By the Betta Biker Rider Training team in Warrington. We are not based in Manchester, but we train riders who travel from there. The steps and the checklist below apply wherever you decide to train.
What are the steps to a full motorcycle licence?
- Get a provisional licence. It costs £34 online. A car licence, full or provisional, already includes provisional motorcycle entitlement. Apply on GOV.UK.
- Take your CBT. At least one full day of training. It is not a test: you finish when your trainer is happy you can ride safely on your own. What to expect on the day.
- Pass your motorcycle theory test. It costs £23, and you need it before Module 1. Book on GOV.UK.
- Pass Module 1. An off-road test of manoeuvres such as slow riding, a U-turn and an emergency stop.
- Pass Module 2. An on-road test of around 40 minutes.
A DAS course covers the training and tests for steps 4 and 5. For more detail on each step, read our full licence guide.
How much does a motorcycle licence cost?
This is the full cost with Betta Biker, starting from nothing:
| Item | 4-day DAS | 5-day DAS |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence | £34 | £34 |
| Theory test | £23 | £23 |
| CBT, booked with DAS | £125 | £125 |
| DAS course, with test fees, bike hire and kit | £1,200 | £1,350 |
| Total | £1,382 | £1,532 |
Take off £34 if you already have a car licence. If you already hold a valid CBT, take off £125 too. The 5-day course suits beginners and the 4-day course suits riders with some on-road experience. Instalments are available and cost a little more in total. See all prices.
The total does not include travel, or a re-test if you need one. A Module 1 re-test is £250 with a 2-hour refresher or £115 for the escort and test fee only. A Module 2 re-test is £315 with a 2-hour refresher or £200 for the escort and test fee only.
How long does it take?
The training is at least one full day for CBT, then 4 days (21 hours) or 5 days (26 hours) for DAS, including your tests. The rest depends on how quickly you can get theory and practical test dates, so book your theory test early.
Do I have to train in Manchester?
No. You can train with any approved school. There are plenty closer to the city centre than we are, so if a short trip matters most, start there. If you are comparing what you get for your money, use the checklist below.
How do I choose a motorcycle school around Manchester?
Ask every school the same questions, including us:
- What does the price include? Check for test fees, bike hire, riding kit and boots. Ours include all four on DAS.
- How many riders per trainer? Ours are one or two on DAS and two or three on CBT.
- How many hours of training do I get? Compare hours, not just days. Ours are 21 on the 4-day course and 26 on the 5-day.
- What does a re-test cost? Ask before you need one. Ours are listed above.
- Which test centres do you use? Ask how far they are from where you train.
- What do recent reviews say? Read what people say about the trainers, not just the score. Betta Biker is rated 5.0 out of 5 from 417 Google reviews.
How do I get to Betta Biker from Manchester?
Direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Warrington Central take about 20 to 30 minutes, and our site is under a mile from the station. By road it is about 19 miles from the city centre via the M62 or A57, with trainee parking on site. On L plates, use the A57. See our pages for Manchester riders and Salford riders for routes and local questions.
Common questions
How much does a full motorcycle licence cost for a Manchester rider?
Starting from nothing, it comes to £1,382 with a 4-day DAS course or £1,532 with a 5-day course, training with Betta Biker Rider Training in Warrington. That covers your provisional licence (£34), theory test (£23), CBT (£125 when booked with DAS) and the DAS course, including Module 1 and Module 2 test fees, bike hire and riding kit.
Do I have to learn to ride in Manchester if I live there?
No. You can train with any approved school, wherever you live. Your CBT certificate and full licence are the same wherever you get them.
Can I ride a 125cc around Manchester on a CBT?
Yes, from age 17 with a provisional licence and a valid CBT certificate. You must display L plates and cannot carry a passenger. You also cannot use motorways, which rules out the M60, the M602 and the Mancunian Way (A57(M)).
How long does it take to get a full motorcycle licence?
The training itself is one day of CBT plus a 4-day or 5-day DAS course. How long it takes overall depends mostly on when you can get your theory and practical test dates.