Beginners Guide to CBT Training and Motorcycle Tests

We receive so many calls from people who are new to biking that we have created this section to answer many of the most frequently asked questions. We hope that everything you need to know is covered, if we can help with any further information and availability of courses, please feel free to contact us on 020 8326 3366 or email:

Minimum Requirements

A valid UK driving licence is required for taking CBT TRAINING and MOTORCYCLE TESTS. This can either be a FULL CAR Licence, or a PROVISIONAL licence. Application forms are available at most Post Offices. FOREIGN LICENCE holders may ride in this country, subject to their entitlement, but CANNOT TAKE CBT TRAINING or PRACTICAL TESTS.

Age Limits

At the minimum age of 16, riders are restricted to a MOPED, which is NO MORE THAN 50cc and NO FASTER THAN 50kph (31mph).

At 17, riders can upgrade to a machine that is NO LARGER THAN 125cc and has a MAXIMUM POWER of 11KW (14.6bhp). 17 year olds can also take the A2 PRACTICAL TEST for a FULL LICENCE.

21 year olds are able to take the DIRECT ACCESS TEST.

Tests

The Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course is not a test, it is a one-day course of training designed for students to reach a safe and competent level of riding on the road.

The Written Theory Test needs to be passed BEFORE taking a PRACTICAL TEST. This must be taken at a DSA test centre (see DSA link on this site).

A2 PRACTICAL TEST. This is taken on a 125cc machine of not more than 14.6bhp and capable of AT LEAST 100kph.

DIRECT ACCESS (DAS). Riders MUST BE OVER 21 and take the test on a machine of AT LEAST 35KW (we use Honda CB500's).

Training

We train 7 days a week at our fully equipped classroom and off road site in West London. All courses are DSA approved and run by licenced Instructors.

Costs

All our course costs are shown in the relevant sections of this website. However, we do occasionally tailor courses to suit individual or group requests. If you are looking for something that is not listed on our site, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

So you want to ride a moped?

If you hold a provisional moped licence you will need to:

Complete CBT

Remember - CBT certificates only last for 2 years.
You can now ride a moped on the road while displaying L-plates.
You may not ride on motorways or carry a pillion passenger.

Pass the theory test

Remember - Theory Test pass certificates only last for 2 years.

Pass the moped practical test

You can discard your L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.

If you hold a full car licence and passed your test before 1 February 2001 you can:

Ride without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.

If you hold a full car licence but passed your test on or after 1 February 2001 you will need to:

Complete CBT

Your CBT certificate will last for the life of your driving licence.
You can ride without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.

If you hold a full motorcycle licence you can:

Ride a moped without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.

So you want to ride a motorcycle

If you hold a full moped licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement you will need to:

If you hold a provisional motorcycle licence or a full car licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement you will need to:

Complete CBT - however, this is not required if you passed a moped test after 1 December 1990 or are upgrading from one motorcycle category to a higher category (ie category A1 to category A).
Remember - CBT certificates only last for 2 years.

You can now ride a learner motorcycle (up to 125cc and power output not exceeding 11kW) on the road while displaying L-plates. You may not ride on motorways or carry a pillion passenger.

If you are over 21 years of age you may practice for the practical test on a large motorcycle provided you are accompanied AT ALL TIMES by an authorised Direct Access instructor who is riding another motorcycle and is in radio contact. You must wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

Pass the theory test - however this is not required if you have already passed a 2-part moped test or a 2-part test for a lower category of motorcycle.
Remember - theory test pass certificates only last for 2 years.

Pass the motorcycle practical test

If you pass the practical test on a category A1 'light motorcycle' (75cc to 125cc and a maximum design speed of less than 100kmh) you can discard your L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.
Remember - you can only ride machines up to 125cc with a power output not exceeding 11kW.

If you pass the practical test on a category A 'standard motorcycle' (121cc to 125cc and capable of 100kmh) you can discard your L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.
Remember - for two years you are restricted to motorcycles up to 25kW with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. After two years you can ride any machine.

If you pass the practical test on a category A 'large motorcycle' (power output at least 35kW) you can discard your L-plates, carry a pillion passenger and ride any motorcycle

Flowcharts Copyright Department for Transport, Nov 2004. Reproduced from leaflet "Mopeds and motorcycles: routes to your licence" under core licence C02W0005674