The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Most learner motorcycle and moped riders must take compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.

You then have to pass your full motorcycle test within 2 years or you'll have to take CBT again.

You need to book CBT through an approved training body (ATB) - each ATB sets its own fees.

When you don't need to take CBT

You don’t need to take CBT to ride a moped if you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001.

Mopeds have a maximum engine size of 50cc and a maximum speed of approximately 31mph.

You also don’t have to take CBT if you:

• have a full moped licence from passing a full moped test after 1 December 1990
• have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another
• live and ride on some offshore islands

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

You need to book compulsory basic training (CBT) directly through an approved training body (ATB).

The ATB sets the cost of CBT which depends on where the training takes place and if you bring your own moped or motorcycle.

Contact your nearest ATB for availability and prices.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Compulsory basic training (CBT) has 5 elements:

• introduction and eyesight check
• practical on-site training
• practical on-site riding
• practical on-road training
• practical on-road riding

You'll move from one element to the next when your trainer is happy you've:

• learnt the theory
• shown the practical skills to a safe basic level

How many people you’ll train with

You might train with other learners. There’s a maximum number of:

• 4 learners per trainer for on-site elements
• 2 learners per trainer for on-road elements

Find out more

Read the official DSA guide to learning to ride for detailed information about CBT.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

When you complete compulsory basic training (CBT) to at least the minimum standard, you'll get a certificate of completion – also called a DL196.

Your certificate of completion lets you ride a moped or a motorbike up to 125cc on the road with L plates for 2 years (L or D plates in Wales).

You must pass your full motorcycle test within 2 years or you'll need to complete CBT again.

Replace your certificate

The certificate of completion is a legal document. It proves your right to ride as a provisional rider. The police may ask you to produce it.

Ask the approved training body you took the course with for a replacement if you lose your certificate. You can be charged up to £20 for this.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

You can ride a moped without L plates and without taking the full motorcycle test if either:

• you have a car driving licence and a compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate
• you passed your driving test before 1 February 2001

You must complete a CBT course to confirm your full moped licence if you passed your car driving test on or after 1 February 2001.

Your CBT certificate for riding mopeds is then valid for as long as your car driving licence.

Mopeds have a maximum engine size of 50cc and a maximum speed of approximately 31mph.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

You don’t need compulsory basic training (CBT) to ride on some offshore islands.

This doesn’t include any islands connected to the mainland by road, along with the following islands:

• Isle of Wight
• South Uist
• North Uist
• Benbecula
• Harris
• Lewis
• mainland Orkney
• mainland Shetland

Residents of all other islands don’t need to take CBT, unless you want to ride in a place where one is needed.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

First, try to sort the issue out with the approved training body (ATB) that organised your course.

Contact your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice Bureau if they still aren't providing a good service.

Contact DVSA if you're not happy with your ATB's behaviour. DVSA can’t help with things like the cost of your training or value for money.

DVSA CBT section
cbt@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0115 936 6547
Find out about call charges

DVSA CBT section
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliament Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP