ cities, ensuring that wherever you are, there's a course near you. Whether you're in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or further afield, we make it easy to find the perfect training location.

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Don't just take our word for it—hear what others have to say about their journey with RideTo. Join over 100,000 riders who've trusted RideTo to kickstart their two-wheeled adventure.

Loves to ride

Fantastic customer service. I booked my CBT through their site with the help of their chat advisor. The process couldn't have been easier. Would 100% recommend.

Stephanie, Essex

Great experience

Had a great experience, phone assistance exactly when I needed it no fussing around, they found me a great price within a short deadline and are continuing to facilitate post test with getting me on the road. Very happy.

Mike, Bristol

A pleasure to deal with

RideTo helped to make my CBT experience incredibly easy. A pleasure to deal with, will definitely use them when I'm ready for the next step in my motorcycle training!

Tom, Manchester

Best on the market

Very professional and reliable, I booked my CBT on Friday and on Saturday afternoon I had my CBT certificate. Perfect! Good price! Knowledgeable instructors, excellent equipment! I recommend.

Marcio, Bristol

Easy to book

Incredibly easy process with great personable customer service. Have already recommended to my friends whom are looking to get road legal.

Cagri, Lewisham

Best price

I found it easy to use and I got a great price. They clearly really care about their customers. Would definitely recommend RideTo to anyone who is thinking of getting their CBT.

Rollo, Wandsworth

FAQs

What is CBT training?

CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It is a one-day training course regulated by the DVSA that teaches you the essential skills to ride a motorcycle or scooter safely on public roads. It is a legal requirement before you can ride on UK roads as a learner.

Is the CBT a test? Can I fail?

The CBT is assessed training, not a formal test — there is no pass or fail grade. However, your instructor must be satisfied that you have reached a safe standard in each of the five elements before you can progress. If you do not meet the required standard by the end of the day, your training will be stopped and you will need to book additional training at an extra cost.

What are the five elements of the CBT?

The CBT is made up of five progressive elements: (1) Introduction and eyesight test, (2) Motorcycle theory — controls, handling and basic maintenance, (3) Off-road riding — learning to steer, balance, stop and start, (4) Road theory — rules of the road and safe riding, (5) On-road riding — a minimum of 2 hours on public roads with your instructor. Each element must be completed to a satisfactory standard before moving on to the next.

How long does the CBT take?

The CBT is a full-day course, typically lasting 6-8 hours. The exact duration depends on the number of students and how quickly each person progresses through the five elements. Plan to be at the training centre for the whole day.

How old do I need to be to take the CBT?

You must be at least 16 years old to take the CBT. At 16, you can ride a moped up to 50cc. At 17 or over, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11 kW.