Training in the Oxfordshire/Berkshire/Herts area.

ginny · Nova Slayer Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Karma :

Hello there!

Im sure there have been loads of similar posts so I won't bore you with too many details, but the reason for my posting is to get some honest information regarding training schools in the Oxfordshire/Berkshire area, and Herts possibly. (live in Oxford but visit Herts occasionally for family so could head up there if really necessary.

I am looking to do CBT/DAS spaced out over a couple of weeks, preferably about May if cash allows!

I have been in touch with a couple of companies- one offers reduced retest fees and a 4 day course, the other doesnt do anything similar but I think is over 5 days, so extra riding time. I'm basically a complete novice, though I rode a ped a few years ago and drive a car.
They are both in the region of £720 inclusive of test fees.

I can name the companies if it helps but I really just wanted some recommendations/experiences from people who know what their doing!

Thanks all Smile

edb · Nova Slayer Joined: 16 Oct 2011 Karma :

I used Lightning Motorcycle Training.

Instructors were really good, they've got plenty of space to practice Mod 1 and since the Mod 2 is done from the Kassam (and if you've ever ridden round Oxford) it should be simple enough!
The only thing that might be a problem is they're based in Reading as well, and depending on where most students are they kind of shuffle you around so you might end up riding down to Newbury for the first hour of the day!

My experience was all good though and I was fully in Oxford, friendly staff. Bikes a bit battered but I wouldn't expect shiny showroom models from a training school!

All in all I'd recommend them.

cagiva gezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Karma :

Alternative Training
Marsworth Airfield
Lukes Lane
Gubblecote
Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23 4QQ
Tel: 01296 668845

If they're still going. Very friendly and tailored to your needs.
____________________
"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

ElliotReidMD · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 08 Jul 2011 Karma :

Since you're in Oxford, and only around 20 miles away, I'm going to recommend Neil at On Yer Bike on the A41 towards Aylesbury.

I did my DAS with him and he is an excellent instructor and both of us on the DAS passed both mods first time. Our course was mon-wed week 1 then thurs-fri the following week.

Oh and if you end up doing your mod 1 at the Oxford Kassam, it's not a dedicated test center but a car park with bait of a camber and a drain channel running through it. Made it interesting that's for sure Laughing

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Current Bike: Kawasaki Versys

trisers · Scooby Slapper Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Karma :

If you're using the M40/M25 to get to Hertfordshire then you could try Mark Hopper? https://www.motorcycletraininguk.com/

kg1709 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Feb 2011 Karma :

I'd highly recommend Pinewood Motorcycle Training. I passed first time and so do many others. They are based near Crowthorne in Berkshire.

https://www.pinewoodmotorcycles.co.uk/

ginny · Nova Slayer Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Karma :

Just been in contact with a very helpful lady at pinewood training, she advised that post CBT training is normally 1 to 1, and it's only £90 more than the package offered to me by lightning. I'm tempted, but they are an hours drive away whereas lightning is about 10 minutes away. Ideas?

edb · Nova Slayer Joined: 16 Oct 2011 Karma :

I had a couple of days with Lightning and it was 2:1 Pupil:Instructor.

I guess it's really whether or not you want to spend the extra money and what you think you'll get out of it. Would it still be a 6 hour day? Or would they halve the day as you're the only student?

When we were 2 up it was 50/50 in front and behind for 6 hours, 2 hours in front each and lunch. Even when I wasn't in front I was still getting bike experience and listening to instructions which was all help.

ginny · Nova Slayer Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Karma :

Unless I've been bamboozled by sales patter its full days. I'm pretty thorough at getting details but didn't confirm that! She didnt say anything about the days not being full days... I will make sure to check that though- thank you.

I know it's probably all bull but they also quoted a higher pass rate than lightning.

How was your experience with lightning?

Recluso · Brolly Dolly Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

A friend of mine did his test training and tests with Lightning. He said they were incredibly good but that they're a bit hard to find. In his words, if you're familiar with the area they're behind Kassum Stadium.
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Honda PS125i > Yamaha YBR125 > Yamaha XJ6 Diversion > Yamaha Tracer 900

edb · Nova Slayer Joined: 16 Oct 2011 Karma :

Recluso - They're behind the dogs, not the Kassam. And yes they're a nightmare to find but once you know it you can't get lost again!

Ginny - I have no idea what their pass rate is. I really went with them because I know the area and they're the only company that got back to me!
In the week I did I think a couple of people failed Mod 1, but for little things like hitting a cone or not getting the right speeds. I saw some others from a different school fail for silly errors but I'd put that down to them doing it wrong, not the training!