Lightning Motorcycle Training
About the company
Lightning Motorcycle Training is a motorcycle training provider with over 25 years of experience. It operates in North West London (Wembley), Berkshire (Reading), Oxfordshire (Oxford), Wiltshire (Swindon), and Stourbridge (Birmingham). The company has its own large off-road training sites. It uses a full range of machines from 50cc mopeds to 750cc motorcycles.
Its instructors are PAYE and receive no bonuses relating to the training they provide. Lightning Motorcycle Training is an equal opportunities employer and trainer. It offers Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), Direct Access, the Restricted A2 Licence, Post-Test Training, the Enhanced Rider Scheme, Back-to-Biking courses, and Introductory Lessons.
What customers say
Based on genuine customer reviews
Reviews
Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.
I completed my motorcycle training with Lightning Motorcycle Training, starting with my CBT and then progressing through Module 1 and Module 2 to get my full UK A licence. I trained with Stu McGifford, Cole Maassen, and Keith Aldridge, and all three were excellent. Their philosophy is that they don’t teach you to pass the test — they teach you to ride safely, because passing is the easy part once you can actually ride well. They were strict and didn’t let things slide, but I’d take tough training over a rough ride any day. Each trainer has a different coaching style, and going through sessions with all three gave me different perspectives to draw on and figure out what worked best for me. The sessions were consistently professional, and the bikes were well maintained throughout. I really enjoyed the whole experience and passed both modules first time — so a big thanks to the team. Now I’ve got my own bike and I’m looking forward to riding safely (and having fun)!
Had an outstanding experience during my Mod 1 retest down at Swindon. Jerry was my main instructor and honestly, the man is absolute quality. The patience on this man is unmatched - I don't think I've ever seen anyone answer that many questions without getting frustrated. His comms on the road were spot on, easy to follow and he was giving us constructive feedback to fix our riding and get us prepped for Mod 2, even though it wasn't a Mod 2 session - just the ride to the test centre.
My Son booked his CBT with them with an intro Lesson before the CBT date, They messed him around from the off. First of all by changing the location of the Intro Lesson which was no big deal but then 3 days before the intro Lesson they text him saying they had to cancel it with no reason why, Totally unacceptable so I advised him to CALL them and ask for his money back that he had paid and to find another Riding School that wont mess him about.
Just retook my CBT after a few years off the road and Paul and Marcus are absolutely fantastic instructors, extremely patient and helpful, will definitely be returning for future tests
Paul and Marcus are great instructors. They were both patient and explained things very well - it really boosted my confidence. They are both a credit to the company. Thanks so much both
Highly rate this place. I done my CBT here, didn't even know how to ride a manual motorbike but passed that day. Instructor is patient and listens to you. Aslong as you listen to the instructor you will have no issues. Like I said I came in couldn't ride. Female in mid 30s and now happy, confident rider x
Did my CBT with Reading branch and Marcus. Absolutely top notch experience. I was a bit worried when I turned up - car park, two big green shipping containers and a rugby club toilet. No, this is not a training course like a corporate one you’ve experienced. However bikes are well taken care of, full of petrol and everything is clearly structured. Emails are sent with all information and it includes a what 3 words as Google maps stops you before you get there. The quality of the instruction was superb and that’s why I was there. Marcus was approachable, clear in his instructions and demonstrations, easily able to identify our failings and what to do to correct them, never put us under pressure or got annoyed and knew when to suggest you take a little 2 min breather to re-centre yourself. This calm, kind, thoughtful man was reassuring and unperturbed by anything. On the road he carried this on, his voice at the start telling you to slow down or speed up or cancel indicators in a calm manner that helped build your confidence until something started to click and it became a really enjoyable experience. I’ll be returning in a couple of months to do my DAS with these people and I hope I get Marcus again.
Motorcycle training in Reading compared
Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 3 businesses in this category in Reading are compared.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Reviews | Open Sat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BCK Motorcycle Training and Hire | ★ 4,9 | 995 | Yes |
| 2 | bike2bike motorcycle training (Reading) | ★ 4,6 | 5 | Yes |
| 3 | Lightning Motorcycle Training (this page) | ★ 4,6 | 307 | Yes |


