CBT Insurance

Compare CBT motorbike, motorcycle and bike insurance from UK providers

After a motorbike or motorcycle rider turns 16 they can apply for their provisional licence and complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), which permits them to ride a 50cc moped at age 16 and a 125cc motorbike or scooter from age 17.

However, before they can climb in the saddle the motorbike rider will obviously need to take out insurance – and since it is the completion of Compulsory Basic Training that permits them to ride the motorbike, this type of policy is sometimes known as ‘CBT insurance’.

Motorbike riders must pass their full moped, motorbike or motorcycle test within two years of completing Compulsory Basic Training, so the vast majority of these young bike riders will only need CBT insurance for one year or two years, before progressing to a standard motorbike insurance policy after passing their test.

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Can I renew my Compulsory Basic Training after two years have passed?

Yes, if you aren’t ready to take your full moped or motorbike test after two years, you can complete a new Compulsory Basic Training course in order to give yourself another two years to pass your full test.

Of course, you will obviously need to ensure you renew your CBT insurance policy if you do plan to continue riding after two years have passed.

Do I need to carry L plates when I’m a CBT rider?

Yes, until you pass your full moped or motorcycle test you will need to carry L plates on your motorbike or scooter. Failure to do so could result in three penalty points, and could also risk invalidating your CBT insurance.

What can I do to reduce the cost of my Compulsory Basic Training Insurance?

Firstly, you should shop around by comparing CBT motorbike, motorcycle and bike insurance quotes from a range of different insurance providers – and for that you’ve come to the right place.

Before you compare quotes, though, the following steps could also help to reduce the cost of your policy:

• Tagging your scooter or motorbike: Motorbike tagging can often help to reduce the cost of your CBT insurance, since it increases the odds your bike will be recovered if it’s ever stolen. It’s important to go with an insurer-approved tagging solution though, such as Alphadot or Smartwater.
• Storing your scooter or motorbike in a locked garage: Scooters, mopeds and motorbikes sometimes represent an easier target to thieves than cars, so if you are able to store your bike in a garage you could benefit from cheaper premiums.

CBT insurance: your questions answered

How long does CBT cover last?

Compulsory Basic Training is valid for two years from the date you pass it. After that, you’ll need to either pass your full motorbike test or take CBT again to keep riding on UK roads. Your CBT insurance policy will usually run for 12 months, so you may need to renew the policy itself separately from your CBT certificate.

What size bike can I ride on a CBT?

After completing CBT you can ride a moped up to 50cc from age 16 with L-plates, or a motorcycle up to 125cc with a maximum 11kW power output from age 17. You can’t carry pillion passengers, ride on motorways, or ride anything bigger than 125cc until you pass a full motorbike test.

Is CBT insurance more expensive than standard motorbike insurance?

CBT insurance can cost more than standard motorbike insurance because newly-trained riders have less experience and a higher claim risk in their first year on the road. Choosing a smaller engine size (50cc moped or 125cc motorcycle), fitting Thatcham-approved security and parking off-street can all help bring premiums down. Comparing CBT motorbike, motorcycle and bike insurance quotes across several UK providers is the simplest way to find a competitive price for your situation.

What does CBT insurance cover?

CBT motorbike insurance covers the same risks as standard motorbike insurance. Three levels are available: third-party only (TPO) is the legal minimum and pays out for injury or damage you cause to other road users. Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) adds cover if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire. Fully comprehensive covers all of the above plus damage to your own motorcycle in an accident, even if you’re at fault.

Can I insure my bike before passing CBT?

You’ll generally need to have passed your CBT before insurers will provide cover, because the certificate is what makes you legally allowed to ride on UK roads. Some insurers will set up cover that starts the day you pass, so you can ride away as soon as your CBT is complete. Compare CBT motorbike, motorcycle and bike insurance quotes a few days before your CBT date to line up cover for the day you pass.

Is CBT insurance the same as learner motorbike insurance?

They overlap but they’re not identical. CBT insurance specifically covers riders who’ve completed Compulsory Basic Training and are riding on L-plates within the two-year CBT validity period. Learner motorbike insurance is a broader term that can also cover provisional licence holders who’ve taken further training. If you’ve passed CBT and are riding a 50cc moped or 125cc motorcycle, CBT insurance is the right product for your situation.