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The Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is not a test but a training course designed to ensure new riders have the basic skills and knowledge to ride safely on the road. Below is the complete process for someone wanting to take the CBT:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before booking a CBT, a rider must meet these basic requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old to ride a 50cc moped or 17+ to ride up to 125cc.

  • Hold a valid UK provisional or full driving licence.

  • Wear appropriate glasses or contact lenses if needed.

Step 2: Attend the CBT Training

The CBT can be a one or two-day course. It consists of five elements, completed in order:

Element A – Introduction

  • Understanding the legal requirements (licences, insurance, and protective gear).

  • Importance of appropriate clothing and safety equipment.

  • Explanation of the day’s structure.

Element B – Practical On-site Training

  • Introduction to the motorcycle controls (throttle, brakes, clutch, etc.).

  • Walking with the bike.

  • Using stands correctly.

Element C – Practical On-site Riding

  • Moving off and stopping under control.

  • Slow control exercises (e.g., U-turns, figure-of-eight).

  • Using gears (for geared bikes).

  • Emergency stops and controlled braking.

  • Observations and rearward checks.

  • Once this element has been completed, if the instructor does not feel you have reached the required standard to progress onto Elements D & E, you will be advised you need to return on another date to receive further Practice riding training.

Element D – Pre-road Briefing

  • The rules of the road (Highway Code).

  • How to position yourself safely in traffic.

  • Understanding road signs, speed limits, and lane discipline.

Element E – Practical On-road Riding

  • At least 2 hours of supervised road riding.

  • Demonstrating safe riding skills (junctions, roundabouts, overtaking).

  • Independent riding while following the instructor’s radio guidance.

Step 3: Receive Your CBT Certificate (DL196)

  • If the instructor is satisfied with the rider’s ability, they issue a CBT certificate.

  • If a rider struggles, they may need extra training before receiving their certificate.

Step 4: What Happens After CBT?

  • Ride legally: Riders can now legally ride a 50cc (if 16) or 125cc (if 17+) with L plates, but:

    • No passengers (no pillion riders).

    • No motorway riding.

  • Valid for 2 years: If not upgraded to a full licence within 2 years, the CBT must be retaken.

A1 Licence (Light Motorcycle)

🔹 Minimum Age: 17 years old
🔹 Bike Restrictions:

  • Up to 125cc

  • Maximum 11 kW (15 bhp)

  • Power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg

  • No restriction period – you're always limited to 125cc
    🔹 Test Requirements:

  1. CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

  2. Motorcycle Theory Test

  3. MOD 1 Test (Off-road manoeuvres)

  4. MOD 2 Test (On-road riding)
    🔹 What You Can Do After Passing:

  • Ride a 125cc bike without L plates

  • Carry a pillion passenger

  • Ride on motorways
    🔹 Limitations:

  • No automatic progression to a bigger bike.

  • If you want a bigger bike, you must retake tests for A2 or full A.

A2 Licence (Restricted Motorcycle)

🔹 Minimum Age: 19 years old
🔹 Bike Restrictions:

  • Up to 35 kW (47 bhp)

  • Power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg

  • Can restrict a more powerful bike (but the original bike must not exceed 70 kW (94 bhp) before restriction)
    🔹 Test Requirements:
    Two ways to get an A2 licence:

  • Direct Route (For riders 19+ with no A1 licence):

    1. CBT

    2. Motorcycle Theory Test

    3. MOD 1 Test

    4. MOD 2 Test

  • Progressive Route (For A1 holders who have had their licence for 2+ years):

    • Take just the MOD 1 and MOD 2 again on an A2-compliant bike.
      🔹 What You Can Do After Passing:

  • Ride a bike up to 35 kW (47 bhp)

  • Ride without L plates

  • Carry a pillion passenger

  • Ride on motorways
    🔹 Limitations:

  • Still not allowed to ride an unrestricted high-powered bike.

  • Must wait two years (or turn 24) to take the full A licence test.

  • Key Differences Between A1 and A2

  • Feature.                                               A1 Licence                   A2 Licence

  • Minimum Age                                    17                                  19

  • Max Power                                         11 kW (15 bhp)             35 kW (47 bhp)

  • Max CC                                              125cc                             No limit (as long as restricted to 35 kW)

  • L Plates Needed?                             ❌ No                           ❌ No

  • Carry Passengers?                            ✅ Yes                          ✅ Yes

  • Ride on Motorways?                        ✅ Yes                          ✅ Yes

  • Auto Upgrade to Next Licence?     ❌ No                          ✅ Yes (After 2 years, can upgrade to full A licence)

1️⃣ Direct Access Route (DAS) – Minimum Age: 24

  • If you are 24 or older, you can go straight for the Category A licence without having to hold an A2 licence first.

  • You'll need to pass:
    ✅ CBT
    ✅ Motorcycle Theory Test
    ✅ MOD 1 Test (Off-road manoeuvres)
    ✅ MOD 2 Test (On-road riding)

Once passed, you can ride any motorcycle, unrestricted, with no L plates.

Single day CBT assessment

The day will start roughly 8:30 am.

You will receive training and instruction on elements A TO C

We will then break for lunch in the office, while on lunch we will go through the practical assessment of Element D.

If you have completed all the other elements within the set standards set by the instructor, you will then do some on road training for a minimum of two hours before return to the training school for analysis, if the instructor is satisfied with your progress during the day you will receive the DL196 CBT Certificate.

​​

Two day CBT assessment

This course is aimed at individuals who have never ridden a motorcycle before and very apprehensive about doing so, all elements will be carried out at a slower pace for you to understand and gain the knowledge, training and confidence you require to feel safe riding on the road.

 

Both days will start roughly 8:30 am.

Over the course of the two days we will work through elements A TO E 

By using two days it will allow you to gain more experience and time to relax with each element.

If the instructor is satisfied with your progress over the two day course you will receive the DL196 CBT Certificate.

​

Key Points About the DL196:

✅ Proof of CBT Completion – It allows you to ride a motorcycle legally within CBT restrictions.
✅ Valid for 2 Years – After 2 years, you must either retake CBT or move on to a full licence.
✅ Required for Further Tests – You need a valid DL196 to take A1, A2, or full A licence tests.
✅ Not a Full Licence – It doesn’t remove L plates, allow pillion passengers, or let you ride on

L Plates
Destroy your L Plates after passing your test
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