A CBT course in East London currently costs around £189–£205 at several local training centres checked in September 2026. Most courses take a full day, and once you complete your CBT you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW with L-plates for 2 years, provided you're at least 17.

For delivery riders, CBT is normally one of the first steps towards working on a 125cc scooter for Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat.

The short answer: CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It isn't a traditional pass-or-fail test — you complete the course once your instructor is satisfied you've reached the required safe standard. Expect to spend most of a day at the training centre, including at least 2 hours riding on public roads. When you successfully complete all 5 elements, you'll receive a DL196 certificate that's normally valid for 2 years.

Where Can I Do My CBT in East London?

You don't need to travel across London to complete CBT. There are training centres around Ilford, Beckton, Whipps Cross and Dagenham, plus other centres serving East London riders.

Prices below were checked online in September 2026 and can change — use the provider link to confirm the live price and availability before booking.

CBT Provider Area Advertised Price Useful for Riders Around
Ilford and Barkingside riders can book CBT through 1 Stop Instruction East Ham / Ilford / Beckton (scooter hire in Ilford) £189 (promotional) Ilford, Barking, Stratford
Rider Works Whipps Cross £189 Walthamstow, Leyton, Stratford, Hackney
Dagenham riders can use Universal Motorcycle Training Dagenham £205 Dagenham, Barking, Romford, Ilford
ACBT London Greenwich / SE London £180 weekday / £190 weekend Greenwich, south of the Thames

Ilford and Barkingside riders can book CBT through 1 Stop Instruction — Ilford & Beckton

Ilford and Barkingside riders can book CBT through 1 Stop Instruction operates East London CBT training around Ilford/Barkingside and Beckton. Its website was advertising CBT courses at £189 using its promotional offer when checked in September 2026. This is one of the more convenient options for riders coming from Ilford and surrounding parts of East London. Check availability and book with Ilford and Barkingside riders can book CBT through 1 Stop Instruction.

Rider Works — Whipps Cross

Rider Works is based in Whipps Cross, East London and advertises its CBT course at £189 as of September 2026. Its location makes it particularly convenient for riders around Walthamstow, Leyton and the northern side of Stratford. Check availability and book with Rider Works.

Dagenham riders can use Universal Motorcycle Training — Dagenham

Dagenham riders can use Universal Motorcycle Training operates from Goals Dagenham, Ripple Road, RM9 6XW, close to the A13. Its standard CBT costs £205 as of September 2026 and the advertised price includes insurance, bike hire and equipment. For riders around Barking, Dagenham, Romford and Ilford, this is one of the most conveniently located options. Check availability and book with Dagenham riders can use Universal Motorcycle Training.

ACBT London — Greenwich

ACBT is further south-east rather than in the core East London area, but it's another option if the location works for you. Standard CBT was advertised at £180, with weekend CBT at £190, when checked in September 2026. ACBT also advertises CBT training in Spanish, Portuguese and Galician for riders who would prefer training in one of those languages. Check availability and book with ACBT London.

What Actually Happens During a CBT?

CBT normally takes a full day, although it can take longer if you need additional training. The course has 5 elements:

  1. Introduction and eyesight check — your instructor explains the course and checks your eyesight.
  2. On-site training — you'll learn the controls, basic safety checks and how the scooter or motorcycle works.
  3. On-site riding — you'll practise starting, stopping, turning and controlling the bike away from public traffic.
  4. On-road preparation — your instructor covers road positioning, junctions, hazards and other road-riding basics.
  5. On-road riding — you'll ride on public roads with your instructor. This section must last at least 2 hours.

CBT isn't about getting the fastest time or passing a short test. Your instructor moves you through each stage once you've demonstrated the necessary knowledge and practical skills. If you need more time, you may have to return for additional training before receiving your certificate.

What Do I Need to Bring to CBT?

The most important thing is your UK driving licence. A provisional licence is enough — you don't need a full car driving licence. Before leaving home, confirm you have:

  • Your UK provisional or full driving licence
  • A motorcycle helmet meeting the required safety standards, unless your centre provides one
  • Motorcycle gloves
  • Sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles
  • Suitable trousers — motorcycle trousers or heavy denim
  • A suitable motorcycle jacket or heavy jacket with appropriate layers
  • Basic knowledge of The Highway Code and road signs

Check exactly what your chosen training centre provides before the day. Some centres include bike and equipment hire in their course price; others may have different arrangements.

What Can I Ride After Completing CBT?

If you're 17 or older, completing CBT normally allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW. You'll need to display L-plates, and CBT does not give you a full motorcycle licence.

Your CBT certificate normally lasts 2 years. If you haven't passed the relevant full motorcycle test by the time it expires, you'll need to complete CBT again to continue riding under CBT entitlement.

Can I Ride on Motorways With a CBT?

No. A learner riding under CBT entitlement with L-plates cannot ride on motorways. That restriction remains until you obtain the appropriate full motorcycle licence.

Can I Carry a Passenger?

No. You cannot carry a pillion passenger while riding as a learner on CBT entitlement. For most food-delivery work this isn't an issue, but it's worth knowing before using the scooter outside work.

Can I Do Deliveroo or Uber Eats After My CBT?

Yes, CBT can form part of what you need to ride a 125cc scooter for delivery work, but CBT alone isn't enough. You'll also need to meet the delivery platform's current rider requirements and have the correct insurance in place. Standard personal scooter insurance does not cover paid food delivery — you need Hire and Reward (H&R) insurance.

If you're starting from zero, the basic route looks like this:

  1. Get your UK provisional licence if you don't already have one.
  2. Book and complete your CBT.
  3. Arrange access to a suitable 125cc scooter.
  4. Make sure the correct Hire and Reward insurance is in place.
  5. Complete the onboarding requirements for your chosen delivery platform.
  6. Start riding once your documents and account are approved.

For the full breakdown of every step, read our complete beginner's guide to delivery riding in London.

How Long Does CBT Take?

Allow a full day rather than planning around a fixed finishing time. GOV.UK states CBT usually takes a full day but can take longer depending on how quickly you learn. The on-road riding element alone must last at least 2 hours. If you're completely new to scooters or motorcycles, don't book anything important immediately after your expected finish time.

How Should I Prepare for CBT?

You don't need to arrive already knowing how to ride, but preparation makes the day easier. Read The Highway Code beforehand and make sure you understand common road signs, junctions, lane positioning and basic road rules. Your instructor can stop the course if your knowledge isn't good enough for you to ride safely.

If you've never ridden a bicycle or have serious difficulty with balance, tell the training school before booking. They may recommend additional preparation rather than trying to cover everything in a single CBT day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a CBT in East London in 2026?

Several East London providers checked in September 2026 advertise standard CBT at around £189–£205. Rider Works advertises £189 and Barking and Dagenham riders often use Dagenham riders can use Universal Motorcycle Training Dagenham advertises £205. Prices can change — confirm with the provider before booking.

How long is a CBT valid for?

A CBT certificate is normally valid for 2 years. If you haven't passed the relevant full motorcycle test before it expires, you'll normally need to complete CBT again to continue riding under CBT entitlement.

Can I ride a 125cc scooter after CBT?

Yes, if you're at least 17. A valid CBT normally allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW with L-plates. CBT does not give you a full motorcycle licence.

Is CBT a test that I can fail?

CBT isn't a conventional pass-or-fail test. You receive your DL196 certificate once your instructor is satisfied you've completed all 5 elements to the required safe standard. If you need more time, you may need to return for additional training before receiving your certificate.

Can I do CBT with a provisional licence?

Yes. You can take CBT using a valid UK provisional driving licence. You do not need a full car driving licence.

Can I do food delivery immediately after CBT?

Not with CBT alone. CBT gives an eligible rider the entitlement to ride up to 125cc/11kW with L-plates, but delivery work also requires Hire and Reward insurance and the platform's required documents and account approval.

Completed Your CBT? Get on the Road

Once your CBT is complete, the next step is getting access to a suitable scooter and making sure you're correctly insured for delivery work.

ShiftLease provides 125cc scooter hire for delivery riders in East London from £50/week, with a £125/week fully inclusive option that includes Hire & Reward insurance, a £250 refundable deposit and 24/7 contactless collection. Check your eligibility and apply here — takes 3 minutes.

Also read: How to Start Delivery Riding in London — the complete beginner's guide.