What happens on the day of my CBT?
For motorcycles, the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is not a “pass/fail” test in the traditional sense, but a course of training you must complete to show you can ride safely on the road. It is structured into five distinct elements (A–E), usually completed in a single day
If you want to just book your CBT, please go here
Element A: Introduction
The day begins with a focus on legal requirements and safety standards. After a thorough check of your provisional or full driving licence, the instructor will conduct a mandatory eyesight test, requiring you to read a standard UK number plate from a distance of 20 metres. This section also includes a classroom-based discussion on the importance of protective equipment. You will learn about the legal requirements for helmets and receive advice on selecting appropriate gloves, boots, and high-visibility clothing to ensure you are as protected and visible as possible while on the road.
Element C: Practical On-Site Riding
This is the most hands-on portion of the training, where you begin riding the bike in a controlled area away from traffic. You will start with the basics of moving off and stopping safely before progressing to more complex low-speed maneuvers. These include riding in a figure-of-eight pattern, navigating a slalom of cones, and practicing emergency stops. The primary goal of Element C is to develop your “clutch control” and balance, ensuring you can handle the bike instinctively before you are asked to manage the added pressure of other road users.
Element B: Practical On-Site Training
In this second stage, you are introduced to the motorcycle or scooter in a safe, off-road environment. You will learn the layout and function of all the major controls, including the throttle, front and rear brakes, clutch, and gear lever. The instructor will also teach you how to perform basic mechanical safety checks—often referred to as “T-CLOC” or “POWER” checks—to ensure the bike is roadworthy. This element also involves physical handling, where you practice taking the bike on and off its stand and wheeling it manually to get a feel for its weight and balance.
Element D: On-Road Preparation
Before heading out onto public highways, you will return to a theory session focused on the specific challenges of road riding. The instructor will cover the “OSM/PSL” (Observation, Signal, Manoeuvre / Position, Speed, Look) routine and the vital “Lifesaver” shoulder check. You will discuss how to position yourself in the lane to avoid blind spots, how to approach different types of junctions, and how to anticipate the behavior of other drivers. This stage is designed to shift your mindset from simply operating a machine to navigating a complex traffic environment safely.
Element E: Practical On-Road Riding
The final element is a real-world assessment lasting at least two hours on public roads. Accompanied by your instructor and linked via a one-way radio, you will be required to demonstrate everything you have learned in a live traffic setting. You must show competence in handling roundabouts, traffic lights, and varying speed limits while maintaining a high standard of safety and observation. This is not a “test” you can fail with a single mistake, but if the instructor feels you are a danger to yourself or others, they will ask you to return for further training before issuing your DL196 certificate.
What next?
If you are happy to proceed to book your CBT, please follow the red button, or if you would like to speak to one of us, please phone 01903 861 711
Our Team
Meet the instructors
Heather & Mark. After years of leading training at Norton Motorcycle Training, we’ve decided to launch 2Moto to provide a more personal, passionate, and customer-focused training experience.
Mark
Instructor / Founder
He became a fully qualified CBT1 / DAS instructor. He also holds a (F1RST) as an IAM RoadSmart advanced rider.
Heather
Instructor / Founder
She is a highly experienced CBT1 / DAS trainer and instructor, bringing 20 years of dedication to the motorcycle industry, where she has taught countless individuals.