Learning to ride in London or Hertfordshire should feel clear, safe and manageable from the start. Compulsory Basic Training, usually called CBT, is the first step for most learner moped and motorcycle riders who want to ride on the road with L plates. It is also the point where good habits begin, from control and observation to road awareness and protective clothing.
Universal Motorcycle Training runs CBT courses across seven training centres in and around London and Hertfordshire: Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon and Hoddesdon. That means many riders can choose a centre that works sensibly for their journey, rather than travelling across the whole city before the training day has even started.
CBT at Universal Motorcycle Training is £205. You can read more about the course on our CBT course page.
What CBT means
CBT is a compulsory training course for learner moped and motorcycle riders. It is not a pass or fail test in the normal sense. There is no examiner and no fixed test score. Your instructor trains you through the required parts of the course and only moves you forward when you have shown that you can do so safely.
When you complete CBT to the required standard, you receive a DL196 certificate. For most learner motorcycle riders, this certificate is valid for two years. During that period, provided you have the correct licence entitlement and follow the learner rules, you can ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW on the road with L plates.
The important point is that CBT is about safety, not just paperwork. Turning up does not automatically mean you will receive a certificate. Your instructor must be satisfied that you have reached a safe basic standard, including during the on-road part of the course.
Our seven CBT training centres
London riding is varied. A learner in west London may have different needs from a rider in south east London, east London or Hertfordshire. Our seven-centre structure gives you more choice when booking your CBT.
Centres by general area
- Alperton, suitable for many riders in west and north west London.
- Croydon, suitable for many riders in south London.
- Dagenham, suitable for many riders in east London and nearby Essex areas.
- Edgware, suitable for many riders in north London and north west London.
- Eltham, suitable for many riders in south east London.
- Wimbledon, suitable for many riders in south west London.
- Hoddesdon, suitable for many riders in Hertfordshire and nearby north London areas.
We have not listed addresses, stations or opening hours here because the best centre can depend on course availability, the date you want, the type of bike you prefer and your own travel route. For help choosing the most convenient site, contact us and our team can point you in the right direction.
Courses seven days a week at most centres
CBT courses run seven days a week at most of our centres, subject to availability. This helps riders who work shifts, study during the week or need a weekend option. It also gives more flexibility if you need to complete CBT before starting delivery work, commuting by scooter or moving on towards a full motorcycle licence.
When booking, choose a date when you can arrive on time, stay for the full session and concentrate properly. CBT follows a set structure, so the course cannot usually be delayed for one person who is late or unprepared.
How to choose the right CBT centre
The nearest centre is often the simplest choice, but it is not the only factor. Think about how you will travel there, how early you need to leave, whether you are more comfortable with automatic or manual training, and whether you would benefit from extra preparation before the course.
- Choose a centre that is realistic to reach on time, especially during London traffic or public transport disruption.
- Allow enough time before the start of the course so you arrive calm and ready to learn.
- Ask us which centres have the best availability for your preferred date.
- Tell us before booking if you have any medical, mobility, communication or equipment needs.
- Book the type of training that matches your experience, especially if you have never ridden before.
What to expect on your CBT day
Before you ride
You will need to bring your valid driving licence and be able to complete the eyesight check. You should also have a basic understanding of the Highway Code before attending. CBT includes road safety discussion, but it is not designed to teach the whole Highway Code from scratch.
Wear suitable clothing for motorcycle training. A legal motorcycle helmet is required when riding. Strong footwear, gloves, long sleeves and abrasion-resistant trousers are important because even low-speed training can involve falls or loss of balance.
Training before the road ride
The day starts with an introduction and safety briefing, then moves into practical machine handling away from the road. You will learn basic controls, moving off, stopping, turning, observation and other essential skills. Your instructor will build the session around safety and your progress.
The on-road part
The on-road ride only takes place when the instructor is satisfied that you are ready. This part gives you supervised experience in real traffic. The instructor will be looking for safe control, good observation, sensible road positioning and the ability to respond to other road users.
If you are not ready to complete CBT in one day, that is not a failure. It means more training is needed before you ride independently as a learner. Some new riders need extra time, especially if they are completely new to two wheels.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need CBT before riding on L plates?
For most learner moped and motorcycle riders, yes. You must complete CBT before riding on public roads with L plates, unless a specific licence rule or exemption applies to your situation.
How long is the DL196 valid?
For most learner motorcycle riders, the DL196 certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. If you do not gain the relevant full licence within that time, you normally need to complete CBT again or stop riding as a learner.
Can I ride a 125cc after CBT?
If you are 17 or over, have the correct licence entitlement and complete CBT to the required standard, you can usually ride a learner motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW with L plates.
Which Universal Motorcycle Training centre should I book?
That depends on where you are travelling from, your preferred date and course availability. Our team can help you choose between Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon and Hoddesdon.
Book CBT across our seven centres
CBT is your starting point for safer, legal learner riding. Whether you are in London or Hertfordshire, Universal Motorcycle Training can help you choose a convenient centre and prepare properly for the day.
To book or ask which centre is best for you, visit our contact page or read the full details on our CBT course page.