• Motorcycle learners with instructor

    CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

Duration: Book yourself out for the whole day but experienced riders will usually complete the course in a shorter period.

All learner motorcycle and moped riders must complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before riding on the road.*

You will need to complete a CBT if:

  • You want to ride a motorcycle.
  • You want to ride a moped.


CBT courses can only be provided by DSA Approved Training Bodies (ATBs), including Scotriders.

The CBT course syllabus includes five elements that have to be completed in sequence:

Element A - Introduction.
Element B - Practical on-site training.
Element C - Practical on-site riding.
Element D - Practical on-road training.
Element E - Practical on-road riding.


We also provide the opportunity for you to combine your CBT with additional on-road training. More details are here.

The CBT is not a test, but a progressive assessment. If you do not complete the course in one day, you are welcome to come back to Scotriders - free of charge** - to complete it.

When you have satisfactorily completed all five elements, you will be issued with a Certificate of Completion of Training (DL196).

Two-Year Entitlement

The DL196 is a legal document, which serves to validate the relevant entitlements on the driving licence. It is important that the holder of a DL196 certificate considers the following points:

A DL196 certificate entitlement lasts for two years.  CBT will have to be retaken if both the theory and practical tests are not passed within the two-year certificate life.

For moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is valid for as long as your car licence.

Once you have your certificate (DL 196) you are advised to take additional training to pass your tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or moped licence.

*However, if you obtained your car licence before February 1, 2001, you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.

**Should your CBT run over to a second day, Scotriders will bring you back in on the first available Monday we have for a fee of £30, however, should you request any other day than a Monday to complete your CBT, you pay £100.00 for your Instructor, payable on the day of your continued CBT. This must be either booked on the day of initial CBT training or the next working day to take advantage of this offer... there are no exceptions.

90 minute lessons Price Using Own M/C Save Price Including Hire M/C Save
CBT £160 £180
CBT + 6 lessons £480 £40 £580 £50
CBT + 9 lessons £650 £50 £790 £65
CBT + 12 lessons £820 £60 £1000 £80

What our customers say

  • Brilliant training centre ran by fantastic people. Alan has patience of a saint and gives fantastic instruction and tuition.

    Murray Clark
  • Fantastic place to do your CBT, good clear instructions, goes at a pace that suits you (even if you do take a little longer for it to sink in) very patient! Definitely recommend to anyone who is nervous about getting in control of a bike! Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

    Kirsty Richmond
  • Big thanks to all the guys at Scotriders for all the help to get my licence. Its the place to go, they are professional, helpful and friendly.

    Rhys Newell
  • Amazing! The only word that describes Scotriders, the most friendly and helpful couple you will ever meet.

    David Thomson
  • Guys a big thanks for all your help getting me through the mod 2!! Appreciated! All the best for the future.

    Mike McRitchie
  • Just wanted to thank Alan, Heather & Pete for your time, help and advice! Feels great to have passed! I'll keep in touch. Thanks again!

    Jamie Clarke (John Clark BMW)
  • Pete was very patient and helpful with me for my first time riding a bike and I also had very little road experience. He helped me stay calm and relaxed through the experience and we eventually got there. Thanks again!

    Brodie Toriati
  • Cheers for a cracking day on Saturday passing my CBT. Big thanks to Pete for making the day fun despite the usual Scottish Summer (read: loads of bloody wind and rain!) looking forward to getting a new bike and eventually getting rid of my L plates once and for all!

    Jamie Plommer
  • Cheers for today guys, the whole day was fantastic. You made everything very simplified even though I may have had to try on more than 1 occasion to do things.....was a pleasure...see you soon

    Darren Fleming (John Clark BMW Motorrad)
What our customers say