If you are thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle or scooter, it is normal to have questions before booking. This page explains what CBT involves, what to bring on the day, what happens during training, how learner motorcycle rules work, and how you can progress from CBT towards a full motorcycle licence.

Alternative Motorcycle Training provides DVSA-approved motorcycle and moped training from our Brighton/Woodingdean and Newhaven training locations. We support riders from Brighton, Hove, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven, Lewes and the surrounding East Sussex area.

CBT Training FAQs

What is CBT motorcycle training?

CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It is the training most learner motorcycle and moped riders must complete before riding on the road.

CBT is designed to make sure you can ride safely on your own while you practise for your full moped or motorcycle test. It covers basic controls, machine handling, safety, road positioning, junctions, observations and a supervised road ride.

Is CBT a test?

No. CBT is not a traditional pass/fail test. However, your instructor must be satisfied that you have reached a safe standard before they can issue your CBT certificate, known as a DL196.

That means you cannot simply attend and automatically receive the certificate. You need to demonstrate that you can control the machine safely and ride responsibly on the road.

How long does CBT take?

CBT is normally completed in one full day. Some riders may need more time, especially if they are completely new, nervous, or need extra practice with clutch control, balance, road positioning or traffic situations.

There is no benefit in rushing CBT. The aim is to make sure you are safe enough to continue riding as a learner.

Can I fail CBT?

CBT is not a pass/fail test, but you may not complete it in one day if you do not reach the required standard. If that happens, your instructor will explain what needs more work and what extra training is recommended.

This is not a failure. It simply means you need more time before riding independently on the road.

What happens after I complete CBT?

When you successfully complete CBT, you receive a DL196 certificate. This allows you to ride within the learner rules.

If you are 16 or over, you can ride a moped. If you are 17 or over, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW. You must display L plates and follow the learner rider rules.

How long does a CBT certificate last?

A CBT certificate lasts for two years. You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within that period or complete CBT again if you want to continue riding as a learner.

Can I ride a 125cc motorcycle after CBT?

Yes, if you are 17 or over and have completed CBT, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and up to 11kW on L plates, provided you have the correct provisional entitlement, insurance, tax and a roadworthy machine.

Can I ride a moped at 16?

Yes. Once you are 16 and have completed CBT, you can ride a moped within the learner rules. Mopeds are limited compared with 125cc motorcycles, so it is important to check what your licence and vehicle allow before riding.

Can I carry a passenger after CBT?

No. CBT does not allow you to carry a pillion passenger while riding as a learner. You need the correct full licence before carrying a passenger.

Can I ride on the motorway after CBT?

No. Learner motorcycle and moped riders cannot ride on motorways. You need the correct full licence before motorway riding.

Do I need a theory test before CBT?

No. You can take CBT before or after your motorcycle theory test. However, you will normally need to pass the motorcycle theory test before taking the practical motorcycle tests for a full licence.

CBT Course Day FAQs

What happens on the CBT course?

CBT is delivered in five elements:

Element A: Introduction and safety briefing
Element B: On-site training
Element C: On-site riding
Element D: Pre-road briefing
Element E: On-road riding

The road ride only takes place when your instructor is satisfied that you are ready. The road section includes supervised riding in real traffic and is designed to confirm that you can ride safely as a learner.

How much road riding is included in CBT?

The on-road element of CBT includes a minimum of two hours of supervised road riding. Before that happens, you must be ready and safe enough to move from the training area onto public roads.

What should I bring to CBT?

Bring your driving licence or licence details, suitable clothing for the weather, sturdy footwear, and any booking confirmation details. You should also bring food, drink and anything you need for a full day of training.

Please arrive ready to learn, with enough time to settle in before the course starts.

Do I need motorcycle clothing for CBT?

You should wear sensible, protective clothing suitable for the weather. At minimum, you need sturdy footwear and clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Avoid shorts, thin tracksuit bottoms, sandals or anything that leaves you exposed.

Helmet, jacket and gloves are available for training, but you are welcome to bring your own suitable motorcycle clothing if you prefer.

Do I need my own helmet?

No, not necessarily. Equipment is available, but you can bring your own helmet if it is road legal, undamaged and suitable for motorcycle use.

Do I need my own motorcycle or scooter?

No. Training bikes and scooters are available.

You may be able to use your own machine if it is legal, taxed, insured, roadworthy and suitable for the course. Please check this with us before booking.

Can I do CBT on an automatic scooter?

Yes. Many new riders choose to start on an automatic scooter because there is no clutch or gear change to manage. This can be helpful if you are nervous, returning to riding, or mainly want to ride a scooter for commuting or local travel.

Can I do CBT on a geared motorcycle?

Yes. If you want to ride a geared 125cc motorcycle after CBT, training on a geared machine is usually the better option. You will learn clutch control, gear changes, braking, slow control and road riding skills.

Should I choose an automatic scooter or a geared motorcycle for CBT?

Choose an automatic scooter if you want the simplest route into riding, especially for commuting or delivery work.

Choose a geared motorcycle if you want to build the skills needed for larger bikes, A1, A2 or a full Category A motorcycle licence.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Motorcycle training normally continues in normal rain and typical British weather. You should dress appropriately and expect to ride in real-world conditions.

Severe weather, unsafe surfaces or dangerous conditions may require a different decision on the day.

Will I be rushed onto the road?

No. You should not be taken onto the road until your instructor is satisfied that you can control the machine safely.

If you need more time on the training area, your instructor will explain what needs to improve before progressing.

Nervous Rider FAQs

Is CBT suitable for nervous riders?

Yes. Many riders feel nervous before CBT, especially if they have never ridden before. A good CBT course should build confidence step by step, starting with basic controls and progressing gradually.

At Alternative Motorcycle Training, the approach is patient, practical and safety-led. The aim is to help you understand the bike, the road and your own confidence level.

Can I do CBT if I have never ridden before?

Yes. CBT is designed for complete beginners as well as riders with previous experience. You do not need to arrive as a confident rider.

You do need to arrive prepared to listen, practise and follow instructions.

What if I struggle with balance?

Balance improves with practice. The instructor will help you with starting, stopping, slow riding, braking and basic control.

If you need more time, that is normal. The important point is not to rush into road riding before you are ready.

What if I struggle with clutch control?

Clutch control is one of the main areas that new geared motorcycle riders find difficult.

If that happens, your instructor may give you more practice or suggest starting on an automatic scooter first, depending on your goals and confidence.

Can I book extra training before CBT?

Yes. This can be a good option if you are very nervous, have never ridden before, or want to practise before the full CBT day.

We offer additional training options for riders who want extra support before, during or after CBT.

What if I panic on the road?

Your instructor will supervise and guide you. If you are not ready for the road, you should not be rushed onto it.

If you become overwhelmed, the instructor can pause, coach you and make a safe decision based on the situation.

Am I too old to learn to ride?

No. Many people learn to ride later in life or return to riding after years away. The right training should match your experience, confidence and goals.

Can I return to riding after a long break?

Yes. Return-to-riding lessons are a sensible option if you already have a licence but have not ridden for a while.

They can help rebuild confidence, refresh road positioning and sharpen machine control before you ride independently again.

Brighton & Woodingdean CBT FAQs

Where is the Brighton CBT training site?

The Brighton/Woodingdean CBT site is at:

Woodingdean Primary School
Warren Road
Woodingdean
Brighton
BN2 6BB

The site serves Brighton, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Ovingdean, Hove and nearby areas.

Is there parking at the Brighton/Woodingdean site?

Yes. Free parking is available on site.

Can I get to the Brighton/Woodingdean site by bus?

Yes. Regular buses run from Brighton city centre and surrounding areas directly past the site.

Is the Brighton/Woodingdean site suitable for beginners?

Yes. The site gives new riders space to practise before moving towards the road riding element.

The location also gives access to quieter roads and Brighton-area road routes once riders are ready.

Do you train riders from Hove?

Yes. The Brighton/Woodingdean site is suitable for riders from Brighton, Hove and the surrounding area.

Do you train riders from Rottingdean, Saltdean and Ovingdean?

Yes. The Brighton/Woodingdean site is close to Rottingdean, Saltdean and Ovingdean, making it a practical choice for local learners.

Newhaven CBT FAQs

Where is the Newhaven CBT training site?

The Newhaven CBT site is at:

Seahaven Academy
Haven Way
Newhaven
BN9 9TD

The site serves riders from Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven, Lewes, Saltdean, Telscombe, Denton and the surrounding area.

Is there parking at the Newhaven site?

Yes. There is free on-site parking available.

Can I get to the Newhaven site by public transport?

Yes. The Newhaven site is close to Newhaven Harbour Station and has public transport links from Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven, Lewes, Brighton and Eastbourne.

Can I do CBT in Newhaven if I live in Seaford?

Yes. Newhaven is a practical location for Seaford riders and is one of the main local areas served by the Newhaven training site.

Can I do CBT in Newhaven if I live in Peacehaven?

Yes. Peacehaven riders can use the Newhaven site, with access along the A259.

Can I do CBT in Newhaven if I live in Lewes?

Yes. The Newhaven site serves Lewes and the surrounding area.

Prices and Booking FAQs

How much does CBT cost?

Our current CBT price is shown on the Prices page and booking system. Prices can change, so please check the latest course price before booking.

What is included in the CBT price?

The CBT price covers the training day, use of the training facilities, and use of our training bikes or scooters where required.

Helmet, jacket and gloves are available for training.

Do I have to pay again if I need more training?

If you do not reach the required standard in one day, you will need additional training. This will be discussed with you based on what you need to work on.

The aim is to help you become safe and confident, not to rush you through before you are ready.

Do you offer extra road time?

Yes. Extra road time may be available for riders who want more supervised road riding, confidence building or support after CBT.

Please check the Prices page or contact us for the latest availability and cost.

Do you offer manual motorcycle training?

Yes. Manual motorcycle training is available for riders who have completed CBT on an automatic scooter but want to learn clutch control, gears and geared motorcycle handling.

Do you offer return-to-riding lessons?

Yes. Return-to-riding lessons are suitable for riders who already have some experience or a licence but want to rebuild confidence before riding independently again.

Do you offer gig rider discounts?

We may offer discounts or promotions for delivery and gig riders from time to time. Please check the booking page or contact us before booking.

How do I book CBT?

You can book online through the booking link on the relevant course page or contact Alternative Motorcycle Training directly.

Call: 01273 939014
Email: booking@alternativemotorcycletraining.co.uk

Motorcycle Licence FAQs

What motorcycle licence do I need?

That depends on your age, experience and what type of bike you want to ride.

The main motorcycle and moped licence categories are AM, A1, A2 and A.

As a simple guide:

AM is for mopeds.
A1 is for small motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW.
A2 is for motorcycles up to 35kW.
Category A is the unrestricted motorcycle licence.

What is an A1 motorcycle licence?

An A1 licence is for small motorcycles up to 125cc, with power up to 11kW. The minimum age is 17.

What is an A2 motorcycle licence?

An A2 licence is for motorcycles with power up to 35kW. The minimum age is 19.

What is a full Category A motorcycle licence?

Category A is the unrestricted motorcycle licence.

You can normally take the direct access route from age 24, or use progressive access from age 21 if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years and meet the test requirements.

What is DAS?

DAS means Direct Access Scheme. It is the route that allows eligible riders to train and test on a larger motorcycle for an A2 or full Category A licence, depending on age and entitlement.

Can I do DAS at 21?

You may be able to progress to Category A at 21 if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years and meet the progressive access requirements.

Direct access to Category A is normally from age 24.

Can I do A2 at 19?

Yes. The A2 licence is available from age 19, subject to the correct training, theory and practical test requirements.

Do I need CBT before A1, A2 or DAS?

In most cases, yes, unless you already hold a relevant full motorcycle entitlement or are upgrading under rules that do not require CBT.

If you are unsure, check your licence and speak to us before booking.

Do I need a motorcycle theory test?

You usually need to pass the motorcycle theory test before taking the practical motorcycle tests.

Car licence holders still normally need to pass a motorcycle theory test before taking the motorcycle practical test.

Module 1 and Module 2 FAQs

What is the Module 1 motorcycle test?

Module 1 is the off-road motorcycle manoeuvring test. It normally includes exercises such as wheeling the bike, using the stand, slalom, figure of eight, slow ride, U-turn, controlled stop, emergency stop and hazard avoidance.

Module 1 is designed to check that you can control the motorcycle safely before moving on to the on-road test.

What is the Module 2 motorcycle test?

Module 2 is the on-road motorcycle test. It normally includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, road riding and independent riding.

The examiner will assess how safely and confidently you ride in real traffic.

Do I have to pass Module 1 before Module 2?

Yes. You must pass Module 1 before taking Module 2.

What happens in the Module 2 eyesight check?

You must read a number plate from the required distance. If you fail the eyesight check, you will not be able to continue with the riding test.

Are motorcycle test routes published?

No. Motorcycle test routes are not published, so you cannot check them before your test.

Training focuses on safe riding principles, decision-making, observations, positioning and confidence rather than trying to memorise a test route.

Can you help me prepare for Module 1?

Yes. Module 1 preparation focuses on machine control, accuracy, observation, confidence and consistency.

This is especially important for U-turns, slow control, emergency stop and hazard avoidance.

Can you help me prepare for Module 2?

Yes. Module 2 preparation focuses on road riding, positioning, junctions, speed control, observations, independent riding, safe decision-making and confidence in traffic.

Automatic Scooter vs Geared Motorcycle FAQs

Is an automatic scooter easier than a geared motorcycle?

For many beginners, yes. An automatic scooter removes clutch control and gear changing, so you can focus more on balance, braking, observations and road awareness.

Should I start on an automatic scooter if I am nervous?

It can be a good option. If your immediate goal is local commuting or delivery work, an automatic scooter may be the simplest route.

If your longer-term goal is a full motorcycle licence, you may still want to learn geared riding later.

Can I switch from automatic to manual after CBT?

Yes. Many riders start on an automatic scooter and then book extra training to move to a manual motorcycle.

This helps you build clutch control, gear-changing confidence and slow-speed control before riding a geared motorcycle independently.

Do I need another CBT if I switch from automatic to manual?

CBT is not normally restricted to automatic or manual in the same way as a full car licence.

However, you should not ride a geared motorcycle unless you can control it safely. Extra manual training is strongly recommended if you have only trained on an automatic.

Safety and Road Confidence FAQs

Will CBT make me a safe rider?

CBT is the starting point. It gives you basic training and checks that you can ride safely enough as a learner.

Real skill develops through practice, further training and good riding habits.

What are the biggest mistakes new riders make?

Common issues include weak observations, poor road positioning, rushing junctions, lack of clutch control, panic braking, riding too close to parked vehicles and not planning far enough ahead.

How can I prepare before CBT?

Read the Highway Code, understand road signs, practise basic balance if possible, watch quality motorcycle safety content, and arrive rested and ready to concentrate.

Do not treat CBT as a quick formality. Treat it as the foundation for safe riding.

What should I practise after CBT?

Focus on observations, smooth braking, road positioning, junctions, speed control, shoulder checks, hazard awareness and riding defensively.

Build experience gradually rather than jumping straight into busy or high-pressure journeys.

Should delivery riders do extra training?

Yes, it is sensible. Delivery riders often spend more time on the road, ride in poor weather, stop frequently, navigate under pressure and deal with urban traffic.

Extra road time can help with safety, confidence and professional riding standards.

Local Area FAQs

Do you provide motorcycle training in Brighton?

Yes. Alternative Motorcycle Training provides CBT and motorcycle training from the Brighton/Woodingdean area.

Do you provide CBT in Woodingdean?

Yes. The Brighton/Woodingdean CBT site is at Woodingdean Primary School, Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6BB.

Do you provide CBT in Newhaven?

Yes. The Newhaven CBT site is at Seahaven Academy, Haven Way, Newhaven, BN9 9TD.

Do you cover Seaford?

Yes. The Newhaven site is well placed for Seaford riders.

Do you cover Peacehaven?

Yes. Peacehaven riders can use the Newhaven training site, with access along the A259.

Do you cover Lewes?

Yes. The Newhaven site serves riders from Lewes and surrounding areas.

Do you cover Saltdean, Telscombe and Denton?

Yes. The Newhaven site serves riders from Saltdean, Telscombe, Denton and the surrounding area.

Choosing a Motorcycle Training School

How do I choose a CBT training school?

Look for DVSA-approved training, patient instructors, safe training areas, well-maintained bikes, clear pricing, proper equipment, good communication and a training approach that does not rush riders before they are ready.

Should I choose the cheapest CBT course?

Not always. Price matters, but good training, safe equipment, patient instruction and proper road preparation matter more.

A cheap course that leaves you underprepared can cost more in the long run.

What makes Alternative Motorcycle Training different?

Alternative Motorcycle Training focuses on professional, patient and relaxed motorcycle training.

We serve Brighton/Woodingdean and Newhaven, with local training sites, DVSA-approved instructors, modern bikes and scooters, and support for new, nervous, returning and licence-progressing riders.

Our aim is to help you become a safer, more confident rider — not just to get you through the day.

Ready to Book Your Motorcycle Training?

Whether you are completely new to riding, returning after a break, moving from automatic to manual, or working towards your full motorcycle licence, we can help you take the next step safely and confidently.

Alternative Motorcycle Training provides CBT, rider development and full motorcycle licence training for riders across Brighton, Woodingdean, Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven, Lewes and the surrounding East Sussex area.

Call: 01273 939014
Email: booking@alternativemotorcycletraining.co.uk
Book online: Use the booking button on the relevant course page.