CBT learner riders

Before you buy your scooter or bike

THINK! do I need to take compulsory basic training?

Compulsory basic training (CBT) is a course you usually have to take before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road.

The training makes sure you can ride safely on your own while you practice for your full moped or motorcycle test.

CBT is not a test that you pass or fail.

After you’ve completed CBT, you can ride a:

moped if you’re 16 or over
motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you’re 17 or over

You must use L plates (L or D plates in Wales).

You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT again or stop riding.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT certificate.

You do not have to take CBT if you:

want to ride a moped (up to 50cc) and you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001
want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped license from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990
have a full motorcycle license for one category and want to upgrade to another