You book a CBT by contacting a training provider directly, either by phone, message, or an online booking form, then registering beforehand if the option's there so you turn up already familiar with the basics. At Betta Biker, that means calling us on 07539 828073, messaging us, or booking online, ready for a CBT course in Warrington at weekends, priced at £225.
What is CBT and who is it for?
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the course every new rider needs before they can ride a scooter or geared motorcycle up to 125cc on the road, on L-plates, without a full licence. It's a programme of instruction, safe practice, and assessment, not a test you pass or fail in the traditional sense. You either meet the required standard on the day or you get more practice until you do.
It's built for complete beginners. If you've never sat on a bike before, that's fine, that's who CBT is for. You need to be at least 16 years old to ride a 49cc machine, or 17 for a 125cc machine. We treat every student as a novice until they show us otherwise, so nobody's left behind because they didn't know which lever does what.
What happens during a CBT course?
CBT runs as a single day combining classroom instruction with practical, on-bike training. You'll cover the theory first: how the bike works, basic road rules, hazard awareness, then move outside for practical riding in a controlled area before eventually heading out on the road with an instructor.
We keep group sizes small so everyone gets proper attention rather than getting lost in a crowd. A bike and all the necessary kit are provided as part of the course, so you don't need to own anything or arrive kitted out to start. Our whole approach is built around developing "thinking" riders, people who understand why they're doing something, not just how, because that's what keeps you safe once you're out there on your own.
How do you book a CBT with Betta Biker?
Booking is straightforward:
- Call us on 07539 828073, or send a message if you'd rather not phone.
- Book online through our CBT booking page, where you can secure your date directly.
- Register beforehand if you can. Getting a head-start on the material before the day means you'll walk in already understanding the basics, which makes the practical side click faster.
Our CBT courses run in Warrington, at weekends only, and cost £225. That price covers the classroom session, practical training, use of a bike, and all riding equipment for the day. We'd always recommend booking a couple of weeks ahead where possible, since weekend slots fill up, particularly through spring and summer when demand for training picks up.
Do you need any experience before your CBT?
No. CBT is specifically designed for riders with zero experience. Whether you've never touched a motorcycle or you rode dirt bikes as a kid and want to get road-legal, the course starts from the same place: the fundamentals. Nobody's rushed ahead because they've "probably done this before."
That said, registering in advance and having a look at the basics beforehand does help. It's not required, but arriving with even a rough idea of controls and terminology means more of your CBT day gets spent riding and less spent explaining.
What can you ride after passing CBT?
Once you've completed CBT successfully, you can ride a moped up to 49cc from age 16, or a motorcycle up to 125cc (with a maximum power output of 11kW) from age 17, on L-plates, for two years before you'd need to renew your CBT certificate if you haven't progressed to a full licence. It's the fastest legal route onto two wheels in the UK.
If you want to go further and ride bigger machines without L-plate restrictions, that's where a DAS (Direct Access Scheme) full licence course comes in. We offer that too, and it builds directly on the skills and habits you develop during CBT.
Common questions about booking a CBT course
Can I book CBT if I've never ridden a motorcycle before?
Yes. CBT is built for complete novices, so having no prior riding experience is completely normal, not an obstacle. Our instructors start from the basics and build up from there over the course of the day.
How old do I need to be to book a CBT?
You need to be at least 16 to ride a 49cc moped, or 17 to ride a 125cc motorcycle. You'll need to bring valid ID and, ideally, have already checked your provisional licence is in order before the day.
Do I need my own bike or gear for CBT?
No. We provide the bike and all the riding equipment you'll need for the day. You just need to turn up ready to learn, in sensible clothing and sturdy footwear.
How long does a CBT course take?
CBT typically runs as a single day, combining classroom theory with practical riding. The exact time depends on how quickly each rider reaches the required standard, since it's about competence, not a fixed clock.
Ready to book your CBT?
If you're in Warrington or nearby and ready to get started, booking is simple: call us on 07539 828073, send us a message, or book your CBT course directly online at Betta Biker. Courses run at weekends, cost £225, and are led by instructors with decades of real riding experience behind them, including Chief Instructor Nic Garner, who's been riding since 1976. Register beforehand if you can, then let's get you on two wheels properly, safely, and with confidence that actually lasts.
