Newb needing advice on Direct Access training and tests.

[Hefty]

Took the CBT in April, opted for the 125 and L-plate route for the sake of gaining some roadcraft as i'd never touched a motorbike before, or any other vehicle for that matter.. not even messing around on 'peds as a youth (im now 30 btw..)

Thoroughly enjoying it though definetely feel its time for more tuiton. Not at all interested in a bigger bike for now, quite happy with the 125 just wanna ditch the L-plates and be more confident on the road. I'll look at something punchier when i feel i'm ready.

The Honda dealership I got the bike from (Doble in Coulsdon btw.. great guys.) recommended a local school who offer the following training courses inclusive of mods 1 & 2 practicals at the end:

3 days - £575
4 days - £650
5 days - £725

I'm looking to do this around October time, and tbh the 5 day option is beyond my budget.

I was wondering if anything more than 3 days training is necessary? Or should I save up more and get as many days in as possible (as you can never have enough training.. right?)
I've had a couple of mates tell me to save my cash, do some research on whats included in both modules and 'teach myself' in a car park. Opinions on this? I'd rather spend the money and know i've had professional tuition but at the same time i'm only a barman and if I can save something, at least, i'd like to know what my options are. Also are those prices reasonable for that amount of tuition or should I shop around?

Any insight would be much appreciated.
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'13 Honda CBF125 // '99 Suzuki SV650s // '98 Honda CB600F Hornet

[mic]

i was in a sorta similar situation... not touched a bike before so did cbt, rode a 125cc for 6 months but then sold it..... a few months later did a 5 day course (2 days practise - test on 3rd day, then a week later 1 day practice - test on 2nd day) and passed. once youve been on a big bike you wont want to go back to the 125

im sure prices are a little cheaper too over winter.

and dont forget your theory test, you can take that at any time and need to do it before booking any DAS course

[-Matt-]

I would of thought you might be able to get by with 3 days training if you have some basic road experience and haven't spent the time on the 125 hooning it about like a madman

It might be tight but if you're budgets cheap could probably stretch it if you knuckle down and focus and really pay attention.

Have a good big brekfast before and take something decent for lunch as well as drinking a lot particularly if you arent used to riding a lot the training days can seem very long and quite tiring sometimes, and if you're tired you aren't going to take half of it onboard As also mentioned sometimes can be a lot cheaper in winter - but then you have the weather to battle with on training/test also.

Firstly though look around don't just take the dealerships word, sometimes the dealerships are affiliated to the schools so its in both their interests to share business.

Doesn't mean theyre the best or cheapest school by any means in these situations

[Hefty]

[-Matt-]

Yeah it all just depends really on yourself and how ready you feel. Good if you can get hold/some idea of the test routes, or at least partially some of the areas you're likley to hit if theres for example bad roundabouts/junctions that often collide with the test routes you see them going on - that way you can practice on those areas to avoid any likely cock ups.

[suburban myth]

IMO no decent school is gonna let you book without an assessment ride. Surely that's your starting point. You might even get away with lessons as opposed to a block booking which could work in your favour cost wise.

[SandTiger]

Hi Mr. Lee

I did a free assessment on Saturday with MTS Sussex. They quoted me £480.50 for 3 days including bike use, test fees, insurance. etc etc.

Might want to check them out. Seem like a really good bunch of guys & girls down there. It's £130 a day for training, but if you do the quote they offer you, and feel you need a day or two more, they knock it down to £100 a day. Atleast i think that's what they were saying. You'll have to double check with them.

Really good prices, and as the guy said to me over the phone, "We won't die rich. But we'll die honest." I've also been told that they havn't had a fail in a while, the last couple passed with only 1 minor each on mod 2. And to top it all off, if you go through them, and then pop into TheBikerStore in Blindley Heath along the A22 and tell them you did it through MTS, they'll give you a discount.

https://www.mtssussex.co.uk/ There's their site.
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2015 Kawasaki Z800e "Zee"
2006 Yamaha MT-03 "Mary Jane"
2011 Yamaha YBR125 "Ally"

[J.M.]

Spend money on petrol, possibly grab an hour or two training, then borrow a friend's bike for the test?

Personally I spent 6 months on a 125, decided i wanted a licence so booked and passed my tests.

Chances are that if you've spent a while on a bike without stacking yourself under a car, you're pretty much there in terms of passing ypur tests.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[janner_10]

Give the local school a ring - the one I went with had a half hour chap and a lap of the industrial estate with the instructor to get an incline what level you are at.

On L plates for a few months with your own 125 - I reckon the 3 day may suit you.

Best off just chat to them.
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[pikey666]

i rode on l plates from september till now and then booked a das that was 10 hours lessons for £310 and tests on top so i guess the cost for your course look a little high.
i went for the first 2 hour lesson, took my mod 1 on the 2nd and mod2 on the third. the school didnt take any money for the tests and gave me £30 cash back.
art of motorcycling in newcastle for those in the north east.

ride as much as you can and observations every time you change direction and/or speed for the win.

[Hefty]

Thanks for all the feedback people well helpful.

Looks like the local place might be a bit steep in comparison, and I guess the amount of days I book in for is relative to confidence eh. Back to shopping around, if I come across any good'uns ill post the quotes up. Thanks again
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'13 Honda CBF125 // '99 Suzuki SV650s // '98 Honda CB600F Hornet

[Teflon-Mike]

[Hefty]

[SandTiger]

Yes and yes.

Your L's can come off, and you're allowed on motorways, and to carry a pillion.
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2015 Kawasaki Z800e "Zee"
2006 Yamaha MT-03 "Mary Jane"
2011 Yamaha YBR125 "Ally"

[Slacker24seve...]

[SandTiger]

Hey, tell Tefs that. I'm all for going for the bigger bike. It does just seem pointless to get your A1 license, just for getting an idea of what's involved and saving a few quid. Alright it's expensive, but put the effort in, and you'll have something a bit more to show for it, rather than just your 125 only license.

Also, who's to say you're going to pass with your 125. Might aswell do the training with your tests on top, instead of wasting the money that could go towards that on just attemtping the mod1 & mod2. Even two days training is better than nothing at all. And that might be all you need to iron a few bad habits out, and get used to the bigger bike. Who knows.
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2015 Kawasaki Z800e "Zee"
2006 Yamaha MT-03 "Mary Jane"
2011 Yamaha YBR125 "Ally"

[Teflon-Mike]

[Hefty]

[Teflon-Mike]

[Teflon-Mike]