Best Motorcycle and Scooter CBT Training Centres in Manchester
Looking for CBT training in Manchester? Choosing a good motorcycle training school is an important first step when you’re learning to ride on the road.
Compulsory Basic Training, better known as CBT, gives new riders the basic skills and knowledge needed to ride a motorcycle, scooter or moped safely on UK roads.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted several motorcycle and scooter CBT training centres across Manchester and the surrounding area, including Eccles, Ashton-under-Lyne, Stockport and Audenshaw.
What Is Motorcycle CBT?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It is normally required before a learner can ride a motorcycle, scooter or moped on public roads.
CBT isn’t a conventional pass-or-fail driving test. Instead, the course is made up of several stages, and your instructor must be satisfied that you can ride safely before allowing you to progress.
The five main elements of CBT are:
- Introduction and eyesight check
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- On-road training
- On-road riding
Many riders complete their CBT in one day, although additional training may be required if the instructor believes more practice is needed before the required standard has been reached.
Who Needs CBT Before Riding a Moped or Motorcycle?
Most new riders will need to complete CBT before riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped on the road.
However, there are different rules for some people who already hold a full car driving licence. Your entitlement can depend on when you passed your car driving test and the type of machine you want to ride.
If you already have a car licence, read our detailed guide: Can I ride a motorbike with a car licence?
If you’re looking for a suitable smaller machine, you can also browse our new and used 50cc mopeds for sale.
Best Motorcycle and Scooter CBT Training Centres in Manchester
Manchester and the surrounding towns have several established motorcycle training schools offering CBT and further motorcycle training.
1. RJH Motorbike Training Manchester – Eccles, Chorley, Wigan, Macclesfield
RJH Motorbike Training has training centres in Eccles, Chorley, Wigan and Macclesfield giving riders on the northern and western side of Manchester easy access to CBT and motorcycle training.
The locations have good public transport connections and offers CBT training with motorcycles, mopeds and riding equipment available for students.
Visit RJH Motorbike Training Manchester
2. MSM Motorcycle Training – Ashton-under-Lyne
MSM Motorcycle Training is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and has a long history of providing motorcycle training in Greater Manchester.
The school was previously based at Manchester’s Belle Vue Stadium before relocating to Ashton-under-Lyne. Its current location is convenient for riders in Tameside and eastern Greater Manchester, with nearby bus, rail and tram connections.
MSM provides motorcycle training using modern training bikes and offers courses for both new and developing riders.
3. ZEN Motorcycle Training – Stockport
ZEN Motorcycle Training is based in Stockport and provides motorcycle training for riders across the south Manchester area.
The instructors have extensive experience in motorcycle training and the school provides motorcycles suitable for both beginners and riders looking to progress their skills.
4. RoadRider School of Motorcycling – Audenshaw
RoadRider School of Motorcycling is based in Audenshaw, making it particularly convenient for riders in Tameside, Manchester and surrounding areas.
The school operates a fleet of training motorcycles and provides training for new riders as well as those looking to progress beyond CBT.
Visit RoadRider School of Motorcycling
How Do I Choose a CBT Training Centre?
Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing where to complete your CBT.
Things worth checking include:
- Location: Choose a training centre that is convenient to reach, particularly if you don’t yet have your own motorcycle or scooter.
- Training bikes: Check whether the school provides motorcycles or scooters suitable for your experience and the type of machine you intend to ride.
- Safety equipment: Ask what equipment is provided and what you will need to bring yourself.
- Instructor experience: An experienced and patient instructor can make a major difference for a nervous or completely new rider.
- Further training: If you plan to progress to a full motorcycle licence, it can be useful to choose a school that also offers further training.
How Much Does CBT Cost in Manchester?
CBT prices vary between training schools, so always check directly with the training centre before booking.
As a general guide, CBT has commonly been priced around the £150 mark, although the actual price can vary depending on the provider, location, equipment supplied and whether any additional training is required.
Some training schools may charge an additional fee if you need to return on another day to complete the course.
Can You Fail a CBT?
Technically, CBT isn’t a conventional test that you simply pass or fail.
Your instructor needs to be satisfied that you have reached the required standard at each stage before you move on to the next part of the course.
If you need more time to develop your skills, your instructor may recommend additional training before you complete the course and receive your CBT certificate.
What Should I Do Before My CBT?
A little preparation before attending can make the day much easier.
Read the Highway Code
Make sure you’re familiar with basic UK road signs, rules and road positioning. You’ll be riding on public roads during the final part of your CBT, so understanding the Highway Code is important.
Check What Equipment Is Provided
Some training centres provide helmets, gloves and other equipment, while others may expect you to bring some of your own riding gear. Check with the training school before attending.
Bring Your Driving Licence
You will need your valid driving licence so the training centre can confirm your entitlement before the course begins.
What Should I Take to My CBT?
Your training provider should tell you exactly what you need, but typical items include:
- Your valid driving licence
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving
- Suitable sturdy footwear
- Appropriate clothing for the weather and riding
- Food and drinks for the day where required
You will also need to complete an eyesight check before progressing with the course.
What Happens After Completing CBT?
Once you’ve completed CBT, what you can ride depends on your age and licence entitlement.
For many riders, CBT is the first stage before gaining experience on a smaller motorcycle or scooter and eventually progressing towards a full motorcycle licence.
If you’re riding as a learner, a CBT certificate will normally need to be renewed if it expires before you obtain the relevant full motorcycle entitlement.
Looking for Your First Motorcycle, Scooter or Moped?
Once you’ve completed your training, Oily Bikers stocks a range of new and used learner-friendly motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.
If you’re looking specifically for a smaller machine, take a look at our 50cc mopeds for sale.
Our team can also help explain seat heights, riding positions, automatic versus geared machines and the practical differences between the bikes available.
CBT Training in Manchester
Whether you’re completely new to two wheels or returning to motorcycling after a long break, choosing the right CBT training school can help you start with confidence.
Manchester has training centres across Eccles, Ashton-under-Lyne, Stockport and Audenshaw, so compare locations, availability, equipment and training options before deciding which provider is right for you.
Always contact the training centre directly for its latest CBT prices, course availability and equipment requirements before booking.