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CBT

CBT Motorcycle Training in London and Hertfordshire

Please note: The UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is the main source of information of the following article.
What is CBT? Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the DVSA-regulated course most learner moped, scooter and motorcycle riders complete before riding on public roads. It teaches safe basic control, observations, road awareness and supervised real-road riding. When you complete all five elements to the required standard, you receive a DL196 certificate, normally valid for 2 years.
Cost: From £205

Book your CBT

CBT Standard and CBT Renewal are £205. Executive 1-2-1 CBT is £550 for riders who want a private training day with one instructor and one trainee.
– Book online – Call 020 3691 8807
– Seven (7) motorcycle training centres located in London and Herfordshire

Train near you

Universal Motorcycle Training® delivers CBT at Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Hoddesdon and Wimbledon.
Duration: Normally 1 day

Small-group training

CBT Standard and CBT Renewal have up to 4 trainees for the on-site elements. The on-road ride follows DVSA ratios. Executive 1-2-1 CBT has 1 trainee and 1 instructor.

Who needs CBT?

CBT is the usual starting point if you want to ride a learner moped, scooter or motorcycle on public roads before taking a full moped or motorcycle test.
  • You are 16 or over and want to ride a learner moped up to 50cc.
  • You are 17 or over and want to ride a learner motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW.
  • You hold a provisional licence and want to ride with L plates while gaining experience.
  • You hold a full UK car licence and want to ride a 125cc motorcycle or scooter.
  • Your DL196 CBT certificate has expired, or is about to expire, and you want to continue riding as a learner.
  • You want to start an A1, A2 or Category A / DAS motorcycle licence route.
  • You are returning to riding after a break and want structured CBT-level refresher training.
Need help choosing the right course? Book online or call our team on 020 3691 8807. We can help you choose between CBT Standard, CBT Renewal and Executive 1-2-1 CBT.

What you’ll do on the day

CBT has five DVSA elements, completed in order. You move forward when your instructor is satisfied that you are ready for the next stage.

Element A – Introduction and eyesight check

  • Registration, licence check and eyesight check.
  • Course aims, safety briefing and explanation of the DL196 certificate.
  • Protective clothing, helmet and equipment check.

Element B – Practical on-site training

  • Machine familiarisation and basic motorcycle or scooter controls.
  • Use of the stand, wheeling, balancing, throttle and brakes.
  • Simple pre-ride checks before moving on to riding exercises.

Element C – Practical on-site riding

  • Moving off, stopping, steering and controlled slow riding.
  • Observations, signalling, turning, U-turns and braking exercises.
  • Building confidence in a controlled off-road training area.

Element D – Practical on-road training

  • Road positioning, junctions, roundabouts and speed choice.
  • Road signs, road markings, traffic lights and hazard awareness.
  • Radio procedure and preparation for the supervised road ride.

Element E – Practical on-road riding

  • A supervised ride on public roads with your instructor in radio contact.
  • At least 2 hours of on-road riding.
  • Practical assessment of whether you can ride safely as a learner.

Requirements and what to bring

  • Your original valid UK photocard driving licence. Copies, photos and other ID are not suitable for registration.
  • Your current CBT certificate if you are booking CBT Renewal.
  • Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read a number plate or ride safely.
  • A suitable jacket. A motorcycle jacket is best; a strong long-sleeved jacket may be acceptable for CBT.
  • Strong trousers, such as motorcycle trousers or heavy denim jeans with no rips or tears.
  • Sturdy footwear that supports and covers your ankles. Trainers, sandals, soft shoes and high heels are not suitable.
  • Motorcycle gloves. If you do not have your own, ask us about loan equipment when booking.
  • Your own helmet if you have one. It must fit correctly and be in good condition.
  • Food, drink and any personal medication you may need during the day.
Equipment hire: We can normally provide helmet, jacket and gloves for CBT Standard, subject to availability and standard sizing. If you need specialist sizes, please bring your own suitable riding kit or speak to us before booking.

CBT Standard vs CBT Renewal

Both courses cover the same DVSA CBT syllabus and both lead to a DL196 certificate when all five elements are completed to the required standard.
Feature CBT Standard CBT Renewal
Price £205 £205
Best for First-time riders, returning riders, new scooter riders and riders starting their full licence journey. Riders who already have a CBT certificate and want to renew their DL196 before continuing to ride as a learner.
Course structure All five CBT elements: A, B, C, D and E. All five CBT elements: A, B, C, D and E, with training tailored where possible to existing riding experience.
Class size Up to 4 trainees for the on-site elements. Up to 4 trainees for the on-site elements.
On-road ride At least 2 hours, with DVSA-compliant instructor ratios. At least 2 hours, with DVSA-compliant instructor ratios.
Bike use Universal Motorcycle Training® bike use can be arranged as part of the booking. Many renewal riders use their own roadworthy, insured and taxed bike. A UMT bike may be available if arranged in advance.
Certificate DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion. DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion.

Pricing

Clear CBT pricing for London and Hertfordshire. Book online or call 020 3691 8807 for help choosing the right option.

Most popular:

◈ CBT Standard

£205
  • Normally completed in 1 day.
  • Group session with up to 4 trainees for on-site elements.
  • Suitable for new riders and returning riders.
  • DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion.
Book CBT Standard
Renew your DL196

◈ CBT Renewal

£205
  • For riders renewing an existing CBT certificate.
  • Normally completed in 1 day, subject to progress and safety.
  • Use your own roadworthy bike where possible.
  • DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion.
– Book CBT Renewal
Private training

◈ Executive 1-2-1 CBT

£550
  • One trainee with one instructor.
  • Best for nervous riders, riders wanting privacy or extra support.
  • Useful if you want to train at your own pace.
  • DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion.
Book Executive 1-2-1 CBT

CBT locations in London and Hertfordshire

Book your CBT at one of our seven motorcycle training centres. Availability can vary by date, course type and bike choice.

(1) Alperton (82 Sunleigh Road Alperton, Wembley, London, HA0 4LR)

West London CBT training for Wembley, Ealing, Harrow, Acton and surrounding areas.

(2) Croydon (2 Ampere Way, Croydon, CR0 4WT)

South London CBT training for Croydon, Sutton, Bromley, Mitcham and nearby areas.

(3) Dagenham (Goals Dagenham, Dagenham Leisure Park, Ripple Rd, Dagenham, RM9 6FD)

East London CBT training for Dagenham, Barking, Ilford, Romford and Essex routes.

(4) Edgware (The Hive London (Barnet F.C.), Camrose Avenue, Edgware, London, HA8 6AG)

North West London CBT training for Edgware, Canons Park, Barnet, Mill Hill and Harrow.

(5) Eltham (Charlton Park Rugby Club, 60A Broad Walk, London, SE3 8NB)

South East London CBT training for Eltham, Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Woolwich.

(6) Hoddesdon/Harlow (Rye House Kart Raceway, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0EH)

Hertfordshire CBT training for Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Ware, Hertford and north London riders.

(7) Wimbledon (Beverley Way, Wimbledon, New Malden, KT3 4PH)

South West London CBT training for Wimbledon, Merton, New Malden, Kingston and Putney.

Ready to book your CBT?

Choose a centre, select your date and book online. For help with availability, renewal bookings or Executive 1-2-1 CBT, call 020 3691 8807.

FAQs

1. How long does a CBT course take? A CBT course normally takes 1 full day. The exact finish time depends on your riding experience, confidence, learning pace, weather and the progress of the group. Some riders complete all five elements in one day, while others need more training before they are ready for the road. Element E, the supervised on-road ride, must last at least 2 hours.

2. Is CBT a test or can you fail? CBT is training, not a normal pass-or-fail test. There is no examiner and no fixed test score. Your instructor trains you through each element and decides whether you have reached a safe basic standard before moving on. If you are not ready, you will not receive a DL196 certificate that day. That is not a failure; it means you need more practice before riding independently as a learner.

3. How much does CBT cost in London? At Universal Motorcycle Training®, CBT Standard costs £205 and CBT Renewal costs £205. Executive 1-2-1 CBT costs £550 and gives you a private training day with one instructor and one trainee. Prices are designed to be clear before you book. You can book online, or call 020 3691 8807 if you need help choosing the right CBT option.

4. How long is a CBT certificate valid? When you complete CBT to the required standard, your instructor issues a DL196 certificate. For most learner motorcycle and scooter riders, the DL196 is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. If you do not pass the relevant motorcycle tests within that period, you need to complete CBT again to continue riding as a learner with L plates.

5. Do I need a provisional licence for CBT? Yes. You need an original valid UK driving licence with the correct provisional entitlement for the vehicle you want to ride. At 16, this is normally moped entitlement. At 17 or over, you can usually train on a learner motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW if your licence shows the correct entitlement. Bring the physical licence on the day.

6. Can I do CBT with a full UK car licence? Yes. Many riders complete CBT using a full UK car licence. If you passed your car test before 1 February 2001, you may already have moped entitlement for a 50cc moped, but CBT is still strongly recommended for safety and confidence. If you want to ride a 125cc motorcycle or scooter as a learner, you need a valid CBT certificate.

7. What should I wear for my CBT? Wear clothing that protects you properly. We recommend a motorcycle jacket, motorcycle gloves, strong trousers and sturdy boots that cover your ankles. Heavy denim jeans are normally acceptable if they have no rips or tears. Tracksuit bottoms, shorts, sandals, trainers and soft shoes are not suitable for motorcycle training. If you need helmet, jacket or glove hire, tell us when booking.

8. Can I use my own motorcycle for CBT? Yes, you can use your own motorcycle or scooter if it is suitable for CBT and ready for the road. It should be roadworthy, taxed, insured, MOT’d if required, and fitted with clear L plates front and rear. Your instructor will check the vehicle before training. If you are not sure whether your bike is suitable, contact us before your course.

9. What is the minimum age for CBT? The minimum age for CBT is 16 if you want to ride a learner moped. At 17 or over, you can usually ride a learner motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW after completing CBT, provided your licence has the correct entitlement. The bike you train on must match your age, licence and experience level, so check before booking if you are unsure.

10. What happens if I don’t complete CBT in one day? If you do not complete CBT in one day, your instructor will explain what needs more work and advise the next step. Some riders need extra time, especially if they are new to riding, nervous, struggling with manual gears or not yet ready for the on-road ride. You can return for further training. A DL196 certificate is only issued once all five elements are completed safely.

11. Where can I do CBT in London or Hertfordshire? You can do CBT with Universal Motorcycle Training® at seven centres: Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Hoddesdon and Wimbledon. This gives riders strong coverage across West London, South London, East London, North West London, South East London, South West London and Hertfordshire. Book online to see available dates, or call 020 3691 8807 for help.

12. Do you offer automatic CBT? Yes. We offer CBT on automatic scooters as well as manual-geared motorcycles, subject to availability at the time of booking. Automatic CBT is a good choice for many new riders because it removes clutch and gear-change pressure while you focus on balance, braking, observations and road awareness. If you want manual CBT, choose that option when booking so the right bike can be allocated.

13. Do I need to pass the motorcycle theory test before CBT? No. You do not need to pass the motorcycle theory test before taking CBT. CBT is often the first practical step for learner riders. However, you should have a basic understanding of the Highway Code, road signs, road markings and traffic rules before attending. If you later want a full motorcycle licence, you will need to pass the motorcycle theory test before practical tests.

14. Can I ride a 125cc motorcycle after CBT? If you are 17 or over, have the right 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. You cannot carry a pillion passenger or ride on motorways as a learner. To remove learner restrictions, you need to pass the correct motorcycle tests.

15. What is a DL196 certificate? A DL196 is the certificate issued when you complete CBT to the required standard. It confirms that you have completed the CBT course and validates your relevant learner riding entitlement. Keep it safe, as you may need it for checks or when moving on to motorcycle tests. For most learner motorcycle and scooter riders, it is valid for 2 years from the issue date.

16. Should I book manual or automatic CBT? Choose automatic CBT if you want the simplest route into riding a scooter or 125cc automatic, especially if you are new or nervous. Choose manual CBT if you specifically want to learn clutch control and gears. Manual training can take longer because you are learning more skills at once. New manual riders may benefit from Executive 1-2-1 CBT or a separate gear conversion lesson.

Official CBT references

For official rider information, see the GOV.UK pages for CBT motorcycle and moped training, how CBT training works, riding a motorcycle or moped, and replacing a lost CBT certificate.

Book CBT motorcycle training today

Book CBT Standard, CBT Renewal or Executive 1-2-1 CBT online. For help choosing a centre, course type or bike option, call Universal Motorcycle Training® on 020 3691 8807.
Book online
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