Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in London

At London Motorcycle Training, we can help you find and book Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) at various CBT training centres across London.

What is CBT?

Most learner motorcycle and moped riders must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This is a one-day course designed to ensure you can ride safely and competently on public roads before being issued with a CBT certificate. The certificate is valid for two years. After that, you will either need to pass your Full Motorcycle licence tests or retake the CBT course.

The CBT certificate allows you to legally ride a moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc on UK roads with some restrictions. You must display L-plates, you cannot ride on motorways, and you are not allowed to carry passengers until you pass your Full Motorcycle licence tests.

What does CBT involve?

The CBT course includes five elements:

  1. Introduction
  2. Practical on-site training
  3. Practical on-site riding
  4. Practical on-road training
  5. Practical on-road riding

The elements must be completed in sequence, although the exercises within each element may vary. You will only proceed to the next element when your instructor is satisfied that you’ve learned the necessary theory and demonstrated the required practical skills.

Trainees who do not reach the required standard during the off-road training will not be able to complete the on-road element. In such cases, the course will end, and they will need to rebook at the standard rate.

Upon satisfactory completion of all five elements, a DL196 certificate will be issued. This is a legal document validating the relevant entitlements on your driving licence. Keep in mind:

  • A DL196 certificate for provisional moped or motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years. If you don’t pass your theory and practical tests within this period, you will need to retake CBT.
  • For moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test while holding a current DL196 certificate, or obtain one after passing your car test, it remains valid without an expiry date for moped use.

Once you have your certificate, it’s recommended to take additional training to pass your theory and practical tests and qualify for a full motorcycle licence. Remember to bring the DL196 certificate to your practical test.

CBT Training Details

Our training is provided by friendly, professional instructors with the goal of ensuring that every student receives the attention and training they need to ride safely and confidently on the road.

Many beginners prefer to take their CBT on an automatic scooter. If your goal is to ride a geared motorcycle, we offer gear conversion lessons after completing your CBT. Even if you complete your CBT on a 50cc automatic, you can still ride a 125cc geared bike if you are 17 or older.

Our office is located at 505a Kingsland Road, London E8 4AU. However, CBT training takes place at various centres across London.

You can book CBT courses every day of the week. Training usually begins at 8:00 AM at our training locations and lasts approximately 6.5 hours, depending on successful completion of all five elements.

Click here to book your CBT training course online today!

What’s included in the CBT course price?

When booking your CBT training with us, we provide the following at no extra cost:

  • Motorcycle or scooter (manual or automatic, depending on your preference)
  • Insurance for the on-site and on-road training (if using your own bike, you will need to arrange your own insurance)
  • Helmet, gloves, and a high-visibility vest

If using your own bike, please bring:

  • Original insurance certificate
  • Valid MOT certificate (for bikes older than three years)
  • Proof of road tax
  • L-plates displayed at both the front and rear of the bike

What do you need to book a CBT course?

  • Full or provisional UK driving licence, or an EU licence registered with the DVLA (you'll need to bring both the EU licence and the DVLA registration document).
  • Be able to ride a bicycle and have no mobility restrictions.
  • Understand and communicate in English.
  • Payment in full in advance to secure your booking. Payment is non-refundable if cancelled less than 10 business days before the course.

Please ensure you arrive on time and dressed appropriately for the course. You will receive detailed instructions with your booking confirmation email.

Additional Information

At London Motorcycle Training, we aim to make the process of learning to ride a motorcycle or scooter enjoyable. The CBT course is designed to be fun and stress-free – much different from a car driving test. Many students even end up enjoying the day more than they expected!

Click here to book your CBT training course online today!

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