If you ride on L plates, your CBT certificate is one of the most important documents you hold. It allows you to ride legally as a learner, but it does not last forever. This guide explains what CBT renewal means, when you need to do it, what happens if your certificate expires, and how renewal fits with your next step towards a full motorcycle licence.
What is a CBT certificate?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. When you complete CBT, your instructor issues a DL196 certificate. This confirms that you have completed the required training and can ride on the road as a learner, subject to the usual learner restrictions.
For most learner riders, the DL196 normally lasts two years from the date it is issued. During that time, you can ride a moped or motorcycle within the limits of your licence entitlement, display L plates, and continue gaining experience on the road.
CBT is not the same as holding a full motorcycle licence. It is a learner entitlement, and it is there to help you build safe basic riding habits before you either continue riding as a learner or move on to a full licence route such as A1 motorcycle training, A2, or Category A.
What does CBT renewal mean?
CBT renewal means taking the full CBT course again before your current DL196 certificate expires, or after it has expired if you have missed the date.
It is important to understand that CBT renewal is not a short top-up test. CBT is training, not a pass or fail test. There is no separate quick renewal assessment where you simply show your certificate and ride around the block. You must complete the CBT syllabus again and show your instructor that you can ride safely enough to be issued with a new DL196 certificate.
This matters because riders can develop habits over two years, some good and some not so good. A proper renewal gives your instructor the chance to check your control, observations, road positioning, judgement, and general safety on the road.
When should you renew your CBT?
You should renew your CBT before your current certificate expires. This avoids a gap where you cannot legally ride as a learner.
A simple way to manage it is to check the issue date on your DL196 certificate and set a reminder at least a few weeks before the two-year expiry date. This gives you time to book a suitable date, arrange transport, and make sure you have your driving licence and riding kit ready.
Renewing early does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It is a sensible way to protect your ability to keep riding, especially if you use your bike or scooter for commuting, work, college, deliveries, or family responsibilities.
What happens if your CBT expires?
If your CBT has expired, you must not ride your motorcycle on the road as a learner. That includes riding to the training centre for your CBT renewal.
This is one of the most common mistakes riders make. If the DL196 has expired, you need to arrange another legal way to get to the course. That may mean public transport, a lift from someone else, or transporting the bike legally rather than riding it on the road yourself.
You should also be careful with insurance. Riding after your CBT has expired can create serious problems because you may no longer meet the conditions required to ride as a learner. If in doubt, check your certificate date before you ride.
What happens on a CBT renewal course?
A CBT renewal follows the same structure as a normal Compulsory Basic Training course. The course covers the key elements needed to ride safely as a learner, including preparation, machine control, on-site riding, road safety discussion, and the on-road ride.
Your instructor will still need to check your licence, eyesight, clothing, control of the motorcycle, understanding of road safety, and ability to ride safely on the road. Even if you have been riding for two years, the course must be treated seriously.
If you are safe and meet the required standard, your instructor will issue a new DL196 certificate. If you need more training, the instructor will explain what needs work and what the next step should be. That is not a punishment. It is part of keeping you and other road users safe.
How much does CBT renewal cost?
CBT and CBT renewal cost £205 with Universal Motorcycle Training. The renewal course still uses an instructor, training site, motorcycle, insurance, equipment where needed, and the full DVSA-regulated CBT structure, so it is priced as a full course rather than a short admin appointment.
You can read more about our CBT renewal course before booking.
Should you renew CBT or go for a full motorcycle licence?
Renewing CBT is often the right choice if you want to keep riding legally on L plates while you decide what to do next. It gives you another two-year period, provided you complete the course and receive a new DL196 certificate.
That said, if you have been riding regularly and feel ready to remove the learner restrictions, it may be worth looking at a full motorcycle licence. Depending on your age, experience, and goals, you may be able to work towards A1, A2, or Category A.
A full licence can allow you to ride without L plates, carry a passenger, use motorways, and ride larger motorcycles depending on the category you obtain. If you are 24 or over, or qualify through progressive access, you may wish to consider DAS full licence training.
How to prepare for CBT renewal
A little preparation makes the day smoother and helps you get more from the training.
- Check the expiry date on your DL196 certificate before booking.
- Bring your original valid driving licence on the day.
- Make sure you can read a number plate at the required distance, using glasses or contact lenses if needed.
- Wear suitable motorcycle clothing, including sturdy footwear, gloves, long trousers, and a suitable jacket.
- Refresh your Highway Code knowledge, especially road signs, junctions, roundabouts, bus lanes, speed limits, and road markings.
- Arrive on time, as CBT elements must be completed in the correct order.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a CBT renewal last?
When you complete CBT renewal and receive a new DL196 certificate, it normally lasts two years from the date of issue.
Can I renew my CBT after it has expired?
Yes, but once it has expired you must not ride your motorcycle on the road to get to the course. You need to travel to the training centre legally and only ride as part of the course when supervised by the instructor.
Is CBT renewal easier if I already ride every day?
Your road experience can help, but you still need to complete the full CBT course again. Your instructor will look for safe control, good observations, sensible road positioning, and a responsible riding attitude.
Is CBT renewal a test?
No. CBT is training and is not pass or fail in the same way as a DVSA practical test. However, your instructor can only issue the DL196 certificate when you have completed the training and reached the required safety standard.
Book your CBT renewal
If your CBT is close to expiry, it is better to renew before the date passes. That way, you avoid a gap where you cannot ride as a learner and you can keep using your motorcycle or scooter legally on L plates while you decide whether to continue riding or work towards a full motorcycle licence.
Universal Motorcycle Training offers CBT renewal across our seven centres in Alperton, Croydon, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon, Dagenham, and Hoddesdon. To book or ask a question, contact our team through our contact page and we will help you choose the right centre and course date.