Advice for delivery riders needing a CBT to ride a moped, scooter or motorbike

If you're thinking of becoming a delivery rider for a company like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat, you'll need a CBT to legally ride a moped, scooter, or motorbike on UK roads. The CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is a legal requirement for new riders and ensures you have the skills and knowledge to ride safely.

This article is designed to serve as your roadmap, with valuable tips and insights for delivery riders eager to undergo motorcycle CBT training in the UK. Let's dive into the essentials!

Why do I need a CBT?

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced in the UK in 1990 with the aim of reducing the number of road accidents involving learner motorcyclists. It serves as the foundational training that must be completed before riding a moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc on public roads. For delivery riders, having a CBT certificate is essential not only for legality but also to ensure safety and improve riding skills.

Requirements for CBT

Before you get started with CBT, there are a few checkboxes you need to tick:

• Age: You need to be at least 16 years old to ride a moped (up to 50cc), and 17 to ride a motorbike up to 125cc.
• Provisional Licence: You must have at least a provisional UK driving licence which includes categories A or AM.
• Eyesight: Ensure your eyesight meets the legal requirements, which involves being able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 meters (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary).

Choosing the Right Training School

Always book direct! This is very important. Book directly with your chosen motorcycle training company and pay them your money directly. There are other companies that pretend to be a real motorcycle training company and simply pass on your booking to a real one once they have your money. This can cause you no end of problems if anything goes wrong.

We have all the motorcycle training companies across the UK on this site, so you can contact them directly. We can find the ones closest to you and you can book directly with them. Some even have online booking so you can book yourself in now. Click here to find a local motorcycle training company. Make sure you choose a training school close to you. CBTs are regulated by the DVSA and have to start on time. If you are late you may not be able to take your CBT and you will lose all the money you paid for it. The less distance you have to travel the less chance you have of being late.

What to Expect on the Day

CBT usually lasts a full day and is divided into five elements:

• Introduction and Eye Test: The instructor will brief you on what to expect and ensure your eyesight is adequate.
• On-Site Training: You’ll learn about motorcycle controls, basic maintenance checks, and protective gear.
• On-Site Riding: This involves practical riding in a controlled environment focusing on manoeuvering, braking, and gear control.
• On-Road Training: Before heading out, key road rules and communication strategies will be discussed.
• On-Road Riding: The most exciting part of the day takes you onto public roads, putting theory into practice under your instructor’s supervision.

Our Tips for Success

• Ride a push bike!: Make sure you can ride a push bike. Balance is key to riding a motorbike and being able to balance on a pedal bike will really help you on the day.
• Learn the highway code: The better you know the highway code the more chance you have of passing your CBT. You can purchase a copy of the highway code in most bookshops, and there are many apps online that will help you learn too. We also have some great free highway code training resources here
• Gear Up: Invest in quality protective gear – a helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers, and boots. Comfort and safety should go hand in hand. You can view our clothing guide here
• Arrive on time: Allow for delays in your journey so set off extra early! If you do not arrive by the start time you may not be able to take your CBT.

After the Training

Upon successfully completing your CBT, you'll receive a certificate valid for two years. This will allow you to ride your own scooter or bike to do deliveries, but make sure:

1. Get insurance for making deliveries, it's not the same insurance as normal bike riding insurance.
2. You will need to display 'L' plates clearly front and rear.
3. You will need to re-take your CBT every two years unless you decide to upgrade your licence to a full motorcycle licence. We have a full guide to that here.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of becoming a delivery rider on two wheels can be as thrilling as it is rewarding. With the right CBT training, you're setting the foundation for not only fulfilling your delivery duties but also ensuring your safety and proficiency on the road.

Whether you're weaving through city streets or cruising through countryside roads, remember: Safety first, speed second. May your training pave the way to successful and safe deliveries, ensuring satisfied customers and a thriving career. Happy riding!