CBT Motorbike Test 2026: What Happens on the Course

What happens on a CBT course?

Introduction and eyesight check
On-site training
On-site riding
On-road training
On-road riding

You move to the next part when your trainer is happy you’ve learnt the theory and shown the practical skills. On site, a trainer can have up to 4 learners. Complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if the on-road riding is cut short or there are too many learners.

DVSA on GOV.UK: CBT syllabus and guidance notes ↗

Is there a test on a CBT motorbike course?

There’s no written test, but your trainer can stop the course if your knowledge isn’t good enough to ride safely, and you can be charged to take it again. You need to know:

The Highway Code and traffic signs
The main rules for moped and motorcycle riders
What other road users are likely to do

The first part of the course also covers its aims, the right equipment and clothing, and the eyesight rules.

What CBT lets you ride

A moped from 16
A motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW from 17
Always with L plates, or L or D plates in Wales

The certificate lasts 2 years. Pass your full moped or motorcycle test in that time, or take CBT again or stop riding. Riding without a valid certificate can also bring up to 6 penalty points.

All the learner rules →

Who doesn’t need CBT?

Anyone riding a moped up to 50cc who passed their car test before 1 February 2001
Riders with a full moped licence from a moped test passed since 1 December 1990 who want to ride a motorcycle
Anyone with a full motorcycle licence in one category upgrading to another
People who live and ride on some offshore islands
Riders of trial e-scooters

The Isle of Wight, mainland Orkney, mainland Shetland, Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula and any island joined to mainland Great Britain by road still need CBT.

Mopeds on a car licence →

Booking CBT and what to take

Book directly with a motorcycle training school. GOV.UK’s finder lists them by postcode
The school sets the price, which depends on where you train and whether you bring your own bike
Take your UK driving licence. The school may ask you to share your licence details first
Don’t ride your own bike to the course unless you already have a valid CBT certificate

GOV.UK: Find a motorcycle or moped CBT course ↗

What to wear for CBT and the riding tests

You need the same kit for CBT and for module 1 and module 2. On CBT, the course can be stopped and you can be charged again if you don’t wear it:

A motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards, unless you’re a Sikh wearing a turban. Ask whether the school provides one
Motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles
Textile or leather motorcycle trousers, or heavy denim trousers
A textile or leather motorcycle jacket, or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath
Motorcycle gloves

Lost your CBT certificate?

Ask the training school that ran your course for a replacement. It can charge up to £20. If it doesn’t reply or has closed, apply to DVSA for one, also £20. If the course was more than 2 years ago, you take CBT again instead.

GOV.UK: Replace a lost or stolen CBT certificate ↗

Theory test before or after CBT?

Either. GOV.UK says you can take the motorcycle theory test before or after CBT. DVSA has consulted on making first-time riders pass it as part of CBT, or before or after the course, but no decision has been published.

Proposed changes to CBT →

Sources: GOV.UK · DVSA on GOV.UK and 5 more. Checked October 2026.