Frequently Asked Questions
At BMW Rider Training, we understand the challenges new riders face when choosing which training school or course you should start with.
See each section below for answers to our most frequently asked questions...
At BMW Rider Training, we understand the challenges new riders face when choosing which training school or course you should start with.
See each section below for answers to our most frequently asked questions...
Not sure where to start?
Find out more here about the process of gaining your licence, details on our range of different training options, and recommendations for every level of experience.
We know it can be difficult navigating the different DVSA rules and categories, so we aim to demystify the process! Irrespective of age, the process of gaining a motorcycle licence in the UK comprises of three main elements. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the start of any motorcycle training journey. You can choose to do it on a standalone basis, or it can be the first part of a Direct Access (DAS) Course. This computer-based test is taken in a DVSA/Pearson Vue Theory Test centre, and comprises of two sections; a multiple-choice question section, and a hazard-perception video section. The Direct Access Scheme is the full name given to the process of gaining your motorcycle licence here in the UK, encompassing the training and two tests, DVSA Practical Test Module One and Practical Test Module Two.
1. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
This introductory course covers the basic theory and practical elements to riding a motorcycle. It’s important to note that it is not a test, however you must meet the required standards set by the DVSA in order to achieve your CBT/DL196 certificate.
You can see more details about our CBT course here.
2. Motorcycle Theory Test
The certification is valid for 2 years; if you do not pass your motorcycle licence tests during this time, you will be required to re-sit the Theory test.
You can take the theory test before or after you’ve taken compulsory basic training (CBT), but it must be completed before you're able to proceed to the Practical Motorcycle tests or attend a Direct Access training course.
You can find your nearest test centre, see their availability, and book the test online (£23) on the GOV.UK website here.
Please note: if you have a valid Car/HGV Theory test, sadly this is not transferrable, and you must sit the Motorcycle specific test.
3. DVSA Practical Tests, Modules One and Two
(sometimes referred to as DAS or Direct Access Scheme)
↣ Module One is taken on site at a DVSA Practical Test Centre, focused on control, manoeuvrability and safe handling. (You can find out more about Module One here)
↣ Module Two is an on-road riding test.(You can find out more about Module Two here)
BMW Rider Training offers a range of Direct Access courses for every experience level, you can find out more about these here.
Under UK licencing laws, the entitlement you achieve at the end of your DVSA Motorcycle Test is dictated by your age and the engine capacity used during your test — not a different course or test.
Students over the age of 24 are automatically put forward for the full, unrestricted 'A' licence, however we do understand some riders may be daunted by the size/weight of full 'A' category models.
Changes to UK Vehicle Licencing legislation in 2022 have brought some exciting new options in this regard. With BMW Rider Training, the 'A2' licence option now offers the opportunity to train and complete your test on our smaller, lightweight BMW G 310 R model. With its' learner-friendly controls and approachable seat height, this is particularly popular for shorter or less confident riders.
Customers are advised to explore the wide range of A- and A2-category motorcycles to see which licence category best meets their needs when making their initial course booking. Rest assured, if the course choice proves unsuitable or inappropriate, we also have the flexibility for students to amend test category once the course has commenced, without additional cost.
If you wanted to increase your entitlement at a later date, you would be required to re-sit both DVSA Practical tests modules on an 'A' category motorcycle. This can be arranged without taking a full repeat Direct Access course, please contact us for a personal recommendation.
It's great to see that you're interested in learning to ride, and we're excited to help start your riding journey.
If you're ready to jump in, the best course for you is our 7-day Intensive Direct Access course.
This all-inclusive course takes care of all basic training, as well as both DVSA Module One & Two tests for you to achieve your motorcycle licence.
Not sure if riding is for you?
Our CBT+ course is a great place for you to start if you're not ready to dive in straight away, or you're feeling apprehensive. You don't need to worry about buying any kit or learning things in advance, as this all-inclusive course includes everything you need to get started.
Covering your initial basic training as well as introducing test-ready riding techniques, you'll enjoy hours of hands-on riding experience to help decide what your next step is. Our CBT+ course also bolts seamlessly onto our 5-or 6-Day Intensive Direct Access (DAS) courses, meaning you always get the best possible price!
Our 5- and 6- Day Direct Access courses are a great choice for riders with an existing CBT certification, depending on your experience and confidence levels.
Confused about course dates or how to pay?
Find out more about our online booking process, what payment methods we accept, and what happens next after making your booking with us.
We have simple online booking available via this website, so you're able to find your course, check your diary and book in quickly and easily at any time of day.
You can see all upcoming course dates using our real-time booking pages dedicated to each course. Use the Get Your Licence menu above to choose your preferred course style or length. Once you have reached the course of your choice, it should look something like this...
Simply select your preferred training centre location from the drop-down menu, and then the calendar below will show available course options highlighted in green, looking something like this...
Click to select your preferred date, and then add to cart. Simply complete the required information and follow the cart process, which will guide you to our secure online payment portal.
You will recieve a confirmation & receipt by email on successful completion of your booking.
Once you've added your course to the cart, you'll see a number of elements make up the course package. Don't worry, these aren't hidden extras!
"Hang on, what are these add-ons in the cart?"
These include your DVSA tests and are required and automatically included but there is no need to make any changes to these. We simply have to illustrate DVSA test fees this way for tax purposes, as a large number of our students come to us via careers/training institutions who may be contributing towards their training fees with us, and as such, need to receive fully itemised VAT receipts.
We require payment in full, up front in order to secure your space as we must make financial commitments on your behalf further in advance of your course than you might imagine.
That said, your course can be paid for with any credit/debit card, and can be split into several transactions if you need to split the expense across more than one card. If you’d like to do this, feel free to give our team 08000 131282 (+44(0)1622 776686 outside the UK, lines open 9:30am-4:30pm M-F) and we can arrange this for you.
Unfortunately, it's not possible for us to offer finance on our courses at present. We're so sorry about that!
We require payment in full, up front in order to secure your space, as we must make financial commitments on your behalf further in advance of your course than you might imagine.
However, your course can be paid for with any credit/debit card, and can be split into several transactions if you need to split the expense across more than one card.
If you’d like to do this, feel free to give our team 08000 131282 (+44(0)1622 776686 outside the UK, lines open 9:30am-4:30pm M-F) and we can arrange this for you.
Got a unique situation or requirement?
Find out more about how we can help with specific needs, differences in process for overseas driving licence holders, as well as what happens when things just don't go to plan.
Yes, with any course booking, you have 14 days to let us know of any change, free of charge. We understand it can take time to put plans in place!
Beyond this, changes can still be made but as they impact any associated DVSA tests we have booked on your behalf, there may be associated fees. Click here to read our cancellation/transfer policy in more detail.
Specific to our Stoke-on-Trent Training Centre: we may need to adjust course dates as a result of the adjacent Stoke FC stadium and shared access to the campus during the football season. In affected cases, this is usually a matter of +/- 1 day, and we will be in touch shortly after you book to provide confirmation specific to your chosen course date.
Yes, but very rarely. Our motorcycle training courses operate all year round, and it’s important to learn to ride safely in all weather conditions. The DVSA Motorcycle Test Centre may choose to postpone tests in the event of intense snow, rain or high winds, however this is an extremely rare occurrence.
All BMW Rider Clothing provided is waterproof and insulated, and our training bikes have heated grips as standard to keep the chill at bay when riding. Our training centres have cozy classrooms and heated break areas too.
Not a problem, extended tests can be facilitated on request. We have many riders who need such extensions each year for hearing difficulties or due to past driving requirements, so we're quite experienced with the process.
Simply note this in the box during the checkout process when booking online. It may not always be possible for us to facilitate it on your initial dates chosen, as this is dependent on DVSA examiner capacity, however we'll investigate the options for you and be in touch to discuss once we have this confirmed.
We’ve done quite a few courses for professional riders over the years, so it’s a bit of a specialty of ours now. There are two primary options that we recommend;
In either case, you’ll need to pass your motorcycle theory test as the first step. If you’ve not yet done this, you can find your local centre, and book this test on the GOV.UK website here.
Unfortunately, the UK licencing process is only open to those resident in the UK, who hold a valid UK DVSA licence. Dependent on country of origin, you may be able to surrender your non-UK licence in exchange for a UK equivalent, without retaking any tests. You can find out more about which countries are eligible for Driving Licence Exchange on the GOV.UK website here.
However, if you're unable to exchange your licence or the eligibility window has elapsed, you will need to apply for a UK Provisional licence, and complete the full process of certification in order to achieve a motorcycle licence. (see "Gaining a UK Motorcycle Licence Process", under the "Choosing Your Training Course" section above for more info)
Rest assured, we have contingency plans for all of our courses, should the student not make it through the test first time. While we have an excellent first-time pass rate, it’s also important to remember that you can retake any test, and we’ll work with you to give you the best possible chances of walking away successful.
As you may be aware, you’re unable to proceed to the DVSA Module Two without passing Module One, nor are you able to retake the Module straight away, due to the DVSA-mandated waiting period.
In the event that you are not successful with Module 1 on the first attempt, there are usually two paths forward...
Of course, our senior instructor team will involve you in these discussions, so we can find a resolution that is the best fit for you personally. You can simply choose to continue if that works for you. Should you need them, we do provide extra retake days at a discount, but if return cost is a more influential factor, you can save the time for your retake.
We have a number of different upgrade options available too, from 1:1 training, to our Guaranteed Pass course that allows you as many retakes as possible as it takes for you to pass at a fixed cost. You can see these options using the 'Get Your Licence' menu above.
Following an independent review by the senior team, your local BMW Training Centre will provide feedback on your attempt, as well as a recommendation for retest including refresher time (if needed). They'll include any costs applicable, as well as upcoming date options for you to choose from.
We know most students are keen to get their next session booked in, but we kindly ask for your patience during this process. On average, it takes 72 hrs for our teams to receive the full reports, and we may also be awaiting our next wave of DVSA test allocation before we can offer confirmed return dates.
In order to be fair to all, we offer retest options to students in date order, oldest first based on the date of the initial test attempt. While we aim to offer options within 2 weeks of your initial attempt, during peak season this can be up to 6 weeks due to high demand, sadly out of our control.
If your test attempt was more than 15 working days ago, and you have not yet heard from our team regarding availability, please let us know by the Contact Us page here.
Unsure about what you will need?
Find out more about legal requirements for taking a DVSA practical test, details on all equipment included, and a breakdown of everything you need to prepare for an upcoming training session.
For all courses, both pre- and post-test, you’ll need to bring your photocard driving licence to be checked on the day. If you are still using an older 'paper' style licence without a photocard, please bring additional valid photo ID (i.e. a passport) with you for identification.
It is a legal requirement to present your photocard driving licence when starting your test, so please ensure you keep this with you throughout the week. Unfortunately, you cannot attend any associated DVSA tests without this, so it's a vital component! As previously, if you are still using an older 'paper' style licence without a photocard, please bring additional valid photo ID (i.e. a passport) with you for identification.
You'll also need your Theory test pass certificate, and if you've chosen a Direct Access course that does not include CBT, you will also need to bring your DL196 certificate. These must be ORIGINAL documents, and copies cannot be accepted.
A full complement of BMW Rider Clothing, including boots, gloves and helmet is included free of charge for all course bookings. Underneath this, we would recommend wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt and base-layer trousers.
However we do understand that you may be more comfortable in your own kit, and all students are welcome to wear their own protective clothing if they have this already. This will be subject to inspection by your instructor at the start of your course for safety, however as long as it is from a major motorcycle clothing manufacturer, complete with full protection at knees/elbows and in good repair, this is not a problem.
Beyond this, as we can never predict the weather here in the UK, a spare pair of socks is always a good idea!
Finally, our radio communication systems used during training use a plug-in ear loop. We clean these with medical grade alcohol wipes daily prior to every use but we understand that you may be more comfortable with your own. If this is the case, please bring along suitable in-ear headphones with a 3.5mm plug.
Looking to take your riding skills to the next level?
Find out more about refresher training if you're coming back to riding after a break, our options for group or one-to-one courses if you already have a motorcycle licence, and details on the certifications we offer.
The truth is that gaining your licence is just the first step. The world's most skilled riders weren't born that way; instead, they are continually learning new techniques, assessing their performance and habits to ensure that they are riding at the best possible level.
Without the stress of an upcoming DVSA test, motorcycle training is a lot more fun than you might expect!
Our advanced training sessions are all about really enjoying the riding, layering fine-detail adjustments on your existing skills under the expert eye of our senior instructors to make you a better, safer, more confident rider.
Our Back to Riding Refresher course is a perfect reintroduction to motorcycling - this is taught on a 2:1 student to instructor ratio, with bike hire, and all protective equiptment provided as standard. Over the day, you'll familiarise yourself with a modern BMW motorcycle from our fleet on our private training area, as well as refresh your bike control and manual handling skills.
When you're feeling ready, you'll head out onto the road under the expert guidance of our instructor to refresh your on-road positioning, distance, and braking skills as well as rebuild your riding confidence.
Prefer to train alone? Take a look at our bespoke One-to-One Training days for more focused training. (You can read more here about what Alison from MotorcycleNews thought of this course)
Our Advanced Riding Skills Level 3 course is perfect for those who already have some knowledge of advanced techniques. With the option to take a RoSPA assessment at the end of the 3 days, this course aims to bring your riding standard up to the highest civilian motorcycle certification available in the UK.
Alternatively, our 1:1 Premium Training days offer an opportunity to refine your knowledge and develop your skills even further, without distractions.
Not a problem at all. You can add this as an extra for a small supplement when booking online, or simply contact us to add this if you've already booked but would now prefer to use a model from our fleet.
As a BMW Motorrad parter, we exclusively use BMW motorcycles for all of our training and each BMW Rider Training Centre has a range of class-leading BMW models, from the novice-friendly BMW G 310 R to the impressive BMW R 1250 GS. Our fleet is professionally maintained and replaced annually, and equipped with ABS and heated grips to ensure your learning experience is a safe and comfortable one.
You can see more details on our BMW Motorcycle hire fleet here.
What makes us different than other training providers?
Find out more about our approach to teaching, details on our Training Centre facilities and available hire bikes, as well as our partnership with BMW Motorrad UK as part of their exciting World of BMW programme.
We have five great training centres across the UK, so students have the opportunity to get the BMW Rider Training experience, no matter where they're based. You can see the full address details and course offering at each centre here.
As standard, our training takes place in purpose-built, modern facilities, using dedicated training areas to make sure you’re learning in an environment that makes you feel safe and at ease. This far exceeds the minimum legal requirement, which often sees other training centres using car parks and school sports facilities where you may be interrupted by other road users.
We have cosy classrooms, dedicated changing rooms, and modern break rooms where you can relax and enjoy a hot drink during any training course.
Yes, we exclusively use BMW motorcycles for all of our training to ensure you experience the best machines in the marketplace.
Each BMW Rider Training Centre has a range of class-leading BMW models, from the novice-friendly BMW G 310 R to the impressive BMW R 1250 GS. Our fleet is professionally maintained and replaced annually, and equipped with ABS and heated grips to ensure your learning experience is a safe and comfortable one.
For our pre-test courses (DAS/CBT) a suitable motorcycle will be provided to you for the duration of your training, inclusive of comprehensive insurance and all fuel at no extra cost.
For our Advanced Skills training course options, you can choose to train on your own machine, or alternatively take advantage of our hire motorcycles for a small supplement.
You can see more details on our BMW Motorcycle hire fleet here.
We firmly believe that the quality of training is defined first and foremost by the quality of the instructor. There are many schools out there, and lots are small operations set up by experienced riders. However, an experienced and capable rider does not necessarily make a good teacher.
All of our instructors must be highly qualified advanced riders as independent people, as well as Advanced Riding instructors, all on top of the mandatory DVSA basic ‘CBT or DAS instructor’ requirements.
This includes a range of both Advanced Rider ‘personal’, and Advanced Rider-Trainer ‘professional’ qualifications including the likes of RoSPA-Gold Standard diploma, IAM Advanced Rider Training certification, FBOS, DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme and ERS Trainer certification, BMF Blue Riband, and others. We’re proud to be MCIA RIDE Gold certified across all centres.
This stringent set of requirements means our instructors are often the very ‘cream of the crop’, but we also look for instructors who are passionate teachers first and foremost in recognition of the fact that this has the biggest impact on your learning.
We understand that the physical and sensory complexities of riding a motorcycle can be quite a shock to new students. Our gentle start and progressive 'layering' approach to training will allow you will make incredible progress in a very short space of time.
It is an intense experience, both mentally and physically exhausting at times, but it is our objective to make the learning process a fun one!
For pre-test training, you will never be more than 2 students to an instructor at any point in your training, to ensure you get as much individual tuition as possible. Many schools teach 4-6 students per instructor, only dropping to the legal requirement of 2:1 for assessments.
Instead, you’ll be paired with a rider of similar experience or skill level to yourself, and one of our great instructors. You’ll have access to the DVSA test centre where you will sit your Module 1 test, in order to practice there to reduce nerves on the day. In addition to this, we do as much training on-bike as possible. This is to ensure that you get the opportunity to put into practice any theory being discussed, and build on this in a consistent and progressive way.
World of BMW is the official activity programme in partnership with BMW Motorrad UK, offering a range of exciting tours, trips, and courses to experience riding to it's fullest.
Whether you’re just discovering motorcycles or a seasoned rider looking to enhance your skills, we have a course to suit you as part of BMW Rider Training.
If you're looking for exceptional off-road tuition, BMW Off Road Skills offers you the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and learn how to take on all-terrains onboard the latest GS models.
Those looking to master their skills on track should try BMW Motorrad Performance Academy and anyone with an adventurous spirit can explore the globe with BMW Motorrad Tours, with over 40 destinations to choose from.
You can see the full activity brochure online here.
If you can't find the answers you're looking for, our dedicated team will be happy to help. You can reach out quickly and easily using the message box here, or you can send us an email to BMW@WorldofBMW.com.
You can call our team on 08000 131282 (+44(0)1622 776686 outside the UK). Our telephone lines are open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Our telephone lines do get extremely busy at peak times during the riding season, when courses and events are in full swing. If our lines are busy, we kindly ask you to consider sending a message via the link above, as we may be able to provide answers to your queries much sooner. We appreciate your understanding!