CBT FAQs
When and where?
We run the CBT course seven days a week at our training centres, all through the year. We have two locations for CBT, one at Wembley and one at Wimbledon. To view maps, please go to the locations page
What do I need to bring?
Whatever the weather, you must wear the correct clothing as failure to bring the right gear will result in no training. You need to wear a strong jacket, long trousers (jeans are fine), sturdy footwear (strong shoes or boots) and gloves. Waterproof clothing is strongly recommended as well if it looks like it might rain, as your course will continue whether it rains or not.
If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses you will need to bring them as you will need to read a registration plate at a minimum distance of 66 feet (20 metres).
If you have booked to use one of our motorcycles or mopeds then we will supply you with a motorcycle safety helmet.
You will need to bring with you your UK licence. If you have a photocard licence, you will also need to bring with you the counter part licence (D740) too.
Do I need to take CBT?
All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a CBT course before riding on the road. Also, with effect from 1 February 2001, all new car drivers wishing to validate the full moped entitlement granted with a full UK car licence, must complete a CBT course.
If you have a full UK car licence issued before February 2001, you may ride a 50cc moped without doing CBT. It would be very wise to complete CBT in any event because you will be that much safer on the road. If you want to ride up to a 125cc you must complete CBT.
How do I book?
You need to book in advance and generally you need to allow three days in advance for weekdays and one to two weeks for weekend bookings. Full payment is needed to secure the place and we take most major credit and debit cards, also cash.
To make a booking, or to check availability, call us now on 0871 52 000 52. Please have your licence to hand as we may need to check your entitlement.
What licence do I need?
You need to be in possession of one of the following licences to take part in a training course.
- a full UK car licence
- a provisional UK car licence with valid provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category A) or provisional moped entitlement (Category P) if you only want to ride a moped
- an EU licence with valid UK counterpart (D58/2) showing provisional motorcycle entitlement (under additional UK provisional entitlement)
If you do not hold any licence, licence applications forms can be collected from larger Post Offices (form D1) or ordered by visiting the following page of the Directgov site here
If you hold an EU licence but do not have a UK counterpart (D58/2) showing provisional motorcycle entitlement (under additional UK provisional entitlement), then you will need to phone the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and ask them for a D9 form, or alternatively you can download an application form here (350kb) (PDF opens in new window).
If your licence is from outside the EU and you are able to swap it to a UK licence then you will need form D1. For a list of countries which are able to convert their licences to a UK one, please visit the following page on the Directgov website.
For all fee information and a wealth of other licensing information, visit the following page on the Directgov website or contact the DVLA via telephone on 0300 790 6801.
Do I need to prepare?
You will need to have a good understanding of The Highway Code to have the best chance of getting through your CBT first time. You will also need to have ridden a bicycle or anything with two wheels recently.
Does everyone get through first time?
Most people (approximately 85 - 90%) do get through the CBT course at the first attempt, but not everyone does. If you are unsuccessful, the course will finish at the point where we feel it will be more beneficial for you, the trainee, to come back on another day for further practise.
What do you mean by “Guaranteed Training Scheme”?
Most people do complete the CBT course successfully first time. However, everyone learns new skills differently. If, in the event that we cannot get you through your CBT on your first attempt, we will give you a further two attempts at it where you would pay a reduced rate.
How long does the certificate last for?
All new CBT certificates issued after 1st February 2001 validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement last for two years.
All certificates issued before this date have expired.
You will have to retake CBT if both a motorcycle theory and practical test are not passed within the two year certificate life if you want to keep on riding.
A DL196 (CBT) certificate validating full moped (a 50cc motorcycle with a top speed of 31 m.p.h.) entitlement on a full UK car licence is not subject to expiry.
What does CBT allow me to ride?
Full UK Car licence holders.
On a full UK car licence, a CBT certificate (DL196) allows you to ride a motorcycle up to a maximum of 125cc, either automatic or manual, with a power output of no greater than 14.6 b.h.p. (11 kW). You have to display L-plates and you may not take passengers. You are not allowed to ride on motorways.
However, if you only want to ride a 50cc moped and you gained your full car licence before February 2001, you do not need to complete CBT, but it would be very worthwhile doing so. You will be a lot safer on the road. You may carry passengers and you do not need to display L-plates. A moped is defined as a motorcycle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 31 m.p.h. and with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc.
If you want to ride a moped and gained a full car licence after February 2001 you may not ride on the road until you have obtained a CBT certificate.
Provisional UK licence holders.
On a provisional UK car licence, a CBT certificate (DL196) allows you to ride a motorcycle up to a maximum of 125cc, either automatic or manual, with a power output of no greater than 14.6 b.h.p. (11 kW), providing you have valid provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category A) on your licence. You have to display L-plates and you may not take passengers. You are not allowed to ride on motorways.
If you do not have provisional motorcycle entitlement on your licence and only have provisional moped entitlement (Category P) then you may only ride a moped once you have completed CBT. A moped is defined as a motorcycle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 31 m.p.h. and with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc.
To tell if you have provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category A) and you have the photocard licence, turn over the photocard and it will list all the provisional categories you have on the back of it (provisional licence holders only).
At age 16, you will only have provisional moped entitlement.
If you have the old style paper provisional licence, your Category A most probably has expired and you will need to renew it.
If you are not sure about your licence and require further information, please call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
Do I need to pass a motorcycle theory test for CBT?
No. CBT is a basic training course, but you will need to display a good understanding of the Highway Code when you come along for the course.
What is your cancellation policy?
For CBT courses, we require one weeks' notice to change dates or cancel. Failure to attend, lateness, or failure to give sufficient notice will result in the monies being forfeit.