How to book your CBT Test in London?
You can book your CBT test in London very quickly and easily using this website. Using the location, date and filters at the top of the page you can find the most appropriate CBT training centre. Alternatively just look at the 10 already listed above as they may well be close to you. Many of them operate online CBT booking and you will see the dates they have availability displayed. Click on the date and you will be shown the details of the CBT available on that date. You can then either contact the CBT test training centre directly to book it, or, if they offer online booking, you can book and pay for it immediately through this website.
When you have booked you will receive your booking confirmation by email. Make sure you read your booking confirmation! It will contain lots of useful information about things you need to do before your day of training. For example, reading the highway code, or if you've not ridden a bicycle for a while then get back on one and practise as it will really help you to balance on a motorcycle or moped.
Where is my nearest CBT Test Training Centre?
You can find your nearest CBT test training centre by entering your postcode in the box at the top of this page. This will then show you which CBT test training centres are closest to you. If you have a specific date or dates in mind then you can also enter the date. This will then show you only those CBT test training centres that have availability on that date.
How much is a CBT Test?
The price varies depending on which motorcycle training company you take your CBT test with, but will typically be between £100 and £130. There are four main things that affect the price
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Experienced or beginners CBT. If you've done your CBT before you can book an `experienced CBT' which usually costs less. This is because it will be shorter as you will already have been through all of the basics. Only do this if you have done at least 1 CBT and are confident riding your motorcycle or scooter.
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Bike hire. Not all CBTs include the price of the bike hire so make sure you check if it is included in the price.
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Clothing and equipment hire. This includes your safety helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. Once again it may not be included in the price, so check first.
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Collision damage waiver. This is an insurance that will be offered to you before your training. It means that if you damage the motorcycle or scooter during your training then you will not have to pay for the repairs. It typically costs between £10 - £20 but is well worth having as repairs are much more than that.
Don't try to simply get the cheapest price, the quality of the training is the most important thing. Quality training will one day save your life.
What does a CBT Test Involve?
A CBT test consists of 5 elements labelled A to E. You will do these 5 elements in order throughout the day.
Element A comprises of talk about clothing, safety helmet and equipment. This is also when your licence and eyesight will be checked and the aims of the course outlined. Make sure to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them as you will need to read a registration plate at a distance of 20 metres. You will also learn:
- Understanding the legal requirement to riding
- Reinforcing your understanding of the Highway Code to a good level
- Objectives of completing the CBT test
- Understanding the importance of using good motorcycle equipment and clothing
Element B introduces you to the machine and its controls and includes:
- Using the motorcycle stands to safely park your bike
- Familiarity with the different motorcycle or scooter controls
- Wheel the bike round to the left and right
- Starting and stopping the engine
- Carrying out basic maintenance checks
Element C is the main part of the course and takes place on an approved training site (CBT pad). This is when you will learn to:
- Pull away, stop, start and change gears (where applicable)
- Ride in a straight line
- Ride in a slow and controlled manner
- Change gears
- Use both brakes
- Ride a figure of eight
- Carry out left, right and U-turns
- Carry out emergency braking
- Ride round bends safely
- Carry out rear observation
Element D is a return to the class room prior to going out on the road. You will get a full briefing explaining:
- The use of speed, road positioning, safe driving distances
- The importance of the Highway Code
- Your visibility on the road
- Using rear observation
- Riding at the correct speeds, road positioning and distance between other vehicles according to traffic and road conditions.
- Learning to anticipate danger and riding defensively
- Care will also be given in explaining about the radios and how not to get lost on the road
Element E is where you put all the above into practise by riding on the road. You will go out on the road with an instructor two at a time with a radio link. You must do at least two hours of road tuition, which must include doing a U-turn and emergency stop. At the outset the instructor will give plenty of guidance and help, but towards the end of the time on the road the instructor will be looking to see if you can get safely from one place to another without hurting yourself or anybody else.
How long does a CBT Test Take?
A CBT test can normally be completed in a day, but may take longer if you need more time to master the control of the motorcycle or moped. Knowing how to ride a bicycle will really help, so if you have not ridden one for a while it's a good thing to do before you take your CBT.
If you do not complete your CBT to the instructors satisfaction then you will be asked to come back on another day for additional training. If this happens do not be alarmed or upset, some people take longer to master control of a two wheeled vehicle than others, but we all get there in the end. The most important thing to remember is it's for your safety. Your instructor will be thinking of your safety if they ask you to come back for additional training.
What are the different types of motorcycle licence I can get in London?
There are 4 main types of full motorcycle licence issued by the DVSA. The first three (AM, A1 and A2 motorcycle licences) have restrictions on the type of moped or motorcycle you can ride, the fourth (the full A motorcycle licence) has no
restrictions.
The AM restricted moped licence
This is the only licence available to you when you are 16 years old. This licence allows you to ride a moped of 50 cc or less which has a top speed of 28 mph, with a passenger and without Learner plates. If you are only interested in riding a
moped and nothing more then this licence could be right for you. If you want to ride a more powerful motorcycle then you might find it better to wait until you are 17. From the age of 17 onwards you can take the A1 motorcycle test which allows
you to ride motorcycle up to 125 cc and with some restrictions on its power to weight ratio.
The A1 restricted motorcycle licence
The minimum age to take this test is 17. According to the DVSA website it will allow you to ride a "Light motorcycle up to 11 kW (and
a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc". This means it's up to a 125 cc motorcycle with some restrictions to make sure it cannot accelerate too fast - a really good idea when you are new to riding a motorbike!
Requirements to take the A1 motorcycle test - You must have a UK provisional or full driving licence, a valid theory test certificate and
a valid CBT certificate. Once you have taken this test you will not have to keep renewing your CBT certificate every 2 years, you can ride on motorways and you can take a pillion
passenger on the back of your motorbike.
The A2 restricted motorcycle licence
For this licence you need to be at least 19 years of age, have completed your CBT or have had an A1 licence for at least 2 years. As with the A1 test you also need to have a UK provisional or full driving licence and a valid theory test certificate . The main benefit of getting an A2 licence is you can ride a more powerful motorcycle. The law states a "standard motorcycle up to 35 kW (and a
power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg)". So it's a more powerful bike, but still not completely un-restricted. To find A2 legal motorbikes you are best visiting your local motorcycle dealer and asking them to show you the A2 legal
bikes, as otherwise it's very difficult to work out just looking at the tech specs.
The full A motorcycle licence, or DAS licence.
This is the licence that allows you to ride almost any motorcycle without restrictions, so it's the ultimate motorcycle licence. No limits on power outputs or power per kg or engine size! It is also called a 'DAS' licence as it can
be obtained from the 'Direct AccesS' route. There are two ways you can get this licence:
1) If you are 24 or over you can take the tests for an A licence. You must also have a UK provisional or full driving licence, a valid theory test certificate and
a valid CBT certificate.
2) If you are at least 21 years of age and you have held an A2 category licence for at least 2 years. This is sometimes referred to as the 'progressive access' route as you progress from one licence to another.
When taking the test the biggest difference is that you have to use a bigger, more powerful motorcycle. It will have a power of at least 40kw and an engine cc of at least 595 cc. Your local training school will make sure you have the right size
bike for your test.
There is also a flowchart (click here) that the DVLA have produced that shows these different licences and how to obtain them.
To get more detailed guidance on what licence is right for you then talk to your local motorcycle training school. You can search for them here and they are qualified to speak to you on the right type of training for you.
How do I get the right training in London for the A1 motorcycle licence?
The A1 motorcycle licence is a restricted licence you can get when you are 17 or over. It is popular amongst 17 to 19 year olds as it is the only licence that allows you to get on a more powerful motorcycle at that age. It is essential that you get
the right training for this licence as without it you are likely to hurt yourself or even worse, someone else. Use this website to enter your postcode and search for your local motorcycle training school.
They are all fully qualified to advise you on the training you will need. Although saving money is something everyone wants to do, the right training will save your life. Therefore don't just focus on price, look at the quality of training on
offer and the standard of training.
What is the DVSA Certificate Of Competence?
This certificate is awarded as part of the Enhanced Rider Scheme, often abbreviated to ERS. This scheme was devised by the DVSA and the motorcycle industry. The ERS course is run by many motorcycle training companies around the UK. It is for anyone who has a full motorcycle licence and wishes to check their safe riding skills. Not only will it make you a better rider but some insurance companies offer cheaper motorcycle insurance if you have been issued with a DVSA Certificate Of Competence. You will receive this certificate at the end of your ERS course if the instructor deems you to be a safe rider. If the instructor feels you need additional training it may be given on the day, or if it is felt you need a larger amount of training then you may need to come back on another day. Although ERS is not a test it is much like a CBT: provided you demonstrate a safe level of riding and knowledge during the day then you will be issued with your certificate. You can view a short video about ERS here
How do I get the right training in London for the AM moped licence?
The AM moped licence is a restricted licence you can get when you are 16 or over. You can ride a moped of up to 50 cc and a top speed of 28 mph without Learner plates and you may carry a pillion passenger. If all you ever want to rider is a moped
then this licence may be right for you. It is essential that you get the right training for this licence as without it you are likely to hurt yourself or even worse, someone else. Use this website to
enter your postcode and search for your local motorcycle training school. They are all fully qualified to advise you on the training you will need. Although saving money is something everyone wants to do, the right training will save your life.
Therefore don't just focus on price, look at the quality of training on offer and the standard of training.
