Introduction to Motorcycling (ITM) — Beginner’s Course in London & Hertfordshire
Please note: ITM is not CBT and does not issue a DL196 certificate. DVSA and GOV.UK references on this page are provided for CBT, licence and road-riding context where relevant.
What is Introduction to Motorcycling (ITM)?
Introduction to Motorcycling (ITM) is Universal Motorcycle Training®’s 2-hour beginner motorcycle course for people who want to build basic riding confidence before attempting Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). It is the natural pre-CBT step for complete beginners, nervous riders, people who have never used a clutch, and anyone who wants a calmer introduction to motorcycles or scooters before joining a full CBT day. The session costs £125 and is delivered at a personalised pace, with a maximum of 2 trainees per instructor and often 1-to-1 tuition. You will work on machine familiarisation, balance, throttle control, braking, slow-speed control and basic observations in a safe training environment. ITM is not a legal replacement for CBT, does not include public-road riding, and does not issue a DL196 certificate. It is designed to help you arrive at CBT better prepared, more confident and more likely to use the day effectively.Price From £125
Book your ITM beginner motorcycle session for £125. It is a focused 2-hour lesson designed to give new riders a safe and confidence-building start. Book your ITM7 centres
Train near you at one of our centres in Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Hoddesdon or Wimbledon. Call 020 3691 88072-hour session
Maximum 2 trainees per instructor, often 1-to-1. The pace is more personal than a full CBT day and is ideal for first-time riders. Book onlineWho is ITM for?
ITM is for people who want a practical, supportive introduction before CBT. It is especially useful if you want to learn the basics without the pressure of a full training day.- Complete beginners who have never ridden a motorcycle or scooter.
- Nervous riders who want a shorter, calmer first session.
- Learners who want to practise balance, steering, stopping and slow control before CBT.
- People who have tried CBT before but were not ready to complete it safely.
- Riders who want to understand whether automatic or manual training is the better route.
- Learners planning CBT, A1, A2 or full Category A training who want stronger basic control first.
- Car drivers who have a full car licence but little or no motorcycle experience.
- Learners aged 16+ for the moped route or 17+ for the 125cc motorcycle route, with the correct driving licence entitlement.
What you’ll learn on ITM
The session is built around the skills most complete beginners need before CBT: confidence, control and understanding how the motorcycle responds.Machine familiarisation & controls
- How the main controls work, including throttle, brakes, clutch, gears and indicators.
- How to sit correctly and keep the machine balanced at low speed.
- How to start, stop and secure the machine safely.
- Basic checks and safety habits before riding.
Balance, throttle & clutch basics
- Building balance at walking pace in a controlled training area.
- Using smooth throttle control instead of snatching at the power.
- Finding and controlling the clutch biting point on a manual motorcycle.
- Coordinating hands, feet, eyes and body position.
Slow-speed control & U-turns
- Slow riding with relaxed arms and steady vision.
- Basic steering and turning exercises.
- Preparation for CBT-style manoeuvres such as controlled turns and U-turns.
- Learning to look where you want the motorcycle to go.
Braking & emergency stop intro
- Progressive braking using the correct pressure.
- Understanding front and rear brake balance.
- Stopping straight and under control.
- An introduction to emergency-stop thinking at beginner level.
Observations & road awareness basics
- Why mirrors, shoulder checks and looking ahead matter.
- Basic hazard awareness before you move towards CBT road training.
- Understanding road position in simple terms.
- Highway Code reminders relevant to new riders.
Confidence-building & next steps
- Personal feedback from your instructor.
- Advice on whether you are ready for CBT.
- Guidance on automatic, manual, CBT renewal or full licence routes.
- A practical plan for what to book next.
ITM vs CBT comparison
ITM and CBT are different courses. ITM is a preparation session. CBT is the DVSA-regulated course that allows a learner to ride on public roads with the correct entitlement and L-plates once completed.| Feature | ITM – Introduction to Motorcycling | CBT – Compulsory Basic Training |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £125 per session | £205 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 1 day |
| Ratio | Maximum 2 trainees per instructor, often 1-to-1 | Up to 4 trainees during parts of the course, with DVSA safety controls |
| Certificate | No certificate and no DL196 issued | DL196 certificate issued if all elements are completed to the required standard |
| Public roads | No public-road riding | Yes – once your instructor is satisfied you are ready for Element E |
| Best for | Complete beginners, nervous riders and learners who want pre-CBT practice | Learner riders ready to complete regulated training and demonstrate safe road-riding ability |
| Next step | Book CBT when you and your instructor agree you are ready | Ride as a learner with L-plates, renew CBT if needed, or continue towards A1, A2 or Category A |
ITM pricing
Introduction to Motorcycling (ITM)
£125
One 2-hour beginner motorcycle training session with Universal Motorcycle Training®.- Maximum 2 trainees per instructor, often 1-to-1.
- Training at a personalised beginner pace.
- Use of a school motorcycle or scooter, subject to availability and suitability.
- Loan helmet, jacket and gloves may be available in standard sizes.
- Basic machine-control training before CBT.
- Instructor feedback and advice on your next step.