What “CBT renewal” means

There is no separate “CBT renewal test”. Renewing your CBT means taking the CBT course again, either before your current DL196 certificate expires or after it has expired.

For experienced riders, the day may feel more familiar than a first CBT. However, the course must still cover the required CBT syllabus. DVSA guidance for approved training bodies states that all CBT elements must be fully and satisfactorily completed before a DL196 certificate can be issued, even if the rider has completed CBT before: GOV.UK guidance on delivery of CBT courses.

CBT is training, not a pass or fail exam. A DL196 certificate is issued only when your instructor is satisfied that you have completed all required elements to the necessary standard and can ride safely on your own while you practise for your full licence.

Our CBT Renewal option is designed for riders whose DL196 certificate is still valid or has expired within the last six months. If your CBT expired longer ago, please contact us before booking so we can advise whether a standard CBT course is more suitable.

When you need to renew CBT: the 2-year DL196 rule

Your CBT certificate is called a DL196. It is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your full moped or motorcycle test within those 2 years, you must retake CBT or stop riding as a learner.

GOV.UK states that, once you complete CBT, you can ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW on the road with L-plates, but you must pass your theory test and full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years or complete CBT again: GOV.UK how CBT training works.

You should renew your CBT if:

• Your current DL196 certificate is close to expiring and you have not passed your full moped or motorcycle test.
• Your DL196 certificate has already expired and you want to ride again on L-plates.
• You need a valid CBT certificate for commuting, work or insurance purposes while you remain a learner rider.
• You want to refresh your riding after a period away from the road.

We recommend booking your CBT renewal before your certificate expires so there is no gap in your ability to ride legally. If your CBT has already expired, you must not ride on public roads as a learner until you have completed CBT again and received a new DL196 certificate.

What happens on the day: the five CBT elements

A CBT renewal follows the same legal structure as CBT. The course is made up of five elements, delivered in order from A to E. GOV.UK explains that the on-road riding part must last at least 2 hours and that there is a maximum of 2 learners per instructor for the on-road part: GOV.UK CBT training rules.

• Element A: introduction, eyesight check, clothing and safety discussion.
• Element B: practical on-site training, including motorcycle controls and basic machine handling.
• Element C: practical on-site riding, including slow control, braking, observations and manoeuvring.
• Element D: practical on-road training, including road positioning, legal responsibilities, vulnerability, defensive riding and the Highway Code.
• Element E: practical on-road riding for at least 2 hours, with radio contact from your instructor and no more than 2 trainees per instructor.

Renewal riders are often more confident because they have already ridden on the road. Your instructor will still check your current standard, correct any unsafe habits and make sure the full CBT requirements are met before issuing a new DL196 certificate.

What to bring

GOV.UK says you must take your UK driving licence to your CBT course and wear suitable protective clothing: GOV.UK what to take to CBT.

Please bring:

• Your original, valid UK driving licence. Copies or photographs are not acceptable for training registration.
• Your current or previous DL196 CBT certificate, if you still have it.
• Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to meet the eyesight requirement.
• A motorcycle helmet that meets UK safety standards, unless you are using one provided by the training centre.
• Motorcycle gloves.
• A textile or leather motorcycle jacket, or a heavy denim jacket with suitable layers underneath.
• Textile or leather motorcycle trousers, or heavy denim trousers with no rips or tears.
• Motorcycle boots or sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles.

We can provide standard-size loan helmets, jackets and gloves, subject to availability and suitability. You must still arrive in suitable trousers and sturdy footwear. Trainers, sandals, soft textile shoes, shorts and tracksuit bottoms are not suitable for motorcycle training.

If you use your own moped or motorcycle, it must be roadworthy, taxed, insured, fitted with legal L-plates and have a valid MOT if required. GOV.UK explains that, when learning on your own vehicle, you must make sure it has a valid V5C registration certificate, is taxed, has an MOT if needed and has adequate motor insurance: GOV.UK riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle.

Course fees

£205 weekday – £205 weekend

The CBT Renewal fee is the same whether you use your own motorcycle or one of ours. Motorcycle use should be selected when booking so that we can allocate the correct automatic or manual training bike where available.

Using your own motorcycle

You may be able to use your own moped or motorcycle for CBT renewal if it is suitable for learner training and all legal requirements are met. Before training starts, your instructor may ask to check the motorcycle and the relevant documents.

If you bring your own motorcycle, please make sure it has:

• Valid motor insurance covering you to ride the motorcycle for training.
• A current or recently expired DL196 CBT certificate, where applicable to your renewal booking.
• A valid MOT certificate if the motorcycle is over three years old.
• Valid vehicle tax.
• Clearly visible L-plates fitted at the front and rear.
• A safe and roadworthy condition, including tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, steering, throttle, chain and controls.

If your CBT certificate has expired, you must not ride your own motorcycle to the course. It must be brought to the centre legally, for example by a rider who is legally entitled to ride it or by suitable transport, and your insurance must still cover its use during training. If you are unsure, please check with your insurer before booking.

If your motorcycle or documents do not meet the required standard, your training may be delayed, moved to one of our motorcycles if available, rescheduled or cancelled. Fees may be lost where the course cannot proceed because of missing documents, unsuitable equipment, late arrival or an unroadworthy customer-supplied motorcycle.

Using a Universal Motorcycle Training® motorcycle

If you choose to use one of our motorcycles, please arrive with your original, valid driving licence and your current or recently expired DL196 CBT certificate. We will arrange the training motorcycle for the course, subject to advance booking and availability.

You must still wear suitable protective clothing. We can provide standard-size loan helmets, jackets and gloves, but you should bring your own PPE wherever possible for comfort, fit and hygiene.

Where we train

Universal Motorcycle Training® provides CBT renewal training across seven centres in London and Hertfordshire. Most centres operate seven days a week, subject to availability, instructor allocation, weather and site conditions.

• Alperton
• Croydon
• Dagenham
• Edgware
• Eltham
• Wimbledon
• Hoddesdon

When possible, we aim to group CBT renewal riders with other riders of a similar level of experience. This can help the day run efficiently while still meeting the DVSA-regulated CBT syllabus.

Why train with us

Universal Motorcycle Training® is a DVSA-regulated motorcycle training provider delivering CBT, CBT renewal and full motorcycle licence training across London and Hertfordshire.

For CBT renewal, our aim is to make the day clear, safe and practical. We check your current riding standard, reinforce good habits and deal with any issues that may have developed since your last CBT.

• DVSA-qualified motorcycle instructors.
• Seven training centres across London and Hertfordshire.
• Training available seven days a week at most centres.
• Automatic and manual training options, subject to booking and suitability.
• Clear advice on your next step, including A1, A2, Category A and DAS training.
• A safety-led approach that follows the required CBT syllabus rather than cutting corners.

CBT renewal is also a useful opportunity to consider your next licence step. If you are relying on CBT every 2 years, our team can explain the route towards a full motorcycle licence so you can remove L-plates and ride without CBT renewal requirements for that licence category.

We can also advise on further training options, including TfL Beyond CBT, refresher training, gear conversion and full motorcycle licence courses.

Secure your spot

Booking is required in advance. We recommend arranging your CBT renewal before your DL196 certificate expires so that you avoid any interruption to your ability to ride legally on L-plates.

Online booking is required. Book your CBT renewal online today:

Book CBT Renewal online

For enquiries, email us at contact@universalmct.co.uk.

FAQ

Is there a CBT renewal test?

No. There is no separate CBT renewal test. Renewing CBT means taking the CBT course again and completing all required elements to the necessary standard.

How long does a renewed CBT last?

A renewed CBT certificate is a new DL196 and is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued.

Can I renew my CBT before it expires?

Yes. You can renew before your current DL196 expires. This helps avoid a gap where you cannot ride legally on L-plates.

Can I ride if my CBT has expired?

No. If your CBT has expired, you must not ride on public roads as a learner until you have completed CBT again and received a new DL196 certificate.

Do I need to do all five CBT elements again?

Yes. DVSA-regulated CBT requires all five elements to be completed. Experienced renewal riders may progress more quickly where appropriate, but the course cannot skip the required syllabus.

Can I use my own motorcycle for CBT renewal?

You may be able to use your own motorcycle if it is roadworthy, taxed, insured, fitted with L-plates and has a valid MOT if required. If your CBT has expired, you must not ride the motorcycle to the training centre before completing CBT again.