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Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

CBT is a course of instruction and assessment for new riders wanting to ride a moped or geared motorcycle, it must be taken by any rider before they can ride on the road.

What is a CBT Test?

CBT is a government-approved training course for motorcycles. It is a legal requirement for any rider wanting to ride any scooter, moped, or motorcycle before they get on the road.

The course is designed for total novices – so don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before! All we ask is a sensible attitude and a smile.

Our courses are available across the UK, including Bedford, Cambridge, Corby (Kettering), Harleston Diss, Harlow, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Peterborough, and Warwick. Find your nearest Camrider here.

Once you have completed your CBT test, you:

  • Can ride any automatic or geared bike up to 125cc (or up to 50cc if you’re age 16)
  • Must have “L” plates on your bike/scooter
  • Can ride on all roads except motorways
  • Must re-take your CBT every 2 years

What is included in the training?

  • Full CBT training
  • CBT certificate
  • Loan of Moped or Motorcycle
  • Helmet, Gloves, Waterproofs
  • Free loan of a moped/ motorcycle
  • Fuel and Insurance for the duration of training

What do I need to bring?

  • You will need the plastic photo card of your UK car drivers or provisional licence
  • Must be able to read a number plate at 20.5 metres
  • Be wearing suitable clothing at minimum jeans with no rips/tears, sturdy trainers or boots with ankle protection, and a light top (we can provide helmets, jackets, gloves, and waterproofs all free of charge)
  • You will need a basic understanding of the highway code and road signs *before* attending the training course.

What happens on the day?

Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before – the course is aimed at complete beginners, and our expert instructors are used to training people of all levels of experience from all walks of life.

On arrival, you will be met by your instructors and given a chance to settle in with a cup of tea or coffee.  The training course will then consist of five elements, covering the controls of the bike, practice on-site on a tarmac area, classroom training covering road safety, and a minimum of two hours of riding on the road.

At the end of the course, provided the instructors are confident that you are a safe and competent rider, you will be given a CBT pass certificate (also known as a DL196), which is valid for two years.

How long does it take?

We’re proud that 92% of our customers get through the CBT test with just one day of training. However please remember that different people learn at different speeds. If you need to have more work on any element you can always return to carry on another day. Your safety comes first at all times when completing your motorcycle training.

Guaranteed Pass Scheme

At some sites we have an optional Guarantee Scheme, this is an added option if available. Through this, if you don’t get pass the test on the first day then all other training is free of charge. It doesn’t matter if you take two or twenty sessions, all your additional CBT training is free of charge (you just pay for bike hire).

All we ask is that you don’t give up and attend all of your sessions as time-tabled. If we still can’t get you through, we will refund every penny of your CBT fee.

It’s easy to book your CBT test with us. All you need to do is choose your nearest location and a date of your choice, provide us with a few details and then we’ll do the rest!
Book your CBT test with Camrider here.

Read more about CBT in our About the Tests and Laws page here.

What will I be taught?

The aims and objectives of the course.

Classroom-based. You will be introduced to the course, told all about the legal part of riding such as MOT, insurance and licence requirements. You will also be told about correct gear to use and the basics about learning to ride safely.
30 to 40 mins

Introduction to learning the controls.

Here you will be shown all around the bike. You will learn what each of the controls does, how to do basic checks such as tyre pressures, filling with petrol and oil levels. Taking the bike on and off the stand. Walking the bike and how to properly start it is all covered.
45 mins approx

Practical on-site training.

The next steps are to move off safely, take correct observations and learn how to use the clutch. We slowly build your experience from slow riding, up to figures of 8 and emergency braking. Towards the end of this session, you will practice right and left turns. All of this is done from our large off-road sites.
2 to 3 hrs approx

Classroom training on road safety.

Now you will have a chance for a break and have an important chat about how to stay safe on the road. Many aspects are covered including Highway Code, vulnerability, visibility, defensive riding and legalities.
1 hour

Practical riding on the roads.

Your instructor will fit you with a radio and then gradually introduce you to the roads. We start off on quiet back roads with little traffic and then gradually build your confidence and experience of all sorts of traffic.

We don’t expect you to be an expert as this is CBT and we are just looking for a basic safety standard. The road ride lasts for a minimum of two hours. It’s important to note this is a legal requirement and anyone offering less is breaking the law!
Minimum of 2 hours

Questions and answers:

What licence do I need to join a CBT course?

You just need a UK “full car” or a “provisional” licence.  You will need to bring the original undamaged copy of your photo card.
If you have the old style (just paper) licence then you will only need this (but later will need to present a valid UK passport as well if going on for full test). Do remember that all UK drivers and riders now need to get a photocard style licence if they change address, change a name or if the paper licence is destroyed or so badly worn it could not be understood or read properly.

You do not need to have taken your Motorcycle Theory Test to begin your CBT.

You can see additional information on licenses on our tests and law page.

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped, but only if you complete a CBT course to confirm your full moped rights. You only need to do this once instead of repeating every two years – but keep the CBT certificate safe as it will be your only proof. Remember this only allows you to ride a 50cc moped – nothing larger.

If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you don’t need to complete a CBT course to ride a moped. However, we and the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends that you do.

How long is a CBT course?

The CBT course should last for at least 5 to 8 hours. There is a set routine that is regulated by the DVSA. You will be taught elements in turn and when you are safe to go onto the next element then you progress through all the five stages.

Most people get through in one day but sometimes a customer may need to come back another day to carry on training depending on how well they get on. The CBT course is completely safety orientated so if you can’t complete all the stages on the day, then rest and a return, later on, is the best and safest way to progress. This is also a requirement of the DVSA.

I have never ridden before – is this course OK for me?

Yes – the CBT course is suitable for complete novice riders, however you should have read and understood the Highway Code, as when you sign your licence you are stating that you have learnt this.

I don’t have a bike or any gear, can I still attend?

Yes – We have new loan bikes and mopeds, plus helmets, gloves, jackets and waterproof trousers, catering for small to extra large.

What age do I have to be? / What can I ride when I have passed?
Ride a 50cc moped (geared or automatic)If you’re over Age 16
Ride a 125cc learner bike (geared or automatic)If you’re over Age 17
How long is my CBT certificate valid for?

The certificate is valid for two years, during which time you will need to pass your full test. If you don’t pass during that time you’ll have to retake the CBT (The expiry date will be written on the certificate).

Can I fail the CBT?

There is no set pass-fail mark for the CBT. You need to learn skills and demonstrate that you are competent and above all safe before moving onto the next one.

You won’t pass for just turning up, so the input needed from you is to listen, learn and then show that you can do it. If you do need more help then consider it a blessing as no one wants to go onto Britain’s busy roads with gaps in their ability.

At what times and days do CamRider provide training?

We can provide CBT and full test training sessions seven days a week- we schedule up courses depending on demand and the availability of the site and instructors – just look online or call us as we may be able to schedule a date that fits exactly with you.

Will I be in a big group or with people of different ages or ability from myself?

We only train in small class sizes and you will thoroughly enjoy your course as we respond to your needs. There is a mix of people on the course, we know how to get the best out of you and make the day fit properly. Max class size in the classroom and off-road is 4 pupils to one instructor, and on-road never more than 2 pupils to one instructor. 

Can I attend late on my training sessions?

Unfortunately, no – sessions need to start as timetabled as there may be another person on the course and we have to comply with DVSA regulations. The law states that we must complete the CBT course in full and to the requirements set by the government departments who regulate us.

For more information about CBT’s, see our Tests and Law section