Do you need to ride a moped or motorcycle in the UK? Before riding one on the road, be sure to undergo a CBT Test.
A CBT course is a requirement mandated by the GOV.UK to ensure road safety.
After taking the CBT course, you can then take your full moped or motorcycle test and start riding. Of course, there are certain fees you have to pay throughout the process.
The fees and requirements you need to know are all discussed in this quick guide.
In this article, you will learn about the following:
- What Is CBT?
- Where to Book a CBT Test
- How Much Is a CBT Test
- How Much Is a CBT Certificate Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
What Is CBT
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It is a course you have to take before you can officially use a moped or motorcycle on the road.
After completing the CBT training, you will be given a Certificate of Completion valid for two years, or otherwise known as “DL196”.
The course is normally taken to help you practise before taking a moped or motorcycle test, a test that should be passed within two years.
If you do not pass the theory and moped or motorcycle test, you will have to take the CBT course again.
On the contrary, a CBT course is neither a pass nor a fail. You simply need to finish the course and ensure you are equipped with all the knowledge needed when driving a moped or motorcycle.
With a complete CBT course, it allows riders aged 16 years old and above to ride a moped or riders 17 years old and above to ride a motorcycle (up to 125cc with 11kW power output).
Where to Book a CBT Test
You will have to find a licensed motorcycle training school to book a CBT course. Each school has its own course prices and packages, so best to check your desired school for specific fees.
Use the GOV.UK’s Find a motorcycle or moped CBT course tool to locate a school by entering a UK Postcode.
The page shows a list of schools near the postcode, along with the school’s address, Google Maps and Open Street Maps location, website, and contact information.
For instance, if you use the postcode SW1A 2AA, the page shows some of the following schools:
List of 5 Examples of Motorcycle Training Schools
| Motorcycle Training School | Address | Map Links | Website | Contact Information |
| London Motorcycle Training
|
Vauxhall school, Vauxhall Street,
London, SE11 5LG |
Google Maps
|
website
|
office@londonmotorcycletraining.co.uk
Phone: 0207 241 6363 |
| Mungo’s Motorcycle School | Dulwich Hamlet Football Club, Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way,
London, SE22 8BD |
Google Maps
|
website
|
Phone: 07870 682 618 or
02086 931 120 |
| Phoenix Motorcycle Training | Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Ledrington Road,
London, SE19 2BB |
Google Maps
|
website | bookings@teachmetoride.co.uk
Phone: 020 8819 4231 |
| 1 Stop Instruction Roadcraft Ltd
|
Bobby Moore Way, Trott Road,
London, N10 1ST
|
Google Maps
|
website
|
info@1stopinstruction.com
Phone: 0208 597 7333 or 0800 848 8418
|
| Off The Kerb Motorcycle Training | White City Ta Centre, South Africa Road, White City,
London, W12 7RW |
Google Maps
|
website
|
Phone: 0333 355 0210
|
How Much Is a CBT Test
The fees involving a CBT test or training course depend on the motorcycle training school you enrol in.
Each school sets their own prices and packages. Generally, a CBT course to get a certificate would cost between £99 to £250.
If you do not have a valid CBT certificate, you may get a £1,000 fine and up to six penalty points.
Keep in mind there is another set of fees to pay when you take the theory test and the full moped or motorcycle test after obtaining a CBT certificate.
Using the five motorcycle training schools mentioned above as an example, here is a table of quick price comparisons and an overview of the inclusions involved when taking a CBT course and getting a certificate.
Table of CBT Test and Course Price
| Motorcycle Training School | Price | Course Inclusions |
| London Motorcycle Training | £179, £189, or £199 (depending on time, date, and school branch) | ● Motorcycle or Scooter with either manual or automatic gear
● Insurance for both on-site and the on-road elements of the training ● Helmet, Gloves and high visibility vest |
| Mungo’s Motorcycle School | BEGINNERS
● £250 – 1 Day CBT ● £100 – Pre-CBT (2 hours confidence boosting) EXPERIENCED (those with a CBT certificate that is less than 3 weeks expired) ● £150 – 1 Day CBT |
● Free assessment of riding skills
● Selected motorbikes ● Digital Kenwood radios for communication |
| Phoenix Motorcycle Training | £160 (depending on time, date and school branch) | ● A Phoenix Motorcycle Training CBT includes all the essential equipment needed to take the course. |
| 1 Stop Instruction Roadcraft Ltd | ● £99 – Promo CBT
● £199 – Weekday CBT ● £199 – Weekend CBT |
● Bike Hire Included
● Helmet & Glove Hire Included ● Choice of Manual or Automatic Bike |
| Off The Kerb Motorcycle Training | £150 | ● Additional £20.00 for Automatic Scooter
● Alternatively, bring your own bike |
How Much Is a CBT Certificate Replacement
In case you need to replace your lost or stolen motorcycle CBT certificate, the motorcycle training school you enrolled in is usually the one that will replace it for you for a fee of up to £20.
In addition, the police should also be informed of your lost or stolen CBT certificate.
In the event that the school is already closed and you need to replace your CBT certificate, you can send an email to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) via cbt@dvsa.gov.uk and address it to “DVSA CBT team”.
You need to indicate the motorcycle training school name and the address and date you took the course. Moreover, you’ll need to have a debit or credit card to pay the replacement fee of £20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you wear when taking the CBT course?
Riders must wear a motorcycle helmet, boots or sturdy shoes, motorcycle or denim trousers, textile, leather, or heavy denim jacket, and gloves.
What conditions do not need a CBT course?
The following conditions do not require a CBT certificate:
- riding trial e-scooters
- riding a moped (up to 50cc) with a passed car driving test before 1 February 2001
- riding a motorcycle with a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990
- those living and riding in offshore islands
- with a full motorcycle licence (one category) and need to upgrade it
What are the components of a CBT Test?
A test usually involves an introduction, practical on-site training, practical on-site riding, practical on-road training, and practical on-road riding.
Is CBT Test hard to pass?
Since it is neither a pass nor a fail, CBT Tests are generally manageable and you can get a certificate on the day itself.
However, it is the instructor’s duty to make sure you are knowledgeable of the rules and proper handling of a motorcycle on the road.
If the instructor sees that you are unfit to ride a motorcycle, they have the right not to issue a CBT certificate.
Final Thoughts
All tests mandated by the government of the UK are all for the safety of the rider and surrounding people involved.
Don’t try to ride a motorcycle without a valid CBT certificate, or else you will be fined and given penalties if caught. Follow the rules to have a safe ride all the time.
Do you already have a CBT certificate? Share with fellow readers how you got it by writing in the comments section below.
For further reading, don’t forget to check out Winterville’s comprehensive guides on driving and licences.
Read about driving in London, penalties and offences, UK Driving Licence, and best driving schools.
