What this course is
Gear Conversion is a short, practical motorcycle training session for riders who can already ride but need help moving from automatic to manual. It focuses on clutch control, gear selection, balance, smooth acceleration, safe stopping and using a geared motorcycle confidently in real riding situations. It is not a CBT course, not a motorcycle licence test and not a replacement for full licence training. It is a skills-development course designed to help you make the transition to a manual motorcycle safely and confidently.
Who this course is for
Post-CBT automatic riders
You completed CBT on an automatic scooter and now want to ride a manual 125cc motorcycle.Riders who struggled with manual
You tried a manual bike before but found clutch control or gear changes difficult.Pre-A1 / A2 / DAS candidates
You are preparing for A1, A2 or DAS training and want more confidence on a geared motorcycle first.Returning full-licence holders
You hold a full motorcycle licence and are returning to manual bikes after time away.Independent-ride preparation
You want a structured, instructor-led session before using a manual bike independently.Eligibility
You must have the correct licence entitlement for the training motorcycle you will use. If you are riding as a learner, you will normally need a valid CBT certificate and the correct provisional motorcycle entitlement. Please bring your original driving licence on the day, not a copy or a photograph. If you hold a full motorcycle licence that is restricted to automatic transmission, or you are unsure what your licence allows, speak to Universal Motorcycle Training before booking. A driving licence marked with code 78 is restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission, so your entitlement must be checked before any road riding on a manual motorcycle. You should also be fit to ride, able to follow your instructor’s directions, and dressed in suitable protective clothing. Your instructor may keep the session off-road if more manual control practice is needed before road riding.What happens on the day
Your instructor will start by checking your licence, experience, riding goals and protective clothing. You will then be introduced to the manual motorcycle and the main differences between an automatic scooter and a geared bike. Training normally starts off-road. Once you are showing safe basic control, the instructor may progress the session to a supervised road ride using radio communication. The pace depends on your existing riding ability, confidence and safety on the day.Course structure
1. Clutch control
Find and use the biting point, move away smoothly, stop without stalling, and coordinate clutch, throttle and brakes.2. Gears
When and how to change gear, how to avoid forcing the gearbox, selecting the right gear for the situation and riding smoothly without rushing the controls.3. Slow-speed control
Controlled stops, turns, balance, clutch-and-throttle coordination, low-speed manoeuvres and observation routines.4. Off-road practice
Build control away from traffic in our off-road training area before any public road riding is considered.5. Road riding (when safe)
Apply manual control to junctions, roundabouts, traffic flow and real riding situations, with instructor radio guidance.Duration and prices
2-hour session
Book 2-hour session
4-hour session
Book 4-hour session
Locations
Gear Conversion motorcycle training is available at Universal Motorcycle Training centres across London and Hertfordshire, subject to date, instructor and bike availability.What to bring
> Your valid CBT certificate if you are riding as a learner.
> Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for riding or reading a number plate.
> A suitable motorcycle helmet if you have your own.
> A protective jacket and gloves. Loan equipment may be available, subject to size and availability.
> Strong trousers — motorcycle trousers or heavy denim jeans with no rips or tears.
> Sturdy boots that cover and support the ankles. Trainers, sandals, soft shoes and high heels are not suitable.
> Water and any medication you may need during the session.
Gear Conversion vs CBT
| Feature | Gear Conversion | CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £125 (2 hours) or £250 (4 hours) | CBT Standard from £205 |
| Duration | Usually 2–4 hours, depending on session and progress | Usually a full day, longer if needed |
| Bike type | Manual geared motorcycle, usually a learner-legal 125cc | Automatic scooter or manual motorcycle, depending on booking, licence, age and availability |
| Public roads | Possible once instructor is satisfied manual control is safe | Includes supervised on-road riding (Element E) when ready |
| Certificate | None — this is a skills training session | DL196 certificate on satisfactory completion |
| Best for | Riders who already ride automatic and want clutch and gears | Learners who need CBT before riding on public roads |
| Next step | Manual practice, A1, A2, DAS, or independent riding where permitted | Riding as a learner with L plates, renewing CBT, or starting full licence training |
Frequently asked questions
Is Gear Conversion the right course after CBT on an automatic?
Yes — it is usually the right next step if you completed CBT on an automatic scooter and now want help riding a manual motorcycle. It gives you time to practise clutch control and gears with an instructor before relying on those skills in normal traffic.Is Gear Conversion the same as CBT?
No. CBT is a regulated course with five elements and a DL196 certificate issued on satisfactory completion. Gear Conversion is a practical skills course for riders who already have the correct entitlement and want help moving from automatic to manual.
Do I need a valid CBT certificate?
If you are riding as a learner, you will normally need a valid CBT certificate and the correct licence entitlement. If you hold a full licence or are unsure about your entitlement, speak to us before booking so we can advise what to bring and which course is appropriate.
Will I ride on public roads?
Possibly. The session normally starts in a controlled off-road training area. If your instructor is satisfied that your clutch control, gear changes, braking, balance and observations are safe enough, you may progress to a supervised road ride.
Should I book 2 hours or 4 hours?
If you already ride regularly and only need help with manual controls, 2 hours may be enough. If you are nervous, rusty, new to manual bikes or preparing for full licence training, a 4-hour session may give you more time to build control properly.
Can I use my own manual motorcycle?
This may be possible if arranged in advance and if the motorcycle is suitable, roadworthy, insured, taxed, MOT’d if required, and legal for you to ride. Most Gear Conversion riders use a Universal Motorcycle Training manual training bike.
What happens if I struggle with the clutch or gears?
Your instructor will slow the session down and keep you practising in a safer training area until your control improves. If you need more time, we may recommend further training before road riding or before moving on to A1, A2 or DAS training.
Can Gear Conversion help before A1, A2 or DAS?
Yes. Many riders use Gear Conversion to become more comfortable with manual control before full licence training. It can be especially useful if your CBT was on an automatic scooter and your next licence course will involve a manual motorcycle.
Book your Gear Conversion course
Ready to move from automatic to manual? Book your Gear Conversion course online and choose a suitable centre, date and session length.
Speak to Universal Motorcycle Training before booking
Not sure whether you need Gear Conversion, CBT, A1, A2 or DAS? Speak to Universal Motorcycle Training before booking. We can help you choose the safest and most suitable next step based on your licence, CBT status, experience and riding goals.
Useful motorcycle training links
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>Homepage
>Courses & Prices hub
>CBT motorcycle training
>DAS full motorcycle licence
>A1 motorcycle licence
>A2 restricted motorcycle licence
>Alperton location
>Croydon location
>Dagenham location
>Edgware location
>Eltham location
>Wimbledon location
>Hoddesdon location
>Online Booking
>Contact Universal Motorcycle Training
Official references
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>GOV.UK — CBT motorcycle and moped training
>GOV.UK — How CBT training works
>GOV.UK — Motorcycle licence categories, ages and requirements
>GOV.UK — Motorcycle and moped tests
>The Highway Code — Rules for motorcyclists 83 to 88
>GOV.UK — Driving licence codes (including automatic transmission code 78)