Booking your CBT training in Oxford is the first step to encountering riding in and around the city of Oxford, as well as possibly providing the inspiration to consider experiencing some of the incredible roads around the Oxfordshire area too.
Although it is commonly referred to as the CBT test, you don’t have to worry about failing because the CBT is more like a day of instruction, with the end goal of making you a safe bike or scooter rider. It’s motorcycle training, not theoretically a test.
You can expect your CBT in Oxford - 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.
Want to know more about the day itself? Here’s what a full CBT test entails.
In order to be eligible for a CBT and to get booked onto a CBT course, you must be a UK citizen, be at least 16-years-old, and hold a valid UK provisional licence or a full licence. You do not need to take the theory test before your CBT, and you don’t need any previous experience riding motorcycle or scooters.
And it’s not as hard as you might think? Because contrary to what most people believe, there is no actual test involved with your CBT as there is with a full motorcycle licence - it’s literally just a day of motorcycle training that is intended to help you get to grips with the basic skills and knowledge required for motorcycle or scooter riding.
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.
Depending upon the time of year and the weather you may also need to consider purchasing a waterproof jacket or even a set of cheap waterproof - and windproof - overalls. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast during the week before your CBT training just to be sure.
Still a little unsure about what to expect during your CBT test in Oxford? Don’t worry, we’ve answered the most common questions about the CBT test here.
So what are you waiting for?! Book your CBT training and get out there on the open road!
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 motorbike 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.
Once you turn 17 you can then ride a machine with a maximum capacity of 125cc. The top speed is no longer limited, but a motorcycle or scooter with a 125cc engine will only go so fast! But don’t worry, most modern 125s can keep up with traffic on national speed limit roads.
If you choose to take your driving test in an automatic car, then you will only be qualified to drive automatic cars on the road, but that’s not the case with the CBT.
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.