Bring your original valid driving licence and wear suitable protective clothing: a legal motorcycle helmet, full-finger gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, sturdy trousers such as unripped jeans, and over-the-ankle boots. We can lend you a helmet, gloves and a hi-vis vest on the day. Our CBT course costs £205 and normally takes one full day.
Last reviewed 9 July 2026 by the Universal Motorcycle Training® instructor team.
If you are booking your first CBT, it is normal to feel nervous. Many new riders worry about bringing the right licence, wearing suitable clothing and knowing what will happen on the day.
The first thing to know is simple: CBT is training, not a pass or fail test. It is there to help you build safe basic control, understand the road environment and ride under supervision before you ride on your own. GOV.UK describes CBT as a course you usually need before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road, and confirms it is not a test that you pass or fail.
Our CBT course is £205, and you can read more or book through our CBT course page.
What documents do you need to bring to your CBT?
Your driving licence or provisional licence
Bring your original UK driving licence or provisional licence with you on the day. Do not rely on a photograph, photocopy, screenshot or digital image. Your instructor needs to see the actual licence before training can begin.
Before the day, check that your licence is in date and suitable for the training you have booked. A small licence issue can stop your course from going ahead.
Your eyesight check
At the start of CBT, you will complete an eyesight check. This means reading a vehicle number plate from 20 metres. GOV.UK states that drivers and riders must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses or contact lenses if they use them for driving.
If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, bring them and wear them throughout the riding parts of the course.
What should you wear to your CBT?
Boots that protect your ankles
Wear sturdy over-the-ankle boots. Motorcycle boots are ideal, but strong walking boots may be suitable if they support and protect your ankles. Trainers, sandals, soft shoes and loose footwear are not suitable for motorcycle training.
Good footwear helps you stand securely, use the controls properly and reduce injury risk if you lose balance at low speed.
Trousers with proper coverage
Wear jeans at a minimum, or ideally abrasion-resistant motorcycle trousers. Avoid shorts, tracksuit bottoms, thin leggings, ripped jeans or anything that leaves skin exposed.
Warm layers for your upper body
Wear a thick long-sleeved top with warm layers, or preferably a motorcycle jacket. GOV.UK advises riders attending CBT to wear a motorcycle jacket or heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath, motorcycle gloves, sturdy ankle-supporting footwear, heavy denim or motorcycle trousers, and a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards.
British weather can change quickly. Even on a mild day, wind chill can make you cold once you are moving. Cold, wet riders find it harder to concentrate, so dress for comfort as well as protection.
What equipment can we lend you on the day?
Helmet, gloves and hi-vis
We can lend a helmet, gloves and a hi-vis tabard on the day, subject to fit and availability. If you already own suitable motorcycle kit, bring it with you, as your own equipment will usually feel more comfortable.
If you are borrowing kit, still arrive with suitable clothing underneath, especially boots, trousers and warm layers. A helmet and hi-vis cannot make unsuitable clothing safe.
What happens during your CBT course?
You build up in stages
CBT has five parts: introduction and eyesight check, on-site training, on-site riding, on-road training and on-road riding. GOV.UK explains that you move from one part to the next when your trainer is satisfied that you have learned the theory and shown the practical skills to a safe basic level.
This is why CBT is not about rushing. Some people need more practice with balance, throttle control, braking or road positioning. That is normal.
The road ride lasts at least 2 hours
The final on-road riding element must last at least 2 hours. During this part, you ride on public roads with your instructor supervising and giving directions. You will only go out when your instructor is satisfied that you are ready to continue safely.
When you complete the course to the required standard, you receive a DL196 certificate. GOV.UK describes this as a certificate of completion and explains that you must pass your theory and full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, otherwise you need to complete CBT again or stop riding.
Practical tips for a calmer CBT day
Arrive early
Plan your journey and arrive early. Give yourself time for traffic, public transport delays, parking, finding the entrance, using the toilet and checking in. Rushing makes nerves worse.
Eat before you come
Have something to eat before training. CBT can be a full day, and learning to ride uses more energy than many beginners expect. Bring water and a small snack if needed.
Dress for the British weather
Check the forecast, but do not trust it completely. Bring layers if it is cold, consider a waterproof outer layer if rain is likely, and avoid clothing that becomes heavy, slippery or uncomfortable when wet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fail my CBT?
CBT is not a pass or fail test. You receive your DL196 certificate when your instructor is satisfied that you have completed the training and reached the required safe basic standard. If you need more time, you may be asked to return for further training.
Do I need my own helmet?
No. We can lend a helmet, gloves and a hi-vis tabard. If you have your own suitable motorcycle helmet, you are welcome to bring it.
Can I wear trainers?
No. Wear sturdy over-the-ankle boots. Trainers and soft shoes do not give enough ankle support or protection for motorcycle training.
What happens if it rains?
CBT can still go ahead in normal British weather, so dress properly. If conditions are unsafe, we will manage the situation appropriately.
Book your CBT with Universal Motorcycle Training
Feeling nervous before your first CBT is normal. Bring the right licence, wear sensible protective clothing, eat beforehand and give yourself enough time to arrive calmly. We will guide you through the day step by step.
You can book CBT at £205 across our seven centres: Alperton, Croydon, Dagenham, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon and Hoddesdon. To ask a question before booking, use our contact page and our team will help you choose the right next step.