Proposed government changes to CBT and motorcycle training
How will this affect future riders?
Learning to ride a motorcycle in the UK could soon become more structured, more closely checked, and slightly less “turn up and hope for the best”.
For many new riders, compulsory basic training, better known as CBT, is the first real step onto two wheels. It is also the point where habits form fast. A good CBT can build confidence, road sense, and control. A rushed one can leave a learner with a certificate but not enough skill for busy roads. At ACBT London we don't rush the trainee, we work with them as individuals.
The government has been looking at ways to improve motorcycle training, with CBT and the wider route to a licence under particular scrutiny. At the time of writing, these are proposed changes, not automatic new law. The exact details may change after consultation and review.
Still, the direction is clear. Future riders may face a more demanding training route, stronger checks on readiness, and clearer expectations before riding alone on L plates.
Why CBT is being reviewed
CBT was designed as a basic safety course, not a full riding qualification. It allows learner riders to gain practical experience before taking the next steps towards a full licence.
In its current form, CBT usually covers:
Eyesight and basic safety checks
Motorcycle controls and balance
Slow-speed handling
Junctions, observation, and road positioning
On-road riding with an instructor
A certificate if the instructor believes the rider is safe enough to continue learning alone
That last point matters. CBT is not a test with a guaranteed pass. An instructor should only issue the certificate when the trainee has reached the required standard.
The problem is that CBT sits under a lot of pressure. Some learners arrive with no road knowledge. Some need more time than a single day can sensibly provide. Some repeat CBT every two years instead of progressing to a full licence.
Those issues explain why reform keeps coming up. The aim is not to make riding harder for the sake of it. The aim is to make sure a rider who leaves the training site on L plates is more prepared for real traffic.
The main changes future riders may see
The government’s proposed direction is likely to affect both CBT itself and the wider motorcycle training route. The final version may differ, but several themes are likely to matter most to learners.
CBT may become more clearly structured
One likely area of reform is the content and delivery of CBT. At the moment, all approved training bodies must cover required elements, but the experience can still vary. ACBT London customers needn't worry as in many ways we are already ahead of the game. We have always believed that CBT should be taken further and our teaching has always followed that philosophy.
A more structured CBT could mean clearer standards for each stage. For example, a learner may need to show stronger control in the training area before moving onto public roads. Instructors may also need to record progress more clearly. For trainees, this could mean fewer grey areas. If someone needs more time, that should be easier to explain. If someone is ready, the route to certification should feel more consistent. We have always believed this should be the case so our training has always been based on the individual person as opposed to a "one size fits all" approach to training.
The trade-off is that some riders may no longer complete CBT in one day. That is not necessarily a bad thing. A second session is cheaper than a collision, a damaged bike, or losing confidence after a frightening first solo ride.
Theory knowledge may matter earlier
Another possible change is a stronger focus on road theory before or during CBT. At present, a rider can complete CBT before passing the motorcycle theory test. That means some learners first ride on the road while still weak on hazard perception, road signs, lane discipline, and vulnerable road user rules. We have always been robust in ensuring that trainees have a good level of highway code knowledge prior to be taken on the road. We risk assess every step of the way and allowing someone to ride a motorcycle on the scooter on the public road without good awareness of the rules of the road defeats the object of road safety. We prepare riders prior to training by effective signposting before attending the training day.
If government changes push more theory into the early stage, future trainees may need to prepare before their CBT day. That could include more explicit checks on:
Highway Code knowledge
Hazard awareness
Protective clothing
Basic machine safety
Junction priorities
Speed limits and road signs
This would change the feel of CBT for many but not for our trainees as this is something we already have inn place. ACBT London training is less like a first exposure to motorcycling and more like a practical course built on prior preparation.
For a new rider, that means the smartest move is simple: study before booking. Even if the law does not yet require a theory pass before CBT, turning up with road knowledge makes the day easier and safer.
Training is a two way street. It is about a joint relationship between the trainee and the trainer where the responsibility of learning is shared. We provide all the necessary information, guidance and signposting to ensure development and we expect the trainee to invest in their preparation to achieve success.
Repeating CBT may change
One of the long-running concerns is the number of riders who keep renewing CBT instead of moving on to a full licence. At present, CBT certificates generally last for two years. A learner who does not pass a full motorcycle test before expiry must take CBT again to keep riding on L plates.
According to government figures last year approximately 180,000 CBT certificates were issued in the UK whilst only roughly 40,000 went on to pass the motorcycle test.
Repeat CBT is legal, but it can create a cycle. Some riders spend years on L plates with no passenger rights, no motorway access, and no full licence progression. For commuting or delivery work, that may look convenient, although it leaves riders on learner status.
Proposed changes could make repeated CBT less open-ended. The government may seek to encourage, or pressure riders to move towards theory and practical tests rather than renewing indefinitely. That could affect future trainees in a practical way. CBT may become the start of a planned licence route, not a long-term riding arrangement.
In our view however we believe that preventing trainees from repeating CBT is a poor solution which is wide of the mark of achieving the intention of improving standards. We think that a motorcyclist re-training evrry two years and receiving updates on rule or highway code changes and/or updates is a driver of a higher standard than one that passes their driving test and never takes any form of professional training for the rest of their driving life.
At the same time as 180,000 attained CBT last year, there were 1.8 million car tests with just under 900,000 passing. "Targetting" those serial CBT repeaters to improve driving standards is focussing on a tiny proportion of the driving population which will have a minimal effect on road standards and safety. It also points the finger at motorcyclists in a negative way. There are many reasons why 2% of road traffic in the UK (motorcyclists) represent 24% of casualties. Those repeating CBT every two years are not the main reason. This change therefore would seem to be very wide of the mark of what it aims to achieve. In the video below we discuss this in more detail.
Training schools will also face challenges
Government reform is unlikely to focus only on learners. It may also affect instructors and approved training bodies.
A good training school already takes safety seriously. It will not rush unsafe riders onto the road, and it will explain when extra training is needed. Stronger official standards could make that approach more common across the country. This has been our approach since day one. We have always believed that trainees learn better if they are relaxed and free from pressure. Safety is our prime concern and drives evrything about our approach.
For ACBT London learners, the overall benefit is consistently high quality training. We are interested in creating well trained, effective, motorcyclists not just plain CBT holders so in this area we are also well placed. Schools with a less progressive approach will find government proposals challenging. The possible downside to the proposals is cost. If training providers face higher requirements, prices may rise over time. That will depend on the final rules and how much extra work providers must do. We have tried to offer quality training at an affordable and competitive price and will continue to do so regardless.
What this means if you are planning to take CBT
For someone booking CBT for the first time, the biggest change may be mindset.
CBT has often been treated as a gateway to riding a scooter or motorcycle. The proposed reforms suggest it may become more clearly recognised as safety-critical training. That means preparation will matter more. We have always threated it thus and have recognised from day one that the old Police addage of the "five P's" is true: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Our trainees all receive detailed information on how to prepare for CBT. We explain in detail how trainees should approach training including what to learn and research before attendance, even what to wear and how to practice prior to the course. As stated above training is a partnership between trainee and trainer.
Expect the day to be more demanding
An ACBT London CBT course travels amore advanced road than a standard basic CBT course. We already provide more detailed information to take the training to a higher level. Not to make the course more diffiult but to generate a much better prepared motorcyclist which is evidenced before the road ride. Learners need to show efficient clutch control, braking, observation, and judgement by experiencing a more advanced approach all carried out in the safety of our excellent training area.
This can feel frustrating if the goal is simply to get riding. But it is better to struggle with cones in a safe yard than to struggle at a busy roundabout in live traffic especially when having to negotiate the road alone for the first time. Our vision extends beyond the CBT day, we are preparing you for riding in the future.
A trainee who arrives prepared will have a much easier time. No one expects a beginner to ride like a full licence holder. But a prepared beginner learns faster. When booking look out for the guidance emails and messages. These are designed to help you make the most of your training and come from our vast experience in this industry. My Inspector, in my Police days, had the following on the wall in his office: "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail". Seven words that hit the nail on the head when describing motorcycle training.
Choose the right bike for training
Many learners take CBT on a 50cc moped, scooter, or geared 125cc motorcycle. The right choice depends on future plans. We have a blog post discussing the merits of each type of bike.
If someone only plans to ride an automatic scooter, training on a scooter may make sense. If the goal is a geared motorcycle or a full A1, A2, or A licence, training on a geared bike builds useful muscle memory early.
One possible area of future reform is clearer recording of what type of machine a rider trained on. If that becomes part of the rules, learners may need to think more carefully before choosing automatic or manual training. We can help with this decision. Our fleet caters for the A1 and A2 automatic licence and the A1, A2 and A geared motorcycle licences.
Even if no such change applies yet, the principle still stands. Train as close as possible to the type of bike you intend to ride.
How licence progression could change the learner journey
CBT is only the first step for many riders. The full motorcycle licence system currently includes categories such as AM, A1, A2, and A, with age and power limits. Riders may also need a theory test, off-road manoeuvres test, and on-road practical test, depending on their route.
Proposed reforms may try to make progression clearer. The government has shown interest in reducing confusion and improving safety while keeping motorcycling accessible.
For future riders, the key point is planning.
A 16-year-old who wants a bike for local travel has different needs from a 19-year-old aiming for an A2 licence. A commuter who wants a 125cc motorcycle may make different choices from someone who wants to ride larger bikes as soon as legally possible.
If CBT rules tighten, the full licence route may become more attractive earlier. Instead of renewing CBT, riders may decide to pass the theory test and move on.
The benefits of a full licence can include:
No L plates
Ability to carry a pillion passenger, where the licence and bike allow it
Motorway access, where the licence and bike allow it
More bike choice
Stronger proof of riding competence
Less need to repeat basic training
Lower insurance premiums
For many riders, the proposed government changes to CBT and motorcycle training will affect future riders most by making this progression feel less optional. CBT may still open the door, but it may no longer be treated as a place to stay indefinitely.
What training providers may need to change
Motorcycle training schools will carry much of the practical burden if reforms become law.
A stronger CBT system could require providers to spend more time assessing each learner, keeping records, updating instructor training, or adapting course layouts. Schools may also need to explain new rules to students who expect the old system.
Good schools are likely to welcome clearer standards, as long as the rules are practical. Poorer providers may find it harder to operate if checks become tighter.
For trainees, this means the choice of school becomes even more important. Price matters, but it should not be the only factor.
Signs of a good CBT provider include:
They explain what CBT includes before the day
They tell learners what clothing and documents to bring
They make clear that certification is not guaranteed
They keep group sizes sensible
They do not rush nervous riders
They offer extra training when needed
They maintain bikes properly
They give honest feedback
If the reforms raise standards across the industry, this is a good thing. We already do all the above and have been doing so from the beginning, in fact we go further. At ACBT London therefore we welcome many of the proposed alterations to the system. As contientious training providers we are supportive of any initiative that results in a higher standard of training across the board. One glance at the reviews on our website or on review websites will confirm our success in this area.
What current and future learners should do now
No one needs to panic about proposed changes. Until rules are confirmed and introduced, the current system continues to apply. Still, anyone planning to ride can take useful steps now.
Prepare before CBT
Read the Highway Code. Practise hazard perception using official-style materials. Learn the basic controls of a motorcycle or scooter. Practice knowledge through the DVSA's Ridefree learning tool. Watch for advice from recognised training providers rather than random clips from "influencers" that encourage bad habits through clickbait. Preparation does not remove nerves, but it reduces surprises.
Book with safety in mind
We treat CBT as training, not a tick box exercise. We focus on the individual's learning, not as a revolving door of fee payers. A serious training school protects the rider, the public, and the reputation of motorcycling and our excellent reputation is everything to us. There is a reason ACBT London stands for Advanced Compulsory Basic Training. We go further because we believe in what we do. If you wish to discuss with a real person before booking rather than a chat-bot, give us a call on 0208 331 1103 and telle us what you wish to achieve.
Think beyond the certificate
CBT is a beginning. Before buying a bike, plan the next stage. That might be more practice on a 125cc motorcycle, an A1 licence, an A2 route, or direct access later. The best route depends on age, confidence, budget, and riding goals. We look further than CBT. Our training is designed to prepare you for the next steps in motorcycling and lay down the foundations if you decide to pass thge motorcycle test.
For more information on the motorcycle test we have a blog post for the Module 1 test and one for the Module 2 test.
Do not rush onto the road if you are not ready
If an instructor says more training is needed, listen. It can feel disappointing, especially after paying for a course, but it is not failure. It is part of learning. Motorcycling rewards patience. Small improvements in clutch control, braking, and observation make a huge difference on the road. Remember, CBT is not a test. It may last one day or it may last longer, it depends on how you learn, as outlined in this DVSA video.
The likely takeaway for future riders
Many fear change. The proposed changes are best seen as a shift in expectations. CBT may become less of a quick admin step and more of a measured safety course. Learners may need better road knowledge before attending, more time to reach the required standard, and a clearer plan for licence progression.
That may feel like extra hassle at first. For future riders, it could also mean better training, safer early miles, and fewer people left trying to learn everything alone on L plates.
The safest response is simple: prepare early and treat CBT as the start of becoming a rider rather than the end of the process. We will be there with you from the start of your CBT course, through your DAS training to pass the test and beyond, learning the principles of advanced motorcycle training with our new, excellent, Ridesafe initiative replacing the Bikesafe course that was run by the Metropolitan Police and sadly cancelled in January of this year.
At ACBT London we do not fear change. We embrace it, looking forward, evolving and developing future proof methods of training to make you a better rider.
Our message to anyone worried about the proposals put forward by the government? Don't worry all is well, we are well placed to take you on that journey without any bumps in the road.
The full, detailed government paper may be viewed here on the DVSA website.
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