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Gear Conversion sessions: master the transition to a manual motorcycle

At Universal Motorcycle Training®, we understand that many riders start their journey on automatic motorcycles. Whether you’ve completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) on an automatic bike or already hold a full automatic licence, progressing to a manual (geared) motorcycle offers an exciting new challenge. Our Gear Conversion Course is specifically designed to help you make that transition safely and confidently, allowing you to ride a 125cc manual motorcycle with ease.

Who is the Gear Conversion Course for?

This course is ideal for:

1. Riders who have completed their CBT on an automatic motorcycle but now want to learn how to ride a manual motorcycle.

2. Individuals who hold a full automatic motorcycle licence but wish to upgrade their skills to include riding geared motorcycles.

3. Riders who initially found manual bikes challenging and opted to complete their CBT on an automatic but now feel ready to take on the challenge of manual controls.

Course structure and what you’ll learn

Our Gear Conversion Course is designed to develop the core skills required for manual motorcycle control. You will receive professional guidance from our fully DVSA-qualified instructors, who will ensure your training is tailored to your specific needs and abilities.

The course will typically cover:

* Slow control and balance: Fundamental techniques for managing a manual bike at low speeds, including clutch control, gear changes, and smooth acceleration.

* Onsite training: Before venturing onto public roads, we conduct essential off-road exercises to familiarise you with the manual bike’s controls in a safe, controlled environment.

* Road riding: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll progress to a road ride. You will be guided by one of our instructors using radio communication, ensuring you feel supported throughout your learning journey.

Each session is conducted on a one-to-one or one-to-two basis to ensure you receive focused instruction and attention.

Course duration and flexibility

Our Gear Conversion sessions are flexible, typically lasting between 2 to 4 hours depending on your individual progress and existing riding experience. You can choose between a 2-hour or 4-hour session based on availability, and we’ll work with you to determine the best approach. While some riders may feel comfortable with shorter sessions, others might benefit from extended practice. Our priority is ensuring you meet the required safety standards and feel confident riding a manual bike.

Please note that learning times vary among individuals, and we take a client-centred approach to ensure you progress at your own pace. We never rush our learners; our goal is to provide safe, comprehensive training that equips you with the skills you need for independent riding.

What to expect: a seamless transition from CBT

The structure of the Gear Conversion Course is similar to CBT. You’ll begin with controlled off-road exercises before moving on to road riding, where our instructors will guide you via radio communication. The focus remains on ensuring that you feel confident handling a manual bike under various riding conditions.

While this course focuses on developing manual riding skills, it is not a pass/fail programme like the full motorcycle licence test. Instead, our goal is to ensure you leave with the confidence and capability to ride a manual motorcycle safely, whether for leisure or as preparation for your full licence test.

Why choose Universal Motorcycle Training?

At Universal Motorcycle Training®, we are committed to providing high-quality, client-focused training that adheres to the latest safety standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Our experienced instructors will ensure that your training is enjoyable, informative, and most importantly, safe. Each course is tailored to suit your unique learning style and pace, ensuring that you feel fully prepared to take on the road.

Furthermore, as part of our commitment to safety, we encourage all riders to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, gloves, jackets, and sturdy boots, in line with UK safety regulations outlined in the Highway Code​.

Preparing for your full motorcycle licence

Many riders who complete the Gear Conversion Course use it as a stepping stone toward earning a full motorcycle licence. Once you’re comfortable with manual bike handling, you can progress to our Direct Access Scheme (DAS) training. The DAS allows you to ride larger motorcycles and eventually qualify for an unrestricted Category A licence, enabling you to ride any size of bike​​.

Ready to take the next step in your motorcycle journey? Book your Gear Conversion Course today and let our professional instructors guide you through the process of becoming a confident manual motorcycle rider.

Please have a look into the Online Booking Section, under “Gear Conversion Course” if you are interested in booking this course. All the available dates/times will be available there, if none of them suits you, please send us an email to contact@universalmct.co.uk with the desired dates/times and we will be most happy to assist you in finding a suitable date.