Question

I have a driving licence for a car – do I need a CBT to ride a 50cc Moped?

Answer

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped, but only if you complete a CBT course to confirm your full moped rights (50 cc). You only need to do this once instead of repeating every two years – but keep the CBT certificate safe as it will be your only proof. Remember this only allows you to ride a 50cc moped – nothing larger. If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you don’t need to complete a CBT course to ride a moped. However, we and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) highly recommends that you do.

If you want to ride a 125cc scooter or motorcycle you must complete a CBT every 2 years.

Question

How long is a CBT course?

Answer

The CBT course should last for at least 6 to 8 hours (sometimes more). However, this will depend on several factors regarding the dynamic of the group and its individuals, including but not limited to:

(1) cognitive learning capacity
(2) rate of knowledge absorption and transcendency into practice
(3) level of experience and potential habits attached to it, etc.
(4) knowledge flow throughout the group
(5) whether conditions
(6) medical conditions from members of the group which may require frequent brakes

There is a set routine that is regulated by the DVSA. You will be taught elements in turn, and when you are safe to go onto the next element, then you progress through all the five stages. Most people get through in one day, but sometimes a customer may need to come back another day to carry on training depending on how well they get on. The CBT course is completely safety orientated, so if you can’t complete all the stages on the day, then rest and return later on, this is the best and safest way to progress. This is also a requirement of the DVSA.

Question

I have never ridden before – is this course OK for me?

Answer

Yes – the CBT course is suitable for complete novice riders.

CBT is a safety orientated compulsory course introduced by the UK Government.

The course is client centered and delivered in a way to suit the individual learning needs and skills levels of each trainee. Once you demonstrate to your fully qualified instructor that you are safe and competent enough to ride unaccompanied, you will have completed your CBT and you’ll be issued with a DL196 Certificate.

We have to ensure that our trainees are prepared to deal with many different challenging situations that they are likely to encounter on busy urban roads and that they have the skills to cope with those situations as soon as they begin riding unaccompanied. Hence, some first time riders, particularly young riders, may need more than “one day” training until they are fully competent to ride a moped or small motorcycle unaccompanied.

*** PLEASE READ:

If you are a complete beginner/novice in regards to riding a motorcycle/scooter and if your EXPECTATION is to complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in one day, then we strongly suggest you start with a Beginners Course (commonly known as ITM – Introduction to Motorcycling) or at least 1-2 hours of Private Motorcycling Lessons prior to your CBT. By doing that you will have a better idea of what to expect and you will also give us an opportunity to initially assess your skills, in order for us to advise you how to proceed.

Question

I don’t have a bike or any gear, can I still attend?

Answer

Yes – We have new loan bikes and mopeds, plus helmets, gloves, jackets and waterproof trousers, catering for small to extra large.

Question

Can I train without the original copy of my driving licence?

Answer

Sorry but no. As the CBT course is legally required and regulated by the DSA, we have to see the original licence.

Question

Can I fail the CBT?

Answer

There is no set pass fail mark for the CBT. You need to learn skills and demonstrate that you are competent and safe before moving onto the next one. You won’t pass for just turning up so the input from you is to listen, learn and then show that you can do it.

Question

I have never read the highway code – will you teach it to me on the day?

Answer

No – When you sign your licence you are stating that you have read and understood the Highway Code. You don’t need to be an expert but you will need to know road signs and what the traffic rules mean.

Question

Where are you located?

Answer

We have five (6) motorcycle training centres in London, please note that they are only available for bookings made in advance, they are not walk-in centres:

(1) in Alperton, West London, next to a tube station (Alperton, Piccadilly Line);

(2) in Dagenham, East London close to a tube station (Dagenham Heathway, District line);

(3) in Croydon, South London next to a tram station;

(4) in Edgware, North West London, next to a tube station (Canons Park, Jubilee Line);

(5) in Eltham, South East London;

(6) in Wimbledon, South London (close to a tube station: South Wimbledon, Northern Line).

Please find the full address of our training centre locations below:

Training Site 1 (and London Office):
Universal Motorcycle Training – Alperton
82 Sunleigh Road
Alperton, Wembley, London, HA0 4LR

Training Site 2:
Universal Motorcycle Training – Dagenham
Goals Dagenham, Dagenham Leisure Park,
Ripple Rd, Dagenham, RM9 6FD

Training Site 3:
Universal Motorcycle Training – Croydon
2 Ampere Way
Croydon
CR0 4WT

Training Site 4:
Universal Motorcycle Training – Edgware
The Hive London (Barnet F.C.)
Camrose Avenue
Edgware
London
HA8 6AG

Training Site 5:
Universal Motorcycle Training – Eltham
Goals Eltham
Eltham Palace Road
London
SE9 5LU

Training Site 6:
Universal Motorcycle Training – Wimbledon
Beverley Way
Wimbledon
New Malden
KT3 4PH