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CBT training

Motorcycle CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

The exciting journey of learning to ride a motorbike starts with booking your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This one-day course teaches you the essentials of motorcycle control and roadcraft. Pass your CBT with us and start the journey towards gaining your full motorcycle licence.

INTRODUCTORY LESSON
(2 HOURS)

If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before or have not ridden for a long time, we recommend that you attend our two-hour Introductory Lesson. This is designed to get you up and running if you lack experience or feel nervous before undertaking the CBT. 

 

This is optional – you can simply book the full CBT if you prefer. However, we find that students who have never ridden a motorcycle before can find the 8-hour CBT very challenging. It also increases the chance of achieving your CBT on your first visit, without having to pay for further CBT visits.

FULL CBT
(UP TO 8 HOURS)

The full CBT is for novice riders or those who haven’t ridden for a while. It is delivered to a high standard. Our instructors will help you develop the machine control and roadcraft skills required to ride safely out on the road. This is especially true if you want your CBT to just commute on a 50cc moped or a 125cc Motorcycle.

WHAT IS A CBT?

The Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course helps you learn the basics of bike control and road craft. It’s taught by our highly experienced motorcycle trainers. And with their support, you’ll simply work through all the elements until you have successfully completed the course.

WHAT ARE THE CBT OPTIONS?

Depending on your experience and confidence, there are a few options available when booking your motorcycle CBT:

FAST TRACK CBT
(UP TO 5 HOURS)

Our Fast Track CBT was introduced to meet the high demand for a cheaper, quicker CBT day. The Fast Track CBT is only suitable for experienced riders with good machine control, a good level of roadcraft, and experience riding out on the road. This is aimed at those riders renewing their CBT and confident, experienced riders with a full car licence.

FAST TRACK CBT REQUIREMENTS

To attend the Fast Track CBT, you must have watched our CBT YouTube training videos, which cover Elements A, B and D of our CBT. This enables our instructors to cover these theory elements through Q&A, establishing an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding to complete them quickly. You must already have a good level of bike control and be able to complete Element C (the in-yard bike riding exercises) in about 60 to 90 minutes. The on-road Element E is still a minimum of 2 hours on the road. You will be training alongside other experienced riders. If you are unsure of your ability, you should book the Full CBT .

Introductory lesson

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR CBT?

Instructor and learner biker

CHECK YOUR DRIVING LICENCE

To take part in a CBT, you need one of these:

 

  • A full valid UK car licence with category A provisional entitlement

  • A provisional licence with valid provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category A) - for 125cc entitlement.

  • A provisional licence with valid provisional moped entitlement (Category P) - for riding a 50cc moped.

  • An EU licence with valid UK counterpart (D58/2) showing provisional motorcycle entitlement.

 

You can use the DirectGov licence checking service to see the vehicles you’re licensed to drive.

Learner motorbike rider

GET YOUR LICENCE CHECK CODE

Before attending your CBT, you’ll need to send us your unique licence check code. 


To find this number, visit the gov.uk website and enter your driving licence number and your National Insurance number. You will be provided with a unique code.

We’ll use your code on the day of your CBT to check for any penalty points or disqualifications that might prevent you from completing the course. This is a legal requirement and must be carried out by all Approved Motorcycle Training Bodies (ATB).

WATCH OUR CBT TRAINING VIDEOS

We recommend watching our motorcycle CBT training videos before you attend CBT. Created by our Director, John Macdonald, one of the UK’s highest qualified trainers and a multiple Scottish racing champion, they cover every skill that should be covered in each element of a CBT.

ProScot learner bikes

HOW DO YOU BOOK A CBT (COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING)?

Once you have checked your driving licence and got your licence check code, simply complete our booking form and we’ll contact you to arrange the date of your CBT. CBTs are usually available 7 days a week. We only ask for check code after a booking has been confirmed and paid.  Check codes are only valid for a limited time.

INTRODUCTION
 

Licence check, overview of CBT, legalities, importance of correct clothing and eyesight check.

PRACTICAL
ON-SITE TRAINING

Introduction to the motorcycle, location and function of controls, maintenance and daily checks and putting the bike on and off the stands. Wheeling the bikes around, starting and stopping the engine.

PRACTICAL
ON-SITE RIDING

Machine control skills in the yard. Moving off and stopping, Slow speed riding, Slalom (extra by ProScot), Figure of 8, U-Turns, Rear observations, Changing Gears, Braking, Emergency stops, Simulated junction work.

PRACTICAL
ON-ROAD TRAINING

Theory session. Meeting the legal requirements to ride, attitude, positioning, separation distances, speed, anticipating what other road users may do, and preparing for developing hazards.

PRACTICAL
ON-ROAD RIDING

Riding in typical traffic conditions (including traffic lights, roundabouts, junctions, pedestrian crossings, gradients, and bends), and carrying out a U-turn and an emergency stop.

HOW DO YOU PASS THE CBT?

The CBT in the UK is a mandatory initial training program for new moped or motorcycle riders, not a test or exam. The course is divided into five elements that must be completed consecutively:

You must successfully meet the minimum safe standard for each element to progress to the next. However, you can work through each element at your own pace.

ProScot learner bikes in a row

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU PASS CBT? CAN YOU RIDE A MOTORCYCLE?

Once you have passed CBT, you’ll receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This allows you to ride a moped or motorcycle with L plates for two years.

 

  • At 16 you are restricted to riding a 50cc 

  • If you’re aged 17 or over, you’re restricted to riding a 125cc motorcycle

  • Normal learner restrictions apply: you cannot carry a pillion passenger or ride on the motorway

  • You must display L plates

HOW LONG DOES THE CBT TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The CBT typically takes 5 hours minimum to 8 hours maximum. For health and safety reasons, you will need to come back for another visit if it takes longer than a full 8-hour day. The CBT sign-in is 7:45am for an 8:00am prompt start, and it typically finishes around 5:00pm.

CBT on-site training
Learner biker

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR YOUR CBT COURSE?

The Driving & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you must wear appropriate clothing for motorcycle tests. We have extended this to cover all training from Intro to CBT to Mod 1/2 and tests. 

 

We recommend the following clothing for your CBT:

 

  • a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (this doesn't apply if you're Sikh and wearing a turban)

  • motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that provides support and ankle protection

  • 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

 

Clothing can be purchased from the ProScot Shop.

WHAT COMES AFTER THE CBT?

Once you have completed CBT, the theory and practical test is the next step towards your motorcycle licence. But don’t worry, as our unique and effective approach to theory tuition will fully prepare you for sitting the motorcycle theory and practical tests. You’ll have the best chance of passing with ProScot.

CBT on-road training
Lesson type

BOOK YOUR CBT NOW

Complete the form below and one of our friendly team will contact you very soon.

WANT TO CHAT FIRST?

No problem. Call our friendly team on 01592 650100.

PRO-SCOT CBT MOTORCYCLE TRAINING VIDEOS

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