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 Nottingham, seven days a week from our site in West Bridgford.
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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham roads in groups no larger than two learners per instructor
Which bike can you take the Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham
CBT Training in Nottingham
If you want to get on two wheels in Nottingham, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is your first essential step. Shires Motorcycle Training in Nottingham delivers friendly, professional CBT courses seven days a week from our purpose‑built site just outside the city centre.
Whether you ride away on one of our modern bikes or bring your own, you will leave with the skills and confidence to tackle the road safely.
What the Day Looks Like
CBT is a relaxed one‑day course that blends classroom chat, private‑range practice and a two‑hour road ride. You will cover:
- Basic machine checks and daily safety routines
- Balance, clutch control and slow‑speed manoeuvres on our tarmac range
- Safe braking, signalling and lifesaver checks
- Real‑world riding on local Nottingham roads in groups of no more than two learners per instructor
Pass each element and you earn a DL196 certificate, letting you ride up to a 125 cc motorcycle (or a 50 cc moped from age 16) on L‑plates for two years.
What You Need to Join
- Licence: UK provisional Category A or full car licence
- Age: 16 + for 50 cc, 17 + for 125 cc
- Eyesight: Read a number plate at 20.5 m with glasses or contacts if needed
- Clothing: Sturdy jeans and boots that cover the ankle – we provide helmet, jacket and gloves
Prices start at £140 on your own bike or £160 on one of ours, with fuel, insurance and kit included. Courses run 08:30‑15:30 most days.
Your Journey Beyond CBT
CBT opens the gate, but the real adventure starts with the Direct Access Scheme (DAS). Shires makes the path simple, straightforward and fully supported.
Step 1: Gearing Up
After CBT you can book a Geared Lesson or Confidence Lesson to polish clutch work or refine road craft on a 125 cc machine. These three‑hour sessions bridge the gap between L‑plates and bigger bikes.
Step 2: Moving to Big Bikes
When you feel ready, you will climb onto a Kawasaki Z650 for full licence training. Our DAS Works package wraps everything in one price:
- Additional CBT if yours has expired
- All Mod 1 and Mod 2 training hours
- Bike hire, insurance and fuel
- Test fees and admin
Step 3: Mastering Mod 1
Mod 1 is an off‑road handling test at the DVSA site in Nottingham. You will practise:
- Slalom and figure of eight
- Slow ride and U‑turn
- Manual handling
- Emergency stop and hazard avoidance
We replicate the Mod 1 layout on our range so nothing on test day will surprise you.
Step 4: Conquering Mod 2
Mod 2 is a 35‑40 minute road ride with an examiner following on a radio link. It covers:
- Town centres, dual carriageways and country lanes around Nottingham
- Independent riding section where you follow road signs
- Vehicle safety questions (show‑me, tell‑me)
Your instructor will ride every likely test route with you until mirror checks, road positioning and hazard perception feel natural.
What You Can Ride Next
- A2 licence (age 19 +): Up to 35 kW bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650
- A unrestricted licence (age 24 + or after two years on A2): Any size bike, any power
If you prefer to stay on L‑plates for a while, pop back for a CBT Renewal day before your certificate expires.
Why Choose Shires Nottingham?
- Local experts: DVSA‑qualified instructors who know every pothole on the ring road
- Small groups: Two learners per instructor on the road for maximum feedback
- Quality kit: Heated classroom, free tea and coffee, secure parking and modern bikes
- Community: Theory evenings, ride‑outs and unlimited after‑course advice
Hundreds of riders start their motorcycling journey with Shires Nottingham each year because we keep training simple, welcoming and fun.
Book your CBT training in Nottingham today and begin the road to full licence freedom.
Ready to ride? Call our office or use our online booking form to secure your place.