Who needs to take 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 practise 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.
When you do not need to take CBT
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 licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990
- have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another
- live and ride on some offshore islands
- want to ride a trial e-scooter
Article written by Nige.
Last update: March 2025
Nige commutes to work on one of his ‘trusty’ bikes in all weather, he has ridden all over the UK and most of Europe, he has had input from Em and Dan to try and help new riders understand more about bikes and riding..
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