CBT
16+One day
Ride a moped at 16, or up to a 125cc (11kW) motorcycle or scooter at 17, on L plates for two years.
- Provisional or full UK licence
- Boots that cover the ankle, sturdy jeans
- Your own motorcycle gloves
CBT training in Dagenham
Compulsory Basic Training is the one-day course you need before you ride a moped or motorbike on the road. Get your certificate and you can ride up to 125cc on L plates.
Included in your CBT
- A training bike and fuel, manual or automatic
- An approved helmet and jacket to borrow
- No more than two learners per instructor on the road
- A radio earpiece so your instructor can talk you through the ride
- Your CBT certificate (DL196) at the end of the day
The five parts of the day
The DVSA sets the syllabus. You do the parts in order, and you only move on when your instructor is happy with the one before.
- 1
Introduction and eyesight check
We check your licence and go through the day. Then you read a number plate from 20.5 metres. You can wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
- 2
Bike controls and safety checks
Your instructor shows you how the bike works: the controls, the checks to do before every ride, and how to use the stand and wheel the bike around.
- 3
Riding on the training area
You ride on the practice ground away from traffic. Moving off and stopping, slow control, turning, braking, and looking behind before you move. On a geared bike you also learn clutch control and changing gear.
- 4
Road riding theory
Before you go out, you talk through riding on real roads: the Highway Code, being seen, road position, hazards and junctions. Your instructor will ask you questions.
- 5
Riding on the road
At least two hours on the roads around Dagenham, with your instructor giving directions through the earpiece. This part is only finished when your instructor is happy you can ride safely on your own.
What you need to take a CBT
Check you have all six before you book.
- 01
A valid licence
A UK photocard provisional or full driving licence, or a passport with a paper licence. Photos and photocopies aren’t accepted.
- 02
Good eyesight
You need to read a number plate from 20.5 metres, with glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- 03
The Highway Code
Read it before you come. You’ll be asked about it during the road theory part.
- 04
English
You need to understand your instructor’s directions, in person and through the radio.
- 05
Bicycle skills
It helps a lot if you can already ride a bicycle confidently.
- 06
The right clothing
Boots over the ankle, sturdy jeans and motorcycle gloves. See the full kit list below.
What you can ride afterwards
Your CBT certificate lasts two years. During that time you ride on L plates, with no passengers and no motorways.
To keep riding after two years, pass your full test or take the CBT again. When you’re ready, our A1, A2 and Category A courses take you through it.
| Your age | You can ride |
|---|---|
| 16 | A moped up to 50cc, with a top speed of 28mph (45km/h) |
| 17+ | A motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc, with power up to 11kW |
Before you come
A little preparation makes the day easier, especially the road theory part.
Free online preparation course
A short course covering the Highway Code and riding safely in town. Log in as a guest to start.
Read the Highway Code
Free on GOV.UK. Focus on road signs, junctions and the rules for motorcyclists.
Your kit
Bring with you
- Your photocard driving licence, or passport with paper licence. Photos or copies aren’t accepted.
- CE-approved motorcycle gloves. We sell them if you need a pair, subject to stock.
- Boots that cover the ankle, ideally leather and lace-up.
- Sturdy jeans without rips, or work trousers.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read a number plate at 20.5 metres.
We provide
- An ECE-approved helmet and a CE-approved jacket. You’re welcome to bring your own.
- A training bike, manual or automatic, with fuel.
Not allowed
- Trainers
- Joggers or leggings
- Wellington boots
- Shoes that leave the ankle bare
If your licence or kit isn’t right on the day, we can’t train you and the course fee is lost.
Choose your course
Not sure which? New riders book the full-day CBT. If you’ve never sat on a bike, the two-hour introduction is a gentle start.
CBT renewal
16+Four hours
Renew a CBT certificate that is about to run out, on your own bike.
- A valid CBT certificate
- Your own bike with tax, insurance and MOT
- Recent riding. If you haven’t ridden much since your last CBT, book the full day.
Introduction to motorcycling
16+Two hours
Two hours on a bike before you commit to a CBT, for people who have never ridden.
- No experience needed
- If no dates show online, call us to book
Is the CBT a test? Can I fail?+
No. CBT is training, not a test. Your instructor only gives you the certificate once you’ve shown you can ride safely on your own. If you need more time, your instructor will tell you what to work on.
How long does the CBT take?+
It’s a full day. Some riders pick it up quickly and some need longer, which is normal. The CBT renewal is four hours and the Introduction to Motorcycling is two.
How old do I need to be?+
16 to ride a moped, and 17 to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc.
How long does a CBT certificate last?+
Two years. You need to pass your full moped or motorcycle test within that time, or take the CBT again.
Can I carry a passenger or use motorways?+
No. On a CBT you must display L plates, and you can’t carry a pillion passenger or ride on motorways.
If I do my CBT on an automatic, can I ride a geared bike?+
Legally yes, a CBT covers both. We strongly suggest some training on a geared bike first if you haven’t ridden one before.
Can I use my own bike?+
Yes. It must be road legal and you need to show proof of insurance, road tax, an MOT if it needs one, and a valid CBT certificate if it’s a renewal. If the bike isn’t legal or suitable on the day, we can’t train you and the fee isn’t refunded. Using your own bike doesn’t reduce the price.
What if I need to cancel or change my date?+
Give us at least 7 days’ notice. Cancellations with 7 days’ notice are refunded minus a 10% admin charge, and booking fees aren’t refundable. The full rules are in our terms and conditions.
Book your CBT
Pick a date and pay online, or call us and we’ll book it for you. Full licence courses are booked by phone.
Where we train
All courses start at Barking Rugby Union Club in Dagenham, just off the A13. On-road riding takes place on the roads around the club.
Gale Street, Goresbrook
Dagenham, Essex RM9 4TX