BMW Rider Training Reviews 167

One word “ superb” seriously though, if you’re intending to ride a motorcycle and are aiming for “I want to ride anything” licience. Go to these guys. It will be money well spent and extremely rewarding, you will also have a better chance of staying out of trouble once you start riding.

Choosing to do the BMW Rookie to Rider course was the best decision I could’ve made. The instructors at Royston were warm, patient, good humored and knew how to provide the right amount of stretch to build confidence and technique over the course of the week. Having had a few unsuccessful attempts at the Mod 1, under their guidance I went from ‘nervous tester’ to confident rider and sailed through Mod 2 on my first attempt. This school is female friendly and also supportive of people with neurodivergent needs. Thank you Ian and your brilliant team for getting me riding.

My instructor was Toby. His enthusiasm, experience and teaching were phenomenal, I quite genuinely enjoyed and loved the course, passed which i'm very happy about but had a fantastic time regardless. His ability to adapt the training to be suitable to what was required was brilliant and it's clear that the enthusiasm and experience he brought to training those to ride made a very positive and encouraging atmosphere. Brilliant.

I did a 6 day course with BMW Rider Training in Royston. I already had my CBT and wanted to progress to my bike licence. What a fantastic week I had. My instructor Denis made me feel comfortable from the start and made it really enjoyable. He has a wealth of knowledge & experience and he was very encouraging and patient. I gained my A2 licence and would like to thank the whole team at BMW rider training, but especially Denis, thank you x

Just done my 7 day intensive course with instructors Toby and David. Best experience, passed both of my category A tests first time. Drastically improved my overall skills on the bike and got a lot of knowledge which made me a better car driver aswell. Highly reccomend attending regardless what level you are. Facilities were very nice and kit provided for the course was top standart.

David welch was a a fantastic instructor friendly informative knowledgeable. the facility as whole fantastic plenty of time out on the bikes and great fun too.
Would 100% not hesitate to recommend to anyone of any level of riding.

I completed CBT at the Royston training centre over the 24th and 25th August 2024 with David as our trainer.

Previous to this course I had attempted CBT elsewhere (without progressing to going out on the roads) and I subsequently looked into several other providers. As such I feel well informed (at least in my local area) to make the assertion that the course I attended offers the gold standard in CBT courses.

I'll support that claim by listing out the key differentiators:

1/ At 6'5" and 110kg I really struggled on my first CBT course with the 125cc bikes the centre used. It wasn't so much a problem with the engine size, but more the physical dimensions of the bike meant that I could't comfortably manage the foot controls without being in physical pain. For approximately a week after the course I was still experiencing discomfort in my hips as a result. My enquiries into other providers revealed that they all only offered similar sized bikes for CBT.

With BMW Rider Training they generally use the BMW G 310 for CBT which, by observation, seems to suit many riders, but for someone of my stature they also have the BMW GS 310 which is the same basic bike but slightly raised seating. I can't say it was a perfect fit for me but it did allow me to learn without the distraction of physical pain and then go on to complete the course.

2/ Most centres seem to offer one day courses and with the centre I first attempted CBT there'd been no attempt to match students according to experience. Unfortunately that meant that I was paired with someone who was renewing their CBT (after a short break) so there was a very obvious difference in ability.

With BMW Rider Training the course was over two days and I was matched with a student who was starting from scratch (essentially the same as myself). As such, over the two days, we really had time to get through each stage of the course at a pace that was a lot less forced than a one day course. With my learning style that was a big differentiator.

3/ BMW Rider Training offer the full range of gear that you need whereas other providers seem to only provide helmets, jackets and (perhaps) gloves. At the Royston centre they also have changing rooms within their building which is a significant "upgrade" over the far more limited facilities other providers seem to have which is typically a small portacabin and a container.

4/ Quality of training and quality/experience of the trainer. Having previously had some limited experience of CBT I had imagined that I knew a lot of the theory and only needed the extra time to put that into practice. As such I was really taken back by just how much additional knowledge that David imparted over the two days; knowledge that was invaluable to me as someone that finds understanding the how and why as key building blocks for getting to grips with a technique. Two standout examples of this, both relating to turning, were: "positive steering" (a.k.a. "counter steering"); and body position to shift weight when turning.

I also noted that David, as well as being someone with a great "toolbox" of training skills and a really "user friendly" manner about him also had a very impressive resume. What I mean by that is that he's qualified at a level that means he trains trainers; he was *selected* on to an advanced training course with the police; and he takes part in "moto gymkhana" (look it up).

Obviously I can't speak for any other of the BMW Rider Training centres, but if they're anything like the Royston one I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. I can also say, without any shadow of doubt that as and when I'm ready to progress to the Mod 1 and Mod 2 stages of my development I'll be booking up with them again.

Thank you David and all the other trainers at BMW Rider Training, Royston.

I felt I had exemplary training from Chris Kingsley & Chris Lake at BMW Exeter. From start to finish it was like being on holiday while learning new skills. The bikes and clothing were all provided and in excellent condition. The training centre has everything needed to train you in a safe environment, before you venture out on the road, under your instructors supervision. If you require motorcycle training, I think you are unlikely to find better facilities and courses than those run by Chris Lake and his BMW team Exeter. They made my DAS course as stress free as possible. It was delivered expertly and with good humour.

For context, I had never ridden a motorcycle before this course and on the first day, I couldn't ride with both feet up on the bike or control it with any real confidence or finesse. I left the course feeling confident and eager to get my own bike and ride it any condition!

- 2 students for 1 tutor, was great as you were listened to and had every opportunity to ask questions.
- Brand new BMW bikes, BMW equipment supplied, all included in the price.
- Tutors were patient and encouraged you to push yourself (safely).
- The curriculum was not set in stone, if you or someone else needed additional support, the plan for the week would be adjusted to suit your needs.
- Instructors changed throughout the week which meant you experienced a variety of teaching styles and every instructor was able to impart some wisdom.
- The instructors were able to adjust the bike/s for my needs, I'm not very tall and this was something I was nervous about before the course.

There is a lot more I could write about the course but in summary, I had the best time. With the support the instructors gave, I was able to face the challenges I faced head on and had a real sense of achievement following the course. I would genuinely recommend it to anyone regardless of your experience level.

Special thanks to David, Bob and Ian!

I have nothing but praise for the team at bmw darlington, from start to finish the whole experience was first class.From training on new bmw motorbikes to the general chit chat at break times .
Nothing is left to chance they give you all the info and tools to pass your
MOD1 and MOD2.
My trainer was chris and his professionalism knowledge and experience is second to none , we trained in a 2 trainees 1 instructor group and I found this very helpful to my learning.
If you are thinking of doing your bike tests I strongly recommend you give bmw darlington a call you won't regret it.
So special thanks to chris for your hard work helping me pass both tests 1st time and thanks to Ian for the "if there's drive to the back wheel it won't fall"on the first day 😀

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My instructor Toby was very thorough throughout the entire 5 days and very supportive.
Everyone at the site was incredibly friendly and made me feel super welcome from the very first day I got there. Cannot recommend them enough.

One of my best experience in the motorbike world. Very experience and professional instructors at BMW Royston Training Centre with Toby/Dave/Ian. I had best 4 days driving amazing bikes in the Cambridge country side. Thanks again for helping me reaching my dream in getting the full licence.

Fantastic training provided by first rate instructors, this was paired with the latest generation 2024 bikes and excellent safety equipment.

If your looking to pass and become the rider then I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Thank you Bob, Julie and Dave for a great week.

Just a fabulous team and expert training. I did a 5 day DAS course. Just wish I'd have done my cbt here I'd have been better prepared. But John worked his magic and I passed. I just loved the whole experience but it is full on. I'll be back to do my advanced course. Thanks to you all but a very big thanks to John.

I did my Rookie to Rider 7 Day course at BMW Training School Exeter.
Can not fault Exeter Training School. The base is in a beautiful log barn situated at Westpoint.
Brilliant facilities all round. Brand new and immaculate bikes, clothing and helmets. Huge flat screen TV for debriefing road rides, junctions etc… and a great MOD 1 video which was a big help just so you can see the test centre layout and how the test should be ridden.
Also, a mock road layout on site to practice out of traffic.
Chris Lake runs a superb training school, everything you might expect from BMW. So thanks to him, and in particular my instructor Chris Kingsley – who was brilliant, friendly and so reassuringly professional. The Rookie to Rider Course is intense, particularly if you have NEVER ridden a bike before, but with good judgement, Chris will progress you quickly. Just 6 days to get you ready for your test on Day 7.
I had a couple of times when things got a bit tough, and Chris was just so empathetic and patient.
Also thanks to Big M, for seeing me through my Mod 2 test and the fab MOD 1 video
It's a brilliant course - I loved it.
Picked up my F800 GS today!

Exceptional level of training from David at BMW Rider Training Royston, very impressed.

Really nice facility in the countryside with a variety of roads locally and a decent tarmac training area to build confidence before going on roads.

Well worth the investment in the DAS course, would fully recommend this to anyone looking to do their licence. If I did it again I would have done their full 7 day to include CBT.

Great facilty with clean toilets, changing rooms, PPE, tea and coffee lounge and private instructor/student classrooms.

Fully recommend the team here and I look forward to returning for more up-skilling.

Big thank you to David, Ian and the rest of the friendly team at Royston.

Great facilities
Friendly environment
World class training
Mr David Welch was my instructor and is the best by far in the business
Thank you David !

Best trainers. Amazing experience. First time riding a bike and passed first time. 100% recommend thanks lads!

Excellent experience, started the week having only a few days of experience on a moped and left with my full motorcycle license. The instruction was excellent throughout and learning was conducted safely finding a good balance pushing yourself and building on what you have learnt. More expensive than other options.

Great venue at Exeter centre with in house roads for practice in roadcraft cornering slow and fast manouvering hill starts adverse cambers etc.In addition great location for rideouts including Dartmoor.