If you have just booked your CBT, one of the first questions is what to wear for CBT day. Compulsory Basic Training is the one-day course new riders in Great Britain take before riding a learner-legal bike on the road, and it mixes classroom time, practice in a training area and a ride out with your instructor. You will spend most of the day getting on and off a small motorcycle, so comfort matters as much as having the right kit. This guide goes head to toe, with the trousers covered in the most detail. Training somewhere else in Europe? The same advice fits a first lesson at any riding school.
What to Wear for CBT: The Short Version
Every school sets its own list, so read your booking confirmation and ask what they supply. As a rule, plan on this:
- Trousers: sturdy, with some stretch for the seated position. Leave the leggings and jogging bottoms at home.
- Footwear: boots or sturdy shoes that cover the ankle, with a flat sole.
- Jacket: close-fitting and sturdy, with no loose parts.
- Gloves: full-fingered, so you can still feel the levers.
- Helmet: many schools lend one, so ask before you buy.
- Layers: a thin base layer and something to add or remove.
Which Trousers Work Best for a CBT Day
On the day you will swing a leg over the seat, ride slow turns and step on and off the bike again and again. Trousers that stretch where you bend make all of that easier. The RoadVault cargo riding trousers have 4-way stretch, and the Sentinel riding trousers use a Nyco stretch fabric, so neither fights you when you move.
Check the hem too. If your boots are new, an adjustable ankle or hem lets the trouser leg sit neatly over them: the RoadVault has adjustable ankle cuffs, and the Sentinel has a hem that adjusts from 32 to 46 cm. A hem that climbs is the most common complaint of a first day, and our guide to why motorcycle trousers ride up explains the causes and the fixes.
Pockets matter more than you would think. A pocket with a zip or a flap keeps your phone and booking details where you left them, and the RoadVault has six.
Boots, Jacket, Gloves and Helmet
Boots are where first-timers most often get caught out. Choose boots or sturdy shoes that cover the ankle, with a flat sole, and tuck the laces away so they cannot catch on the gear lever. Trainers and open shoes are rarely accepted, so check before the day.
Wear a close-fitting jacket without flapping parts, and full-fingered gloves that still let you work the clutch and brake levers. Many schools lend a helmet; if you buy your own, have it fitted in a shop rather than ordering blind.
Dressing for the Weather on Training Day
CBT runs outdoors in all weathers, and you stand around between exercises, so you cool down faster than you expect. Wear a thin base layer under your trousers and bring a fleece or jumper you can take off. If the forecast looks wet, pack a rain shell to pull on over the top, and take a spare pair of gloves. On a hot day, choose breathable layers and drink water between exercises; zipped vent panels, like those on the RoadVault, help too.
Once CBT is done and you start buying your own kit, our motorcycle gear checklist for beginners shows what to buy first and what can wait.
Common Questions
Can I wear jeans for CBT?
Many schools accept sturdy, plain jeans, but rules differ, so ask when you book. Avoid thin, ripped or very baggy pairs, and read our guide to wearing jeans on a motorcycle. If you would rather have a denim cut made for the seated position, the Redback riding jeans are stretch denim with a breathable mesh lining.
Do I need to buy motorcycle trousers before my CBT?
Not necessarily. Ask your school what it lends, because helmets and some other items are often available, but the list varies. If you plan to keep riding, choose trousers you will want after training, so your first day doubles as the first fit test.
What shoes should I wear for CBT?
Boots or sturdy shoes that cover the ankle, with a flat sole and tucked-in laces. Trainers and open shoes are rarely accepted, so ask your school if you are unsure.
From the range
Trousers you will still want after CBT day
NORDRYK Sentinel — Motorcycle Trousers
Nyco stretch fabric, four pockets and a hem that adjusts from 32 to 46 cm to fit over any boot.
See the Sentinel →
NORDRYK Redback — Motorcycle Jeans
Stretch denim with a breathable mesh lining, in three leg lengths.
See the Redback →