19/06/2026
Thinking about booking your CBT but not sure what to expect?
A CBT, or Compulsory Basic Training, is designed to help new and returning riders build the basic skills and understanding needed to ride safely on the road. It is not a traditional pass-or-fail test. It is a safety-led training course, and every rider progresses at their own pace.
Your day usually starts with an introduction, licence check, eyesight check and safety briefing. Your instructor will explain how the course works, what you will be doing during the day, and what standard you need to reach before moving on to each stage.
You will then cover the basics of motorcycle safety, protective clothing, controls, starting and stopping the engine, using the stands, and carrying out simple checks on the motorcycle or scooter.
After that, you will move on to practical on-site riding. This is where you will practise key skills such as moving off, stopping, steering, braking, using the throttle smoothly, slow control, observations, junction routines and manoeuvring the motorcycle safely in a controlled training area.
Once your instructor is satisfied that you have reached a safe and consistent standard on-site, you will move on to road training. This includes discussion and coaching on road positioning, observations, speed, junctions, roundabouts, hazards, road signs, other traffic and how to ride responsibly in real road conditions.
The final stage is a minimum two-hour on-road ride with your instructor. During this ride, your instructor will continue coaching and assessing you to make sure you can apply what you have learned safely on public roads.
When you have completed all five elements of CBT to the required standard, you will be issued with a DL196 certificate. Some riders complete CBT in one day, while others may need more training before they are ready for the road. That is completely normal. The aim is not to rush you through the course – it is to make sure you can ride safely, confidently and responsibly before riding unaccompanied.
Book your CBT in London today:
www.universalmct.co.uk
tel:+442036918807