Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Yes there are. If you want to ride a moped up to 50cc and have already passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001, then it isn’t necessary to do the course. Also, if you passed a moped test since 1 December 1990 then you’re allowed to ride a motorcycle, as well as if you have a full motorcycle licence but want to upgrade your current category. Finally, if you live and ride on a select number of offshore islands or want to ride a trail e-scooter, then you’ll be exempt.

As it is a course, it’s an opportunity to improve your skills and learn from an experienced and qualified trainer. Therefore it is not a pass or fail scenario which can be a common misunderstanding. Instead, you need to complete the five elements as part of the course to gain the certificate.

Booking a course is easy and can be done directly with a motorcycle training school such as ACE Motorcycles.

The earlier the better as CBT courses are popular and there are only a select amount of spaces available. It’s best to get one booked as soon as you’ve decided to get a licence.

Depending on your circumstances will determine how much time it will take to obtain your full licence. This is completed in four stages including completing compulsory basic training (CBT), passing a theory test and also passing both Module 1 and Module 2 practical riding tests. If you have a set time in mind for when you want to gain your full licence, it’s important to book in training courses, practice sessions and test dates as soon as possible to avoid disappointment if dates and slots are booked up in advance. It’s estimated that the complete process can take several months.

Depending on where you do the training and if you bring your own motorcycle or moped, will determine the price set by the training school.

In this instance, it’s a requirement to complete a D91 form from the government to get a UK counterpart licence number.

In the UK, drivers must be at least 24 years old to get an unrestricted Category A licence. However there are opportunities for those younger than 24 to get the licence, such as completing a progressive access route, but with certain restrictions in place.

Once you have completed the course you’ll be able to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a limit of 11Kw of power if you’re aged 17 and over. If you’re 16 years old then you can only ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 50cc, at a limit of 28Mph. You must however display L plates at all ages.

You need to be aged 16 or over to get a licence.

There are several elements to the course such as learning the basics of handling a motorcycle and its controls. How to ride safely with braking, observations, clutch control, manoeuvres and gear changing, in a controlled environment off-road. You’ll learn road riding theory and practical road riding through a variety of environments led by your instructor.

This mandatory step for obtaining your full licence includes a theory test assessing your knowledge of safe riding practices, traffic laws and road signs.

To legally drive a moped or motorcycle on the road you’ll need to carry out a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before you’re allowed to drive. It ensures that you can ride independently and safely.