Driving School CompareAdd your business
← Back to Oxford
Lightning Motorcycle Training

Lightning Motorcycle Training

4.4(253 reviews)See reviews ↓·Oxford

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 uses its own large off-road training sites and offers a full range of machines from 50cc mopeds to 750cc motorcycles.

Its instructors are employed on a PAYE basis and receive no bonuses relating to the training they provide. Lightning Motorcycle Training is an equal opportunities employer and trainer. It provides Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), Direct Access, Restricted A2 Licence, Post-Test Training, Enhanced Rider Scheme, Back-to-Biking course, and Introductory Lesson.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Oxford learners moving from a first CBT to a full motorcycle licence describe instruction that is patient, clear and carefully pitched to each rider's pace. Named instructors Sam, Ricky, Jim, Rob, Carl, Andrian and Jam feature across accounts, and an observation shared by more than one reviewer is how they break manoeuvres into straightforward steps and adapt their approach for groups of mixed ability, settling the nerves of less experienced beginners. Riders mention borrowing jackets, gloves and helmets on site, and the small electric scooters used for CBT sessions are described as easy to handle.

The extended road ride and the option of extra training before module two are viewed as useful preparation, with numerous learners reporting success in both modules at the first attempt. The Hornet used for lessons is singled out as a rewarding machine to ride, while the encouragement given to those with limited English or low confidence is regularly praised. Safety runs through every stage, from the initial CBT through to full licence standard, and the team's calm, thorough approach is what riders return to when they come back for further training.

Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Lightning Motorcycle Training — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

KT
Krishna Tamboli26 July 2026

Really disappointed with my experience at the Oxford centre. I came to the course with around seven years' experience riding geared motorcycles in India. I wasn't expecting any special treatment—I knew riding in the UK is different and was there to learn. What I did expect was to be treated with a bit of respect. Instead, I felt I was spoken to in a rude and dismissive way throughout the day. The instructor even told me I'd wasted the other trainees' time, which I found unnecessary and quite humiliating. There's a way to give feedback without putting someone down. Another thing that didn't sit right with me was the lunch break. We were told at 11:43 am that we'd have a 30-minute break. I came back at 12:13 pm, exactly 30 minutes later, but was told I was already late. That made no sense and left a bad impression. Everyone learns at a different pace, and people pay good money for training. I'd have appreciated patience, clear guidance and basic respect rather than being made to feel like a burden. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this training centre based on my experience.

CT
Chan T17 July 2026

I had a great experience with Jim at Lightning Motorcycle Training. From the start, his instructions were clear, straightforward, and easy to follow, which made the whole course run smoothly. What stood out most was how he adapted his teaching to everyone in the group. There were riders with much less experience, and Jim had a calm, patient way of explaining things that really helped settle their nerves and build their confidence without making anyone feel under pressure. He was professional throughout but also friendly and approachable, which created a relaxed atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable asking questions. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping people become safe, confident riders, and it's obvious he's passionate about seeing motorcycling become popular with younger people again. I'd happily recommend Jim and Lightning Motorcycle Training to anyone looking to learn or improve their riding. A genuinely excellent instructor who clearly enjoys what he does.

JJ
Joanna Jablonska29 June 2026

I can't recommend Oxford Lightning Motorcycle Training highly enough! I first completed my CBT with them two years ago and recently came back to do my full motorcycle licence. From start to finish, the whole team has been absolutely incredible. The instructors are patient, professional, supportive and genuinely invested in helping you succeed. They helped build my confidence every step of the way, especially when I doubted myself, and always made me feel calm and capable on the bike. Their teaching style is clear, encouraging and tailored to each rider, which made a huge difference to my progress. Passing my full licence is something I'm really proud of, and I honestly don't think I could have done it without their guidance and encouragement. Thank you so much, Rob and Carl! If you're thinking about learning to ride or progressing to your full licence, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Lightning Motorcycle Training. They've been amazing! Also, a massive thank you to Alex for helping me book the course and for being so supportive and lovely over the phone!

D
Daniel19 June 2026

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lightning Motorcycle Training for helping me pass my motorcycle test mod 1 and mod 2 on first time. A special thank you to Rob and Carl, who were both excellent instructors throughout my training. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain things clearly, which helped build my confidence and improve my riding skills. Their support, encouragement, and expert guidance made all the difference, and I couldn't have asked for better instructors. I would highly recommend Lightning Motorcycle Training to anyone looking to learn to ride or gain their motorcycle licence. Thank you again, Rob, Carl, and the whole team for helping me achieve this milestone.

AX
Alex. X Wang18 June 2026

Great instructors Rob and Andrian, lovely Hornet bike to ride. Memorable lifetime experience from CBT to full license. Thank you. Rob's belly bump was really soft when he asked people to jump to the back for demonstration.

A
Atwati2 June 2026

I completed my CBT with Lightning Motorcycle Training and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I learned a great deal throughout the course, and the training was both professional and engaging. A special thanks to Jim, who was an outstanding instructor. His knowledge, patience, and clear guidance made a huge difference. He did a fantastic job, and I felt completely safe and confident under his instruction. I would highly recommend Lightning Motorcycle Training to anyone looking to learn to ride.

MD
Mark Duncan8 May 2026

I passed my cbt yesterday, our instructor Paul was really friendly and patient, and very laid back so he put everyone at ease. I spoke with other instructors through the day, and the place has a very nice atmosphere as they all get along and have a laugh with each other. Paul couldn't remember our names initially and was going to call us all Dave, so I named him Trigger! 😂 sorry dude, I had to do it!! 😁 Thank you very much for yesterday, I really appreciate your time, knowledge and patience

Motorcycle training in Oxford 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 Oxford are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Quickstart and Oxfordshire Motorcycle Training★ 5,0115Yes
2RideSmart-uk★ 5,017Yes
3Lightning Motorcycle Training (this page)★ 4,4253Yes
Contact
+441865777676www.lightningpass.comSandy Lane Sports Ground, Blackbird Leys Rd, Oxford OX4 3RD
Working hours
Monday07:30–17:30
Tuesday07:30–17:30
Wednesday07:30–17:30
Thursday07:30–17:30
Friday07:30–17:30
Saturday07:30–16:30
SundayClosed