10 Things to Know Before Your CBT: Pass First Time (UK Guide)

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the first step for almost every new rider in the UK. Whether you want a 50cc scooter for the commute or you’re starting out on the road to a full A licence, the CBT is where it begins. It’s a friendly, practical day, but it’s much easier if you know what to expect before you arrive.

Below are the ten things new riders ask about most before their CBT, with honest answers from people who have been through it.

1. Check you’re eligible and bring your licence

To take CBT you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Hold a provisional licence with motorcycle entitlement, or a full car licence (Category B)
• Bring your photocard licence on the day. Without it, the school cannot legally train you.

You’ll also have a quick eyesight check at the start. You must read a new-style number plate from 20 metres away. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them for the whole course.

Remember: If you fail the eyesight check, the training stops there. Get your eyes tested beforehand if you’re unsure.

2. Learn the Highway Code before you arrive

This is the one piece of homework we’d insist on. Your instructor will talk through the Highway Code, road signs and rider safety during the day. Learners who already know the basics find the on-road ride far less stressful.

It isn’t only about impressing your instructor. On the road you’re one of the most vulnerable users there is, so you need to know junction priorities, road markings and speed limits before you ride out.

Focus on:

• Road signs and markings, especially at junctions and roundabouts
• Speed limits for different road types
• Rules for motorcyclists (Highway Code rules 83–88)
• Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders

Tip: Start revising for your motorcycle theory test now. You’ll need it before Mod 1 and Mod 2 anyway, and the same knowledge makes your CBT much easier.

3. Can you use your own motorcycle?

Sometimes, but it isn’t straightforward. Three things to think about:

1. Ask your training school. Some allow personal bikes and some don’t.
2. Transport. Without a CBT certificate you can’t legally ride it to the training site, so you’d need a van or trailer.
3. Insurance. Your insurer must cover you for training use. Call them and confirm before the day.

For most people, using the school’s bike is simply easier. The bikes are road-legal, insured, and well suited to learners.

4. What should you wear?

Legally, the minimum is a motorcycle helmet. In practice, turn up in proper protective gear:

If you already own kit, tell the school so they can check it’s suitable. If you don’t, ask what they can lend and whether they have it in your size.

5. Should you take lessons before your CBT?

Generally, no. CBT is the introductory training, and it’s built for people who have never sat on a motorcycle. It covers everything from the controls and balance to your first ride on the road.

Extra lessons make more sense after CBT. If you finish the day feeling unsure about junctions, roundabouts or slow riding, book a few extra hours with your school. Most riders take further training before their Mod 1 and Mod 2 in any case.

6. Can you fail a CBT?

Strictly, no. It’s training, not a test. You must, however, show your instructor that you’re safe and competent before they issue your certificate (the DL196).

If they have concerns, a good school won’t just send you away. They’ll invite you back for more training until you’re ready. Nobody gets a black mark for needing a bit longer.

For a closer look at the day itself, read our guide: How Easy Is It to Pass a CBT? What Really Happens on the Day.

7. What can you ride once you’ve passed?

That depends on your age:

Whatever your age, on a CBT certificate you must:

• Display L plates (or D plates in Wales)
• Not carry passengers
• Not ride on motorways

Your certificate lasts two years. To keep riding after that, pass your full test or take CBT again.

Did you know? CBT is only the first rung. From there you can go on to an A1, A2 or full A licence depending on your age. Our guide to getting your UK motorcycle licence explains each step.

8. How long does CBT take?

Most CBT courses take a full day, usually five to eight hours. The course has five elements:

1. Element A: Introduction and eyesight check
2. Element B: Practical on-site training (bike controls, stands, safety checks)
3. Element C: Practical on-site riding (moving off, stopping, turning, figure-of-eight, emergency stop)
4. Element D: Briefing before going on the road
5. Element E: On-road riding, which lasts at least two hours

Your pace sets the timing. Riders who need longer in elements B and C sometimes come back another day to finish.

9. Automatic or manual?

Choose the type of bike you plan to ride afterwards:

• Scooter riders should train on an automatic twist-and-go. You roll the throttle back and off you go, with no clutch or gears to think about.
• Motorcycle riders should train on a manual. You’ll leave knowing how to use the clutch and gears, which you’ll need for a geared 125cc and later for your full licence.

Learning the clutch at CBT gives you a big head start if you plan to move up to A2 or full A later.

10. You won’t be the only beginner, so relax

CBT is usually run in small groups. An instructor can supervise up to four learners on site and up to two on the road. Everyone there is new, and that often helps: you learn from each other’s mistakes and settle your nerves together.

The most useful advice we can give is to relax and enjoy it. Training schools deliver CBT every day and they’ve seen every stall, wobble and missed gear. It’s your first time riding on the road, so enjoy it.

Tip: Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper breakfast and arrive early. A tired, rushed rider learns more slowly than a calm one.

Prepare for CBT and beyond with our motorcycle app

The most important preparation for CBT is knowing the Highway Code and road signs. That same knowledge gets you through your motorcycle theory test, which you must pass before you can book Mod 1 and Mod 2.

The Motorcycle Theory Test app is built for riders moving on from CBT to an A1, A2 or full A licence. It has:

• All 707 DVSA questions across 15 topics, each with an explanation
• Timed mock tests that work like the real exam
• 46 hazard perception clips to sharpen your observation
• The complete Highway Code to read and search

Our apps cover 5,200+ questions across 8 apps, for car, motorcycle, lorry, bus and coach, driving instructors and more. If you want to see the whole route from here to your full licence, read Motorcycle CBT, Theory and Mod 1/2: The Full UK Path Explained.

You can also try free quizzes here on the site, with no sign-up needed. Good luck with your CBT and enjoy your first ride.