My AccountIf you want to ride a 125cc bike or scooter, then first you’ll have to pass your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
In this post we’ll explain what to expect from your CBT course, including how much you should expect to pay based on prices when this article was written.
What is a CBT Course?
The CBT course will teach you to ride safely on the road on your own, which will allow you to practise for your full moped or motorcycle test.
Can You Fail a CBT Course?
The CBT is not a test that you can pass or fail. It’s compulsory training that all moped and motorcycle riders must pass before they can start riding, no matter what sort of vehicle you ultimately intend to ride.
What Bike Can I Ride With a CBT?
Once you complete your CBT, you can ride a moped if you’re aged 16 or over. Or you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW if you’re 17 or over.
In either case, you must use L plates (or D plates in Wales), and you have to take your full moped or motorcycle test within two years of completing the CBT. If you don’t, you’ll either have to take the CBT again, or stop riding.
What Does the CBT Involve?
The CBT course will cover many on-road and off-road topics. This might include:
- Eyesight checks.
- Equipment and maintenance checks.
- Tips on keeping your ride in a roadworthy condition.
- Guidance on using your vehicle – including taking it on and off its stand, starting it, and coming to a stop.
- On-site and on-road riding, including gear changes, manoeuvres, and emergency stops.
How Much is a CBT Test For 125cc?
The price will vary depending on which riding school you attend. It might cost you as little as £90, or as much as £170.
Generally speaking, you’ll pay slightly less if you can bring your own motorbike or moped. However, you cannot ride your own vehicle to the course unless you have a valid CBT certificate, for example, if you’re taking a CBT again before your current certificate expires. You would have to arrange for your motorcycle or moped to be delivered to the school for you and ensure it is insured and road legal for the training. You should make sure your insurer is aware you will be using the bike for the test.
What To Bring To Your CBT Course
First, check whether the riding school provides vehicles and equipment. If not, as well as providing your own ride, you’ll have to bring:
- A helmet that meets British safety standards. If you’re a Sikh and you wear a turban, you do not need to wear a helmet.
- Sturdy footwear that offers ankle support and protection.
- Jacket and trousers in denim, leather, or other heavy duty materials.
- Motorcycle gloves.
If you’ve already got a UK driving licence, you should also bring this to the course.
You’ll be expected to have knowledge of The Highway Code and traffic signs, along with the main rules that apply to moped and motorcycle riders. If the trainers think you lack this basic knowledge, they may stop the training, and you may have to pay again to retake the course.
If you’re completely new to riding, or you need a refresher, you can buy the official DVSA guidance to help you prepare.
What Happens If You Don’t Take A CBT Course?
If you’re caught riding without a valid CBT certificate, you could get fined up to £1,000 and get up to six penalty points on your licence.
As we mentioned above, these penalties will also apply if you’re riding your own vehicle to the school before you get a valid CBT.
Is Anyone Exempt From the CBT Course?
There are some scenarios where you might not have to take a CBT course:
- You want to ride a moped (up to 50cc) and you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001.
- You want to ride a motorcycle, and you have a full moped licence having passed a moped test since 1 December 1990.
- You already have a full motorcycle licence valid for riding one category of vehicle, and you’re looking to upgrade to another category.
- You live on a certain offshore island. CBT courses are still necessary to ride on the Isle of Wight, mainland Orkney, mainland Shetland, and other offshore islands. But unless your island is listed on this Government page, you may not need to take a CBT course.
- You want to ride a trial e-scooter. You can read the full government guidance on e-scooter trials here.
Choosing The Right CBT Course
Don’t just choose the cheapest course. Getting the right training is much more important than saving money.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a CBT course:
- Make sure the school is authorised to provide Compulsory Basic Training. This will ensure that the training covers everything you need to know, and that you’ll get an authentic certificate at the end. You can look up Government-approved CBT courses in your area here.
- Do your research. What equipment does the school provide, and what equipment will you have to bring yourself?
- As we mentioned above, you can save money on your CBT course if you bring your own vehicle. However, if you don’t currently have a valid CBT certificate, you won’t be able to ride your own vehicle to the school. So think about the school’s location, along with any necessary arrangements you may have to make.
- You can also research the school itself. Look for reviews and testimonials which might provide insights into the pace and standard of teaching, and the quality of the trainers.
Don’t Forget Your Motorcycle Insurance!
Once you get your CBD certificate, you’ll need adequate motorcycle or moped insurance before you can legally ride on UK roads.
Find the perfect motorbike insurance for you in a matter of minutes. Get a Quote now and gear up for the road ahead!