How long does CBT licence last?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 20, 2026
Once you have passed CBT you'll be issued with a certificate valid for two years.
How long is a CBT certificate valid for?
Your CBT certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. You will have to display L-plates on your bike and you are not permitted to carry passengers or ride on motorways. You may renew your CBT certificate after two years or continue your journey to achieving a full motorcycle licence.
How long does CBT last with provisional licence?
Type of Bike Licenses. If you are 16 years old and pass a CBT with a provisional licence, you will be entitled to ride any 49cc scooter or motorcycle restricted to 28mph. You must display L-plates, cannot carry passengers or go on motorways. This entitlement lasts for 2 years.
How often do you have to do CBT?
The certificate is valid for two years, in which time you will need to pass your full test or take CBT again. The CBT is one of the first legal steps, and must by law be taken by any new rider before they get on the road using “L” plates.
Does CBT need to be renewed?
To undertake a CBT renewal, you need to still have a valid CBT certificate. If your CBT certificate has expired, you will be required to book a regular CBT course to obtain your new certificate, which will last a further 2 years from the date of completion.
29 related questions foundWhat happens when CBT runs out?
CBT certificates
If you don't pass your full moped or motorcycle test by the time the CBT certificate expires (two years) and you want to continue riding on the public road you will have to retake the CBT course and get a new certificate.
What if my CBT expires?
If your CBT certificate is still valid, or expired within 6 months, then you can book onto one of our CBT renewal courses.
Do I need CBT If I have full driving licence?
Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
Does CBT show on driving licence?
CBT if you have a car driving licence
If you already have a CBT certificate and then pass your car test, you can ride a moped without L plates without taking the full motorcycle test. In this case the CBT certificate for riding mopeds will last for as long as your car licence.
Can I ride a 125cc on a car licence?
As stated above, if you have a full car driving licence you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc, but you need to have completed your CBT first. This is just a day long course that begins with basic motorbike training in a car park and then finishes with you riding the motorbike yourself out on the road.
How long does a provisional licence last?
How long will it last? Your provisional driving licence has a shelf life, so you will need to ensure you have completed your driving test successfully before that time. The good news is a provisional driving licence lasts 10 years, so for most applicants, this shouldn't be a problem.
How long does a motorbike theory last?
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical tests in that time, you'll have to take the theory test again before you can take the practical tests.
Can I ride 250cc on a CBT?
You can ride up to 125cc with a valid CBT certificate. (or a full motorcycle licence category A) A 250cc motorcycle will required a full motorcycle licence.
What is CBT certificate?
The CBT certificate allows you to legally ride any moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc on the UK roads with some restrictions. You have to display L-plates, cannot ride on the motorways and cannot carry a passenger until you pass your Full Motorcycle license tests.
Can you pass your CBT in one day?
CBT typically takes one day, but there is no time limit. There is also no pass or fail - riders who aren't ready after one day keep going until they 'achieve' the correct standard. There's a lot to learn, but don't think of CBT as a test. Instead, think of it like those gift experiences you buy people for Xmas.
Is a CBT an A1 licence?
The A1 Motorcycle Licence is available for people aged 17 or above who only want to ride a scooter/moped or motorbike with a maximum engine size of up to 125cc. Many people consider the A1 licence as a so called “permanent CBT”, with the added privilege of being able to use motorways, and carry pillion passenger's.
Can you drive a bike without CBT?
You cannot legally ride a bike on the road without completing you Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). So before attempting to attain any of the other licences you must first complete this - hence the word compulsory.
Can I ride a 49cc moped without a CBT?
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test. You must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.
Do you need theory test for CBT?
do i need to do a motorcycle theory test before i can take a cbt course? No, your CBT just qualifies you as a learner for a two year period and as such you do NOT need to take a theory test, you must however pass one before any full motorcycle test can be taken.
What is a CBT refresher?
A new CBT licence allows you to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle or scooter on the road for another 2 years. You must still display L-Plates and cannot carry a pillion passenger or ride on motorways. At 16 years old you are restricted to riding a motorcycle or scooter up 50cc, restricted to 28Mph.
How long does your Mod 1 last?
Just as a reminder for those of you who are following the progressive access route, even though your Module 1 Certificate is not linked to a theory test expiry date, the Module 1 Pass Certificate is only valid for 6 months from the date of completion.
What can I ride with a mod 1?
You'll take the module 1 test in an off-road motorcycle manoeuvring area. The test normally takes about 20 minutes and includes: wheeling the moped or motorcycle and using the stand. riding a slalom and figure of 8.
Can you drive on a roads with a CBT?
Once you have passed the CBT you will be permitted to ride unaccompanied on the public road on a motorcycle up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW. You must also ride with L-plates for up to two years. You must pass the CBT course before being able to ride on the road.
How long does a CBT take UK?
How long is a CBT course? The CBT course should last for at least 5 to 8 hours. There is a set routine that is regulated by the DVSA. You will be taught elements in turn and when you are safe to go onto the next element then you progress through all the five stages.
How do I get a CBT licence UK?
Q. How do I get a CBT Licence? To get a CBT Licence you must pass the Compulsory basic training test. You can apply for that at the Official UK Government Website.