What does a CBT involve?

A Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course is a mandatory one-day session for new riders in the UK. It teaches you how to ride a motorcycle or moped safely on public roads with L-plates. The course is split into five progressive elements, covering eyesight checks, off-road training and riding, and a minimum of two hours of on-road riding.

What the 5-part CBT day involves:

• Element A – Introduction and eyesight check

  • You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres, discuss suitable riding clothing, and review key parts of the Highway Code.

• Element B – On-site training

  • You’ll learn how the motorcycle works, including basic daily maintenance checks and how to take the bike on and off its stand.

• Element C – On-site riding

  • You’ll practise riding in a safe, off-road area, including braking, U-turns, figure-of-eights, and changing gears.

• Element D – On-road training

  • In a classroom-style session, you’ll cover how to behave on the road, hazard perception, and overall road safety.

• Element E – On-road riding

  • You’ll complete at least two hours of supervised riding on public roads to show you can safely manage traffic, roundabouts, and junctions.