CBT – Compulsory Basic Training is where it all starts for anyone wanting to ride a motorcycle or moped. It is the minimum level of training legally required to ride unaccompanied on the road, the aim being to provide you with a basic level of skill and competency to ensure you can ride safely.
If you obtained your car licence before 1 February, 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.
CBT is a structured course, regulated by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), which comprises of 5 parts:

Element A – Introduction - talk about CBT, helmets, clothing and equipment
Element B – Practical on-site training – introduction to the machine, its’ controls & basic maintenance
Element C – Practical on-site riding – learning all the skills of riding the machine
Element D – Practical on-road training – pre-road briefing and talk about hazards and safety on the road
Element E – Practical on-road riding – on the road, putting into practice everything learnt during the course whilst in radio contact with your instructor

Elements A-D are all completed off road in an area where you can learn and practise your new skills safely until you are ready for the road.

Once you have completed your CBT you will be issued with your CBT certificate (DL196). This is valid for 2 years and entitles you to ride, unaccompanied:

     - a machine up to 50cc if you are aged 16
     - a machine up to 125cc if you are 17 or over

If you complete the CBT at the age of 16, you can then move on to a machine up to 125cc when you reach 17 without taking a further CBT course.