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CBT Insurance

Ride on your provisional licence by comparing CBT Insurance quotes from over 25 great UK providers and checking the cover options available for learner riders.*

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What is CBT Insurance?

CBT insurance is a term often used for motorcycle or moped cover arranged after you have completed Compulsory Basic Training and are riding on a provisional licence in the UK. People may also describe it as learner rider insurance or provisional licence motorcycle insurance. The wording can vary between providers, but the main point is that the cover needs to match someone riding under CBT rules, usually on a moped, scooter or smaller motorcycle, with the restrictions that come with a provisional licence.

When do I need to take out Insurance?

You do not need insurance to take your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for motorbikes or mopeds in the UK. The training school providing the CBT will normally have its own insurance arrangements for learners while they are taking the course on the school’s bike.

However, once you have completed the CBT and want to ride your own motorbike, scooter or moped on public roads, you will need at least third-party insurance. This applies even if you are riding on a provisional licence, displaying L-plates or D-plates, and have not yet passed a full motorcycle test.

In summary:

  • During the CBT: Insurance is provided by the training school.
  • After the CBT: You need to arrange your own insurance before riding on public roads.

What are the specific features of CBT Insurance?

CBT insurance is designed around the requirements and restrictions that apply when you ride on a provisional motorcycle licence in the UK. Policies can differ by insurer, but the details commonly reflect CBT rules, the bike being insured, how it is used, where it is kept overnight, the rider’s age and experience, any previous claims or convictions, and the level of cover selected. Things to check can include:

Engine Size Limitations
CBT riders are usually limited to smaller motorcycles, scooters or mopeds, with the permitted engine size depending on age and licence position. For many learner riders this means up to 125cc, while younger riders may be restricted to a moped. Insurers may ask for the exact make, model, engine size, value, security and modifications when pricing cover, and some providers may treat higher-risk models differently.

    L-Plates Requirement
    Riders must display L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) on their motorcycle or moped while riding under CBT rules. Policy wording may require the bike to be used legally and in line with the rider’s licence position, so it is worth checking how the insurer treats licence, plate and CBT-certificate requirements.

    Restrictions on Motorways and Passengers
    Riders with a provisional licence cannot ride on motorways and are not allowed to carry passengers. Insurance is generally arranged on the basis that the rider follows those restrictions, so check the policy wording carefully if you are unsure how cover could be affected by illegal use or riding outside CBT rules.

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    CBT Insurance

    How long will I need CBT Insurance for?

    You will usually need this kind of insurance for as long as you are riding your own bike on public roads with a provisional licence and CBT certificate. Once you take and pass your full motorcycle test, your insurance position may change, and it can make sense to compare the wording, eligibility rules and prices for a standard Scooter Insurance or Motorbike Insurance policy instead.

    It is also important to remember that you can only ride on public roads under CBT rules with a valid CBT certificate, and CBT certificates expire after two years. Insurers may ask about this when you arrange or renew cover.

    Does that mean that my Provisional Motorcycle Licence is only valid for two years?

    No – the relationship between the licence and the CBT certificate is a bit more nuanced than that. In short, your provisional motorcycle licence can remain valid, but your ability to ride on public roads under learner-rider rules depends on keeping your CBT up to date and following the conditions attached to that status. Here is a basic summary of how it works in the UK:

    Provisional Motorcycle License:

    • Your provisional motorcycle license itself remains valid as long as your standard driving license remains valid. It doesn’t expire after two years.
    • You can use your provisional license to learn to ride motorcycles or mopeds, but you must complete a CBT course to ride on public roads.

    Compulsory Basic Training (CBT):

    • The CBT certificate you receive after completing the course is valid for two years.
    • If you haven’t passed your full motorcycle test (either the A1, A2, or full A license, depending on your age and bike type) within those two years, you must retake the CBT to continue riding on your provisional license.

    Summary:

    • The provisional motorcycle license doesn’t expire after two years, but your ability to legally ride on public roads depends on the validity of your CBT certificate, which does expire after two years.
    • If your CBT expires, you need to retake it if you want to continue riding with L-plates and under the conditions of your provisional license.
    • You can keep retaking the CBT as many times as needed, but passing the full motorcycle test (theory test, module 1, and module 2) will allow you to ride without the restrictions that come with a provisional license and CBT.

    CBT Insurance

    Ride on your provisional licence by comparing CBT Insurance quotes from over 25 great UK providers and checking the cover options available for learner riders.*

    No registration details? No worries!
    Get CBT Insurance quotes by Make and Model here >

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    Our partnership with Quotezone.co.uk helps you compare quotes for a range of different types of insurance. When looking at CBT insurance or any other cover, it can help to compare the cover levels, exclusions, excesses, eligibility rules, optional extras and prices available from different providers before deciding what fits your circumstances.

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    *Here4 Insurance have partnered with Quotezone.co.uk to help you compare CBT Insurance quotes. Quotezone.co.uk is a trading style of Seopa Ltd who are a limited company registered in Northern Ireland, Registered number: NI46322. Registered office: Seopa Ltd, Floor 4 Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, BT2 7GS. We are an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Seopa Ltd. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their registered number is 313860.