has anyone taken bike test recently wheres the best centre and where are the centres

Do you mean test centres or training schools? AFAIK, any driving test centre should offer bike tests. I learnt to ride at a school in Oxford, but I took my test in Chesterfield a couple of years ago. The route was OK - mostly housing estate roads with a little bit of dual carriageway at the very end.

Ian

Bikesafe at Hillsborough are great. Can't recommend em enough. Walked in there in Feb, now riding a Harley.

ufortunately not all driving cenrtes offer bike tests only selected one im told there isnt one in sheffield at all

And if you have a bike you can take it on litewood i went last week and asked

Originally posted by roger
ufortunately not all driving cenrtes offer bike tests only selected one im told there isnt one in sheffield at all

That's true, it is impossible to take a bike test in Sheffield. I was told that it was due to the tram tracks, which are viewed as dangerous by the test authorities. Which does beg the question, if they are too dangerous to take your test on, what are they doing there?

The nearest test centres to Sheffield that offer bike tests are Rotherham and Worksop.

I recommend Bikesafe in Hillsborough too. Spot on.

hi forum i am wanting to take my bike test but have been ringing around but prices fluctuate i dont mind paying more if the people are decent and reliable give us some ideas and phone numbers if you ave them and prices if you have them,sorry to ask for so much from you all

thanks
codeman

There is CMT chesterfield motorcyle training based at the old Norton aerodrome.
I did both my CBT and my full test with them (passed first time) there a good group of guys very informal and a good laugh.
Bike rental and insurance included.
I dont have the number but im sure there in the book.

Hope this helps

Originally posted by brummy_tracy
There is CMT chesterfield motorcyle training based at the old Norton aerodrome.
I did both my CBT and my full test with them (passed first time) there a good group of guys very informal and a good laugh.
Bike rental and insurance included.
I dont have the number but im sure there in the book.

Hope this helps

I did my test there, too. Very good bunch and extremely savvy in respect of teaching you the skills to stay upright and alive on the road.

Highly recommended.

Bikesafe at Hillsbrough were great.

I took mine in North London, but Bikesafe would hve been my option had I not moved away at such short notice.

my other half tried chesterfield but couldnt get the test right she went to bike sense in ecclesfield and they were great
she passed on first occassion with them
both instructors a friendly and do the job great
both male and female instructor available:thumbsup:

Resurrecting this thread as I'm thinking about getting my full licence.

I'll want to hire a bike, and I'm very impatient so I'll probably block book a direct access course and test.

Any ideas of costs?

my other half ended up in ecclesfield at the back of morrison they are called bike sense a couple called john gayle they are the best i have ever met in this line of work
she now has a 900r

Originally posted by Toby
Bikesafe at Hillsborough are great. Can't recommend em enough. Walked in there in Feb, now riding a Harley.
I've heard this so many times. I bet you are riding a proper bike in a year.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I've heard this so many times. I bet you are riding a proper bike in a year.
Riding a Harley is a bit like having stabilizers on a pushbike, great for beginners (or people so old they can't balance any more).

Everybody else gets something better.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by roger
my other half ended up in ecclesfield at the back of morrison they are called bike sense a couple called john gayle they are the best i have ever met in this line of work
she now has a 900r
What were the costs?

Originally posted by Tony
What were the costs?
BikeSafe have a website:
http://www.bikesafe-sheffield.co.uk/

On there it says
If you are interested in the Direct Access Scheme and want to know more about the expert tuition we offer please ring 0800 0351054 or email us at enquiries@bikesafe-sheffield.co.uk
ring 'em, or e-mail for a quote.

:)

I did a direct access course with MTC up at Norton, it cost me £660 and I passed first time at the Chesterfiled test centre. They're not the cheapest but the instructors are excellent, I only picked up one minor error in my 30 minutes test ride!

I'm taking lessons now with Bikesafe at Hillsborough, I did my CBT with them also a few weeks back, and from never having been on a bike, i'm now safely and confidently riding everyday, only a 125 obviously until I pass my 'real' test, probably in July.

The CBT cost £95 if using one of their bikes, and £45 if you need to go back for a second day.

They have about 6 different plans according to your level of expertise (or not lol) so the prices vary alot, ring them and have a chat, Anne is in charge and they are all really friendly & helpful. You book a full day with them, not just an hour lesson here and there, so you really have a good days teaching, both in the large car park were they are based, and out on the roads.

It is true about there being no Test centres anymore in Sheffield, this is due to a Police orifice having a biking accident on the tram tracks, and they then deemed Sheffield too unsafe to take your test...

Yes it does make the mind boggle, I ride within the tram tracks all the time, yet I can't take my test here because they're too dangerous..... :loopy:

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I've heard this so many times. I bet you are riding a proper bike in a year.

Now now Mr Muddy:nono:
One more rider on the roads is always a good thing, whatever their choice of wheels:thumbsup::wink:

Originally posted by claycraft
Now now Mr Muddy:nono:
One more rider on the roads is always a good thing, whatever their choice of wheels:thumbsup::wink:
Well actually I am sans - moto at the moment, so I cannot criticise anybody.. :blush:

However my experience is that I have known lots of people in the past who have always wanted harleys and even bought one before they passed their test, only to get rid of it a few months later when they realise that they are not as much fun as all their mates have on their normal tourers or sports bikes. What with our twisty roads we have here in the uk.. I'll be more than happy to hear from someone who has had one for a couple of years and still enjoys it. I suppose it would be good for regular motorway trips.

Originally posted by muddycoffee

However from my experience I have known lots of people in the past who have always wanted harleys and even bought one before they passed their test, only to get rid of it a few months later when they realise that they are not as much fun as all their mates have on their normal tourers or sports bikes. What with our twisty roads we have here in the uk.. I'll be more than happy to hear from someone who has had one for a couple of years and still enjoys it. I suppose it would be good for regular motorway trips.

Fair point but anyone on any form of motorcycle adds to the cause:thumbsup:
I even nod the head to scooter chavs:roll::wink:Ya never know they may grow up one day!:lol:

Gixxer pilot:headbang:

I've got a Harley (Fat Boy) in my garage, they're over-priced, over-weight, under-powered, under-braked piles of $h1te, much prefer my Fazer, it's everything a bike should be...

Originally posted by SHarper
I've got a Harley (Fat Boy) in my garage, they're over-priced, over-weight, under-powered, under-braked piles of $h1te, much prefer my Fazer, it's everything a bike should be...


hmm - over priced, overweight and underpowered...sounds a bit like me at the moment...:rolleyes:

Originally posted by SHarper
I've got a Harley (Fat Boy) in my garage, they're over-priced, over-weight, under-powered, under-braked piles of $h1te, much prefer my Fazer, it's everything a bike should be...


I'll give yer a fiver to get the fat-boy out of your way...think of all that extra space in your garage! ;)

I did my test last summer (been riding on L plates on and off for the past 10 years) and I did it with Road Runner (www.roadrunneronline.co.uk).

They are excellent. Quite a fun bunch who seem to know their stuff too. I did a three day DAS course and enjoyed it. On one of the days we went out towards Derbyshire way to have some fun cornering and that was a great help as well as a break from the road work we were doing.

They offer decent prices and if you fail your test you get free lessons until you pass it (just pay for bike hire), which was good for me as I failed the first time but passed the second.

As a note for test centres, Rotherham is an arse. The roundabouts etc. there are annoying and seem to reduce the pass rate slightly.
Chesterfield isn't bad aparantly, my mate did his here and reckons the road layout isn't too bad.

I did my second test at Worksop and if you have the option this is the one to go for. The instructor told me that they have the highest pass rate here and I can see why. The road layout is easy and you feel a lot more relaxed. If you do get the option then ask for this one.

Can't remember how much I paid for my DAS now, but it was well worth it. I am out most sunny nights on my bike and most sunny weekends. There are a few of us that ride in a small group all over the place, all on sports bikes.

If you are thinking about doing your bike test then my advise is DO IT! You will not regret it.

I have been wanting to ride a bike for year,s but every time I mention it everyone laugh,s at me.. do you think I am to old to learn. I have no bike so I will have to hire one to learn. I drive a car.. But would love to ride my own bike... just wondered what you all thought.. I am 44.. but young at heart... x

Originally posted by mistyraven
I have been wanting to ride a bike for year,s but every time I mention it everyone laugh,s at me.. do you think I am to old to learn. I have no bike so I will have to hire one to learn. I drive a car.. But would love to ride my own bike... just wondered what you all thought.. I am 44.. but young at heart... x Do it, do it now! :D

You are not too old at all, you are only 44 not 144!

Many of the training schools do an hour free to see if you like it or not, give one a call and enquire on this. You will get an hour or so in a car park on either a CG125 or a Virago or similar.

If you like it then do your CBT which will enable you to ride anything up to 125cc on the road with L plates, no pillions or motorways etc. but you can ride on your own.

I advise that you then do your full test and get a bigger bike, but many are happy to use the 125cc bikes on L plates for the two years that the CBT is valid for. At the end of the two years you have to do another CBT though, so it's worth getting your full license and forgetting all this crap.

At 44 you can do a DAS course which basically means you take your test on a 500cc bike (which is easier than taking it on an under powered 125 believe it or not!) and then you can ride anything you want, no limits.

If the DAS isn't your thing then there are three other options.

1) a full moped license (but your car license has this already).

2) a light motorcycle license, same as the CBT but without Ls so you can go on the motorways and can take pillions, but you are limited to 125s.

3) Restricted test, same as the DAS but done on a 125 bike and means that if you pass you are restricted to a bike of no more than 33bhp for 2 years. After the 2 years you can ride anything you like.

I would recommend the DAS to be honest, the 500 makes it a lot easier to do the test, easier to get up to speed, more power makes the manouvres easier and it's also a lot more comfy to ride than a 125. (normally done on a Suzuki GS500 or similar)

The other thing is that doing the DAS normally gets you cheaper insurance than the other tests do.

If you are only even slightly interested in riding then please do it, it's a great experience riding a bike and you can't fail to enjoy it.

Good luck and if you go ahead with it keep us all informed! :clap:

I'm 43 and seriously considering it. I have a car but it needs to be family transport, can't afford a second (sporty) car but have been hankering after a bike for a while. Only trouble is, I am well over six feet tall and can't quite imagine myself on a 125.

How much is insurance? I pay £400 fully comp at the moment on a car with full no-claims.

What is a DAS course? Sounds ideal and solves the 125 problem.

I pay £300 per year for mine and that's with 7 points on my license and on a bike that will do 140mph and 0-60mph in 4 seconds, so it's quite cheap really when you think about it.

If I bought a car with performance like that I would be looking at nearly £2k!

Tax is also cheap and a lot of car parks tend to offer free parking for bikes.

Take the leap, get a bike.

I run a bike and a car. The car's for practical use, the bikes for fun. It's a great stress beater, it's a fun weekend toy and it can also be used to beat the traffic (going to work in the car takes 30-40 minutes, on the bike I can do it in 10 minutes!)

THANKYOU for your kind word,s sent you a pm lala.. thank,s

Originally posted by Bloomdido
What is a DAS course? Sounds ideal and solves the 125 problem. Direct Access. You would still need to do a CBT to be allowed to ride the bigger bike on the road, so that would still be a day on the 125, but it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Once you've done the CBT you will be assesed and if you are confident enough (most are) then you will spend the rest of your time on the 500.

DAS is definately the way to do it, the only requirement is that you have a CBT (which you do in your first day) and that you are over 21. If you are under 21 then it's the restricted license unfortunately.

Originally posted by mistyraven
THANKYOU for your kind word,s sent you a pm lala.. thank,s No problem. Check your PM for reply.

To be honest, riding a motorbike is something that everyone should try once in life. It's one of things in my life that I really couldn't bear to be without.

The social side of biking is great, nearly everyone is friendly and will chat. The group rides are good too.

The fun of learning to corner well adds excitment to it too.

Also you will notice that your car driving improves. You will be a lot more alert and aware of things you may have missed in the past and your handling and confidence definately improves.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Well actually I am sans - moto at the moment, so I cannot criticise anybody.. :blush:

However my experience is that I have known lots of people in the past who have always wanted harleys and even bought one before they passed their test, only to get rid of it a few months later when they realise that they are not as much fun as all their mates have on their normal tourers or sports bikes. What with our twisty roads we have here in the uk.. I'll be more than happy to hear from someone who has had one for a couple of years and still enjoys it. I suppose it would be good for regular motorway trips.

Well I've not had it two years, just over 1, but I love it.

It wasn't like it was my first ride, I'd been into old vespas and lammys for years, having up to four at one point, just never particularly bothering with a license. We then went to the south of France, and I rode a mate's harley and thoroughly enjoyed it. Came back, took the test and bought one. I must admit that riding through Parson Cross in a morning, on my way to work, is not quite like cruising down the Croisette, but I do still love it.

Was talking to someone only last night, an ex-Harley rider.

Had them for many years.

Two years ago he bought a Triumph Tiger 995i while still owning a Harley, he never used the old hog again.

It must be a personal decision :)

Originally posted by lalaland
I did my test last summer (been riding on L plates on and off for the past 10 years) and I did it with Road Runner (www.roadrunneronline.co.uk).

They are excellent. Quite a fun bunch who seem to know their stuff too.

If you are thinking about doing your bike test then my advise is DO IT! You will not regret it.

Gota agree with all of the above.
Passed first time (as did 100% of my biking mates)11yrs ago with these lads and had a good laugh at the same time:thumbsup:


LESSONS - TEST - PASS - BUY BIKE OF YOUR DREAMS:D:D:D:D:D

MISTY RAVEN, you go for it! dont let anyone stop you doing what your heart desires. its your life not theirs. think how excited you feel each time you think about doing it.
you could always just go and do it without saying anything to anyone.
Just imagine the look on your friends/families faces when you breeze in at t-time with your CBT certificate and say " oh by the way I can ride a motorbike now" that'd wipe the smirks off their faces. even if you never got a bike, you will have the knowledge that you CAN DO IT.Perhaps they are worried for you as we were about beansforyou but shes taken to it like a duck to water, from never even being a passenger on a bike a few weeks ago shes now out and about all the time.

Its a full day but some people have to go twice to build confidence. the instructors will only go at your pace, they would never push you and can tell if your ready to go out and about.
Its at owlerton stadium car park every day i think, have a drive down and watch them for a bit, see if you can talk to the trainers.i think it was £95 and you use their bikes just have some sturdy shoes/boots.
I'm trying to pluck up the courage to have driving lessons I'm an older person and feel a bit nervous about it, but i'll have a go soon im sure.
on a slightly different note, i always wanted to go to college but didnt get the chance when i was younger with money/family etc but i finally made myself go a couple of years ago, i really pushed myself it was a full time course for a year but when i was done i came away with arm fulls of certificates and i now have a great job which i love, if i hadnt given it a go id still be making sandwiches at the back of a pokey shop.

DO IT!! DO IT!! DO IT!!

:D

Don't let anything put you off, if you can afford it (its not a cheap hobby) then I say go for it.

I've just come back from MOT'ing my bike, i've had it just over a week now, and I passed my CBT about 3 weeks ago, had a lovely ride home knowing it's all safe n sound...and mine!! :lol:

I've had a few driving lessons before, but never liked being inside a tin box much, bikes are so much better,I also feel that ALL car users should be made to go out on a motorbike for at least one day...so they can see how crappy their driving and observation is!! :rant:

Even if all you can afford right now is the CBT at £95, then do it, you've got two years then to get a bike etc...

The mixture of people taking their bike test is so diverse, I promise you won't feel awkward or out of place or anything, its fun and a good laugh!

go on....live the dream ;)

Thank,s for the reply,s.... I am going to go down and look.. and I may book in a few week,s let you all know how I get on... thank,s again..

My son used Bike sense at Ecclesfield to get his CBT for a scooter

this may help

http://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/index.htm

Just want to say good luck misty raven!

Passed my theory test for motorcycles yesterday and now wanting to do a CBT.

I want to get a moped initially (went to Rome last year and they looked a right laugh) but want to move on eventually to something bigger/powerful.

With the CBT do you get a choice of what type of bike you use?

I was thinking of learning on a manual bike then going to a moped would be a doddle in comparison. Is that right?? Or should I learn on the type of bike I'm using first?

Not too fussed about getting something super fast, like the idea of cruising on a bike where the handlebars are up by your ears ;)

bikesafe hillsborough are the bees knees, passed my test with one day cbt, two training days then half day for test cost about £400 that was in january and included the theory test, took the driving test in rotherham but they also do tests in barnsley and chesterfield

i got a proper bike yamaha fz6 fazer :banana: :banana: :banana:

i used kk rider training - £60 private lessons (full day)

Just want to say good luck misty raven!

Passed my theory test for motorcycles yesterday and now wanting to do a CBT.

I want to get a moped initially (went to Rome last year and they looked a right laugh) but want to move on eventually to something bigger/powerful.

With the CBT do you get a choice of what type of bike you use?

I was thinking of learning on a manual bike then going to a moped would be a doddle in comparison. Is that right?? Or should I learn on the type of bike I'm using first?

Not too fussed about getting something super fast, like the idea of cruising on a bike where the handlebars are up by your ears ;)

Well done on passing the theory. If I were you I'd forget the moped idea, a "proper" bike is much more fun, you'd get bored of the moped within weeks and end up like the scooter boi's pretending to change gear at 35mph flat out. (you know the ones blipping the throttle as they ride along) you like the idea of bars round your ears?



http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/bikes_search.asp?modelexact=1&make=KAWASAKI&model=BN+ELIMINATOR&ccappr=CC&min_pr=75&max_pr=&mileage=&agerange=&postcode=s6+2wg&miles=1500&max_records=200&source=0&keywords=&photo=1&sort=3&search=SEARCH


Do your CBT get out your credit out and look the dogs danglies.

Well done on passing the theory. If I were you I'd forget the moped idea, a "proper" bike is much more fun, you'd get bored of the moped within weeks and end up like the scooter boi's pretending to change gear at 35mph flat out. (you know the ones blipping the throttle as they ride along) you like the idea of bars round your ears?



http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/bikes_search.asp?modelexact=1&make=KAWASAKI&model=BN+ELIMINATOR&ccappr=CC&min_pr=75&max_pr=&mileage=&agerange=&postcode=s6+2wg&miles=1500&max_records=200&source=0&keywords=&photo=1&sort=3&search=SEARCH


Do your CBT get out your credit out and look the dogs danglies.


Not all scooters are 50cc, 2 stroke, 30mph 'kids bikes' Look at the Gilera Nexus, the Piaggio x8 and x9, the Yamaha T-Max, Honda Silverwing, Suzuki Burgman etc. All with engines up to 500cc, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, and will quite happily sit at 100mph on the motorway for hours on end.

Well done on passing the theory. If I were you I'd forget the moped idea, a "proper" bike is much more fun, you'd get bored of the moped within weeks and end up like the scooter boi's pretending to change gear at 35mph flat out. (you know the ones blipping the throttle as they ride along) you like the idea of bars round your ears?

Do your CBT get out your credit out and look the dogs danglies.

That is exactly what I was talking about. Looks fantastic. However still want to go for a moped first. Want to get one 125cc for buzzing around Sheffield in originally and see how I get on with that. May have to get both now though! Can tell I'm going to end up in some financial trouble in the near future :S

Not all scooters are 50cc, 2 stroke, 30mph 'kids bikes' Look at the Gilera Nexus, the Piaggio x8 and x9, the Yamaha T-Max, Honda Silverwing, Suzuki Burgman etc. All with engines up to 500cc, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, and will quite happily sit at 100mph on the motorway for hours on end.

But to ride 1 of those wont he have to pass his full bike test? This is where i get confused with all the time and power restrictions on new riders.

But to ride 1 of those wont he have to pass his full bike test? This is where i get confused with all the time and power restrictions on new riders.

Not neccesarily. He can ride a 125cc scooter on a CBT (thats what I do now, a 125cc 4 stroke Yamaha Cygnus-X, top speed of about 70mph, goes about 2 weeks on a tank of petrol, that costs a fiver to fill up, and doesnt need topping up with oil every other day like 2 stroke scooters do). To ride something with a bigger engine than that hell need his full test (Or a restricted auto-only test), which will let him ride anything up to 250cc for 2 years, and anything he wants after that.

not any thing up to 250cc its anything with 33 bhp or restricted to 33 bhp

take a test on a 125 and your restricted to 33 bhp for two years,

take a test on a 500 cc and then ride anything

there is also age restrictions as well

If you've done your bike theory test then you really should get on with your bike test, you don't need the theory to take the CBT and the theory is only valid for 2 years after passing. I'd not waste time and get your full bike license.

With a full bike license you can choose bigger bikes if you want, if not you can still ride 125 scooters / bikes but without L plates, with a pillion and with cheaper insurance.

not any thing up to 250cc its anything with 33 bhp or restricted to 33 bhp

take a test on a 125 and your restricted to 33 bhp for two years,

Which covers most 250cc bikes and scooters

take a test on a 500 cc and then ride anything

there is also age restrictions as well

Over 17 to ride anything bigger than a restricted 50cc on a CBT.

Its nice to see all you youngsters taking your bike tests. I passed mine in July 1989 when it was still part 2, I was one of the last people to do this test as a year later my mate did a more modern persuit test. The examiner was on foot and he/she waited on the corner of a minor road while the rider rode around the block, it was a bit of a farce to be honest, because during the whole test you were only observed by the examiner for a fraction of the test.

They are looking to change the motorcycle test again and one of the suggestions is to do away with the direct access part so that everyone has to be restricted for so long after passing their test or will have to pass a second test to get a full unrestricted license like the ones we DAS passers currently enjoy.

Changes are always suggested for the motorcycle test and not always carried out, but it's normally the case that changes occur to the bike test more than the car test, so if you are thinking about doing your bike test I wouldn't waste time sitting around, I'd get it done before they make any further changes.

Also, the CBT is just a day's training. It won't make you much safer than you were already on the road. You'l learn a few things about bike control, life savers etc. but it's much better to do the full bike test. The difference in L plate riders and those with full licenses is very noticable. I am not saying that the full license instantly makes you a safe rider, but the training for it is more intense and covers much more than the one day CBT course.

not any thing up to 250cc its anything with 33 bhp or restricted to 33 bhp

take a test on a 125 and your restricted to 33 bhp for two years,

That can vary. There are 2 'smaller' bike tests available, the A and A1 license.

The A license is as you say, restricted to 33bhp (25KW) for 2 years, but the A1 license only allows you to ride bikes up to 125cc with a maximum output of 14.6 bhp (11KW) and the A1 license never upgrades, as in you are always limited to this. Both A and A1 allow you to ride without L plates and on motorways etc. as they are still full licenses.

If you are under 21 (and 17 or over) then the above two tests are your only choice.

take a test on a 500 cc and then ride anything

there is also age restrictions as wellThis is the best option, if you are 21 or over you can do the 'Direct Access' test. As stated by PJ66, the bike is normally 500 cc and it must be at least 46.6 bhp (35kw). If you pass this test then you aren't restricted at all to what you can ride.

The Direct Access test is the best one to opt for if you are old enough. There's the obvious part with not having any restrictions, but you also tend to get cheaper insurance with DAS passes compared to restricted passes.

The DAS test has a slightly higher standard of riding required which will be observed by the examiner, but the rules are still the same. The only major difference you'll notice is that you are on a bigger more powerful bike.

I think the DAS is slightly easier for manouvres though. The bigger bike is easier to do the U turn manouvre on and it's also easier to get up to speed on the fast road part of your test.

I recommend you do a DAS if you have the option, especially as this test may soon be phased out with some of the suggested changes to make motorcycling 'safer'.