Taking your CBT test in Newport – or the wider South Wales area - is a lot easier than you think, and we have all the information you need to book your CBT training. So let us get you on the way to getting your bike licence and to getting out on the road.
You can expect your CBT in Newport - which stands for Compulsory Basic Training - to last up to 8 hours and all you need to complete it is a UK provisional licence and to be at least 16 years of age.
If you’re looking to take your CBT training in Newport or the surrounding area of South Wales then there are several motorcycle training schools all within close distance that are fantastically suited to your needs.
Don’t stress too much about the difficulty of the CBT course. CBT actually stands for Compulsory Basic Training, and there isn’t a test involved at all. The CBT exists just to make sure you can handle your motorbike or scooter to a safe standard, and ride safely on public roads.
The course itself only lasts a day and is broken down into three simple parts.
First, you’ll learn how to handle your machine, and learn basic highway code in the classroom. This will take just an hour or two at best and the best schools usually accompany this learning with a good cup of tea and perhaps even a biscuit or two!
Once you’ve understood the theory, you’ll head outside onto the school’s purpose-built off-road training area, where you will perform basic manoeuvres on your motorbike or scooter.
Then, assuming that your instructor is happy that you can handle the bike safely, it will be time to head out onto the open road for a short assessment ride. During this portion of the day your instructor is looking for you to be a safe and confident rider on the road. And that’s it… It really is that simple.
And once this is all over, you’ll be able to head out on the open road on your own.
The school will provide the specialty riding equipment that you need for the day, such as a helmet, gloves and jacket. For your lower half you’ll want to wear the sturdiest pair of trousers you own, such as some thick jeans. You’ll want something equally sturdy on your feet, such as walking boots.
We also strongly recommend that you check the weather a day or two before you’re planning to take your motorcycle or scooter CBT, because wind chill can make it especially cold on two wheels. Even a light rain can make a dramatic difference regardless of whether you’re riding a motorcycle or scooter on your CBT training day, so pack extra layers or some waterproofs if you need to.
Once you complete our Compulsory Basic Training, you will receive your CBT certificate, which will allow you to ride on the road on L-plates using your provisional licence for up to two years. If after the two years you wish to continue riding without upgrading to a full motorcycle licence you will have to retake your CBT.
If you take your CBT at the age of 16 then you’ll only be allowed to ride a scooter or motorcycle with a maximum capacity of 50cc and a restricted top speed of 30mph. There are 50cc motorcycles available, but most people opt for a scooter due to the practicality and ease of use.
On the day you’ll be given the choice of riding an automatic scooter or a manual motorcycle. Which one you choose is entirely up to you, but we recommend choosing whichever it is you’re going to be riding once you’ve completed your CBT.
It doesn’t make much sense spending a day learning to ride a manual motorcycle when you’re going to spend the next two years riding a twist ‘n’ go scooter.
Still unsure? Check out our in-depth guide here.
As for the cost of a CBT, this does vary dependent upon the time of year, the time of day and the location in which you choose to take your CBT training course.
For a successful CBT training session in Newport, you can expect your CBT cost to be around the £110 - £140 mark. But once the day-long session is over you will be able to hit the local Newport roads with a fresh set of L-Plates and the confidence and ability needed for safe, road riding.