What happens if you ride without a CBT?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 25, 2026
You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT again or stop riding. You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT certificate.
Can I ride my bike without a 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.
What happens if your caught riding without CBT?
What is the penalty for riding without a CBT? If you are caught riding without a valid CBT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000 and receive up to 6 points on your license.
Do the police know if I have a CBT?
Although your CBT is not kept on the police database, the police can make you produce your certificate under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Failing to produce a valid CBT certificate exposes you to a whole host of problems, including penalty points, a fine, and invalid insurance.
Can I ride my 125 without CBT?
Can I ride a 125cc without doing a CBT course – I have a full UK driver's license? 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.
39 related questions foundCan I drive a 125cc motorbike 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.
Do I need CBD if I have full driving licence?
There are a few occasions where you will not need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to get on the road on two wheels. Most of those instances are based on where you live but more commonly, you do not need to complete your CBT if you have a full driving licence, but not always.
Can you insure a Moped without CBT?
Can you insure a bike without a CBT? Yes, even if you haven't completed your CBT, you will still need to have bike insurance. You don't need to have passed your CBT to ride a motorcycle, however, you will be restricted to mopeds up to 50cc.
How long does CBT licence last?
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 can I check if I have a CBT?
Firstly, check your photocard (if you have one)
- Check your card rear, looking at the categories section.
- Look for Category A (125cc) or...
- Category P for 50cc Moped.
- If you have Cat A, you can sit your CBT on a 125cc.
- If you have Cat P, you can sit your CBT on a 50cc Moped.
How many points do you get for no CBT?
You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT again or stop riding. You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT certificate.
How fast can a 50cc moped go?
On average, the top speed of a 50cc moped is between 25-30mph.
Can I ride a 50cc moped on a provisional licence?
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.
Is CBT classed as provisional?
In order to learn to ride you'll need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) when you receive your provisional licence. With provisional motorbike licence entitlement you can: Ride a moped or scooter up to 50cc if you're aged 16+ as long as you've completed your CBT, display L plates and have insurance.
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.
How do I get a full bike licence UK?
To ride on public roads you first need to get a provisional licence and then complete compulsory basic training ( CBT ) to get a certificate. You must pass both parts of your practical test within 2 years of taking the theory test. If you do not, you'll have to start the process again.
Can you drive on a roads with a CBT?
CBT certificates
Once you have passed CBT you'll be issued with a certificate valid for two years. This will allow you to ride legally on the road unaccompanied (except for categories A2 and A).
Can you fail a CBT?
The CBT is not a test, so you theoretically cannot 'pass or fail' your CBT. The real question to ask here is if you are safe to ride on the road unaccompanied or if you would need further training before you receive a CBT test certificate.
How many times can you take CBT?
Yes. As the current law stands you can renew your CBT every two years without limits.
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.
Can I insure a motorbike without a licence UK?
Yes, you can own a motorcycle and an insurance policy for it without a license. However, you cannot legally drive a motorcycle in any state without either a permit, license or motorcycle endorsement.
Can you buy a motorcycle without a license UK?
You actually do not need to have a motorcycle license in order to buy a motorcycle. There are no laws or regulations relating to such a rule, so you are free to purchase as many motorcycles as you would like without worrying about having to get your license first.
What does 122 mean on driving licence?
122 - valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course. This does not apply to trial e-scooters. 125 - tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
Can you ride a 125cc on the motorway with a CBT?
Can I ride a 125cc on the motorway? Yes, you can ride a 125cc motorcycle on the motorway if you have a full motorcycle licence. You cannot ride on the motorway if you only have a CBT.
How much is a CBT test in the UK?
A CBT (compulsory basic training) test can cost between £130 to £170, but the price can vary between instructors. The certificate is valid for two years.