Passed Your CBT? Next Steps for Bristol Riders (Buying a 125cc, Insurance, and The Next Licence)

The feeling is incredible, isn’t it? That mixture of pure relief and buzzing excitement as you pull off your helmet after passing your CBT. The certificate is in your hand. The road is finally yours for about five minutes. Then it hits you: what now?

If you’re in Bristol, staring at that green slip and wondering what comes next, you’re in exactly the right place. That post-CBT confusion is totally normal. Everyone gets it. One minute you’re learning figures of eight in a car park, the next you’re supposed to figure out bikes, insurance, and the maze of full licences. It’s a lot.

Let’s break it down into simple, actual steps you can take right here in Bristol. No jargon, no fluff. Just a clear path from “I passed!” to “I’m riding.”

Your First Real Bike: Navigating the 125cc Market

You’re legal to ride a 125cc on L-plates. Great. But which one? Walking into a dealership or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace can feel overwhelming.

First, set a real budget. And I don’t just mean for the bike. You need to think about a helmet, jacket, gloves, maybe boots, security chains, and that all-important insurance quote before you buy. A £1,200 bike can quickly become a £2,000 outlay. Be honest with yourself from the start.

For Bristol riding, think about practicality. Those steep hills in Clifton? You’ll want a bit of pep. Filtering through traffic on the Gloucester Road? Nimble handling is key. Parking outside a flat in Bedminster? Lightweight is your friend.

• New vs. Old: A shiny new bike has a warranty and no history. Perfect. A used bike from a reputable local dealer, like Fowlers or another Bristol-based seller, often gives more bike for your money. Always, always view a used bike in the dry daylight. Rusty chains, soggy footpegs, and sketchy service history are red flags.

• The Essentials Checklist: When you go to look, have a list. Good tyre tread? Check. Brakes not spongy? Check. Are all lights and indicators working? Check. Smooth gear changes? Check. A seller who gets annoyed at you checking these things is a seller to avoid.

Getting this bit right saves you money and grief. A cheap bike that breaks down in the middle of the M32 is no bargain.

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Decoding Insurance for New Bristol Riders

This is the bit that makes everyone wince. Insurance for new riders can be eye-watering. But it’s not magic. It’s a risk calculation. And you can influence it.

Insurers look at a few big things. Your age. Your postcode. Where the bike is kept overnight. And the bike itself. A £500 used Honda CG 125 is often cheaper to insure than a brand-new, flashy sports-style 125. Thieves love shiny new things.

To get the best quote in Bristol:

1. Park it off-road. A driveway is better than the street. A locked garage is best if you have one.

2. Invest in security. A solid Sold Secure chain and disc lock aren’t just good ideas; they can lower your premium. Tell the insurer you have them.

3. Play with the job title. Sounds silly, but it matters. “Marketing executive” might be quoted differently than “communications officer.” Use comparison sites honestly, but try a few variations.

4. Consider a black box. Telematics policies monitor your riding. If you ride sensibly, they can really cut costs. Just be sure you’re happy with the terms.

Buy the most cover you can afford. Third Party Only is cheap, but if you come off and write your bike, you get nothing. Third Party, Fire and Theft is a common middle ground. Comprehensive is best if it’s within reach.

The Licence Ladder: What’s After the CBT?

Right. You’ve got the bike. You’ve got it insured. You’re riding around Bristol, building confidence. This is where many riders get stuck for years. But the CBT is just a permit. It’s not a full licence. You have to redo it every two years. L-plates forever.

To lose the L-plates, get on motorways, carry a passenger, or ride anything bigger, you need to pass the full motorcycle test. This means two modules.

Module 1 is the off-road test. It’s the skills you practiced in your CBT, but sharper. The slalom, figure of eight, slow ride, U-turn, then the higher-speed stuff: cornering, swerving, emergency stop. It happens at a test centre, like the one in Kingswood. You need proper training for this. It’s precise. At Ride53, we focus heavily on the control and consistency needed to nail Module 1 the first time. It’s all about technique, not luck.

Module 2 is the on-road test. About 40 minutes of riding around Bristol’s roads with an examiner following you. They’re checking that you’re safe, observant, and legal. Not perfect, just safe. They’ll include independent riding, following directions or traffic signs. All the experience you’re getting now on your 125cc is direct preparation for this.

The order is simple: Get the theory test passed first. Then book Module 1 training and test. Pass that, then book Module 2 training and test. Pass that, and you get that glorious pink full licence card. It’s a liberating feeling. No more L-plates. No more two-year expiry.

Making It Happen in Bristol

Here’s your action plan, straight from seeing how hundreds of Bristol riders make this journey.

1. Get your 125cc. Buy smart, within a total budget that includes gear and security.

2. Ride. Get months of real, varied experience. Wet roads, night rides, heavy traffic. This isn’t wasting time. It’s building the instinct that no training day can fully give you.

3. Book your theory test. Don’t put it off. It’s the gatekeeper to everything else.

4. Plan your licence training. Look at it as an investment. A weekend of focused training for Module 1 with a local school like Ride53 builds on your experience and teaches you the test criteria. The same goes for Module 2. It’s the final polish.

The jump from CBT passer to fully licensed rider is the biggest one you’ll make. It transforms riding from a provisional activity into a proper skill. The roads are the same, but your freedom on them is completely different.

That certificate in your hand is the first step. The next one is yours to take. What part of getting your full licence feels most daunting right now? Is it the test itself, or finding the time and budget to make it happen?

Ready to talk about those next steps? The team at Ride53 knows Bristol’s roads and the test routes like the back of our hands. We’re here to turn that post-CBT momentum into a full licence. Let’s get you there.

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