TL;DR - KEY POINTS
- CBT insurance covers riders who have passed Compulsory Basic Training and ride on L plates.
- Riders aged 16 can ride a 50cc moped after CBT, riders aged 17 and over can ride up to 125cc.
- Insurance after CBT is usually more expensive than after a full motorcycle test.
- L plates must be displayed and passengers are not allowed during the two-year CBT period.
- CBT certificates last two years, after which a full test or repeat CBT is required.
UK MOTORBIKE INSURANCE - CBT INSURANCE - 2026
KEY FACTS
- DVSA Compulsory Basic Training is the entry route for learner motorcyclists in Great Britain.
- The CBT certificate is valid for two years and allows riding on L plates on a moped or 125cc motorcycle.
- L plates must be displayed front and rear on the motorcycle while riding under a CBT certificate.
- Motorways and passengers are not allowed for riders on a CBT certificate.
- Riders must hold valid motor insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988 before riding on the road.
CBT insurance is the cover that new riders take out after passing the Compulsory Basic Training course. CBT is the entry route to riding a moped or 125cc motorcycle on UK roads, administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The certificate lasts two years and allows the rider to use a moped or 125cc motorcycle on L plates, without carrying passengers and without using motorways. Insurance after CBT is more expensive than after a full motorcycle test because the rider has limited road experience and is statistically more likely to be involved in a claim. Understanding the options and the typical costs is the start of finding cover that works for the rider profile.
CBT insurance and what it covers
CBT insurance is standard motorcycle insurance taken out by a rider on a CBT certificate. The cover responds to the same insured perils as any other motorcycle insurance, including third party liability, fire, theft and accidental damage on comprehensive cover. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires every UK motorist to hold valid insurance for road use, and this applies to mopeds and motorcycles in the same way as to cars.
Insurance for riders on a CBT certificate is priced higher than for fully licensed riders because the rider has limited road experience. Insurers rate the risk based on age, postcode, the type of motorcycle, the security of the storage location and the claims history of the rider. Young riders in urban postcodes face the highest premiums, while older riders taking up motorcycling later in life often find more competitive cover available.
Most insurers do not write specific CBT-only insurance products. The same product is sold to all motorcycle riders with the CBT status declared on the proposal form. Specialist motorcycle insurers such as Bennetts, Carole Nash, MCE and Bikesure produce competitive quotes for CBT riders, often beating mainstream motor insurers on price and cover.
Insurance after CBT test and what changes
Insurance after CBT test follows the same principles as any motorcycle insurance. The rider holds a CBT certificate, which is the legal authorisation to ride on L plates, and takes out a motorcycle insurance policy that meets the Road Traffic Act 1988 minimum requirements. The rider can use a moped if they are 16 or 17, or a 125cc motorcycle if they are 17 or older. The two-year validity of the CBT certificate determines how long the rider can continue on L plates before needing to repeat the CBT or pass the full motorcycle test.
Passing the full motorcycle test usually reduces the insurance premium significantly. The full A1, A2 or A licence categories signal to the insurer that the rider has completed both theoretical and practical assessments to a higher standard than CBT alone. Insurers typically apply a substantial discount on renewal once the full licence is held, and some riders see premiums fall by a third or more in the first year after passing.
The L plate restriction matters for both the legal status and the insurance cover. A rider on a CBT certificate must display L plates front and rear, must not carry passengers, and must not use motorways. Riding without L plates, carrying a passenger, or using a motorway while on CBT can void cover for any related incident and creates a separate offence under the Road Traffic Act.
Moped insurance CBT UK for 16 year olds
Moped insurance CBT UK for 16 year olds is the entry point to powered two-wheel transport in the UK. A 16-year-old can ride a moped with a maximum design speed of 28 miles per hour and an engine capacity of 50cc after completing CBT. Popular learner mopeds include the Yamaha Aerox, Piaggio Zip, Honda PCX 50, Vespa Primavera 50 and Aprilia SR50. Insurance groups for these mopeds are low, but the rider's age dominates the premium calculation.
Premiums for 16 year olds on a moped after CBT typically start at several hundred pounds a year and can rise significantly for higher-value scooters or in urban postcodes. Telematics policies are widely used in this segment, with insurers offering reduced premiums in exchange for monitoring devices that track riding behaviour. Curfews, mileage limits and behaviour-based pricing apply, so reading the small print is essential before committing.
Security has a major effect on the premium because moped theft is a known risk in UK cities. Storing the moped in a garage overnight, using a Thatcham approved chain and lock, and fitting a tracker or aftermarket alarm typically reduce the premium. The Metropolitan Police and other UK forces publish guidance on moped security, and insurers expect riders to take basic precautions as a condition of cover.
125cc motorcycle insurance after CBT for 17 plus
125cc motorcycle insurance after CBT is the most common cover for 17 to 19 year old riders building experience before progressing to the full A2 licence at 19. Popular 125cc machines include the Honda CB125F, Yamaha YS125, KTM 125 Duke, Lexmoto LXR 125 and Honda PCX 125. Insurance groups for these motorcycles vary, with sporty 125s in higher groups than more conservative commuter models.
Premiums for 17 year old riders on 125cc motorcycles after CBT tend to be similar to or higher than moped premiums for 16 year olds. Specialist motorcycle insurers usually produce more competitive quotes than mainstream motor insurers because the underwriting is built around motorcycle-specific risk factors. Comparing quotes from at least three specialist insurers usually produces a meaningful price spread.
Learner-legal 125cc machines are designed for the L plate market and meet the legal output limits. Riders should be aware that some 125cc motorcycles are not learner-legal because of higher power outputs or other characteristics. Confirming the machine is suitable for L plate use is the first step before insurance is even considered. Dealers and manufacturer brochures usually identify learner-legal models clearly.
Practical steps for new riders
The first step for any new rider is to pass the CBT itself. The DVSA approved training body delivers the course over a single day or two days, covering theoretical instruction, practical exercises off-road, and a final ride on the road with the instructor. The certificate is issued at the end and is valid for two years from the date of issue. Without a valid CBT certificate, riding on the road is illegal unless the rider holds a full motorcycle licence.
The second step is to compare insurance quotes from specialist motorcycle insurers. Direct quotes from insurers such as Bennetts, Carole Nash, MCE, Bikesure, Devitt and The Bike Insurer usually produce a useful comparison. Brokers familiar with the new rider market sometimes have access to underwriters not available on price comparison sites. Reading the policy summary for any cover limits, mileage limits, or excess structure before committing is essential.
The third step is to plan toward the full motorcycle test. The two-year CBT certificate ends without notice if not renewed or replaced. Riders aiming for the full A2 licence at 19 typically book their direct access course six to twelve months in advance, particularly in summer months when test slots fill quickly. The DVSA publishes test availability data, and the gov.uk motorcycle licensing pages set out the route to each licence category.
Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Always check current policy terms with your insurer before making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance after passing my CBT?
Yes. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires every UK motorist to hold valid motor insurance for road use. A CBT certificate is the legal authorisation to ride on L plates but does not include insurance. Riders must take out a motorcycle insurance policy that meets the minimum third party requirements before riding on the road.
How much does CBT insurance cost?
Premiums depend on the rider's age, postcode, motorcycle, storage location and any previous claims. Young riders in urban postcodes typically pay several hundred pounds upward for basic third party cover on a 125cc motorcycle. Telematics policies, secure storage and Thatcham-approved security all reduce the premium. Specialist motorcycle insurers usually produce more competitive quotes than mainstream motor insurers.
Can I ride any motorbike with a CBT?
A 16 year old can ride a 50cc moped on L plates after CBT. A 17 year old can ride a learner-legal motorcycle up to 125cc on L plates. Larger or higher-power motorcycles require the full A1, A2 or A licence categories. Riding outside the L plate restrictions on a CBT certificate is an offence and voids insurance cover.
How long does a CBT certificate last?
Two years from the date of issue. After two years the rider must repeat the CBT to continue riding on L plates, or pass the full motorcycle test to upgrade to a full A1, A2 or A licence. The DVSA does not send reminders, so riders should track the expiry date themselves to avoid unintentionally riding without a valid certificate.
Can I carry a passenger on a CBT?
No. Carrying passengers is prohibited on a CBT certificate. The L plate restrictions also prohibit motorway use. Breaching either restriction creates a separate offence under the Road Traffic Act and voids motorcycle insurance cover. Full passenger and motorway use rights come with the full motorcycle licence after passing the practical and theoretical tests.
Does insurance get cheaper after passing the full motorcycle test?
Yes, usually significantly. Insurers apply a substantial discount once the full A1, A2 or A licence is held because the rider has completed higher-level assessments and has typically built more road experience. Many riders see premiums fall by a third or more in the first year after passing the full test compared to their CBT-period quotes.
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