The DL196 is the certificate issued when you successfully complete compulsory basic training, commonly known as CBT.
Although it is sometimes described as a ‘certificate of competence’, GOV.UK and DVSA use the official term ‘certificate of completion’. It confirms that an authorised motorcycle instructor has assessed you as having reached the required standard during each element of CBT.
What is a DL196 certificate?
A DL196 is the certificate of completion you receive after successfully finishing all five elements of CBT.
CBT is a structured training course for learner motorcyclists and moped riders. It covers:
- An introduction, including an eyesight check
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- Practical on-road training
- Practical on-road riding
Your instructor can only issue the DL196 when they are satisfied that you have completed each element and can ride safely enough to continue learning on the road without an instructor.
The official source is the GOV.UK and DVSA guide CBT motorcycle and moped training.
Is CBT a pass or fail test?
No, CBT is training rather than a conventional pass or fail test.
You are not marked against a test sheet or given a fixed number of faults. Instead, your instructor teaches and assesses you throughout the course.
You progress from one element to the next when your instructor is satisfied that you have reached the required standard. If you need more time, you may need further training before a DL196 can be issued.
Attendance alone does not guarantee completion. The instructor must be satisfied that it is safe to allow you to continue riding as a learner on public roads.
How long is a DL196 valid?
A standard DL196 used to validate provisional motorcycle entitlement is normally valid for two years from its date of issue.
The expiry date should be shown on the certificate. During those two years, you can continue riding within the learner restrictions while preparing for your full motorcycle tests.
GOV.UK states that you must pass your theory and full moped or motorcycle test within two years. Otherwise, you must complete CBT again or stop riding.
The official sources are the GOV.UK and DVSA guides How CBT training works and Certificates of completion DL196s.
What happens when a DL196 expires?
When your DL196 expires, you must stop riding as a learner unless you have gained the necessary full licence entitlement or completed CBT again.
You cannot extend or renew the existing certificate. You must retake the CBT course and successfully complete all five elements to receive a new DL196.
If you have passed your full motorcycle test before the certificate expires, you no longer need CBT for the motorcycle category covered by your full licence.
Different rules can apply where CBT validates full moped entitlement through a qualifying full car licence. GOV.UK explains these circumstances in its guidance on CBT and car driving licences.
What can you ride with a DL196 at age 16?
From age 16, a valid DL196 and the correct provisional entitlement normally allow you to ride a qualifying moped as a learner.
A moped is generally limited to:
- An engine capacity of no more than 50cc if powered by an internal combustion engine
- A maximum design speed of no more than 45 kilometres per hour, approximately 28mph
- The relevant moped power and vehicle classification requirements
You must also comply with the learner restrictions, including displaying the correct plates and not carrying a pillion passenger.
The official source is the GOV.UK Highway Code guidance Annex 2: Motorcycle licence requirements.
What can you ride with a DL196 from age 17?
From age 17, a valid DL196 and the correct provisional entitlement normally allow you to ride a learner motorcycle of up to 125cc and 11kW.
The motorcycle must fall within the permitted learner category. You must remain within all provisional licence and CBT restrictions until you pass the appropriate full test.
A DL196 does not give you a full motorcycle licence. It validates your provisional entitlement so that you can gain experience and undertake further training on the road.
The official source is the GOV.UK and DVSA guide How CBT training works, which states that completing CBT allows eligible learners to ride a moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW with the required learner plates.
What restrictions apply while riding with a DL196?
You must follow learner rider restrictions whenever you are relying on a DL196 and provisional motorcycle entitlement.
You must:
- Display a legal L plate at the front and rear of the motorcycle
- Use L plates or D plates in Wales
- Ride only a motorcycle permitted by your age and entitlement
- Carry your learner status until you pass the appropriate full test
You must not:
- Carry a pillion passenger
- Ride on a motorway
- Ride a motorcycle outside your provisional entitlement
The plate requirements are explained in the GOV.UK guide Using L and P plates. The motorway restriction appears in Rule 253 of the GOV.UK Highway Code motorway rules.
Does a DL196 let you carry a passenger?
No, a learner riding under provisional entitlement and a DL196 must not carry a pillion passenger.
Carrying a passenger changes the weight, balance, acceleration and braking of a motorcycle. Pillion carrying is generally permitted only once you hold the appropriate full motorcycle licence and the motorcycle is properly equipped and insured for a passenger.
The learner restriction is set out in the GOV.UK Highway Code guidance Annex 2: Motorcycle licence requirements.
Can you ride on a motorway with a DL196?
No, holders of provisional motorcycle licences must not ride on motorways.
This restriction continues even if you have completed CBT, have substantial riding experience or are accompanied by an instructor.
You can ride a suitable motorcycle on a motorway only after obtaining the appropriate full motorcycle licence, subject to the motorcycle itself being permitted on motorways.
The official source is Rule 253 of the GOV.UK Highway Code motorway rules.
Do you need to carry the DL196 while riding?
You should keep your DL196 safe and readily available because it is evidence that you have completed CBT.
You may need it when:
- Taking motorcycle training
- Attending a motorcycle practical test
- Confirming your learner entitlement
- Dealing with the police, an insurer or another authorised organisation
If it is lost or stolen, contact the approved training body that issued it. GOV.UK states that the training school can issue a replacement and may charge up to the permitted replacement fee.
The official source is the GOV.UK guide Replace a lost or stolen motorcycle CBT certificate.
How does the DL196 fit into the route to a full motorcycle licence?
The DL196 allows you to practise as a learner while working towards the theory test and the two practical motorcycle tests.
The usual route is:
- Obtain the correct provisional motorcycle entitlement
- Complete CBT and receive a DL196
- Pass the motorcycle theory test
- Pass the module 1 off-road practical test
- Pass the module 2 on-road practical test
You must pass the theory test before taking the practical motorcycle tests. You must also pass module 1 before taking module 2.
The official sources are the GOV.UK guides Theory test for motorcycles and mopeds and Motorcycle and moped tests.
The category of full licence you can obtain depends on factors including your age, the motorcycle used for the tests and whether you are following direct or progressive access.
Should you wait until the DL196 is close to expiring?
No, it is usually better to plan further training and your tests well before the DL196 expiry date.
Waiting until the final weeks can create problems if:
- You need more training than expected
- You have not passed the motorcycle theory test
- Suitable DVSA test appointments are unavailable
- A test is cancelled or you need to retake a module
- Your DL196 expires before you complete the process
Our full motorcycle licence training can help you prepare for the appropriate licence category, including module 1 and module 2.
How can you arrange CBT or full licence training?
You can arrange CBT or full licence training with Universal Motorcycle Training at one of our London or South East training centres.
Book your CBT course, explore our full motorcycle licence training or contact Universal Motorcycle Training for guidance on your next step.
Train with Universal Motorcycle Training and build the skills needed to progress safely from CBT to a full motorcycle licence.
Ready to book? Find your nearest training centre across London and Hertfordshire.
Frequently asked questions
Is a DL196 the same as a motorcycle licence?
No. A DL196 confirms that you have completed CBT and validates the relevant provisional entitlement. It does not give you a full motorcycle licence.
Can you fail CBT and be refused a DL196?
CBT is not a conventional pass or fail test, but an instructor cannot issue a DL196 until you successfully complete every element and demonstrate the required level of safety.
How long does a CBT certificate last?
A standard DL196 used by a learner motorcyclist normally lasts for two years from the date of issue. Limited exceptions apply where it validates full moped entitlement through a qualifying car licence.
Can you ride a 125cc motorcycle immediately after CBT?
From age 17, you can normally ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW if you hold the correct provisional entitlement, have a valid DL196 and comply with all learner restrictions.
Can a 16-year-old ride a 125cc motorcycle after CBT?
No. At age 16, CBT normally allows an eligible learner to ride a qualifying moped. The minimum age for riding a learner motorcycle of up to 125cc is 17.
Can you carry a pillion passenger with a CBT certificate?
No. A learner relying on provisional motorcycle entitlement and a DL196 must not carry a pillion passenger.
Can you ride on dual carriageways after CBT?
Yes, an eligible learner can ride on dual carriageways unless another restriction applies. Dual carriageways are not motorways, but you should take suitable training before using faster roads.
Do you need another CBT after passing the full motorcycle test?
No. Once you have passed the appropriate full motorcycle test, you do not need CBT to ride motorcycles covered by that full licence entitlement.