Compulsory Basic Training (CBT )

The CBT (Compulsory basic training), is the very first thing you want to do if you are going to get into the biking scene.

Compulsary Basic Training (CBT) was introduced in 1990 to help lower the high accident rate amongst learner motorcyclists. It is the very first step to take in order to get on the roads and is a requirement for any new rider.

Once you complete your CBT, you will be allowed to ride any bike upto 125cc on the road, whenever you like! However even after you have your CBT certificate, you must still use 'L' Plates on your bike until you complete your full motorcycle test and have your full Licence!

The CBT is a one day course where you will go through all of the things you need to know in order to be safe and efficient while riding your new bike.

The CBT day general consists of a number of stages:

Introduction to the venue/course, instructor and outline for the day

Handing over documents etc

Getting familiar with your bike - Intro to the bike you will be using, where each component is and what it does etc

Car park practice - going around cones, learning to control the bike, signalling, looking, braking etc

Road and motorcycle theory - You do NOT need a motorcycle theory pass to take your CBT, but you will go through basic road/traffic and motorcycle theory on the day and it is recommended that you have a good read of the highway code prior to your CBT day.

Road ride - If the instructor is happy with your progress throughout the day and feels you are ready to move on, you will be taken out on a road ride, usually for about an hour, so that you can experience real road riding.
During the road ride your instructor will ask you to perform various manouvres such as: U-turn, Emergency stop and more.
If you are in a group (usually no more than 3 - if more don't go with that training school as it's likely they are not giving you adequate training) you will have the chance to lead the group on the ride.
Your helmet will be fitted with a speaker or ear-piece allowing you to hear the instructions from your CBT instructor.

After you successfully complete your road ride, you will head back to the centre (usually a car park) and your CBT instructor will tell you whether he or she is happy with your progress and if they are will issue you with your very own CBT Pass Certificate! Whoo Hoo!

On the day you will need:
To turn up on time. Most CBT instructors and centres are quite strict about punctuality
Bring both parts of your driving licence (provisional or Full) You can also use a motorcycle provisional if you have one
If you have not paid - Your CBT Fee
Booking confirmation of your CBT
(The centre you choose will give you all this information and anything else you may need)

CBT certificates last a maximum of 2 years, after which if you have not passed your full test, you will have to re-do your CBT again.

CBT's usually cost between £80 - £125 (may be more on holidays or weekends) and include:
Bike hire for the day
Insurance for you while on the bike
Helmet hire and Glove hire
1 Days CBT training
CBT Certificate (If you pass)

If you come across anywhere charging more than this or anything extra for any of the things on the list, forget it, they are ripping you off!

You can find more information on the CBT and some of the centres that we personally recommend on the right

Good luck & Have fun!