FAQ’s

The easiest way to book is click:  www.b-bikers.com – you can see all the available dates and choose one that best suits you. If you prefer to talk to one of the team just call  08000 699 144 for Newport or 08000 699 733 for Bristol

This usually depends on the time of year, in Summer it’s a good idea to book 4/6 weeks in advance, in Winter it’s 2/3 weeks. Quite often an instructor will notify us of their last minute availability and you could find a course “next day”.

At an Approved Training Body such as B-Bikers, licenced by the DVSA to provide training courses.
They will have an off road training area, a selection of mopeds and motorcycles and be able to provide the basic protective clothing and helmets.

• Driving licence or provisional driving licence and a (screen) printed DVLA check sheet.
• Helmet, jacket and gloves if you have them but these can be provided by B-Bikers.
• You will be expected to wear sturdy boots that protect the ankle and a minimum of denim jeans with no rips. (No track suit trousers or trainers).
• Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read a number plate at 20 metres.
• If using your own bike for CBT evidence of insurance tax and MOT.
• Waterproofs are a good idea too.

It’s likely your course will be cancelled if you don’t bring the above.

The course is designed for the complete novice, the key word here is “Basic”! You’re not expected to be an expert. It’s Compulsory Basic Training, not a CBT test. Having said that, there are 2 areas worth considering:

1. You must be able to ride an adult sized bicycle competently – We highly recommend you can ride a bicycle before booking your CBT training. Riding a bicycle gives you an idea of how riding twowheelers behave. You’ll get a feel for the balance needed to be on two wheels and how to manoeuvre a two wheeled vehicle. If you’re unsure, why not look at a B-Bikers “TryRide”? Spend an hour with a qualified instructor just “having a go”, any fee you pay will be deducted from your CBT course if you decide to progress to CBT.
2. Understand the highway code – During your CBT training you’ll spend time learning about the rules of the road – The Highway Code. It’s almost impossible to take it all in on the day and you will need to demonstrate you’re safe to ride on the road showing you have a basic understanding of the rules. A really useful way to prepare is to take the Pre-CBT online course Ride Free

The DVSA do not allow interpreters on tests.

Following simple instructions like “Turn left” won’t be enough.

There’s a lot of information to take in, some of the course is discussion based and the instructor has to be confident when you’re riding on a public road for the first time you can understand instructions for your own safety.

No. The CBT validates you as a learner for 2 years, you don’t need to pass a theory test. However you will have to pass one if you wish to progress to a full motorcycle licence. We would however recommend you take the Pre-CBT online course Ride Free.

It can vary on location and whether it’s a weekday or weekend, typically a CBT at a reputable school will cost up to £200 with bike and helmet hire included.

You are exactly who the CBT is designed for.

The CBT instructor presumes no prior knowledge.

You will be taught step by step throughout your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). However it is a good idea to get as much preparation in beforehand as you can.

It’s worth making sure you have a good idea of what you’ll have to do during your CBT, riding a bicycle regularly can be a useful exercise.

Although the CBT is designed as a one day course of training and assessment, it can, and often does take longer

If you’re expecting to complete your CBT in one day, haven’t ridden before and have not taken driving lessons –  we’d suggest taking the CBT on an automatic moped.

If you wish to learn to ride a manual motorcycle afterwards, B-Bikers offer a free, specific gear conversion course to learn the art of riding a manual bike.

Yes, you will need a UK Driving Licence with a Category A/AM/P entitlement if you wish to ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter on the road.

If you obtained your UK driving licence before 1st February 2001, you can ride a 50cc moped without L plates.

The CBT certificate is valid for 2 years. If you don’t take a test for a full licence you will have to renew your CBT every 2 years. B-Bikers offer a CBT Renew course which takes into account your experience, is often shorter than a full CBT and consequently less cost.

It will depend on when you passed your car test. So the dates matter!  See below:

Car driving test passed on or after 1 February 2001:

You will have to complete the CBT in order to ride a bike. But on the plus side, you’re starting in a really strong position! You have a good understanding of the road and of driving theory. You should be able to pick things up quicker as you already know the basics.

Car driving test passed before 1 February 2001:  You can ride a moped (max 50cc) without L plates and take passengers. If you want to upgrade to a 125cc however you’ll have to take a CBT and will then need to display L plates and will no longer be able to take passengers. We would always recommend the CBT as  it will give you the confidence to get on a bike safely.

You will need a Full Category ‘A’ Motorcycle Licence.

Check out our 4 Steps here.

Basically, here’s what you’ll need:

• You must be 24+ years of age. You can do a restricted A2 licence from 19.
• Have a provisional licence showing Category A Provisional Entitlement
• Take the theory test.
• You will need to take your CBT.

Once all the above is done – You can take your Motorcycle Practical Tests –

Module 1 and Module 2, Check out our 4 Steps here.

The very first thing you must do is apply for a provisional driver’s licence.

If you have a full driving licence or provisional already, make sure to check you have category A entitlement if you have a licence of any kind. This is visible on the back of the licence itself. To apply, go to the government website here.

Element A – An introduction to CBT explaining the course, and an Eyesight test.

Element B – An introduction to the motorcycle / moped. It will involve gaining familiarity with controls and handling the vehicle.

Element C – Introduction to riding off-road. Here you’ll begin riding the vehicle. Practicing moving off, stopping, turning and emergency braking among others.

Element D – On-road preparation. This element will cover the Highway Code, road surfaces, weather conditions, legal requirements and other safety aspects of riding the motorcycle.

Element E – Practical on-road riding – You will ride on public roads accompanied by your instructor who will be in constant radio contact with you.

The aim is to get you to a safe standard where you can continue to learn on your own.

If your instructor isn’t confident in your ability, or your not confident enough yet – you will be asked to continue training on another day.

The course is designed to take a whole day, but can take longer. Typically courses run from 9am to around 4pm. You can expect to spend around 6 – 8 hours training.

When you and your instructor feel you can continue to learn on your own safely, your instructor will issue the DL196 CBT certificate.

Most people complete the course in a day but it’s not uncommon for it to take longer.

If you are 16 you will be restricted to a 50CC moped. If you are aged 17 or older you can ride a light motorcycle up to 125CC

You can display ‘D’ plates in Wales.