Learner Rider Programme | Honda Engine Room

In 1990, the UK Government launched Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), an initiative to safely introduce new learner riders of motorcycles and mopeds to the joys of motorcycling.

Over 30 years later, CBT courses are held all around the UK and approximately 180,000 new riders participate every year.

The lure of two wheels is difficult to resist. Yet, before you begin searching for the nearest CBT Training Centre, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare for Compulsory Basic Training,

First and foremost, if you're a complete beginner and aged 16 or older, you must apply for a provisional driving licence. Next, check out motorcycle safety clothing. Items like boots, gloves, a motorcycle jacket, and a helmet are sizeable investments but once you take to the road, they are essential to your motorcycle kit.

While waiting for your licence to arrive and choosing your gear, seek out an up-to-date Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs book.

Don't worry if you don't yet own a bike. All CBT courses supply motorcycles, so you're good to go once you have secured a set of L-plates

Neatly wrapped into a one-day course, CBT consists of 5 basic modules. These are:

1. Eyesight check and course introduction

2. Training on the test site

3. Riding around a marked course on the test site

4. Training for road riding

5. Riding on public roads

Module 1 includes an eyesight check and covers the importance of suitable, well-fitting safety clothing.

After this, it's time to meet your wheels. In Step 2, your trainer will explain the basic operating principles of the motorcycle and the placement of essential items such as the brakes, gear lever, and clutch.

When it's time to swing a leg over the saddle, you will be familiar with the controls and know how to start a motorcycle. The on-site riding course now beckons, and with clutch control under your belt, you'll practice riding slowly, making left and right turns, figures of eight, U-turns, and an emergency stop.

Once the trainer is satisfied that you can safely start, stop and maneuver a motorcycle, it's time to move on to step 4, preparation for road riding.

Take to the Road

The fifth and final module will see you piloting a motorcycle on public roads. The ride will last at least two hours, during which your trainer will ride right behind you.

Registering for the CBT course and completing each step does not guarantee passing. On the final road section, your trainer will assess whether you can safely navigate real-world situations, such as traffic lights, road junctions, roundabouts, U-turns, and emergency stops, among other road users.

If you pass this final element, your journey towards two-wheeled independence is well underway, and a CBT certificate means you can practice solo riding.

But don't waste too much time resting on your laurels. You'll only have two years to pass theory and practical tests. If you don't, you'll need to retake a CBT.

Kickstart Your Motorcycle Adventure

The Honda Motorcycle Safety Training (HMST) starts with CBT and progresses to step-up courses, taking riders through A1, A2 and the ultimate A Certification. The HSOM also offers a refresher course for anyone returning to two wheels.

Finally, if the motorcycle bug has bitten deep and you can't wait for the freedom of the road aboard your motorcycle of choice, Honda has the solution.

The Honda Motorcycle Safety Training, Full Course, offers six days of intensive training. In one immersive week, participants can go from total novice to full A licence.

The benefit of this course is that as your skills progress over the week and, an expert instructor will introduce you to increasingly larger-capacity motorcycles. The result is an ever-expanding skillset and hands-on experience with the most popular mid and large-capacity motorcycles in the Honda range.

Rookie riders will still need to complete a CBT course. If you demonstrate to your instructor that you're ready for the next step, Module 1 test training will begin immediately, with the Module 2 test taking place the following day.

New Rider Programme

If you like the concept of honing riding skills and compacting motorcycle tests into one neat bundle, you'll love Honda's New Rider Programme. It's the ultimate solution for anyone wanting to kickstart their motorcycling adventure.

If you want to participate in an intensive training course, have tests paid for, choose safety gear, and set off on your choice of Honda, check out Honda's New Rider Programme's 'Complete Package.'. This initiative offers everything you need for your two-wheeled adventure, covered in one monthly payment. Moreover, Honda also includes a service plan to keep your wheels rolling.

How to Get Started

Attending last year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC, influencer Georgie Swallow took one look at Honda’s Try Ride event and knew it was for her. The indoor course offered what she needed to kick her two-wheel dream into gear. She was hooked after only five minutes in the saddle of a Honda Monkey bike around the Try Ride course.

“It's something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says enthusiastically, “but didn’t know how to get into it. It really was so much fun and gave me the spurt to go in for my CBT test.”

Shortly afterwards and with lots of Highway Code homework under her belt, Georgie signed up for Honda’s 1-day CBT course at the Honda School of Motorcycling. “I must admit,” she says, “I was feeling very excited mixed with a few nerves but the instructor was great and made me feel really comfortable and confident.”

Having successfully navigated her classroom session, Georgie progressed to the hands-on element of the CBT course. “I was so nervous,” she says honestly, “but learning how to ride the bike in a safe environment was so exciting.” With confidence levels soaring, Georgie handled the bike well enough to convince the instructor she was ready for the road.

A Flying Success

The final element saw Georgie putting all her newfound skills into action on a two-hour ride along public roads with her instructor riding close by. Returning to the Honda test centre with bated breath, Georgie was delighted to hear she passed the CBT course with flying colours.

Super stoked and confident, an exuberant Georgie said, “That was unreal. It was such a really exciting start to my journey on bikes. If you’re thinking of doing a CBT,” she adds, “I can’t recommend it enough.”

As the world's leading motorcycle brand, Honda understands what makes a great motorcycle. The best bikes in the world, though, are only as good as their riders. Learning to ride safely and confidently is the best way to get the most from motorcycling. It’s this ethos that led to the creation of the Honda Motorcycle Safety Training.