What is CBT Insurance?

CBT insurance is a common way to describe motorcycle, scooter or moped insurance for someone who has completed Compulsory Basic Training and is riding on a provisional licence in the UK. It may also be called learner rider insurance or provisional licence motorcycle insurance. The wording varies between providers, but the cover needs to reflect the way the bike is being used: usually a moped, scooter or smaller motorcycle ridden under CBT rules, with L-plates or D-plates and the limits that apply before a full motorcycle test is passed.

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 will normally have its own insurance arrangements while learners are taking the course on the school’s bike, although it can still be worth checking any course paperwork so you understand what is and is not included during training.

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. The policy also needs to match the bike, the rider, the use of the vehicle and any licence or CBT conditions that apply.

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, the voluntary and compulsory excesses, and whether the cover is third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. 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, storage location and modifications when pricing cover, and some providers may treat higher-risk models, delivery use or non-standard bikes 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, especially if the certificate is close to expiry or the bike is shared with another rider.

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, commuting, business use, food delivery work or riding outside CBT rules.

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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, cover levels 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, and an expired certificate could affect whether the policy matches your licence position.

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. Insurance providers may also ask whether you hold a valid CBT certificate, what type of licence you have, and whether you have passed any motorcycle tests. Here is a basic summary of how it works in the UK:

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Here4Insurance 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, cancellation terms, payment options and prices available from different providers before deciding what fits your circumstances.

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