On this page you will find information and guidance in relation to learning to ride a motorcycle, including applying for your provisional licence, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and Direct Access (DA) course requirements.
Step 1 - Applying for your provisional driving licence
- Before submitting an application for your provisional driving licence, you will need to ensure that you apply for the correct driving licence entitlement. A guide on categories and age entitlements can be found here.
- Information on how to apply for your driving licence can be found at www.gov.gg/ApplyingForALicence
- Information for new motorists can be found here.
Step 2 - Motorcycle Training Courses
- There are different training requirements for new learner riders compared to those who have previous riding experience. The training requirements are set out below:
- First time provisional motorcycle licence holders will be required to undertake a full Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course (see Step 2a below)
- Riders with previous experience that are taking out a new provisional category may only need to undertake a shorter Direct Access (DA) training course
- Note: when renewing a motorcycle provisional licence, holders will need to complete a DA course (see Step 2b & Step 3 below)
Step 2a - Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course
- First time provisional motorcycle licence holders will be required to undertake a full Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
- Once you have been issued with your provisional motorcycle licence, you must not drive or ride your motorcycle on a public highway until you have successfully completed a CBT course.
- Full CBT courses comprise of two elements:
- Motorcycle Theory Test
- Practical Compulsory Basic Training
- Motorcycle Theory Test
- From 1 May 2024, you must first pass a motorcycle Theory Test before you can undertake the practical CBT training course (unless exempt - see below).
- Theory Tests are taken at Edward T Wheadon House on weekdays only.
- To revise for your Theory Test, there are two options:
- The Official Islands Theory Test USB stick (compatible with Windows computers only), which can be purchased from Driver and Vehicle Licensing at Edward T Wheadon House
- The Guernsey Theory Test Suite app, which is available for download on mobile devices
- The Guille-Alles Library have computers with the Guernsey Theory Test USB software pre-installed and they can be used free of charge. Please visit their website for further information: www.library.gg/islands-driving-theory-test-software
- To further your revision, the Official UK Highway Code book can be purchased from Driver and Vehicle Licensing, or you can visit the gov.uk website for more information: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code. The Guernsey Highway Code can be found here.
- Further information on the Guernsey Theory Test can be found here.
- Booking your Theory Test
- When you are ready to book your Theory Test, this can be done via your online driving licence account at www.traffic.gov.gg/. Alternatively, you can attend the Driver and Vehicle Licensing desk at Edward T Wheadon House to book the test in person.
- Information regarding the Theory Test fees can be found here.
- Exemptions from Theory Test
- You will not need to undertake a Theory Test prior to taking your CBT course if:
- You can provide evidence of having undertaken a full CBT course within the last 5 years, or
- You can provide evidence of having previously passed a motorcycle Theory Test which included the hazard perception element.
- If you are unsure whether you will need to complete a Theory Test before taking your CBT, please contact Driver and Vehicle Licensing using the contact details provided on this page.
- Practical Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
- Once you have passed your Theory Test and have been issued with a pass certificate, you can then book your Practical CBT course.
- Practical CBT courses are operated by the Guernsey Motorcycle Training Scheme (GMTS) and can be booked at www.gmts.gg/.
- Upon completion of your CBT course, you will be given a certificate of completion by your instructor. Only after receipt of this certificate are you permitted to ride unsupervised on the public highway displaying 'L' Plates.
- Information for your practical training:
- You must hold the relevant licence category for the type of motorcycle you are riding. For example, a rider that only has a category A1 listed on their provisional licence is not permitted to ride a 50cc motorcycle that fits within a category P.
- If you are the holder of a provisional category A licence and have no previous motorcycling experience, then you will not be permitted to undertake your training on a motorcycle with an engine exceeding 300cc. You will need to make your own arrangements to undertake the training with an appropriate motorcycle.
- For safety reasons, and because some motorcycles/mopeds are not representative of their class, they cannot be used for the course. These include (but are not limited to) 'Thumps', the Honda 'Monkey Bike' and the Funtech 50 Scootcar.
- Prior to the CBT commencing, your motorcycle will need to be delivered direct to the course centre at Raymond Falla House. If you purchased your motorcycle from a dealer, they may be happy to make the necessary arrangements for this.
- Please see Step 2b and Step 3 below for information regarding the renewal of your licence and your future follow-up training requirements.
Step 2b - Direct Access (DA) Courses
- Riders with previous experience (see information below) that are either taking out a new provisional motorcycle category or riders that are renewing a provisional licence may only need to undertake a shorter Direct Access (DA) training course.
- Direct Access courses only include the on-road practical element of the training, and does not require the licence holder to undertake a Theory Test.
- Please note that existing provisional motorcycle licence holders must ensure they renew their provisional motorcycle licence within the period one month prior to the expiry of their licence. In order to renew, you must hold a valid certificate of completion of a motorcycle training course covering that category. This may be a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course or Direct Access (DA) course that was undertaken on your current provisional driving licence and covered you to ride throughout the duration of the licence.
- Licences that have already expired cannot be renewed and you will have to wait a period of one year before you are able to reapply for that category. Those who wish to renew a previously expired motorcycle provisional licence will be required to undertake a training course before they can ride a motorcycle on the roads.
- Once your licence has been renewed, you must complete your repeat training within one month of the new provisional licence start date.
- Direct Access Training
- Direct Access is a shortened course, which lasts approximately two hours. You will only qualify for a Direct Access course if you can satisfy the instructor (through discussion and practical demonstration) that you have sufficient proficiency, competency and previous experience and if you satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
- Have carried out a full CBT within the last 5 years
- Have previously carried out a full CBT course and have held a valid provisional or full motorcycle licence within the last 5 years and have ridden during this period
- For all the above criteria, the experience must have been gained on a geared motorcycle if you wish to ride a geared motorcycle. If you have only had previous experience of riding an automatic motorcycle you will be required to carry out the full CBT course if you wish to ride a geared motorcycle.
- For information on the full CBT course, please see Step 2a above.
- Previous Experience
- If you upgrade your existing category of motorcycle licence to a higher category you will need to complete a training course before using the new category of motorcycle on the roads.
- If you have previous motorcycle experience you may only need to complete the Direct Access training course.
- If you have held a full category A1 licence for at least 12 months and wish to upgrade to a category A licence, you do not need to undertake any additional training.
- It is advised for you to discuss your CBT/DA requirements with GMTS. Please visit their website for contact information: www.gmts.gg/. Should you have any further queries please contact Driver and Vehicle Licensing.
Step 3 - Renewing a provisional motorcycle licence
- Those who remain on a provisional motorcycle licence are asked to note that existing provisional motorcycle licence holders must ensure they renew their provisional motorcycle licence within the period one month prior to the expiry of their licence. In order to renew, you must hold a valid certificate of completion of a motorcycle training course covering that category. This may be a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course or Direct Access (DA) course that was undertaken on your current provisional driving licence and covered you to ride throughout the duration of the licence.
- Provisional licences that have already expired cannot be renewed and you will have to wait a period of one year before you are able to reapply for that category. Those who wish to renew a previously expired motorcycle provisional licence will be required to undertake a training course before they can ride a motorcycle on the roads.
- Once renewed, you must complete your repeat training within one month of the new provisional licence (see Step 2b above)
- This is a legal requirement and failure to complete the repeat training course will invalidate your provisional driving licence. You will then have to wait until the licence expires and then wait a further 12 months before renewing your licence in the same category. However, you would be able to apply for a motorcycle licence in a different category.
- For information on how to obtain your full motorcycle driving licence, please see Step 4 below.
Step 4 - Obtaining a full motorcycle driving licence
- Once you hold a provisional motorcycle driving licence, a valid motorcycle Theory Test certificate and a valid certificate of completion for a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course in the relevant category, you will be eligible to undertake your motorcycle Practical Driving Test.
- When you are ready to book your Practical Driving Test, this can be done via your online driving licence account at www.traffic.gov.gg/. Alternatively, you can attend the Driver and Vehicle Licensing desk at Edward T Wheadon House to book the test in person.
- Information regarding the Practical Driving Test fees can be found here.
- Please note that all Practical Driving Tests start and finish at our Bulwer Avenue Office. You will need to park your motorcycle at the rear of the building in the marked driving test parking bays. You will be expected to arrive 15 minutes early for the test and wait for the Driving Examiners in the office building, which can be accessed from the front entrance. Please ensure to bring your provisional motorcycle driving licence and your certificate of CBT completion with you.
FAQs - Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) & Direct Access (DA)
- 1) What is Compulsory Basic Training?
- The principle of CBT was introduced some years ago to help reduce the high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. It ensures that every motorcyclist has learnt the basic skills of riding a motorcycle (under supervision) before being permitted to ride unsupervised on the public highway displaying L Plates. It is not designed to ensure that a rider is up to the standard that they should be to take a driving test - this will come in the period following the CBT with further practice and experience.
- 2) Who needs to complete a CBT course? Are there any exemptions?
- If you hold a provisional licence in category P (moped), A1 (light motorcycle) or A (motorcycle), you must not ride a motorcycle on a public highway unless you have successfully completed an approved training course for motorcyclists (CBT) and have been issued a certificate of completion. The only exemption is if you have held a full A1 licence for at least 12 months and upgrade to a category A licence, in which case you don't have to undertake any such additional training. The fact that you must be the current holder of a full licence in an A1 category has implications if you have been disqualified from driving/riding (see questions 19 to 21 below). If you wish to upgrade your existing licence to a higher category or you have previous motorcycling experience, you may only need to complete the Direct Access training course. This is a shortened course, which lasts approximately 2 hours. If you have renewed a provisional motorcycle licence you will need to retake a CBT Direct Access course (see questions 10 to 13).
- 3) Regarding qualifying for a Direct Access course, what is deemed to be sufficient experience?
- You will only qualify for a Direct Access course if you can satisfy the instructor (through discussion and practical demonstration) that you have sufficient proficiency, competency and previous experience and if you satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
- Have carried out a full CBT within the last 5 years
- Have previously carried out a full CBT course and have held a valid provisional or full motorcycle licence within the last 5 years and ridden during this period.
- For all the above criteria, the experience must have been gained on a geared motorcycle if you wish to ride a geared motorcycle. If you have only had previous experience of riding an automatic motorcycle you will be required to carry out the full CBT course if you wish to ride a geared motorcycle.
- 4) How do I book a CBT training course?
- Bookings can be made on the Guernsey Motorcycle Training School (GMTS) website at www.gmts.gg/. Alternatively you can request a booking by email or by leaving a voicemail on the answer machine - please see the GMTS website for up to date contact information.
- 5) What are the fees for the courses?
- The fees for the courses can be found on the GMTS website: www.gmts.gg/.
- 6) Where are the courses held?
- The CBT courses are held in the car park at Raymond Falla House. If you are undertaking a DA course, your instructor will advise you of the location where the DA will take place.
- 7) What do the courses involve?
- Details of the training courses can be obtained from the GMTS website: www.gmts.gg/.
- 8) What do I need to take with me to the CBT training course?
- Full details can be obtained from the GMTS website: www.gmts.gg/.
- 9) Can any motorcycle/moped be used for training?
- The motorcycle/moped you bring must be of the appropriate category covered by your provisional driving licence. Also for safety reasons and because some motorcycles/mopeds are not representative of their class, they cannot be used for the course. These include (but not limited to) 'Thumps', the Honda 'Monkey Bike' and the Funtech 50 Scootcar. If you successfully complete a CBT course on an automatic motorcycle or moped you will be limited to riding an automatic machine only. If a CBT course is successfully completed on a geared machine, it will cover you to ride both a geared and an automatic motorcycle. If you take a CBT course on a Category A motorcycle, then the engine must not exceed 300cc. You will need to make arrangements to undertake the training with an appropriate motorcycle. There is no restriction on the size of engine for a Direct Access course.
- 10) What do I have to do to renew my provisional motorcycle licence?
- If you need to renew a provisional motorcycle licence you must apply within the period one month prior to the expiry of your licence. Applications made after the expiry date cannot be accepted and you will have to wait a period of one year before you are able to renew your provisional licence in that category. When renewing your existing category of provisional motorcycle licence you may continue to drive or ride your motorcycle on the public highway but must re-sit the "Direct Access" training course within the first month of the renewed licence. Failure to do this within the first month will invalidate your driving licence. You will then have to wait until the licence expires and then wait a further 12 months before being able to apply for a licence in the same category. You would, however, be able to apply for a motorcycle licence in a different category.
- 11) When I have renewed my provisional motorcycle licence do I have to take further CBT training even if I have recently done CBT training and hold a valid CBT certificate?
- Yes - A renewed licence will only be valid upon successful completion of a CBT Direct Access course during the first month after the commencement of the new licence, even if you have recently undertaken CBT training and hold a valid CBT certificate.
- 12) Am I still able to ride without a valid CBT certificate during the first month after the commencement of my new renewed licence?
- Yes.
- 13) What restrictions are there if I take the course on an automatic motorbike?
- If a CBT course is successfully completed on an automatic motorcycle, you will be limited to riding an automatic machine only. If a CBT course is successfully completed on a geared motorcycle, it will cover you to ride both a geared and automatic motorcycle. Your CBT pass certificate should indicate this accordingly.
- 14) What provisional licence should I hold when I take the CBT training?
- When undertaking CBT training you must hold the relevant provisional licence category for the cylinder capacity (cc) or maximum continuous electrical engine power of the motorcycle you are undertaking the training on. For example, if you only hold a provisional A1 category licence you cannot undertake training on a 50cc motorcycle that fits within a category P, even though it is a lower category. Only a full licence covers holders to ride lower category motorcycles. For example a full A Category licence covers P and A1 category machines, and a full A1 licence covers a P category machine.
- 15) Do I need to pass a motorcycle Theory Test before I can take the CBT?
- From 1 May 2024, you must first pass a motorcycle Theory Test before you can undertake the CBT course. You will only be exempt from the requirement to pass a Theory Test prior to taking your CBT course if:
- You can provide evidence of having undertaken a full CBT course within the last 5 years, or
- You can provide evidence of having previously passed a motorcycle Theory Test which included the hazard perception element.
- If you are unsure whether you will need to complete a Theory Test before taking your CBT, please contact Driver and Vehicle Licensing using the contact details provided on this page.
- To revise for your Theory Test, there are two options: the Official Islands Theory Test USB stick (compatible with Windows computers only), which can be purchased from Driver and Vehicle Licensing at Edward T Wheadon House or alternatively, you can download the Guernsey Theory Test Suite app on a mobile device, which contains the same revision content as the USB stick. The Guille-Alles Library also have computers available which have the Guernsey Theory Test USB software pre-installed and they can be used free of charge. Please visit their website for further information: www.library.gg/islands-driving-theory-test-software
- To further your revision, the Official UK Highway Code book can be purchased from Driver and Vehicle Licensing, or you can visit the gov.uk website for more information: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code. The Guernsey Highway Code can be found here.
- When you are ready to book your Theory Test, this can be done via your online driving licence account at www.traffic.gov.gg/. Alternatively, you can attend the Driver and Vehicle Licensing desk at Edward T Wheadon House to book the test in person. Please note that all Theory Tests take place at our Edward T Wheadon House Office.
- 16) Can a CBT certificate cover more than one category of provisional licence?
- If you hold a valid CBT certificate for a higher motorcycle category you will be covered to ride (displaying L Plates) a motorcycle in a lower category, providing that you hold a provisional licence for both the higher category and the lower category/categories. For example, if you hold an A1 and P provisional licence and successfully complete a CBT course on a motorcycle that fits within an A1 category, you will be covered to ride motorcycles in either category (displaying L Plates). If you hold an A, A1 and P provisional licence and successfully completed CBT on a motorcycle that falls within an A category, you will be covered to ride all 3 motorcycles (displaying L Plates). Note: if you successfully complete a CBT course on an automatic motorcycle you will only be able to ride automatic motorcycles (even in the lower categories you may be covered for) For example, if you successfully completed CBT on an automatic category A motorcycle, you would not be covered to ride a geared A1 motorcycle. If a CBT course is successfully completed on a geared motorcycle, it will cover you to ride both geared and automatic motorcycles.
- 17) If I took out a provisional licence in a lower category and already hold a valid CBT certificate for a higher category do I need to undertake training again?
- No, you would not be required to undertake the training again, unless you had previously undertaken the training on an automatic motorcycle and wanted to ride a manual motorcycle.
- 18) How long is CBT certificate valid for?
- 2 years.
- 19) If I have been convicted of a Schedule 1 offence do I need to successfully complete another CBT course before using my provisional licence in category P, A1 or A?
- If you still have a valid CBT certificate in the relevant category, then you will not need to undertake the CBT. However, if the CBT certificate has expired then you will need to undertake a direct access course (as you have previous experience) before you can use your provisional licence.
- 20) If I have been convicted of a Schedule 1 offence do I have to successfully complete another CBT course before using a new provisional licence in category A, even if, prior to the disqualification, I have held an A1 licence for more than 12 months?
- Yes, you must successfully complete the course, because you no longer hold a full category A1 licence.
- 21) What is a schedule 1 offence?
- It is an offence for which a driving test pass certificate must be produced before obtaining a full licence again. The offences are listed in Schedule 1 of the Driving Licences (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1995.
- 22) What motorcycles can I ride displaying 'L' plates after successfully completing a CBT course?
- This depends on the category of motorcycle the course was undertaken on and whether it was geared or automatic. It also depends on the provisional licence you hold. Please see table below for permutations:
Motorcycle CBT was taken on
Provisional licence held
Motorcycle you can ride under L plates
P (Auto)
P
One that fits within the definition of a category P (auto only)
P (Manual)
P
One that fits within the definition of a category P
A1 (Auto)
A1
One that fits within the definition of a category A1 (auto only)
A1 (Auto)
P, A1
One that fits within the definitions of a category P or A1 (auto only)
A1 (Manual)
A1
One that fits within the definition of a category A1
A1 (Manual)
P, A1
One that fits within the definitions of a category P or A1
A (Auto)
A
One that fits within the definition of a category A (auto only)
A (Auto)
A1, A
One that fits within the definitions of a category A1 or A (auto only)
A (Auto)
P, A1, A
One that fits within the definitions of a P, A1 or A (auto only)
A (Auto)
P, A
One that fits within the definitions of a P or A (auto only)
A (Manual)
A
One that fits within the definition of a category A
A (Manual)
A1, A
One that fits within the definitions of a category A1 or A
A (Manual)
P, A1, A
One that fits within the definitions of a P, A1 or A
A (Manual)
P, A
One that fits within the definitions of a P or A
- The definitions of the moped/motorcycles referred to in Column 3 are as follows:
- Category P Moped - Any two-wheeled or three wheeled vehicle which is powered by:
- an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres or
- an electrical engine having a maximum. continuous rated power not exceeding 4kW
- Category A1 Light Motorcycle - Any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side-car, with a maximum design speed of over 50 kilometres per hour or, if it powered by an internal combustion engine, with a cubic capacity exceeding 50 cc but not exceeding 125cc, and of a power not exceeding 11 kilowatts.
- Category A Motorcycle - Any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without side-car, with a cubic capacity exceeding 125cc.
