Your first day on two wheels starts here.
If you're keen to start motorcycle riding, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is your first essential step.
Shires Motorcycle Training runs friendly, professional CBT courses in Derby, seven days a week from our site in Spondon.
With 20+ years experience, we know how how to help you start your journey on two wheels in the best way possible.
Choose to learn one one of our modern bikes or bring your own. Either way, you'll leave with the skills and confidence to tackle the road safely.
Our Derby CBT training centre...
What to expect on the day...
CBT is a relaxed one‑day course that mixes classroom chat, private‑range practice and a two‑hour road ride.
You will learn:
- Basic machine checks and daily safety routines
- Balance, clutch control and slow‑speed manoeuvres on our tarmac range
- Safe braking, signalling and observation techniques
- Real‑world riding on local Derby roads in groups no larger than two learners per instructor
Which bike can you take the Derby CBT training course on?
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
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
125cc Manual
Kawasaki Z125: a lightweight 125cc manual motorcycle with a smooth six-speed gearbox, perfect for learning clutch control.
Cost: £180
What's involved?
Your CBT training in Derby 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.
- Licence & eyesight check – we confirm your photocard licence and make sure you can read a number‑plate from 20.5 metres.
- Safety chat – a relaxed classroom session covering kit, road craft and the Highway Code.
- Off‑road skills – on our private range you learn clutch control, braking, slow‑speed balance and simulated junction work.
- Road briefing – we translate range drills into real‑world scenarios and run through radio etiquette.
- 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).
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.
Your guide to CBT training in Derby
Planning to join the two‑wheel community in Derby? Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the legal and practical starting point. Shires Motorcycle Training Derby runs welcoming CBT courses virtually every day from our dedicated facility just outside the city.
Ride one of our well‑maintained machines or bring your own – either way you will finish the day ready to handle real traffic with confidence.
How Your CBT Unfolds
CBT runs over a single day and mixes friendly classroom guidance with hands‑on riding. You will cover:
- Pre‑ride safety checks and routine maintenance
- Balance, clutch bite and slow manoeuvres on our expansive asphalt range
- Controlled braking, lifesaver glances and clear signalling
- A two‑hour escorted ride on Derby’s streets in groups of no more than two learners
Complete each module and you will be issued a DL196 certificate, allowing you to ride a 50 cc moped from 16 or a 125 cc motorcycle from 17 on L plates for two years.
Entry Essentials
- Licence: UK provisional Category A or full car licence
- Age: 16 + for mopeds, 17 + for 125 cc
- Eyesight: Read a number plate at 20.5 m (with glasses or contacts if needed)
- Clothing: Tough jeans and ankle‑covering boots – we supply helmet, jacket and gloves
Prices begin at £140 if you bring your own bike and £160 if you use ours. Fuel, insurance and kit are included. Typical hours are 08:30 to 15:30.
The Road After CBT
CBT is just the first chapter. Shires Derby offers a clear, step‑by‑step route to a full licence through the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
Step 1: Sharpen Your Skills
Book a Geared Lesson or Confidence Lesson to polish throttle control, refine junction work or steady the nerves. These three‑hour sessions bridge the gap between L plates and larger machines.
Step 2: Graduate to Bigger Bikes
When you are comfy on a 125, you will move to a Kawasaki Z650 for full‑licence coaching. Our DAS Works packageincludes:
- A fresh CBT if required
- All training for Mod 1 and Mod 2
- Bike hire, fuel and insurance
- Test fees and admin handled for you
Step 3: Nailing Mod 1
Mod 1 is the off‑road manoeuvre test at the DVSA centre in Derby. You will practise:
- Slalom and figure‑of‑eight drills
- Slow ride and U‑turn
- Manual handling of the bike
- Emergency stop and swerving
Our private range is marked out to the exact DVSA spec, so your test layout feels familiar.
Step 4: Passing Mod 2
Mod 2 is a 35‑40 minute road assessment with an examiner following by radio. Expect:
- Urban, rural and dual carriageway routes around Derby and the A52
- Independent riding where you follow road signs
- Simple vehicle safety questions (show me, tell me)
Together we ride every common route until hazard scanning, mirror checks and positioning are second nature.
Licence Levels After DAS
- A2 licence (age 19 +): Up to 35 kW – think Kawasaki Ninja 650 or similar
- Full A licence (age 24 + or two years on A2): Any bike, any power
Prefer to stay on L plates? Come back for a CBT Renewal before your DL196 expires.
Why Train with Shires Derby?
- Derby specialists: DVSA‑qualified instructors who know every roundabout on the ring road
- Focused learning: Maximum two students per instructor on the road
- Top‑notch facilities: Heated classroom, free brews, secure parking and modern Kawasakis
- Supportive community: Theory evenings, social ride‑outs and lifetime advice
Every year hundreds of riders choose Shires Derby because our mix of expertise, kit and encouragement makes learning simple and enjoyable.
Book your CBT today and take the first step towards the open road.