Thinking about getting on two wheels? Whether you want to cut your commute costs, skip the traffic, or simply enjoy the freedom of the open road — motorcycling is one of the most rewarding things you can take up. But if you’ve never ridden before, the process can feel overwhelming. Licences, CBTs, theory tests, modules — where do you even start?
This beginner’s guide to motorcycling in the UK walks you through every step, from applying for your provisional licence all the way to riding confidently on the road. We’ve included real costs, what actually happens on your CBT day, and which licence category is right for your age and ambitions.
If you’re in Warrington, Wirall, Widnes, Runcorn, St Helens, or anywhere across Cheshire, On Your Bike runs CBT and DAS courses from Thelwall and can have you on the road faster than you might think.
Step 1: Get Your Provisional Licence
Before anything else, you need a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a provisional or full car licence, skip straight to Step 2.
Apply online at gov.uk. You’ll need your passport details and National Insurance number. Cost: £34 online. It typically arrives within a week to ten days. Minimum age is 16 for a moped (up to 50cc) or 17 for a motorcycle.
Step 2: Complete Your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
The CBT is the mandatory first step for every new motorcycle rider in the UK. It’s a structured one-day course covering the basics of riding safely. Once you complete it, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc on public roads with L-plates for up to two years. Prices vary, but at On Your Bike our CBT’s start from £225.00
It’s not a pass/fail test in the traditional sense — it’s a course. You progress through five elements, and your instructor signs you off when they’re satisfied you can ride safely.
What Happens on CBT Day?
- Introduction & eyesight check — Classroom session covering clothing, documentation, and an eyesight check (you must read a number plate at 20 metres).
- On-site training — Learning the bike’s controls, safety checks, moving off, stopping, and slow-speed control in a safe area.
- On-site riding — More advanced on-site exercises: emergency stops, gear changes, and slow-speed manoeuvres.
- On-road training — Back in the classroom for road riding theory: junctions, roundabouts, positioning, signals, and hazard awareness.
- On-road riding — At least two hours riding on real public roads, with your instructor in radio contact throughout.
You ride a training bike provided by the school — no need to own one. Courses typically run 8am–5pm. Wear sturdy ankle boots and warm, layered clothing.
Cost: CBT at On Your Bike starts from £225, including use of a training motorcycle. Book your CBT here.
Step 3: Understand Your Licence Options (A1, A2, Full A)
After your CBT you can ride a 125cc with L-plates. But most riders eventually want more power, the ability to carry a pillion, or to ride on motorways. That means progressing to a full licence — and the route depends on your age.
| Licence | Min. Age | Power Limit | What You Can Ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM (Moped) | 16 | 50cc / 45km/h max | Mopeds only |
| A1 | 17 | 11kW (15bhp) | Motorcycles up to 125cc |
| A2 | 19 | 35kW (47bhp) | Mid-range bikes up to 47bhp |
| A (Full) | 21 (via A2) or 24 | Unlimited | Any motorcycle |
Direct Access Scheme (DAS): If you’re 24 or over, you can skip the restricted stages entirely and go straight from CBT to a full, unrestricted Category A licence — usually in just 3–5 days of training. More about our DAS courses.
If you’re 19–23, the A2 route is usually the right call. You can ride a decent range of bikes and upgrade to full A once you turn 21 (with at least 2 years on A2).
Step 4: Pass Your Motorcycle Theory Test
Before you can sit Module 1 or Module 2, you must pass the motorcycle theory test. It has two parts:
- Multiple choice: 50 questions, 57 minutes, need 43 correct to pass.
- Hazard perception: 14 video clips of real roads — you click when you spot a developing hazard. Need 44 out of 75 to pass.
Book online at gov.uk. Cost: £23. The DVSA’s official theory test app is the best free revision tool. Most people pass after 10–20 hours of study.
Step 5: Pass Module 1 and Module 2
Module 1 — Off-Road Manoeuvres
Conducted at a DVSA motorcycle test centre — the closest to Warrington is at Runcorn. You’ll perform controlled exercises on a marked course: slow-speed riding, figure of eight, U-turn, controlled stop, emergency stop, and hazard avoidance (swerve). Cost: £15.50.
Module 2 — On-Road Test
A 40-minute ride on real roads. A DVSA examiner follows on a motorcycle and gives instructions via radio earpiece. They assess your road craft, awareness, signals, positioning, and ability to handle real traffic conditions. Cost: £75.
Step 6: Choose Your First Motorcycle
- Fit first: Sit on it before you buy. Both feet should touch the ground. Tip-toes is fine; full suspension hover is not.
- Right power level: Don’t exceed your licence. A 125cc is ideal for commuting and building experience. A2-class bikes are excellent once you progress.
- Budget fully: Purchase price + insurance + road tax + MOT (bikes over 3 years old) + maintenance kit.
- New or used? Used with service history is fine. Always check the V5C logbook matches the frame number. No paperwork = walk away.
You don’t need your own bike for CBT or your Module 1/2 tests — we provide everything at On Your Bike.
Step 7: Invest in the Right Safety Gear
Only a helmet is legally required — but no experienced rider would go out without proper kit.
- Helmet (ECE 22.06 rated): Never buy second-hand — you can’t see internal impact damage. Budget £80–£500.
- Jacket (CE Level 2 armour at shoulders, elbows, back): £80–£400.
- Gloves (motorcycle-specific): £30–£150. Hands go out instinctively in a fall.
- Boots (ankle support, oil-resistant sole): £50–£200.
- Trousers (knee and hip protection): £60–£250.
Legs and feet are the most commonly injured areas in non-fatal motorcycle accidents. Full kit, every ride.
Step 8: Sort Your Insurance and Road Tax
Third-party insurance is the legal minimum. Three levels exist: third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. Counterintuitively, comprehensive is often cheaper for newer riders — always compare both before choosing.
Things that reduce your premium: completing a full licence, adding a security device (chain, disc lock, tracker), garaging the bike overnight, and gaining advanced qualifications (IAM, RoSPA).
Tax your bike at gov.uk/vehicle-tax. If it’s stored off-road, SORN it to stop paying tax.
Step 9: Learn Basic Motorcycle Maintenance
Use the POWDERY pre-ride check before every journey:
- P — Petrol: Check fuel level.
- O — Oil: Check via sight glass or dipstick. Low oil kills engines fast.
- W — Water: Coolant level on liquid-cooled bikes.
- D — Drive: Chain tension and lubrication.
- E — Electrics: Lights, indicators, horn.
- R — Rubber: Tyre condition, tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum — aim for more), and pressures.
- Y — Yourself: Tired, stressed, or unwell? Don’t ride.
Step 10: Keep Improving Your Skills
Passing your test is the start, not the finish. New riders are statistically most at risk in the first two years on the road. Keep building your skills:
- Biker Down (free): Emergency first aid specifically for motorcyclists. Every rider should do this.
- Bike Safe (police-run, low cost): An observed ride with structured feedback from a traffic officer.
- IAM RoadSmart / RoSPA: Advanced riding qualification that also cuts insurance premiums.
- Motorway session: If you’ve not ridden on a motorway before, book a lesson. It’s a very different environment to A-road riding.
On Your Bike offers a range of courses beyond CBT, including DAS and refresher training. See all our courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own motorcycle for a CBT?
No. Registered training schools like On Your Bike provide a suitable motorcycle for your CBT. Just turn up in suitable clothing and footwear.
How long does a CBT certificate last?
Your CBT is valid for [2] two years. After that, either renew with another CBT or progress to a full licence — which has no expiry.
How much does it cost to get a motorcycle licence in the UK?
Provisional licence £34.00 · CBT from £225.00 · Theory test £23.00 · Module 1 £500.00 inc Test Fees · Module 2 £525.00 inc Test Fees · Pre-test training typically £225.00. Total: Approximately £1500.00 – £1600.00 all in, then you need your gear and your first bike and insurance.
What’s the difference between CBT and a full motorcycle licence?
CBT lets you ride up to 125cc on L-plates for two years. A full licence removes the power restriction and L-plates, lets you carry a pillion, and allows motorway riding.
Can I ride on the motorway after my CBT?
No. L-plate riders cannot use motorways in the UK. You need a full motorcycle licence.
What is the Direct Access Scheme (DAS)?
DAS lets riders aged 24 or over go straight from CBT to an unrestricted Category A licence, typically in 3–5 days of training. More about our DAS course.
What happens on CBT day?
Five elements: classroom introduction and eyesight check, on-site training (controls and basic moves), on-site riding (braking, gear changes), on-road theory, and at least two hours riding on public roads with your instructor on radio. Most courses run 8:30am–4pm.
Ready to get started? On Your Bike runs CBT and DAS training from Thelwall, Warrington. We cover Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn, St Helens, Ellesmere Port and the wider Cheshire area. Book your CBT from £225 →