How do you become a motorcycle instructor?

[MementoMori]

Is anyone on here a motorcycle instructor?

Having a look on the internet, it seems you just need to take some exams. Well, along with a few other requirements that I fit. Not saying these exams aren't difficult, but it appears you take one for CBT's etc, and one for DAS and once you've passed these you can join a training body or start your own.

Is it really only down to passing these exams? Granted they're expensive and you wouldn't want to fail them, I just thought it would require more than this.

I have a friend who does the CBTs I believe but not seen him in a while. Going to try and get in touch when I find out where he's gone.

I'm going round to the guy who passed my test tomorrow and see how he did it but wouldn't mind other instructor's experiences if possible.

OK thanks!
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The tiger who came for a pint

[Kwaks]

No, its not as simple as that.

With the new tests you need an area to perform the CBT. As this is expensive, many smaller schools will have closed, meaning additional experienced instructors looking for employment with a decreasing number of riding schools.

Getting qualified is one thing, getting a job is another.
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Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!

[Imonster]

The exams/DSA assessments cost nothing - there are some places however that will teach you how to pass the assessments for £1000ish...

Your best bet would be to get involved with a local training school and see about becoming a down trained instructor - over time you'll learn the skills required to pass, and this will be free/you'll make money as they may pay you for the CBT's that you conduct as a downtrained instructor (they did with me)

IMHO it's the best job in the world on occasion, there's no better feeling than seeing a student brandishing a test pass after you've both worked bloody hard together for them to achieve it, but it's no sort of career. Earning £10ish per hour to ride bikes about is all well and good but after three years full time in the industry I've had my fill and have started the steps toward studying for a law degree now...the flexibility of the job is a big plus side if you're studying.

The work is a bit one dimensional, and you'll lose your weekends - it's also an incredibly fickle industry, subject to the whims of new European legislation, etc. In the aftermath of the latest change' in test I was working only two days a week in June! As most of us are self employed this obviously creates a problem...there will also be dead spots over winter. It's very seasonal work.

By all means have a crack, but personally I wouldn't even think about being in it for the long term. And certainly don't hand over any money to be taught how to pass the Cardington assessment - get downtrained by your local ATB instead.


Good luck

[MementoMori]

Thanks Imonster, I've left messages for two of the local bike schools, one of whom I took my test with and the other which has info on its web page about offering instructor training courses. Obviously not going to go for it if it's a lot of money but it's worth asking at least.

Not particularly looking at doing this for a long time, it'll be something different and possibly a skill I can take over to NZ with me when I go back.

Also looking into other avenues of work on top of this so should work out alright. I'll just have to try it and see.

Thanks again for the informative post and food for thought.
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The tiger who came for a pint