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CBT is the foundation for anyone wishing to ride a bike.

It is a great day of fun learning on how to ride a motorcycle or moped.

The CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is the start point for ANY new rider. It is designed to ensure that everyone who wants to learn to ride on the roads receives the correct training and has the skills needed to ride safely in modern road and traffic conditions.

At The Ride Academy you can be sure of our undivided attention with a maximum of two trainees per instructor for all aspects of your CBT training.

Most people will complete the CBT training within a day. However, if your instructor feels that you need more training to bring you up to a competent standard then you will be asked back to receive extra tuition. If extra tuition is required it will be charged at our standard CBT rate which you’ll be made aware of when booking.

What can I ride once I’ve completed my CBT training?

This will depend on your age. If you’re 16 you can ride a moped or motorcycle up to 50cc. If you’re 17 or above, you can ride a moped or motorcycle up to a 125cc.

The CBT Course

The CBT is designed to be done in a day and is split into five basic elements:

  • Element A – Introduction, including an eyesight check and clothing chat
  • Element B – Machine controls and basic maintenance
  • Element C – Practical on site training
  • Element D – Pre-ride Briefing
  • Element E – Practical on road training and riding which will be completed around Chester (it is a minimum of 2 hours on the road by law before a CBT certificate will be issued)

When you have reached the required standard and successfully completed your CBT you will receive a DL196 CBT certificate which is valid for two years. This will enable you to ride on the road as a learner and continue your training with us to gain a full bike Licence.

At the end of your CBT training our expert team will be able to advise you which of the more advanced courses to follow to obtain your full licence!

Types of full licence

There are different types of full Licence on offer, to suit what you’re looking for.

The types available are all dependent on your age and the bike you take your test on:

  • AM Licence (50cc) – If you only want to ride a scooter (16+)
  • A1 Licence (125cc) – Ideal for younger riders (17+)
  • A2 Licence (500cc) – More freedom and choice (19+)
  • A  Licence (650cc+) – Also referred to as full catergory A or Direct Access. It is the only option if you want to ride any bike. (Min 24+ or 21+ if you’ve held an A2 Licence for 2 years)

Course Requirements

To take a CBT-Training Course you will require:

  • UK Provisional Licence / UK Full Car Licence / EU Licence with a Confirmation of Registration Certificate (D91)
  • If you still have an old style paper Licence (without a photo) you must bring a valid passport as proof of ID
  • You must be over 16 years old
  • A basic understanding of the Highway code

The Ride Academy provides everything you need on the day. Bike hire, clothing (helmet, jacket, gloves, waterproof trousers) & all insurances.

You will need to wear sensible clothing – we suggest jeans and boots / trainers. Strictly no shorts, sandals or flip-flops. When you arrive for your CBT training, if your instructor feels that you are not sensibly dressed they could reject you for training.

Please check our Terms & Conditions for CBT Courses

1. Course Fees and Payment
The cost of the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course is £205. A £105 deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining £100 payable on the day of training.
Cancellations require a minimum of two working days’ notice. If you cancel within this period, the deposit is non-refundable.

2. Completion of CBT
The CBT course is not a certificate of attendance. You must complete all elements of the training in the correct order and to a safe standard.
If you are unable to pass Element C (off-road training) and therefore cannot progress to the road ride, the training will end, and any remaining fees will be forfeited.
The cut-off for Element C is 1:00 PM to ensure enough time to complete the remaining stages.
If you do not complete training on the day, you may return for a full day at a discounted rate of £175.
Tip: If you’re a total beginner or have no road experience, we recommend using an automatic moped to improve your chances of success.

3. Balance and Height Requirements
You must be able to balance on a bicycle and reach the ground comfortably while seated on the training bike.
If you’re unsure whether your height is suitable, we strongly recommend visiting us before booking.
If you’re unable to ride a pushbike or your height poses a safety issue, the training will be cancelled and fees will not be refunded.

4. Highway Code Requirement
While no formal theory test is required, a working knowledge of the Highway Code is essential.
To take part in the road ride, you must have either:
– Passed a car or motorcycle theory test, or
– Completed the Ride Free online course
Failure to meet this requirement will result in cancellation with no refund.

5. Start Times
Training begins at 8:00 AM, so please arrive by 7:50 AM.
We leave for the training centre at 8:15 AM.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★  Late arrivals will not be accommodated, and no refund will be given if you miss the start   ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

6. Required Safety Gear
You must wear at least sturdy denim jeans (no rips) and footwear that covers the ankle.
If you arrive without proper gear, we reserve the right to cancel your session and forfeit all fees paid.

7. Driver’s License and Identification
Bring your photo driver’s license with you.
If you only have the old-style paper license, a valid UK passport is also required.
Failure to bring ID will result in cancellation and loss of your payment.

8. English Proficiency
DVSA rules require conversational English to participate.
If you cannot communicate clearly in English, or arrive with an interpreter (without prior notice), training will be cancelled and no refund will be given.

BOOK YOUR LESSONS NOW

AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PERFECT LESSONS FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND EXPERIENCE

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A LICENCE FOR EVERYONE

Every rider has different needs, so we’ll always help you get exactly what you want.

CBT

The CBT certificate will allow you to ride up to a 125cc with L plates, or a 50cc with L plates, depending on your age. The certificate will last two years.
AGES 16+

AM

The AM license will allow you to ride a moped (either scooter or motorcycle style) up to 50cc with a top speed of 45km/h without L plates, and to carry a pillion.

AGES 16+

A1

The A1 Licence will allow you to ride a 125CC motorcycle without L-plates and to carry a pillion.

AGES 17+

A2

The A2 Licence will allow you to ride a motorcycle with up to 35kw of power without L-plates and to carry a pillion.

AGES 19+

A

The A license allows you to ride a motorcycle of any ‘cc’ without L-plates and to carry a pillion.

AGES 21+ ( Progressive Access)

AGES 24+ (Direct Access)

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DIRECT ACCESS COURSES

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CBT

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

THE STARTING POINT FOR EVERY RIDER

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