Went to Oxford for my CBT, the large training space was brilliant, Rob our Instructor was excellent (deserves a pay rise), very informative & explained everything clearly. He was methodical in taking us through the elements of the training & the Road Ride at the end of the day was an easy, relaxed journey that we enjoyed and didn’t want to end. The Bikes they use are well maintained in great condition & are ideal for starting your 2 wheel life on. I will definitely go back for my Full Bike Course.

Can not recommend this riding school enough ,as they will give you what they say with no fail! Always prompt and informative replies regarding ANY query. Their flexibility to accommodate the training, MODs is also outstanding. Guys at admin office are so friendly and understanding- thanks Becky, James and Sean! To do DAS A is not an easy journey so as also intense , but with the support of experienced Instructors I really felt confident to complete my journey until the very END, no matter that some tests often can take couple of attempts etc. and devastation , emotions after failing could take OVER. Big thanks to Keith ( he is my FAV ha ha) and Simon – with their support and KEY advice they shared! I am where I am today- done with the process and enjoying riding my new big bike which was one of my dreams. I will also add that this school in comparison is simply the BEST , as couple more I have tried before coming to Lightning were absolute disaster with none existent customer service , no normal/quality SITE to ride and learn properly etc. So coming to this school made me feel WOW and that I have “ wasted “ my money elsewhere….to be totally transparent here as difference is like day & night. All the best to your school!! J

Came to these guys only having CBT experience – went onto the DAS course at the Reading sites. There’s a focus on drilling safe control of the bike + all the road sense and principles you’ll need, really can’t complain here – it can be difficult at times (as with anything new) but the instructors are great; experienced and will usually figure out how to work out any issue you may be having. Big shout out to Keith who handled most of my training, but Todd and William were also great to ride with and take tips from. Passed my Mod 1 and Mod 2 with these guys at the start of the month and loving riding my own bike despite the sun retreating and the rain coming out. 🙂

Quality place to get bike training. CBT, Mod 1, 2 etc. they cover it all. The trainers I met were all really nice, but the guy that lead my course – Dave, was fantastic. Diligent, articulate and genuinely cared about our safety as opposed to some places who just want to give you the certificate and get you gone. He made the modules interesting, his knowledge of the Highway Code was outstanding, and his experience of bikes was vast. He was a great person to lead the course and I really do feel more confident because of him. Thanks Dave, and Thanks Lightning!

Hi William and team,

Jason and others.
A quick note to say a big ‘Thank You’ for guiding me through to passing my motorbike test last Monday. Great instruction and really good fun into the bargain – thanks.
I went to Watsonian Cycles near Moreton in Marsh yesterday and collected my Royal Enfield with sidecar and I’ve had a great weekend driving around the lanes in the sun.
Attached is a photo. I’ll look in and show you the bike and sidecar when I’m next passing Oxford.
Thanks again
Tom

Hi William
I would like to thank you and all your staff for the friendly and informative training that I received throughout the course, I felt all the information was at the right pace so you could absorb what you were being told,although some annoying habits on my behalf did keep repeating themselves so thanks for the instructors patients.
Really looking forward to the bike trip through South Africa now.
Thanks again
Phil

A brilliant bunch. With a very relaxed atmosphere, they really put you at ease. A little scruffy around the edges but you can easily forgive them for it when you get started with the training. I opted for a 2 day training and exam season. I can confidently say that the reason I passed (first time) was down to the instructions and guidance given prior to each test. Would highly recommend them. Thanks guys.

A big thank you to Steve, Rob and Jason for being really supportive and getting me through. Thanks lads, had a great time doing the course and can’t wait to get out on the road now that I’ve passed!!

A great environment to learn in. I went from a complete novice rider to an unrestricted licence in just under two months! All the training I got was relevant, instructors were helpful and friendly and really took their time in getting me test standard and ready for the road. Complete value for money and a great bunch of lads to train with, the best team to get you on the road.

Dear Ben

Can you pass this onto your top man; I would like to say thank you to Lightning for looking after me while doing my CBT, Theory, Mod 1 and Mod2.
Firstly I would recommend you guys to friends who are wishing to take any test regarding a bike.
I would also like to say a very big thank you to Chris who I have had at every stage while reaching my goal.
What I would say if it is possible, that a student could perhaps have the same instructor through out their lessons and tests, as I did, as they know what stage we are at, and where to work on if necessary.
After speaking to Chris yesterday he said it was all down to myself, but he did play a very big part in what I had achieved.
Keep up the good work guys, and thank you once again .
Yours Truly
 Kev Willis

Hi just a quick message to thank you for a excellent experience I had today on my CBT training 18.04.14 , excellent training very professional, Chris was a fantastic trainer made it an enjoyable day and a very educating one, I have already happily been out on my own bike and felt a 100% confidant and had a enjoyable ride , thanks again and I will highly recommend you to friends & family 🙂

Thanks! Just to say a big thank you to everyone there. The trainers were all fantastic and I would highly recommend Lightning to anyone.
I will drop by when I get my mid life crisis Harley/Ducati etc.
Thanks
Phil

Dear William
I just wanted to email to send my thanks to Chris, who trained me on Wednesday 5th February at Rivermead to pass my CBT on a scooter.
He really was great at teaching and instilled confidence in me.  Even though the weather was rotten all day (wind and rain) I loved the day, especially being out on the roads in the afternoon, even though I was soaked and cold I still came away with a smile.
Now all I have to do is get a scooter and the gear so I can get out there on my own.
With many thanks
Jayne Watkins

Ben/William

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the CBT yesterday. Chris at the Reading branch did a great job. Made everything easy to understand, worked at a pace that was good for all.
Many thanks
Adrian

Hello lightning team
I wanted to drop you a quick message to say ‘thank you’ for getting me through my CBT so smoothly.
From first contact and trying out the free intro session to booking the actual CBT training online, to arriving all nervous on the day – you were a brilliantly welcoming team.
Steve proved himself a very patient and encouraging instructor and my special thanks goes to him for keeping my spirits up, even if my figure if eight turned into any odd shape but eights.
Now I’m hard at work looking for a bike – once succeeded I might just drop by and say hello one day.
With my very best wished to you,
Michaela

Hi Ben,
I am very pleased to be able to tell you that I passed my Mod2 on Tuesday.
I really wish that I had done all my training with Lightning. The difference between you and the one in S*******t is like night and day.
My instructor was Lee. I cannot praise him enough. His style of teaching meant that I was always learning, but not feeling pressured. Lots of positive feedback. I felt quite confident about going in for the test as he had built my confidence up. I passed with only two minor faults. The ride back from Oxford to Reading was fantastic. I had a smile on my face all the way. I was now a rider with a licence.
I am looking forward to getting my first bike on the road in the next few weeks. It is an old Honda CB-1 400cc. Still lots to learn about riding and I am looking forward to it.
I would not hesitate to recommend Lightning to anyone wanting to learn to ride. Please pass on my thanks to Lee.
Regards,
Paul.

Hi,
Just wanted to drop an email saying I did my CBT with lightning pass on Thursday. Chris was our instructor and I wanted to say he was really good. He was very professional, took time to explain all the important aspects, gave really useful and relevant feedback when out on the roads. Cant fault him at all and will definitely be using lightning pass in the near future to complete the DAS.
Cheers
Rob

Just a quick note of thanks for my training on Saturday, it was a very well organised and informative day and one that will really help me stay safe on a bike.
Many thanks – Neil Shirley

I would like to update you that I have passed the Practical test for Bike Module 2
I would like to say Big thank to you, you gave me very good training and guidance which was resulted in Test yesterday.
Your guidance and advise to controlling Speed, identifying the speed limits by looking at side road’s 20 limit, Hill-starts, life saver and teaching method really helped me yesterday.
thank you
-Bhautik

I’ve had no previous experience of riding motorbikes, but I have been a confident car driver for about 12 years until now. I contacted Lightning with a view to getting my full bike licence, and they were very helpful and accommodating right from the start.
I decided to pick and choose when to do my training rather than do it ‘intensively’ over a few days, to help spread the cost and take my time a bit more. Lightning are very flexible and can work around your work commitments etc. You can generally book at short notice too, even during busier summer months (dependant on test availability).
I completed my CBT in June despite initially finding riding a motorbike very odd in comparison to driving. However I progressed nicely and my confidence picked up gradually. The instructors are all very thorough and honest, and patient too. They will be professional and constructively critical where necessary when out on the roads, but have a laugh with you afterwards. They watch you like a hawk and don’t miss a thing, constantly coaching you and improving your skills. I was soon on bigger bikes and working towards my tests.
I passed both tests (mod 1 and mod 2) first time and am now bike hunting. Feeling pretty chuffed with myself!
I’d recommend Lightning to anyone, whether it’s for an absolute beginner or someone wanting to brush up on existing skills.
Dan, Oxford.

I would like to take this opportunity to say many thanks to the team of motorcycle trainers based at Rivermead in Reading.

Dear Mr Rodwell

Hi Guys

To William and the guys and Lightning

To William

Thank you for your note of congratulations on passing my test. I received only 2 minor points – a testament to your excellent tuition skills. What’s more I thoroughly enjoyed the training.

Dear Lightning

To Lightning

Dear William

A big thanks to all for your help and encouragement, and for your patience.

Dear Lightning

Just wanted to say thanks to you all for getting Jo through her test. It was a tall order to achieve it in such a short time, considering that she had not been on a bike with gears and she was so nervous.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to you all for your patience and kindness. Without it I would of give up. It was all worth while in the end when I passed. I couldn’t have done without any of you.

Dear Lightning

I recently underwent motorbike training with yourselves at Lightning. The training was excellent, I passed successfully on the second attempt and am now enjoying taking my own bike out. Many thanks again for your excellent service in getting me through all stages of the motorbike test.

Dear Lightning

To everyone at Lightning

Just a quick thank you to you all at the Reading office, the whole process from booking the initial CBT course and DAS test dates was dealt with on a thoroughly professional basis but also on a level that made the course’s thoroughly enjoyable.

Hi,

Hi All,

Good evening

Hi Ben,

Dear William,

Just a quick note to say a big belated thank you for patient and enjoyable instruction,
which enabled me to pass both mod1 and mod2 first time without any rider faults!.

Thank you very much for helping me pass both my module 1 and 2 tests on the same day! I found the instruction and training absolutely spot on, thanks again!!

Just like to pass on my thanks for your team in getting me through my motorcycle test first time – the guys were great, making me feel confident despite the learning mistakes.

Thank you so much for your training! I picked this up yesterday morning, absolutely epic! Couldn’t be happier! Brilliant instructors Particularly enjoyed riding with Mike, very patient and excellent teacher! Feel free to put this on your successful student’s page!

Hi All

Hi Guys,

Anita

Dear William,

Best Regards
Iain Miller

HI All,

Oliver

Dear William and Ben,

David Hampshire

Hi All

Thanks again
Martin Adams

Great, no nonsense training
Christel R

These guys make it their business to make you a safe rider and equip you with the skills to pass your test. No sugar coating, but as the only female each time I trained i found this refreshing. Highly recommended.

Thanks Lightning Motorcycle (DAS 1 and DAS2)

biokas

This is the first review I have ever given after any service. I would say Thanks to all the staff in Reading and Oxford. Lightning Motorcycle instructors very helpful and always their to help you ride SAFE and PASS your test. I passed both test first time. Had MOD2 training on Saturday and MOD 1 on Sunday a day before my test. Then did my MOD 2 on Friday. Their time and dedication to student is excellent as they will continue taking you through same steps that they believe you need more attention . I am looking forward to do my Enhanced Rider training with them. Their course price is also perfect and competitive . Thanks Taoheed

Great copy, superb team, highly recommended.
Ben Boutcher West

I have read some varied reviews on line for Lightning Motorcycle Training, some of them seem to miss the point a little. When I signed up to do the course with them I was not looking to make new best friends, as some of the reviews suggest they were, I wanted an instructor to take me from novice to full licence in hand. That instruction I received. I agree that the teaching style is direct, if you were hoping for pony school style that might disappoint! The instructors provide constant feedback both positive and negative to not only get you through the test, but be competent at using and enjoying a motorbikes capabilities. My time with Lightning was very enjoyable, the course content was intense but manageable and well taught. The instructors were all friendly, and tweaked the training to suit the needs of the individuals. I was very impressed with how well the team coped with tests being moved, cancellations and varied riding ability! The bikes and facilities were great and the equipment provided was more than adequate! Thank you to all, and I really hope if your thinking of doing your bike test you put lightening at the top of your list. I passed first time and can only thank the skill and patients of the team behind my training.

Newbie to Full Licence in just a few days!

Alex_Holmes

From my initial telephone enquiry (where I fully admit I had no real idea what I was looking for other than “I need to go from zero to full licence in as short a time as possible”!) through to riding back to the centre after passing MOD2 (First Time!!) these guys have been fantastic. I started off doing CBT, moving on to DAS for a full licence. Yes, some of the feedback might initially feel abrasive at times (it’s hard when someone’s in your ear telling you that you’d ballsed up the last roundabout and that would have been a test fail!) but actually when you consider it, it’s fair, it’s constructive, it makes you want to improve, and it’s drilling in the fact that, if you screw some of these things up “for real” you may NOT get a second chance! I’m now riding a 750cc bike to and from work every day, I feel completely confident without (I hope) being cocky, and I had a great time learning it. Passed my test first time, and met a great bunch of guys, really enthusiastic, honest and genuine, with a passion for what they’re doing. As Oxford manager William says (constantly!) “You’re supposed to be rubbish to start with, we’re supposed to make you better” – and they certainly did. Another quote from William – “We’re training you to ride for life” and it feels like they have – great training, great laugh, nice team of guys, helpful when things have to change or be rearranged – accommodating and helpful, excellent training, and a lot of fun. Thoroughly recommended.
Direct access training

Honda

I could not fault the training given at Lightning. My week spent with Lee and John was most enjoyable and I was surprised by how much I learnt. A top rate bunch of guys who are both helpful and friendly. A special thanks to Lee for getting me through the week and passing my motorcycle test.I already have and will recommend Lightning to others in the future.

I learnt at both branches & both were fantastic. I passed with 3 minors. My husband was taught here too & he passed 1st time with 2 minors. It is a shame that those who write the reviews are the ones who fail their test & then blame everyone else. I would highly recommend Lightning to anyone wanting to learn & this is where my sons will be going to get their CBT’s in a few years. Excellent tuition, friendly & knowledgeable staff, great courses, brilliant fun. A+

From the beginning I was recommended this company and upon phoning with an enquiry I was told to pop down for an hours free assessment to which I agreed. I was also booked onto a theory test straight away which I paid for over the phone. When I turned up for my assessment I was asked what insert line test I was taking to confirm as the person I spoke to on the phone was not in that day. I was talked through the controls and pretty much everything I was about to do and asked if I had any questions before commencing. after a short ride around doing various bits and pieces I was feeling confident and was told that as I had 40 minutes left of the free assessment that I could carry on riding around to which I refused as I thought it may be wasting time and resources. Anyway, I booked my CBT and having arrived on the day and the day going really well, i obtained my Certificate successfully! As I was strapped for cash, William was flexible in me paying as and when I could to which I think I paid the remainder on the day of the course which was good. I received A1 training by William to pass my off road part to the test and was pretty much ready for the on road test even before my second day training! To get to the point, I passed both modules first time with very little minors and as much as my own personal skills and driver awareness, I think it was just as much down to the guys who trained me, I see them out and about and observe with a big grin on my face know that soon, those trainees with too have a full licence to smile about. I would definitely recommend these guys any day of the week.

thanks to these guys I’m doing something i have always wanted to do, they are very patient and easy to get on with, id defo recommend them to friends, i now have a full un restricted motorbike licence.

Had an intro and assessment with Lightning around a year ago. I had some experience on bikes but had never ridden under tuition or anything over around 250cc. On a horrible wet evening the lads had me out on the CBT type circuit they’ve got and with some side-line coaching they had me on the type of bike I wanted to ride within a couple of laps. After, they gave me guidance on what I needed to do to get where I wanted to be with time-scales etc… Whilst I was there they were looking after riders of different levels and everyone was enjoying themselves whilst learning how to ride their level of bike. By coincidence I know a couple of other people who have done an intensive with them and they also said it was great. Would definitely recommend.

Booked a free one hour assessment on the Internet with lightning and never looked back really. Passed my test first time after a 4 day intensive course having first rode a motorbike a week before the assessment. Had great tuition and found it fun learning 2 people to one instructor and will be heading down to show them my new bike when it gets a bit warmer outside! Great service and would recommend to everyone. Dave

I did my CBT last spring with Steve, I was very nervous even though I had done a CBT before (on an automatic) I have to say that I was immediately put as ease and allowed to take things at my own pace, and by the end of the day was confident enough to gain CBT!!! Will be back this year to do my A2 licence, cant wait. Fully recommend

This time last year in all the terrible weather they got me through both parts of my licence, they adjusted the prices and amount of training required to suit the fact i had some experience and a CBT. I failed the first part with a stupid mistake they helped me get it sorted straight away and booked in. Very helpful, very competitive prices. All I can say is I was advised by a friend to use lightning and i will be advising anybody else to do the same.

Took my DAS course at Lightning, the instructors went above & beyond the call of duty to help me. I was safe & supported at all times & the staff were friendly & helpful with anything I asked of them. I passed 1st time on a very well maintained bike and all equipment was provided, however, they did take us to a few bike stores to give us the opportunity of purchasing our own for which I received a discount!! William & Ben ran the office & made me very relaxed on what was a nerve racking test day, Andy (my instructor) was the optimum of calm & filled me with confidence with his positive attitude & everyone was very complimentary when I returned with a pass certificate. I enjoyed it so much I bought my husband a course for his birthday – he passed 1st time too & again, says this is down to the staff excellence. We now get invited to various events that they hold periodically & they are always great days out. Everything was topped off by us receiving a small note of congratulations after we had passed – excellent service as far as I am concerned & I would have no hesitation in recommending this brilliant company to anyone wishing to learn to ride a motorcycle.

Today I finished my Direct Access course on a 500cc bike passing both tests first time. A month ago I had never even sat on a motorbike. I did all my training with Lightning, and would definitely recommend them. I started with just the CBT, to make sure biking was definitely something I wanted to get into, then the day after that, I booked a full course of training (4 days + 2 tests). Throughout the training, the instructors were helpful and understanding (particularly Alex)- and importantly had brilliant knowledge of test routes to the extent that I knew where I was going this morning on my test, like the back of my hand. Bike rental and insurance is included in the price, but for anything other than the CBT you will want to invest in your own protective gear as the stuff Lightning provide is limited at best (with the exception of crash helmets – they have plenty!). The bikes are well looked after, and feel safe, despite a couple of war wounds, particularly the smaller ones which suffer from CBT students. My only criticism is that the CBT courses are often 4 pupils, which, if your group is a little slower, can mean that some students do not get the chance to complete the on-road training, and have to come back for another session (generally free of charge). This is fairly rare though. All in all, I would highly recommend this school.