Taking DAS training, but not enjoying it
Discussion
If you only have Mod 2 left after all the expense and effort so far you might as well go for it. You may well decide that biking is not for you in the long term but at least you will have the choice. Riding after passing your test is a whole different world. Not being constantly observed and criticised and learning at your own rate sounds like it will be much more enjoyable for you.
Ever tried skiing?
Day one - disaster.
Day two - try not to lamp the smug git instructor
Day three - seriously question why you're even trying
Day four - best holiday you've ever had
I'm doing Mod 1 next week starting at 7am! I drive rally cars sideways for a hobby but still cringed as I put my meaty CBT 125 into the first proper bend I came to at about 40mph. Rock hard!!
Determined to do it all even if I do scare myself witless, wish I'd done it years ago when i was probably less scared.
You are not alone OP
Day one - disaster.
Day two - try not to lamp the smug git instructor
Day three - seriously question why you're even trying
Day four - best holiday you've ever had
I'm doing Mod 1 next week starting at 7am! I drive rally cars sideways for a hobby but still cringed as I put my meaty CBT 125 into the first proper bend I came to at about 40mph. Rock hard!!
Determined to do it all even if I do scare myself witless, wish I'd done it years ago when i was probably less scared.
You are not alone OP
Rider fatigue may be part of it, I used to fill up with energy type of breakfasts and ensured at at time I was doing my DAS the instructor pointed out when the breaks were (being a big fat instructor, those sausage rolls were just as important to him).
Fatigue and tiredness does tense you up, but at your stage now , do your MOD 2. I'm going by the Indianna Jones quote here "It's not the years honey, it's the mileage". I;ve clocked up 3000 miles since I collected my bike in mid-December and more and more fluent and aware of what s around me then when I passed, you learn as you ride.
I have to say being aware of your current situation is good, you know what is wrong and being self aware is always a good thing motorcycling .
I passed in November and when I start fluffing a gear or being indecisive , I stop and recharge. Thankfully thats only on a few occasions and after a few hours.
Good luck !
Fatigue and tiredness does tense you up, but at your stage now , do your MOD 2. I'm going by the Indianna Jones quote here "It's not the years honey, it's the mileage". I;ve clocked up 3000 miles since I collected my bike in mid-December and more and more fluent and aware of what s around me then when I passed, you learn as you ride.
I have to say being aware of your current situation is good, you know what is wrong and being self aware is always a good thing motorcycling .
I passed in November and when I start fluffing a gear or being indecisive , I stop and recharge. Thankfully thats only on a few occasions and after a few hours.
Good luck !
joema said:
Stress of failure? You don't need the licence so don't worry, take the test as many times as you need.
It's a shame that schools can't loan out 125's for like a month or something so you can go out and ride and just get used to it in your own time.
I did my DAS with CamRider (I think they were called in Cambridge). They let you hire 125s outside of the DAS course which was brilliant for extra practice during the early days but this was 17 years ago so may well have changed. It's a shame that schools can't loan out 125's for like a month or something so you can go out and ride and just get used to it in your own time.
I have to say that when I did DAS, there was 4 days training then the test with none of the extra stuff you poor sods have to do now. I must say I was hooked the moment I opened the throttle on a 500 for the first time!
Wow, thank you all for your advice and feedback, I didn't expect to get so many responses.
Sounds like fundamentally you are just to tense. Its easy to say and hard to do but relax and everything will be much nicer.
You are bang on there and it's been picked up by the instructor during the MOD1 training and the DT examiner. There's only been one lesson that I've felt totally with it, focused and full of energy and enthusiasm and I was bombing around with no hesitation and all the checks in the right places. I think the instructor must have thought I had taken something!
IMO you'll like it more with time in the saddle.
I agree, more time and more experience = more confidence and enjoyment
Observations should be about the same for driving a car as a bike! If you feel you are doing too many then I'd question how safe you are in a car.
Fair point there. I have to say I had neglected regular mirror checks in the car when driving down a straight single carriageway road, but since I've started the bike training I find i'm using them regularly. It helps to spot overtaking motorcyclists or emergency vehicles well in advance.
Comfort of riding at speed only comes from experience and potentially further training.
I agree. Counter-steering has helped my confidence in cornering as it feels much more stable.
I would suggest get you license then make the decision of where you want to take it? ( that is assuming you can afford that route)
The money isn't really an issue as it's an agreed price.
I say stick with it and speak to your instructor about your worries.
I have done, he's very patient and understanding.
I felt the same way. Riding was an enormous chore for well over a year, and I'd have to force myself to do it and was constantly stressed and tired by all of it- the s t, heavy clothes, the heat, everything.
That is spot-on how I feel about it at this stage. Add to that the claustrophobic feeling of wearing a crash helmet for the first time. It takes some getting used to.
Worth a go anyway. Good luck fella.
Thanks very much.
I hated DAS lessons, I hated mod 1, I never once would say I actually enjoyed a DAS lesson. I felt you tbh, fed up, loosing concentration and at times a little scared. I nearly gave up. TBF
This really chimes with my feelings ATM.
Perhaps you arent used to the sensation of speed on a bike, you after all are much more exposed than in a car.
This. I have been pillion on a mates bike and when he's opened up I felt the blood drain out my head and felt faint for the first few times, then your body acclimatises to the rush of acceleration and you really start to enjoy the rush.
The only thing I can relate to is the observations, you get it drummed into your head a bit by your instructor because it's important, but they'll quickly become second nature and you won't even realise you're doing them.
I'm impatient waiting for everything to become 'automatic' and second nature.
I'd be tempted to ask your instructor to take you on a "ride out" for an hour, i.e. not give you instructions and remind you of things every 15 seconds, but just ride with you on a quiet road and leave you to it a little bit, so you can try and relax and enjoy it.
TBF i'm at the stage where he's doing this now anyway. He's hardly giving me any feedback during the ride in the urban environment other than giving me directions as i'm getting it pretty much right now, occasionally I forget to do something but he knows I know I cocked up. I tend to be making mistakes when we go out on the NSL roads when i'm not getting up to the speed limit as quickly as I should or neglecting mirror checks as i'm trying to sus out the road and handling and feeling nervous about travelling at the NSL.
OP, it's hard, it's a new skill you are learning and you are not very good at it (yet).
This is very true.
All I can say is, keep at it, sooner or later the basic motor skills will click and you will then be able to apply more concentration to riding at speed, corner positioning and the more advanced skills. It's like learning to walk, it takes a while even for kids with their ability to learn new stuff mega fast, as adults it's a much longer process.
Again, a spot on comment and observation. Once the motor skills click it should be a lot less stressful.
Get out on the bike as often as you can, it will all start to gel of its own accord.
Saddle time is king.
Stick with it, with practice and experience it will get better and better
They say there's no substitute for experience.
Everyone has days that they don't enjoy training. I mostly enjoyed my DAS but there were some lessons where I found myself riding along thinking 'is this for me?'. Sometimes I just wasn't in the mood or I couldn't be arsed, and on days when I feel like that I don't take my bike out. When you're doing training, you're booker and committed to going along with the lessons in the planner.
Again, this totally chimes with my feelings at the moment.
It's not for everyone but you may as well get the test done seeing as you are this far. Getting up to NSL on certain roads is dangerous for sure so don't stress too much about being cautious. In short, give it time!
I know. I don't like not being good and confident at something that I want to crack.
Stress of failure? You don't need the licence so don't worry, take the test as many times as you need.
I've said this all along, but I hate failing at something, but in hindsight i know some of the best lessons I've learned have resulted from failure.
It's a shame that schools can't loan out 125's for like a month or something so you can go out and ride and just get used to it in your own time.
That would certainly help!
just do the mod two
Fair comment
you be surprised how much more you enjoy riding. when you aint got a know it all jabbering in your ear over the radio all the time
TBF my instructor is saying hardly anything at this stage (until we go out on a NSL road with twisties).
You are not alone OP
That's reassuring.
Rider fatigue may be part of it,
Fatigue and tiredness does tense you up
I think this is the underlying problem. I've been taking Phenergan (for sedation) each night to ensure I sleep all the way through the night as sleep has been a major issue of late. It does ensure I get 7 hours a night, but i'm sure it has a big effect on my ability to focus and think clearly and quickly at work, which also compounds the stress I feel during my lessons. I always book a lesson quite late in the day (3-4 pm) to allow it to wear off, but still feel that it's still affecting me.
I stopped taking it last night and binned them and I was back to 3 hours last night. Although I feel tired, my focus and attention is much improved. Luckily I work from home most of the time, so the only downside has been my work productivity in the mornings.
Good luck !
Thanks, I think I need it,
Do you have the right gear.
Yeah, got textile jacket and trousers with inbuilt protection in the right places. I've got a borrowed crash helmet and boots that fits me well, but I said I would treat myself to decent replacements once I've passed the MOD2 test.
I haven't booked any more lessons for the time being as I want to gather my thoughts on whether I want to continue or not, plus I must get sleep situation controlled as it's pointless (and dangerous) riding when i'm feeling tired.
Sounds like fundamentally you are just to tense. Its easy to say and hard to do but relax and everything will be much nicer.
You are bang on there and it's been picked up by the instructor during the MOD1 training and the DT examiner. There's only been one lesson that I've felt totally with it, focused and full of energy and enthusiasm and I was bombing around with no hesitation and all the checks in the right places. I think the instructor must have thought I had taken something!
IMO you'll like it more with time in the saddle.
I agree, more time and more experience = more confidence and enjoyment
Observations should be about the same for driving a car as a bike! If you feel you are doing too many then I'd question how safe you are in a car.
Fair point there. I have to say I had neglected regular mirror checks in the car when driving down a straight single carriageway road, but since I've started the bike training I find i'm using them regularly. It helps to spot overtaking motorcyclists or emergency vehicles well in advance.
Comfort of riding at speed only comes from experience and potentially further training.
I agree. Counter-steering has helped my confidence in cornering as it feels much more stable.
I would suggest get you license then make the decision of where you want to take it? ( that is assuming you can afford that route)
The money isn't really an issue as it's an agreed price.
I say stick with it and speak to your instructor about your worries.
I have done, he's very patient and understanding.
I felt the same way. Riding was an enormous chore for well over a year, and I'd have to force myself to do it and was constantly stressed and tired by all of it- the s t, heavy clothes, the heat, everything.
That is spot-on how I feel about it at this stage. Add to that the claustrophobic feeling of wearing a crash helmet for the first time. It takes some getting used to.
Worth a go anyway. Good luck fella.
Thanks very much.
I hated DAS lessons, I hated mod 1, I never once would say I actually enjoyed a DAS lesson. I felt you tbh, fed up, loosing concentration and at times a little scared. I nearly gave up. TBF
This really chimes with my feelings ATM.
Perhaps you arent used to the sensation of speed on a bike, you after all are much more exposed than in a car.
This. I have been pillion on a mates bike and when he's opened up I felt the blood drain out my head and felt faint for the first few times, then your body acclimatises to the rush of acceleration and you really start to enjoy the rush.
The only thing I can relate to is the observations, you get it drummed into your head a bit by your instructor because it's important, but they'll quickly become second nature and you won't even realise you're doing them.
I'm impatient waiting for everything to become 'automatic' and second nature.
I'd be tempted to ask your instructor to take you on a "ride out" for an hour, i.e. not give you instructions and remind you of things every 15 seconds, but just ride with you on a quiet road and leave you to it a little bit, so you can try and relax and enjoy it.
TBF i'm at the stage where he's doing this now anyway. He's hardly giving me any feedback during the ride in the urban environment other than giving me directions as i'm getting it pretty much right now, occasionally I forget to do something but he knows I know I cocked up. I tend to be making mistakes when we go out on the NSL roads when i'm not getting up to the speed limit as quickly as I should or neglecting mirror checks as i'm trying to sus out the road and handling and feeling nervous about travelling at the NSL.
OP, it's hard, it's a new skill you are learning and you are not very good at it (yet).
This is very true.
All I can say is, keep at it, sooner or later the basic motor skills will click and you will then be able to apply more concentration to riding at speed, corner positioning and the more advanced skills. It's like learning to walk, it takes a while even for kids with their ability to learn new stuff mega fast, as adults it's a much longer process.
Again, a spot on comment and observation. Once the motor skills click it should be a lot less stressful.
Get out on the bike as often as you can, it will all start to gel of its own accord.
Saddle time is king.
Stick with it, with practice and experience it will get better and better
They say there's no substitute for experience.
Everyone has days that they don't enjoy training. I mostly enjoyed my DAS but there were some lessons where I found myself riding along thinking 'is this for me?'. Sometimes I just wasn't in the mood or I couldn't be arsed, and on days when I feel like that I don't take my bike out. When you're doing training, you're booker and committed to going along with the lessons in the planner.
Again, this totally chimes with my feelings at the moment.
It's not for everyone but you may as well get the test done seeing as you are this far. Getting up to NSL on certain roads is dangerous for sure so don't stress too much about being cautious. In short, give it time!
I know. I don't like not being good and confident at something that I want to crack.
Stress of failure? You don't need the licence so don't worry, take the test as many times as you need.
I've said this all along, but I hate failing at something, but in hindsight i know some of the best lessons I've learned have resulted from failure.
It's a shame that schools can't loan out 125's for like a month or something so you can go out and ride and just get used to it in your own time.
That would certainly help!
just do the mod two
Fair comment
you be surprised how much more you enjoy riding. when you aint got a know it all jabbering in your ear over the radio all the time
TBF my instructor is saying hardly anything at this stage (until we go out on a NSL road with twisties).
You are not alone OP
That's reassuring.
Rider fatigue may be part of it,
Fatigue and tiredness does tense you up
I think this is the underlying problem. I've been taking Phenergan (for sedation) each night to ensure I sleep all the way through the night as sleep has been a major issue of late. It does ensure I get 7 hours a night, but i'm sure it has a big effect on my ability to focus and think clearly and quickly at work, which also compounds the stress I feel during my lessons. I always book a lesson quite late in the day (3-4 pm) to allow it to wear off, but still feel that it's still affecting me.
I stopped taking it last night and binned them and I was back to 3 hours last night. Although I feel tired, my focus and attention is much improved. Luckily I work from home most of the time, so the only downside has been my work productivity in the mornings.
Good luck !
Thanks, I think I need it,
Do you have the right gear.
Yeah, got textile jacket and trousers with inbuilt protection in the right places. I've got a borrowed crash helmet and boots that fits me well, but I said I would treat myself to decent replacements once I've passed the MOD2 test.
I haven't booked any more lessons for the time being as I want to gather my thoughts on whether I want to continue or not, plus I must get sleep situation controlled as it's pointless (and dangerous) riding when i'm feeling tired.
I didn't enjoy DAS training either and I don't think I started enjoying it until a few months in when I'd developed more skills/confidence. I'm a confident guy but just felt abit like a fish out of water for a while.
When I wasn't sure, I just promised myself I'd buy a decent(ish) big bike (GSX-R600) and give it 6 months before deciding anything.
I now love to ride and enjoy the rawness of it and I generally find it very relaxing/fun.
When I wasn't sure, I just promised myself I'd buy a decent(ish) big bike (GSX-R600) and give it 6 months before deciding anything.
I now love to ride and enjoy the rawness of it and I generally find it very relaxing/fun.
I did DAS about 14 years ago now
I really enjoyed having the week off work and just going out from about 9am to 3pm riding all over the place. Good instructors helped, but it never crossed my mind that it wasn't fun.
Whilst I was fine going around built up areas at 35-40ish. Enjoyed out dragging a Boxster from the lights on a bike worth all of £50.
Id been separated from the instructor by the lights and he said "catch up when you can" I found a way to catch up swiftly 
The first time we went on a major 3 lane 70mph road it was a bit disconcerting. Felt very vulnerable for maybe half a mile. But got into it and was ok.
To the OP, if you CAN get Mod2. It gives you the option later in life. Even if it's just a scooter on holiday somewhere. So Id suggest doing it even if you never ride a bike again afterwards.
Ref Potholing by an earlier post. I never thought I would, but then years and years ago on a school trip to Wales, I drew the short straw and ended up doing it. Was scary, but at the end got the "sense of accomplishment" rush
I really enjoyed having the week off work and just going out from about 9am to 3pm riding all over the place. Good instructors helped, but it never crossed my mind that it wasn't fun.
Whilst I was fine going around built up areas at 35-40ish. Enjoyed out dragging a Boxster from the lights on a bike worth all of £50.
Id been separated from the instructor by the lights and he said "catch up when you can" I found a way to catch up swiftly The first time we went on a major 3 lane 70mph road it was a bit disconcerting. Felt very vulnerable for maybe half a mile. But got into it and was ok.
To the OP, if you CAN get Mod2. It gives you the option later in life. Even if it's just a scooter on holiday somewhere. So Id suggest doing it even if you never ride a bike again afterwards.
Ref Potholing by an earlier post. I never thought I would, but then years and years ago on a school trip to Wales, I drew the short straw and ended up doing it. Was scary, but at the end got the "sense of accomplishment" rush
OP - I also hated my DAS but only for first couple of days on the 125. Once I moved to the 500 it all clicked into place for me. I was petrified on the 125 at 60mph, but when onto the 500 (ER5) I was ok at 70mph. Not confident but ok. I was riding in an oversized borrowed leather jacket and gloves, jeans and Timberlands!
I then bought my own bike (SV650S) and 70 still felt quick for about a week. However in a very short space of time 70mph felt pedestrian. Is amazing how quickly your skills get up when riding every day.
I think your problem is that you are squeezing sessions in over different times you have free. So is almost becoming a chore, with too much time to think about it. When I did the DAS it was 5 days off of work, where all I had to think about was getting my licence. It sounds to me like it is a hobby that you have not really committed to (like the Tennis/Squash/Badminton racket in my garage, and the rollerblades and skateboards etc). If you just blocked some time to do it, I suspect you will enjoy it more and achieve quicker. Was the same when I did my IAM - I dreaded every week having to do it. It defintely improved my riding, but I got more from a day's BikeSafe than I did 10 sessions on IAM. If I could have done IAM over 5 days it would have been much more enjoyable.
Then afterwards get your own bike and see how you progress at your own pace. If you don't like it - fair enough. I bet you do though!
I then bought my own bike (SV650S) and 70 still felt quick for about a week. However in a very short space of time 70mph felt pedestrian. Is amazing how quickly your skills get up when riding every day.
I think your problem is that you are squeezing sessions in over different times you have free. So is almost becoming a chore, with too much time to think about it. When I did the DAS it was 5 days off of work, where all I had to think about was getting my licence. It sounds to me like it is a hobby that you have not really committed to (like the Tennis/Squash/Badminton racket in my garage, and the rollerblades and skateboards etc). If you just blocked some time to do it, I suspect you will enjoy it more and achieve quicker. Was the same when I did my IAM - I dreaded every week having to do it. It defintely improved my riding, but I got more from a day's BikeSafe than I did 10 sessions on IAM. If I could have done IAM over 5 days it would have been much more enjoyable.
Then afterwards get your own bike and see how you progress at your own pace. If you don't like it - fair enough. I bet you do though!
Riding is initially not the most comfortable thing to do. You won't be instantly good at it, you won't feel instantly at ease, it's the same with anything new that you try. Throw into the mix that there's a risk element and vulnerability, and it's easy to convince yourself that it's not for you.
I did not feel confident after doing my DAS many years ago. I really enjoyed it at the time, but did I feel confident and well qualified to ride a fast bike after? No. It took a good few months or even a year of riding after my DAS for me to really get into it and feel at one with the bike, and now I would not be without a motorbike.
2 choices I guess. Persevere or quit. Only you can decide what's best. If it was me, you've come this far, see it through, get your licence, then you can always ride or not ride, you'll have a choice.
I did not feel confident after doing my DAS many years ago. I really enjoyed it at the time, but did I feel confident and well qualified to ride a fast bike after? No. It took a good few months or even a year of riding after my DAS for me to really get into it and feel at one with the bike, and now I would not be without a motorbike.
2 choices I guess. Persevere or quit. Only you can decide what's best. If it was me, you've come this far, see it through, get your licence, then you can always ride or not ride, you'll have a choice.
I'm waiting for my mod1 and 2 tests (long wait here - mid June)
What made all the difference for me at speed was deliberate countersteering. I started off trying to lean and it just didn't work for me and left me really unhappy about moving at speed on NSL.
I watched the twist of the wrist 2 film and read 'total control'. Suddenly it came together.
What made all the difference for me at speed was deliberate countersteering. I started off trying to lean and it just didn't work for me and left me really unhappy about moving at speed on NSL.
I watched the twist of the wrist 2 film and read 'total control'. Suddenly it came together.
TooLateForAName said:
I'm waiting for my mod1 and 2 tests (long wait here - mid June)
What made all the difference for me at speed was deliberate countersteering. I started off trying to lean and it just didn't work for me and left me really unhappy about moving at speed on NSL.
I watched the twist of the wrist 2 film and read 'total control'. Suddenly it came together.
deliberate countersteering was also a huge thing for me, reading "twist of the wrist" really helped me too.What made all the difference for me at speed was deliberate countersteering. I started off trying to lean and it just didn't work for me and left me really unhappy about moving at speed on NSL.
I watched the twist of the wrist 2 film and read 'total control'. Suddenly it came together.
moanthebairns said:
Do you have the right gear. For me I instantly felt safer the second I got leather trousers than just jeans.
A lot of confidence came when I was suited and booted to start. f
k I done my cbt in my riggers and a pair of stey 30 quid gloves.
gear don't make you a safer rider observation hazard perception and experience doesA lot of confidence came when I was suited and booted to start. f
k I done my cbt in my riggers and a pair of stey 30 quid gloves. Lifesavers are called that for good reason.
Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
kurt535 said:
Lifesavers are called that for good reason.
Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
just go quicker, this doesn't become a problem when your the quickest on the road that day.Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
The blind spot stuff is good to start with, but you catch a s
t load in your peripheral vision, hearing and feeling as you go on.Very, very rarely am I surprised when I get done on the track as you just know someone is there or following you without checking or mirrors.
optimate said:
moanthebairns said:
Do you have the right gear. For me I instantly felt safer the second I got leather trousers than just jeans.
A lot of confidence came when I was suited and booted to start. fk I done my cbt in my riggers and a pair of stey 30 quid gloves.
gear don't make you a safer rider observation hazard perception and experience doesA lot of confidence came when I was suited and booted to start. f
k I done my cbt in my riggers and a pair of stey 30 quid gloves. kurt535 said:
Lifesavers are called that for good reason.
Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
Are you telling me that you religiously put in every life saver you were taught to do to pass your test? There are the obvious ones, exiting big roundabouts, changing lanes etc which are common sense, but a lot of the ones you were taught to do when learning (particularly the slow speed ones) are really made unnecessary with experience, and good observation. Genuinely surprised at some of the comments here.
Essentially, any significant change/move of your road position into a space where another truck/car/biker/pedestrian could be lurking in your blind spot is worth a look.
99% of the time there will be nothing. It's the 1% you're hedging against.
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