Lightning Motorcycle Training Reviews 216

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 41 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their exceptional patience, knowledge, and supportive approach throughout the training process. Many highlight the clear instructions and effective coaching that made learning both productive and enjoyable, leading to successful test passes for numerous individuals. The overall service is frequently described as professional, efficient, and genuinely invested in student success. However, some people were dissatisfied with their experience, citing issues with the user experience and service. These individuals mentioned feeling that training sessions were rushed or focused more on testing than teaching. Specific concerns included instructors being late, giving confusing or contradictory instructions, and in some cases, exhibiting unprofessional behavior, such as making inappropriate comments or neglecting students during training. Some customers also felt that their individual needs for more help were not met, with instructors prioritizing breaks or other learners.

What people talk about most

Staff

Customers had positive experiences with staff. Reviewers consistently praise the instructors for being... See more

Instructions

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of instructions. Many customers praise the clear explanations and... See more

User experience

Clients share ambiguous opinions on user experience. Many customers report genuinely positive experiences,... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service. Many customers praise the training, highlighting... See more

Location

People report ambiguous experiences with location. While some customers found convenient test centers in... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had to ģive 5 stars only because I couldn't give 7 stars!! Remarkable experience with lightning Wembley special thanks to Dave,Andrew and Keith!! Would very highly recommend lightning for motorcyc... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just passed my Category A motorbike test and couldn't be happier! 🎉 A huge thank you to Lightning Pass Motorcycle Training in Reading, especially Adrian and Rob—you both were brilliant instruct... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Passed my Mod2 yesterday with lightning motorcycle training. They are truly the best motorcycle training company! A big thank you to Rob, whose patience and expertise got me through my MOD1, not an ea... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I attended Oxford’s Sandy lane sports ground to do my CBT, having pretty much no experience of riding a motorcycle, aged 53 and a 1/2! Carl, my trainer was fantastic, he tapped into my confidence... See more


Company details

  1. Motorcycle Driving School

Written by the company

Lightning Motorcycle Training is based in Abingdon, Oxford, Reading, Wembley and Stourbridge, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire, London, Middlesex and the West Midlands. We do CBT to Full Licence (DAS, A1 & A2) providing motorcycle hire and equipment, as well post test training like the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) and Back to Biking. Established in 2000 we have decades of experience. Excellent prices and availability with online booking. Everyone welcome.


Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

216 reviews

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1-star

Replied to 85% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Overall, the training was great.

Overall, the training was great. I passed first time for CBT, MOD 1 and MOD 2 on the Intermediate course, having ridden a 125cc bike for around 4 years, 10 years ago. I had training at the Oxford and Reading sites, with five different instructors across the six sessions that were booked.

Most of the trainers were lovely and their tuition was spot on, but one was rude and completely inappropriate.

I booked the course to learn to ride a 'bigger' bike, and to pass my tests to get my full licence. I did not book the course to be shouted at through the radio with expletives, rather for what I was doing wrong to be explained and corrected. I honestly had to reconsider whether I actually wanted to continue with the course after my experience with this instructor.

With regards to the level of training, it was obviously substantial due to passing each test first time. However, for confidence, I would suggest that LMT add an additional training session on the 600/650cc bikes prior to the MOD 1 test. This is as the first time that I had ridden a bike bigger than 125cc on the road was on the way to my MOD 1 test. This was over an hours ride in the pouring rain, at a time when nerves were already there due to the test.

It was also really beneficial of the instructor to explain what to expect when getting to the test centre. This was done for MOD 2 but not MOD 1, with MOD 1 being more turn up, get on the bike, follow the instructor to the test centre then go do the test.

I'm grateful that I did not let this one experience stop me from continuing the course, as the other four instructors were all encouraging, supportive and generally great guys.

The office team were also great, sending regular messages to offer earlier training/tests when available.

November 15, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Richard,

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Well done on passing both your tests both times - you did very well and the feedback that you had from your instructors was positive all the way through! We do apologise about the rain - it is never ideal but certainly not on the way to the test centre.

Please do contact us directly regarding what you have said re. this particular instructor to enquiries@lightningpass.com so that we can investigate further. This is not an experience that we would want ANY of our customers to take away with them.

We have taken your comments on board with regards to wanting more training before the module 1 test (on-road).

We wish you all the best with your full licence! If you get time please do pop by with your bigger bike for a picture for our wall of fame!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am very happy with lightning they…

I am very happy with lightning they helped me to passed my test and I would recommend them 5stars

November 3, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks ever so much for this super review! Please do pop by with your bike when you have it for a picture for our wall of fame.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Excellent. Did my CBT and DAS at the Stourbridge site, with a further lesson at Oxford prior to my test. Passed first time. Did CBT with Lyndon, and the DAS with Steve. Oxford lesson was with Carl. They are really good instructors, friendly patient and knowledgeable. They want you to pass!

October 25, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks very much Lucas for your lovely review. We have shared this with all involved in your training in Stourbridge. We wish you all the very best!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lightning Motorcycle Training Oxford

I booked the Introductory Lesson and based on that was keen to take the Direct Access Scheme. The booking process was efficient and Lightning offered a CBT course in 8 days, a Mod 1 test in about 3 weeks and a Mod 2 test in about 4 weeks time. This timetable suited my learning style as I like a couple of days between each course to reflect on it. Lightning booked the tests for me meaning I could be taking the Mod 2 test 4 weeks before another school I contacted could start training. The instructors are excellent, being patient and keen to pass on their skills. A big thank you to my instructors Jerry, Karl, Piotr, Sam, Pirate and Carl who enabled me to pass the CBT, Mod 1 (13/10) and Mod 2 (21/10) first time! Easy booking, great course and test availability, excellent instructors, overall a brilliant experience. I'll be back for the post test training.

October 21, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks ever so much for your super review! We have shared with all your instructors. We wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you for post test training.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great way to safely ride a motorcycle.

Today, at age 62, I sat on a motorcycle for the first time, started it up, undertook a number of exercises on the car park and finished the day on a 2 hour ride on the roads around the training centre. I’ve had the best day!
I’ve been a teacher for 41 years and as part of my work observed probably hundreds of teachers. The instructor we had today, Lyndon, was right up there with the best. He was clear, patient, knowledgeable, allowed each of us to learn at a pace to suit us - all undertaken with good humour, good grace and with our safety welfare his priority. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I passed my CBT and feel very proud. Can highly recommend.

September 30, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Hi Judith, we are very pleased that you enjoyed your training with us and thank you for your in-depth review - it is very lovely to hear! We look forward to seeing you again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I took a experienced rider course with…

I took a experienced rider course with Lighting Motorcycle training. The instructors are amazing. Sam, Karl, Herald, Pirate(Simon) they are amazing instructors have have a loads of knowledge. It’s a good professional company which knows what they are doing. They are good and trustworthy. I would recommend them.

September 29, 2022
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don’t recommend booking CBT with them

Don’t recommend booking CBT with them. I had a puncture on the way and let them know half a hour before. Was going to be 15 minutes late and was told that I was unable to attend the course despite it being a beginners session and having already been riding for 4 years. £175 which they are refusing to refund and £125 to rebook a different date making the total £300 for a cbt. I have proof that I had a puncture at that time, it was a act of god not like I was just running late. Was going to be booking my A2 license today which is over £800 but after how I have been treated this morning will be taking my business elsewhere.

September 28, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Tomas, we are very sorry that you had a puncture. We did hold up the course as long as we could (half an hour - you were asked to be with us for 07.45am). You booked online a beginner's course (despite your experience, which allows you to book on an experienced course – perhaps because the dates were earlier). However, the other students on your course are beginners. The course is a group course and there are time restraints. You being half an hour late, is the difference on whether the other students will get the time needed to complete and get their certificate that day. So the decision to include you has to have a bearing on how it affects the rest of the course and what other paying customers have paid for and rightfully expect. In addition, we are not allowed to let you skip parts of this course. The training course consists of 5 elements A - E. You can't miss part of it and join in at a later time. This is as stipulated by the DVSA, the government body that authorises and regulate us to conduct training on their behalf. This situation is not of our making and as part of our good customer service we allow you to come back at the discounted price of £125 (instead of £175) that is not a profit for us and we do so only as a gesture of goodwill. We are out of pocket £50 for a situation that is outside our control. We are sorry that we could not help by offering you another course free of charge, but as a not-for-profit business, we are not allowed to run at a loss.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CBT Training

Indeth full CBT training giving you the confidence you need along with the training you need to develop your skills for the road, Lindon was an incredible teacher who gave you dedicated time and indepth explanation to all attribute of the CBT.

September 16, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks very much for your super review - we look forward to seeing you again in the future!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had a CBT today in Reading

Had a CBT today in Reading with Jerry. Hadn’t ridden a bike for 30 years and wasn’t feeling all that confident, throughout the day Jerrys advice and teaching method raised confidence consistently throughout the day. If you’re thinking about taking a CBT go with lightning, I’m so glad that I did… thank you

September 19, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Well done on getting through your CBT after being 30 years out of the saddle. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Thanks very much for spending the time to write a lovely review.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Beware the Reading center

Avoid the Reading center. If you don't complete your CBT, they will mess you around. Bookings will be cancelled and moved. You'll end up going to another provider.

After seeing the response: I'm sorry to hear about the instructor and wish him a speedy recovery. Thank you for the refund which is appreciated. However I do think you need to make resources more available for people who take a bit longer getting through all the elements. A long wait to complete the CBT is giving your otherwise excellent instruction bad reviews.

August 30, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Ian, we are very sorry that we had to postpone Sarah's lesson due to our instructor being involved in an accident to the very next day. This came after we had to postpone her original lesson due to the examiner at the test centre, running tests late which meant the instructor was extremely late back. We did give 10 days notice. There were a lot of students involved so the messages were sent out by email and text. Unfortunately Sarah didn't get back to us so we didn't know until the day before her training (10 days later, when we sent a reminder) that she couldn't make it. Both circumstances were outside our control and we can only apologise for this. We have sent you a full refund as a result.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant Motorcycle training

Absolutely great motorcycle training. Did the Direct Access experienced course MOD 2 test and passed 1st time without riding a bike for over 35 years!.
The instructors really know their stuff, are full of riding and teaching experience.
They were patient and professional.
I was kept fully up to date with reminders for each lesson and test date, when to come and what to bring.
I can't thank them enough.
I was recommended by a friend who also passed first time and would not hesitate to recommend them also.

August 26, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks Peter for taking the time to write up such a comprehensive review. We are really happy that you enjoyed your experience with us from the instructors to the admin. We wish you all the best with your biking and please do pop in when you are passing!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CBT training with Todd

I recently did my CBT training with Todd, who was a top bloke! Really thorough and supportive training and even for having three of us all at different stages in knowledge of riding, got through the training perfectly and tailored for each of us!

Definitely looking at doing my full licence and will be back with LMT 👍🏼

August 22, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks Oliver for your kind words and review. We have passed it on to Todd. We look forward to seeing you when you are ready to take your full bike licence :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to LMT who did not postpone the…

Thanks to LMT who did not postpone the CBT for the experienced renewal riders on what was a super hot day. And many thanks to Jerry, who skillfully judged the needs of the riders and adavnced their learning beyonf the CBT in busy Oxford trafic.

August 12, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Paul, thanks so much for your lovely review. We do try very hard not to cancel courses despite the weather as we know how much people count on us to keep them road legal! We are really glad that you enjoyed your instruction too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Completed my CBT today, excellent instruction from Lightning Motorcycle training at Reading

Completed my CBT today. Morning with Rob who was incredibly patient, he explained everything in simple and understandable terms was professional but at the same time relaxed and friendly. Afternoon on road session was with Jerry who provided excellent guidance and advice and made me feel safe on the road and he gave honest and evidenced feedback which helped to improve my riding-the whole session was enjoyable and has really motivated me to get my full licence and enjoy the world of motorcycling# thank you

July 27, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thanks very much for your lovely review. We have shared this with both instructors who taught you on that day. We look forward to seeing you back soon :)

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Probably the worst company I've ever…

Probably the worst company I've ever had a misfortune to interact with.
No real office (you literally meet next to some containers in the parking lot), horrible service, rude replies, incompetent administration and you'll need ~8-12hrs for 35min test (MOD2).

Don't give these people your money and your time, we deserve better. "Companies" like this one should not exist.

Update after their reply:
Practice at your expense? Test free of charge? Why bother replying if you are continuing your condescending attitude backed with imagination?
I failed because I made a mistake, my comment was about your "business" that has nothing to do with my test result.

July 10, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Nat, sorry that you feel the need to leave a 1*review. You had additional practice at our expense on top of your test session in the area that you were taking your test in. Unfortunately, you didn't pass and we weren't able to give you another test free of charge. We wish you all the best with your next test.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bad experience

Yes, strictly a profit based service. They are useless if you are a beginner. You are placed into a system and if you cannot keep to their requirements, they want more money and, agianst the UK law, will not give a refund.
Fortunately, we in the UK can challenge this, but if I were you, I would think 3 times before using this sytem of training and rather go with another training company that listens and is more flexible.

June 13, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thank you for your review. We are very sad that you felt the need to leave this for us. You didn't get through your CBT on the first day, which can be quite common for beginners. It is a new skill and takes some people longer than others. You had a tight schedule and your dates were restricted. We did our very best to book you back in to accommodate your dates. We went out of our way to get you a last minute theory test (when you didn't pass your first one). We did listen and were extremely flexible. We even got an instructor to come in on his day off so that you could do the extra training required. We have done nothing wrong here but support you and act within our terms and conditions; i.e. after you didn't turn up for training, not being able to issue a refund.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I went there for CBT training and the…

I went there for CBT training and the instructor was very thorough, polite and supportive throughout the course. I was amazed to see the professionalism and efforts he has made for all those hours to ensure we understand the safety about riding motorbike and how skills can be effectively used.
Even on repeated mistakes, he was polite and prompting them to correct until the time person actually started correcting them automatically.

April 26, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Thank you Shishir for your lovely review and we are very pleased that you had a good time with us. We wish you all the best and hope to see you back at some point to renew or go for your full licence :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to say

I just wanted to say, a massive thank you to all of the staff and instructors of Lightning Motorcycle training in Reading. They gave me the confidence to ride a motorcycle after many years of nothing. They put me through two CBT's successfully, and very recently passed my mod 1 and mod 2 .
I would in particular like to thank Keith, Nick, Kevin, Chris, Paul, and Rob for your support.
To all the instructors I didn't get to learn with, in different centres, thank you for making me feel welcome at your centre for my mod 1 and mod 2. Thanks again for a great journey! New bike arrives 7th July! Can't wait!! Will be down to show you!
Gary Mulholland

April 23, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Gary, thank you for spending the time to write such a comprehensive review. It is much appreciated and lovely to see that you really enjoyed your time with us!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Experience, I recommend for Mods 1 and 2

Having done CBT with another school, I chose to go with LMT (Lightning Motorcycle Training) due to proximity to my home (15 minutes to Wembley training facility).

I did Mod 1 with Dicky. I took 1 practice day for c.3-3.5 hours after which I easily passed Mod 1 at Uxbridge DVSA center from first attempt.

I also did 1 practice day with Dicky for Mod 2. The sessions was very useful. We covered roundabouts, riding in high density area, lane positions, safety. We went to Uxbridge and covered some of the likely routes there as well as some tricky areas.

On the day of my Mod 2 exam, I rode to the center with Will, who answered all my final questions before taking the exam. I passed the exam from f1st attempt with 1 minor for which I am grateful to the whole team at LMT.

The office team (Rebecca and Co) are always there to help from early in the morning (think the earliest communication I had with them was around 6.45am) until late in the day. All of the instructors I met at the Wembley center are very friendly, experienced and knowledgeable. The are genuinely trying to help you pass. Dicky is an old soul, very relaxed but must have seen it all as he knows areas where students are likely to fail. Will, on the other hand is very intense and just on my way to Uxbridge centre managed to remind me the entire Highway Code. He is very good as well. I would strongly recommend both them. They are very approachable and super helpful.

Thank you and good luck to all you you!

March 30, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Lightning Motorcycle Training

Dear Jevgeni, thank you so much for the lovely review! We are very pleased that you had a great experience with us! Please do pop by when you have a new bike for a picture for our wall of fame!

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