Das or lessons
Discussion
I went from never been on a bike to full license within a week.
I then got on a GSX-R600 and took my time for a while before scaring myself regularly for a while afterwards. I listened to everyone’s advice to not do a CBT and ride around on a small bike. I didn’t like the idea of the faff of buying a small bike to doing the big bike license and then buying another bike.
As a general rule, I also think doing something intensively allows for greater skill development and also has the added benefit of getting it done and out of the way.
I then got on a GSX-R600 and took my time for a while before scaring myself regularly for a while afterwards. I listened to everyone’s advice to not do a CBT and ride around on a small bike. I didn’t like the idea of the faff of buying a small bike to doing the big bike license and then buying another bike.
As a general rule, I also think doing something intensively allows for greater skill development and also has the added benefit of getting it done and out of the way.
If you go DAS, make sure you have done your research. I went with a local school, told them I hadn't ridden for circa 20 years and wanted to do the DAS. I was told that I needed to do my theory test (no problem) and then book on for the CBT (again no problem). The CBT, they put me on a tiny 125 but nevertheless, passed with no issues.
However....First day on the DAS. Turned up, was shown a Yamaha 650 Expression. Told what to touch and not to touch, make sure lights were on and radio was working and off we go. Was spoken to like an imbecile from the off. Bear in mind I hadn't ridden (save for the CBT) in around 20 years and never anything as large as a 650 before. I pulled over to the side of the road, and politely but firmly told the instructor that cutting me a little slack might be in order because I was totally unfamiliar with the bike and motorcycle roadcraft. Apparently they thought that 'full days training' was start at tennish, finish at three and have numerous coffee/fag breaks and a lunch hour.
Long one short, it never really improved through the week and I failed mod 1 on a foot down on the U turn. Time and not wanting to go back to that school have pushed doing the DAS to the bottom of my 'things to do' list.
I would say, DAS is a fantastic way to get straight into biking, but do choose your school carefully.
However....First day on the DAS. Turned up, was shown a Yamaha 650 Expression. Told what to touch and not to touch, make sure lights were on and radio was working and off we go. Was spoken to like an imbecile from the off. Bear in mind I hadn't ridden (save for the CBT) in around 20 years and never anything as large as a 650 before. I pulled over to the side of the road, and politely but firmly told the instructor that cutting me a little slack might be in order because I was totally unfamiliar with the bike and motorcycle roadcraft. Apparently they thought that 'full days training' was start at tennish, finish at three and have numerous coffee/fag breaks and a lunch hour.
Long one short, it never really improved through the week and I failed mod 1 on a foot down on the U turn. Time and not wanting to go back to that school have pushed doing the DAS to the bottom of my 'things to do' list.
I would say, DAS is a fantastic way to get straight into biking, but do choose your school carefully.
Scobblelotcher said:
I went from never been on a bike to full license within a week.
I then got on a GSX-R600 and took my time for a while before scaring myself regularly for a while afterwards. I listened to everyone’s advice to not do a CBT and ride around on a small bike. I didn’t like the idea of the faff of buying a small bike to doing the big bike license and then buying another bike.
As a general rule, I also think doing something intensively allows for greater skill development and also has the added benefit of getting it done and out of the way.
Almost the same for me except I did my CBT a few weeks before my DAS. Then went and got a 650 SuperMoto!I then got on a GSX-R600 and took my time for a while before scaring myself regularly for a while afterwards. I listened to everyone’s advice to not do a CBT and ride around on a small bike. I didn’t like the idea of the faff of buying a small bike to doing the big bike license and then buying another bike.
As a general rule, I also think doing something intensively allows for greater skill development and also has the added benefit of getting it done and out of the way.
I did ad hoc lessons for various reasons around illness and childcare etc.
If doing again I'd make sure it was more regular. I sometimes went 2 or 3 weeks between lessons which I found difficult. I dont think I'd want to do an intensive course (I would want time to think about what I'd done) but maybe 1 or 2 lessons per week.
On the plus side I did pass both parts 1st time. I think the instructor was surprised and certainly I know more experienced learners with teh same instructor failed (I didnt have a 125 and I did some lessons with people who were either returners to biking or stepping up from smaller bikes).
Several people failed mod 1 on locking the rear wheel on the emergency stop - I just covered the rear brake but didn't actually use it.
If doing again I'd make sure it was more regular. I sometimes went 2 or 3 weeks between lessons which I found difficult. I dont think I'd want to do an intensive course (I would want time to think about what I'd done) but maybe 1 or 2 lessons per week.
On the plus side I did pass both parts 1st time. I think the instructor was surprised and certainly I know more experienced learners with teh same instructor failed (I didnt have a 125 and I did some lessons with people who were either returners to biking or stepping up from smaller bikes).
Several people failed mod 1 on locking the rear wheel on the emergency stop - I just covered the rear brake but didn't actually use it.
Tyre Smoke said:
If you go DAS, make sure you have done your research
Inevitably, whether you choose an intensive course or split lessons, you'll be doing the DAS. That just means you're getting direct access to the top tier of licence available for your age rather than going through the tiered licence structure. Whatever you do, you'll probably be fine. A friend of mine who is a driving instructor and does advanced driving courses thinks the results are better when the lessons are split over several sessions rather than crammed into a short week of long days, not least because it gives the student time to consolidate their skills and you arrive at peak concentration, rather than starting fresh and then slugging out the day. It's a bonus not having to take time off work to split the lessons, but it will obviously take longer to reach the goal.
That said, both methods end up in the same place.
I’ve just passed my mod2 on Friday just gone after doing DAS. I did my theory and CBT and didn’t ride a bike again until 2 weeks ago.
I went with a different company to who I did my CBT with as I didn’t like thier ‘style’ so then spent some time finding somewhere to do the rest.
Depending where your based, I couldn’t recommend these guys enough. http://motorcycletraininginsurrey.co.uk
Fiona and then Derek who did all my training were superb!
I went with a different company to who I did my CBT with as I didn’t like thier ‘style’ so then spent some time finding somewhere to do the rest.
Depending where your based, I couldn’t recommend these guys enough. http://motorcycletraininginsurrey.co.uk
Fiona and then Derek who did all my training were superb!
I did my DAS back in December. 2 day CBT one weekend, then a few weeks later I did a 5 day course. Really great school up in Royston - BMW Rider Training I think they were called. Really good standard of instructors, really good tuition. 4 on my DAS - 2 men, 2 women. Both men failed! One dropped the bike on the Mod 1, the other failed Mod 2. Both girls passed 
Bucking the stats trend !
Personally I found it worked well, but I've had a driving license for about 20 years and have done a lot of advanced road training in the car. I don't see why it wouldn't work for most people, then I went out and bought a bike within about 3-4 weeks and got on with it. It's helped having a partner who's into bikes and very patient !
I guess it really depends on the school and the quality of tuition, and how well you respond to that sort of intensive learning. I found it quite tiring even though the days were probably 9-3ish (due to the light), still a lot to take in and learn. But it gets it all done and dusted in a week.
The risk is that if you fail Mod 1, which we did on the Wednesday, you're screwed for Mod 2 on the Friday as you have to wait 3 working days before reapplying I think.
Bucking the stats trend !Personally I found it worked well, but I've had a driving license for about 20 years and have done a lot of advanced road training in the car. I don't see why it wouldn't work for most people, then I went out and bought a bike within about 3-4 weeks and got on with it. It's helped having a partner who's into bikes and very patient !
I guess it really depends on the school and the quality of tuition, and how well you respond to that sort of intensive learning. I found it quite tiring even though the days were probably 9-3ish (due to the light), still a lot to take in and learn. But it gets it all done and dusted in a week.
The risk is that if you fail Mod 1, which we did on the Wednesday, you're screwed for Mod 2 on the Friday as you have to wait 3 working days before reapplying I think.
It depends if you're in a rush or not.
I was riding a 125 for a few months then decided I wanted a proper bike so I already had the bike control and didn't need to think about that whereas the other guy on mod 1 training had no idea (unsure how he had a cbt).
I did 1 day of lessons before each test. Didn't book Mod 2 until I passed Mod 1 (passed first time though).
I could have done both the same day but I was in no rush and if I failed Mod 1 I wouldn't have lost my test fee for Mod 2 so that helped remove some pressure.
Research your local schools and see how they can accommodate you.
I was riding a 125 for a few months then decided I wanted a proper bike so I already had the bike control and didn't need to think about that whereas the other guy on mod 1 training had no idea (unsure how he had a cbt).
I did 1 day of lessons before each test. Didn't book Mod 2 until I passed Mod 1 (passed first time though).
I could have done both the same day but I was in no rush and if I failed Mod 1 I wouldn't have lost my test fee for Mod 2 so that helped remove some pressure.
Research your local schools and see how they can accommodate you.
Tyre Smoke said:
If you go DAS, make sure you have done your research. I went with a local school, told them I hadn't ridden for circa 20 years and wanted to do the DAS. I was told that I needed to do my theory test (no problem) and then book on for the CBT (again no problem). The CBT, they put me on a tiny 125 but nevertheless, passed with no issues.
However....First day on the DAS. Turned up, was shown a Yamaha 650 Expression. Told what to touch and not to touch, make sure lights were on and radio was working and off we go. Was spoken to like an imbecile from the off. Bear in mind I hadn't ridden (save for the CBT) in around 20 years and never anything as large as a 650 before. I pulled over to the side of the road, and politely but firmly told the instructor that cutting me a little slack might be in order because I was totally unfamiliar with the bike and motorcycle roadcraft. Apparently they thought that 'full days training' was start at tennish, finish at three and have numerous coffee/fag breaks and a lunch hour.
Long one short, it never really improved through the week and I failed mod 1 on a foot down on the U turn. Time and not wanting to go back to that school have pushed doing the DAS to the bottom of my 'things to do' list.
I would say, DAS is a fantastic way to get straight into biking, but do choose your school carefully.
An absolutely fabulous post and highlights how hit and miss schools really are. Sadly, course price rules the roost with majority of consumers and it baffled me how very few people queried their training regime. You are in the 1%. Im sorry for your experience but, you are not alone.However....First day on the DAS. Turned up, was shown a Yamaha 650 Expression. Told what to touch and not to touch, make sure lights were on and radio was working and off we go. Was spoken to like an imbecile from the off. Bear in mind I hadn't ridden (save for the CBT) in around 20 years and never anything as large as a 650 before. I pulled over to the side of the road, and politely but firmly told the instructor that cutting me a little slack might be in order because I was totally unfamiliar with the bike and motorcycle roadcraft. Apparently they thought that 'full days training' was start at tennish, finish at three and have numerous coffee/fag breaks and a lunch hour.
Long one short, it never really improved through the week and I failed mod 1 on a foot down on the U turn. Time and not wanting to go back to that school have pushed doing the DAS to the bottom of my 'things to do' list.
I would say, DAS is a fantastic way to get straight into biking, but do choose your school carefully.
Couldn't agree more, there are some shocking schools.
If it's nearby I very highly recommend the Honda school of motoring at Donnington Park.
No you don't get to use the track but there is a lovely big smooth tarmac area for the mod 1 practice, not some crumbly old tennis court like I did my CBT practice on.
Niel is a lovely bloke too and put me at ease right away.
As the old proverb goes, buy cheap buy twice.
If it's nearby I very highly recommend the Honda school of motoring at Donnington Park.
No you don't get to use the track but there is a lovely big smooth tarmac area for the mod 1 practice, not some crumbly old tennis court like I did my CBT practice on.
Niel is a lovely bloke too and put me at ease right away.
As the old proverb goes, buy cheap buy twice.
I did my Das over 2 weekends last October.
Already had my theory then did the cbt.
Day 1 - getting used to the bike (2017 sv650) off and on road
Day 2 - mod 1 specific training
Day 3 - mod 1 test (passed with 1 minor for right foot down after emergency stop. Went down after my left so no biggie)
Day 4 - mod 2 specific training
Day 5 - mod 2 test (no minors)
Already had my theory then did the cbt.
Day 1 - getting used to the bike (2017 sv650) off and on road
Day 2 - mod 1 specific training
Day 3 - mod 1 test (passed with 1 minor for right foot down after emergency stop. Went down after my left so no biggie)
Day 4 - mod 2 specific training
Day 5 - mod 2 test (no minors)
I wasn't able to do any Mod 1 training either. The school used the actual testing station but on a Saturday when there were no tests. Not ideal as I am often not available on a Saturday. So my hard core Mod 1 training consisted of half a dozen practice U turns on a quiet road which I was assured was the same width (!) as the resting station, and a two minute walk around the test course one morning during my week.
I'd still very much like to do my bike test, but I don't have the time for the next few months and I think now, I'd actually go along to a school and talk to them, rather than have a phone conversation. Plus a lot more research on the internet!
Hope it goes well for you OP, just remember, if there is something you are not happy about, you are the customer. I felt very much like I was an idiot and to just shut up. My instructor actually said to me on the first day, "we are going to fall out before the end of this week". Not sure how I replied, but think the majority of their income is from CBT for spotty 16yo with loads of attitude.
I'd still very much like to do my bike test, but I don't have the time for the next few months and I think now, I'd actually go along to a school and talk to them, rather than have a phone conversation. Plus a lot more research on the internet!
Hope it goes well for you OP, just remember, if there is something you are not happy about, you are the customer. I felt very much like I was an idiot and to just shut up. My instructor actually said to me on the first day, "we are going to fall out before the end of this week". Not sure how I replied, but think the majority of their income is from CBT for spotty 16yo with loads of attitude.
I did my DAS in July. I thought it'd be good fun to take half a week off work and spend it riding motorbikes. In reality doing it all at once was a bit of a slog and I think I may have enjoyed it more if I'd spread it out.
Day 1 was a full day CBT. The last CBT I did was over in a morning. The group was mixed. One of the participants was a 16/17 year old who seemed intent on doing the whole day baked off his head on pot. In fairness he did offer me some but as I was receiving motorcycle training I politely declined
Mod 1 training on the XJ600 was pretty repetitive, probably necessarily so but you can only have so much fun riding around cones in a car park.
Mod 2 training was better, being out on the road- but where I had visions of getting out on the open road and relaxing on the bike, the instructor is more interested in drilling our technical skills for the test itself so instead of heading out of town it was hour after hour negotiating tricky roads inside major towns.
I got the result and have no criticism for the company or it's instructors but the process wasn't as much fun as I'd imagined.
Day 1 was a full day CBT. The last CBT I did was over in a morning. The group was mixed. One of the participants was a 16/17 year old who seemed intent on doing the whole day baked off his head on pot. In fairness he did offer me some but as I was receiving motorcycle training I politely declined
Mod 1 training on the XJ600 was pretty repetitive, probably necessarily so but you can only have so much fun riding around cones in a car park.
Mod 2 training was better, being out on the road- but where I had visions of getting out on the open road and relaxing on the bike, the instructor is more interested in drilling our technical skills for the test itself so instead of heading out of town it was hour after hour negotiating tricky roads inside major towns.
I got the result and have no criticism for the company or it's instructors but the process wasn't as much fun as I'd imagined.
HustleRussell said:
but the process wasn't as much fun as I'd imagined.
And therein lies the rub. Whilst it shouldn't be 'a giggle' a lot of bikers and bike schools seem to be blinkered into the assumption that there is nothing other than bikes. And that because you want to take your bike test, you should be as obsessed as they are. Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff