London riding is busy, varied and often unforgiving. Junctions, bus lanes, filtering gaps, delivery schedules, poor road surfaces and impatient traffic all place demands on riders. The free TfL 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session gives London riders practical coaching on the roads they actually use, with a fully qualified instructor focusing on the areas that matter most to them.
What is the TfL 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session?
Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London fund voluntary motorcycle skills courses to help improve rider safety in London. Universal Motorcycle Training is an approved provider chosen to deliver these courses for riders across the capital.
The 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session is a free, two-hour coaching session for anyone who lives, works or studies in any of the 33 London boroughs. It is not a test and it is not a replacement for CBT or a full motorcycle licence course. It is a practical, rider-focused session designed to help you become safer, smoother and more confident on London roads.
You can read more about the available TfL-funded options on our Transport for London motorcycle training courses page.
Who can take part?
The session is available to riders who live, work or study in London. It is suitable for a wide range of riders, including commuters, scooter riders, moped riders, delivery riders, newer CBT holders and full motorcycle licence holders who want extra guidance in urban traffic.
You need the correct riding entitlement for the motorcycle or scooter you are using. This means bringing a valid driving licence and, where applicable, an up to date CBT certificate. If you are still riding on learner entitlement and your CBT has expired, you must renew it before taking part. Our CBT training in London page explains how CBT works and when it needs to be renewed.
Where does the session take place?
One of the main advantages of the TfL 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session is that the instructor comes to you. The start point can be your home, workplace or another convenient location agreed in advance.
This matters because good motorcycle coaching should be relevant to your real riding. A rider who commutes through busy junctions in central London may need different support from a rider who mainly uses suburban A-roads, industrial estates, school-run routes or delivery drop-off areas. The session is built around the places and situations you actually face.
How the two-hour session works
The session is one-to-one with a fully qualified motorcycle instructor. It begins with a discussion about your riding experience, the type of motorcycle or scooter you use, the routes you ride most often and the situations you find most challenging.
The instructor will then carry out an assessment ride. This gives them a clear view of your normal riding habits, your road positioning, your observation, your use of speed, your separation distance and your response to other road users.
After the assessment ride, the coaching becomes more focused. The instructor may work with you on:
- road positioning in London traffic
- safe separation distance and following distance
- filtering in slow-moving or stationary traffic
- overtaking decisions
- using bus lanes correctly where permitted
- hazard perception and early planning
- defensive riding at junctions and roundabouts
- appropriate speed for the road, traffic and weather conditions
- protective equipment and visibility
The session is client-led, which means it is shaped around your needs rather than a fixed classroom script. You may want help with one difficult roundabout, a regular commute, filtering confidence, bus lane use or a particular delivery route. The instructor’s role is to observe, coach and give practical feedback that you can use straight away.
What do you receive after the session?
At the end of the session, your instructor will give you feedback on your strengths and the areas you should keep developing. You will also receive a Certificate of Completion issued on behalf of TfL and the Mayor of London.
The certificate is useful evidence that you have taken extra voluntary rider training, but the real value is the coaching itself. A good session can help you recognise habits you did not know you had, improve your planning and give you a more structured approach to everyday riding.
Beyond CBT: Skills for Delivery Riders
TfL also funds Beyond CBT: Skills for Delivery Riders. This course is aimed at riders who work in, or want to work in, the delivery and courier sector. It focuses on the particular demands of delivery riding, including urban route planning, carrying loads, low-speed control, road positioning, defensive riding and safe decision-making under work pressure.
Delivery riding can involve long hours, frequent stops and repeated exposure to busy London traffic. Extra coaching can make a clear difference to confidence, control and judgement. Riders who want to continue developing after CBT can also consider the Enhanced Rider Scheme, while those aiming to progress beyond learner entitlement can look at our DAS and full motorcycle licence training.
Why book a free 1-2-1 session?
Many riders only receive formal coaching during CBT or full licence training. After that, habits build quietly. Some are good habits, but others can increase risk over time. The TfL 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session gives you a chance to have your everyday riding assessed by an experienced instructor without the pressure of a test.
It is especially useful if you have recently completed CBT, changed bike, started commuting, started delivery work, returned to riding after a break or moved to a new London route. It can also help experienced riders who want a calm, professional second opinion on their riding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TfL 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session really free?
Yes. The 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills session is free of charge for eligible riders because it is funded by TfL and the Mayor of London.
Do I need my own motorcycle or scooter?
The session is normally carried out on the motorcycle or scooter you ride on the road. It must be road legal, insured, taxed and, where required, have a valid MOT. If you are riding on CBT entitlement, you must also display L plates where required.
Is it suitable for new CBT riders?
Yes. The session is well suited to newer riders who have completed CBT and want extra support on real London roads. It is not a replacement for CBT, but it can help you build safer habits after CBT.
Will I be tested?
No. This is a coaching session, not a pass or fail test. The instructor will assess your riding so they can give useful feedback and help you improve.
Book your TfL motorcycle skills session
If you live, work or study in London, this is a practical opportunity to get one-to-one motorcycle coaching at no cost to you. The session is personal, local and based on the routes you actually ride.
To ask about availability, eligibility or the best TfL-funded option for your riding, contact Universal Motorcycle Training and our team will be happy to help.