What is a CBT and who needs one?
The CBT is a mandatory course for anyone who wishes to ride a motorcycle or moped on public roads, unless they already hold a full motorcycle licence. It is training, not a test: its job is to make sure you have the basic skills to ride safely on your own while you practise for your full test.
You need a CBT if you want to ride:
- a moped up to 50cc, from the age of 16
- a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW, from the age of 17
One exception: if you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you can ride a moped without a CBT. You still need one for a 125cc.
What happens on a CBT day?
Every CBT in the UK follows the same five parts, in this order. You move on to the next part only when your instructor is happy with the one before.
- Introduction and eyesight check. You read a number plate from 20 metres, and your instructor explains the aims of the day, the law, and the clothing and helmet you need.
- On-site training. Getting to know the motorcycle: the controls, basic safety checks, using the stand, wheeling the bike, and starting and stopping the engine.
- On-site riding. Riding off-road: moving off and stopping, riding slowly under control, a figure of eight, using the brakes, changing gear, a U-turn, an emergency stop, and rear observation.
- On-road training. A classroom briefing covering road positioning, speed, following distances, weather, hazards, and the Highway Code.
- On-road riding. At least 2 hours on real roads with your instructor in radio contact, covering junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, gradients and bends.
At Edinburgh Motorcycle Training parts 2 and 3 happen on our off-road yard at Straiton, which is free from traffic and obstacles, and on the large open area at Straiton Park and Ride.
How long does a CBT take?
The course should be completed within one day. How long that day is depends on you, not the clock.
At Edinburgh Motorcycle Training a total of 12 hours is included in the price of the CBT. That allows an additional session if you need one to complete the course, as directed by your instructor. Any subsequent training must be completed within 28 days of the original course.
How much does a CBT cost in Edinburgh?
| Course | Price |
|---|---|
| CBT, weekdays | £195 |
| CBT, weekends and bank holidays | £210 |
| CBT renewal | £175 |
| Introduction to Motorcycling (required first for novices) | £55 |
Those are Edinburgh Motorcycle Training's prices. They include the motorcycle or scooter and a helmet if you need one. There are a maximum of 2 students per instructor.
Do I need any experience before a CBT?
With us, yes, a little. Novice riders with no experience must complete an Introduction to Motorcycling (ITM) before a CBT. It is a 1.5 hour session for £55 that gets you comfortable with balance and the basic controls. Riders who arrive at their CBT having already done that are far more likely to finish in a day.
What do I need to bring to a CBT?
- Your valid UK driving licence, provisional or full. Without it the session cannot go ahead.
- Sturdy trousers such as jeans or motorcycle trousers. No shorts.
- A thick jacket, ideally a motorcycle jacket.
- Sturdy gloves. No thin or fingerless gloves.
- Strong footwear that covers the ankle. No trainers or sandals.
- Your own helmet if you have one. If not, we can provide one.
You must also have a good working knowledge of English to undergo training. If you are unsure, call us on 01721 728398 first.
What can I ride after my CBT?
With a CBT certificate (the DL196) you can ride a moped at 16, or a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW at 17, on public roads. You must display L-plates, you cannot carry a passenger and you cannot use motorways.
If you complete your CBT on an automatic machine you are restricted to automatic motorcycles and scooters until you are trained and assessed as competent on a manual motorcycle by an authorised CBT instructor. Our 3 hour gear conversion course covers that.
How long does a CBT last, and what next?
The certificate lasts 2 years. Before it runs out you either pass your full motorcycle test or take a CBT renewal (£175).
If you would like more practice before riding alone, the Confidence Riding Course is 3 hours of guided road riding. When you are ready for a full licence, read our guide to Direct Access.
Where is the CBT held?
Edinburgh Motorcycle Training, 15 Clippens Yard, Straiton, EH20 9NS. The yard is 5 minutes from the A720 Edinburgh bypass, opposite Straiton retail park, with parking. See distances and directions from Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Borders and Fife.
Official guidance: CBT motorcycle and moped training on GOV.UK.