Elite Motorcycle Training, London

SUMMARY:

I am a strong recommender of Premier Rider Training (alternatively known as Elite Motorcycle Training). Over an 18 day period, I went from never having ridden a motorcycle to successfully passing my module 2 test to get my full Category A licence. All the instructors I met were excellent and loads of fun. Training with PRT was a superb experience.

DETAIL:

If you are want a training school that will just sign a piece of paper to say you’ve passed your CBT (or just about scrape you through your test), even if you are not fully competent, DO NOT go to PRT (in fact, please stay off the road). These guys take motorcycling, your ability and safety very seriously. If you do not meet the necessary standards, they will tell you so. There are no sneaky short cuts here.

However, if you have a good sense of humour, don’t have an overinflated ego, enjoy a bit of banter, and are prepared to concentrate and work hard, then these guys are excellent. They really want their trainees to succeed and are highly committed to training them very well. The more you put in, the more you will get back from the instructors. What is clear is that they have a real passion for high quality motorcycle training.

I booked one of their 5.5 day courses: Day 1 CBT; Days 2+3 125cc road riding; Days 4+5 600cc training (including module 1 test on day 5); Day 5.5 half day training to get you to the test centre and take module 2. If at the end of day 3 you are not ready for a big bike, they will ask you to book another day on a 125cc before you move to the 600cc. At each level, they really work to ensure you have the necessary skill before you move to the next stage. This approach may not suit people who are terribly impatient, but it is probably very good for on-going safety and skill development!

I had so much fun on my days with PRT, and am very sad that they have now come to an end (am very tempted to find out if they do any advanced riding courses). Go in with the right attitude and be humble, and I am sure you will have fun too!

FINAL TIP:

I passed both my module 1 and module 2 first time, with very good results in both. Whilst I only spent 5.5 days riding with PRT, I hired a manual 125cc bike and put in a couple of hours of considered practise most days during the 18 day period. This was enormously helpful!

I approached them for a DAS course. They happily did the booking online charging the full 4.5 days fees in advance.

The first two days of the training were quite useless. On the first day there were 4 students to 1 instructor and on another day, there were 3. The instructor was extremely rude. Instead of working patiently on areas of development, he was more interested in telling you how you would fail the test etc. At the end of 2 days, they said I need to take more lessons, else they won't let me continue with the DAS course. In fact, the instructor ridiculed me by saying I should not dream of DAS and must think of A2 license only.

Then, I told them that I didn't want to dispute their decision, but if the training for DAS was contingent on some evaluation, they should have told me this in advance, and not charged the full fees upfront.

I wanted to leave for some other riding school, but they did not refund my money (I, of course, suggested that they should charge me for the two days training, and return the remaining money).

I would advice you to have a one day course (excluding CBT) with them before booking the whole course in advance.

In sum, I found that their marketing was predatory, that I wasn't provided with any terms of conditions before making the payment (stating that progression to DAS is contingent on first two days). I am also deeply unsatisfied with the quality of training and behavior of their instructor.

Elite is generally professional and I was happy as I got my CBT & Mod 1, if you fail one test they become less helpful even so not your fault to the examiner not accepting that the ear piece was not working correctly. Went else where for my Mod 2 with much better experience.

Instructors:

They know their business and a great experience when doing my CBT, can't fault it. Even on DAS for big bike instructor was straight to the point on what you need to correct but didn't have that degree of friendliness and quite cold. Also all teaching was like you need to ride like a robot (quote from other school which I done my Mod 2) and always tense.

Communication:

Generally quite good, but be prepared to chase them for booking dates.

Booking Tests:

Elite fail at this completely, even with over 2 months to get a date for any day in one certain week they couldn't manage it due to they don't seem to buy block bookings from DSA.

Final Comment:

They teach very well and correct way to ride but lack the teaching of riding naturally only like a robot, but don't expect too much.

Passed my module one first time with Elite, no problem. Elite had a very big training area with speed cameras and all the equipment needed to practice for the test. Passed with ease. Had previously gone to another training school who did not even have their own area to practice. The professionalism of the instructor and his expertise helped me to pass this first time. I would recommend without a doubt! Best instructors ever!

Great Day. The instructor, Richard, was very patient and made the learning fun. I had previously done CBT elsewhere but found the standard of training and the quality of bikes much much better. There is a very large off road training area so you have plenty of space to learn. I really enjoyed the day and hopefully will be a safer rider from what I have been taught!

I did my CBT today with Elite and it was fun and I learnt a lot of useful information even though I have done CBT twice before (with Elite). There is always more you can learn!

The instructors were very good. Didn't meet any chain smokers with dodgy senses of humour (as per previous review!) I think Elite are very professional and will be booking a full licence with you very soon - watch this space...

I did a 5 day direct access course with Elite. I had 2 different instructors. I found them to be extremely informative, helpful, friendly and completely put me at my ease. Being a first time rider I was a little aprehensive about doing a intense course, but right from the word go, they relaxed me and got me through my test in a very patient manner. I would recommend Elite and when I get my new bike, I will pop back to get a refresher course with you guys!! Thanks very much!!

Probably Elite is generally professional and I was happy as I got my CBT. I was uncomfortable with how the morning session went due to the inappropriate remarks. I also think the guys didn't find the trainer's teaching approach helpful as he made fun of their riding a lot instead of encouraging them. It was obviously just his sense of humour and he didn't mean to upset anyone, but it didn't help us much. There were 2 groups doing their CBT that day and 3 out of 8 got through.