CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

Starting from just £140

Your gateway to motorcycling, a one-day course that every new rider must complete before taking a moped or motorcycle onto the road.

It suits total novices and returning riders alike, guiding you from first ignition to safe, independent riding.

Choose to train on your own machine or use one of ours: an automatic Honda 50cc or a clutch-equipped manual Kawasaki 125cc bike.

BOOK NOW

Which bike can you take the CBT training course on?

Used motorcycle

Your own bike

Your own bike: whether it is manual or automatic, bring along your road‑legal, insured machine for a familiar feel from first drill to final ride.

Cost: £140

honda zoomer 50cc

50cc Automatic

Honda Zoomer: a rugged 50cc automatic scooter with twist-and-go simplicity, ideal for relaxed urban riding and taking things steady.

Cost: £160

Kawasaki z125 125cc Motorbike

125cc Manual

Kawasaki Z125: a lightweight 125cc manual motorcycle with a smooth six-speed gearbox, perfect for learning clutch control.

Cost: £180

Our CBT training locations...

You can take this course at either our Derby or our Nottingham training centres.

Shires Motorcycle Training in Derby

Derby

Derby Golf Centre
Borrowash Road
Spondon
Derby
DE21 7PH

FIND US
motorbike training centre

Nottingham

Gresham Sports Park
Gresham Park Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7YF

FIND US

What's involved?

CBT is split into five friendly modules, each building confidence step by step.

Pass each element and you earn a DL196 certificate that lets you ride up to a 125 cc motorcycle (or a 50 cc moped from age 16) on L‑plates for two years.

  1. Licence & eyesight check – we confirm your photocard licence and make sure you can read a number‑plate from 20.5 metres.
  2. Safety chat – a relaxed classroom session covering kit, road craft and the Highway Code.
  3. Off‑road skills – on our private range you learn clutch control, braking, slow‑speed balance and simulated junction work.
  4. Road briefing – we translate range drills into real‑world scenarios and run through radio etiquette.
  5. Two‑hour road ride – out on local roads in a max two‑to‑one group, staying in full radio contact with your instructor.

Licence & age requirements

Age 16: Provisional licence holders may ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28 mph.

Age 17+: Provisional or full licence holders may ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW.

You must hold at least a UK provisional Category A licence or a full UK car licence. Bring the photocard (or paper licence plus passport if issued pre‑1998).

CBT

What you'll need on the day:

  • Your driving licence and National Insurance number (for DVSA checks).
  • Sturdy jeans or abrasion‑resistant trousers and boots that cover the ankles.
  • Glasses or contacts if you need them to meet the eyesight standard.
  • Plenty of enthusiasm - we provide the rest: helmet, jacket, gloves, insurance and fuel.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pass my motorcycle theory test first?

 No – you can take CBT without a theory pass. You will need the theory before booking a full licence test, but it is not required for your CBT day.

How much is a CBT test?

Prices start from £140 if you bring your own bike, or from £160 when you use one of ours, and that includes fuel, insurance and kit.

How long does a CBT last?

The course itself runs for a single day, typically 08:30 until 16:30.

How long is my CBT certificate valid?

The DL196 certificate you gain stays valid for two years from the date of issue.

Can I use my own bike?

Absolutely, provided it is road‑legal, taxed, insured and displaying L‑plates. Bring proof of insurance and an MOT certificate if your bike needs one.

What if the weather is terrible?

We do our best to train in all weathers.

We ride in the rain.

If it’s hot we ride too, just bring plenty of fluids.

In the event of extremely high winds or lots of snow / ice that can’t be budged by salt then we have to postpone.

Ready to get started?

Book Online

Book your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) now.

Talk To Us

Call our office (in Long Eaton) on 0115 981 6739