If you're interested in riding a motorcycle, then you'll need to obtain the right licence for your bike. The CBT course, or Compulsory Basic Training, is the first step. With this licence, you can ride a 125cc motorcycle for up to two years. After that, you need to either renew the licence for another two years or take another test to upgrade your licence. In this article, we'll break down Compulsory Basic Training and everything you need to know about completing the course.
How much does it cost to complete a CBT course?
The cost of a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course varies depending on the training school and location in the UK. On average, the cost of a CBT course ranges from £150 to £200. However, prices may vary depending on the type of motorcycle or scooter being used for training and the duration of the course. Getting your CBT with the Bridge School of Motoring costs £165 a day and most people get their licence in a day.
What are the requirements for CBT?
Before you can take the CBT course, you need to meet a few requirements. Firstly, you must be at least 16 years old to ride a moped or scooter, or 17 years old to ride a motorcycle. You must also have a valid UK provisional licence. Make sure you bring your licence with you on the day of your course, along with suitable clothing and footwear. It's recommended that you wear sturdy, protective clothing like a jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots. You should also wear a helmet that meets British safety standards.
What happens during the CBT test?
The CBT course is not a pass or fail test as such, but rather a course that you need to complete to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter on public roads. The CBT course is designed to teach you the basic skills and knowledge required to ride a motorcycle or scooter safely on the road. During the CBT course, you will typically go through five stages:
1 Introduction
You'll be introduced to the course and given a safety briefing, which covers the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and the risks associated with riding. Our instructors have all been assessed to high standard so you'll be in good hands with our team.
2 Bike Introdcution
You'll get a good look at your motorcycle or scooter and lean where everything is and what it does. The Bridge School of Motoring uses the latest Honda bikes so you'll have access to quality machines.
3. Practical On-Site Training
You'll be given practical training on the motorcycle or scooter on a dedicated, off-road training ground. You will be taught how to perform basic manoeuvres, such as starting, stopping, turning, and changing gears.
4. Practical On-Road Training
Once you've completed the on-site training, you'll be taken out onto public roads, accompanied by a qualified instructor. During this time, you will practice your riding skills on different types of roads and traffic conditions.
5. Final Debrief
At the end of the course, your instructor will give you a debrief on your progress and issue you with a CBT certificate, which allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter on public roads for two years.
The course is designed to ensure that you have the basic knowledge and skills needed to ride a motorcycle or scooter safely on the road. However, if your instructor decides that you are not safe to ride on public roads after the process, they may ask you to come back for further training before issuing your CBT certificate.
What happens after I've passed my CBT?
Once you've completed your CBT course, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc on public roads. However, you must display L-plates on your bike, and you're not allowed to carry a passenger or ride on motorways. Your CBT certificate is valid for two years, after which you'll need to retake the course if you want to continue riding.
If you're 19 years old or older, you can also take an A2 licence, which allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 35kw (47bhp). This licence requires a more extensive training course, which includes both practical and theory components, and takes around three to five days to complete.
If you're 24 years old or older, you can take the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), which allows you to ride any size of motorcycle. This licence requires a more intensive training course, which takes around five to seven days to complete.
Tips for passing the CBT course
Passing your CBT course can be challenging, especially if you've never ridden a motorcycle before. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Get Familiar with the Highway Code: One of the essential components of the CBT course is the theory session. Familiarising yourself with the Highway Code can help you understand the rules and regulations of the road, including road signs, markings, and traffic lights. The more you understand, the more confident you will be when riding on public roads.
- Practice Your Motorcycle or Scooter Control: Before attending the CBT course, try and get some practice on a motorcycle or scooter to familiarise yourself with the basic controls, such as the clutch, brake, and throttle. This can help you feel more comfortable during the practical training sessions and may also save you some time and money.
- Wear the Right Gear: You will be required to wear appropriate protective gear during the CBT course, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots. Make sure you wear gear that fits correctly and is comfortable. Wearing the right gear can help you feel more confident and protect you in case of an accident.
- Listen to Your Instructor: The instructors on the CBT course are there to help you learn and keep you safe. Pay attention to their instructions and ask questions if you're unsure about anything. Remember that the instructors want you to succeed and pass the course.
Once you've passed the CBT, you'll be ready to get started with a bike up to 125cc or progress to a more advanced licence when you're ready. If you have any questions about motorcycle training, you can contact the Bridge Motorcycles team, book online or find out more about the Bridge School of Motoring.
