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Lightning Motorcycle Training

Lightning Motorcycle Training

4.9(95 reviews)See reviews ↓·Swindon

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 and a full range of machines from 50cc mopeds to 750cc motorcycles.

Its motorcycle instructors are PAYE and receive no bonuses relating to the training they provide. It is an equal opportunities employer and trainer. It offers 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

Weekday sessions run from 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturdays until 4.30pm at the County Ground site on County Road in Swindon, giving some flexibility to riders fitting training around work. Feedback repeatedly centres on CBT courses, module-based practical testing and direct access training towards a full licence, with instructors including Ricky, Jerry, Jace and Stuart named for patience, humour and skill in building confidence among complete beginners on a bike.

Reviewers frequently mention passing both practical modules first time after structured, clearly explained sessions, and the training circuit itself draws comment for feeling spacious and safe during manoeuvres. The bikes used come up often too, described as modern and well kept, with the Honda GB350S and Triumph Speed 400 both named as easy to manage during A2 licence preparation.

A taster session offered to a nervous prospective rider on a 125cc scooter is credited with encouraging a later CBT booking, reflecting an approach geared towards easing anxious beginners into riding. Rapid progression is another recurring thread, including one rider reaching a full A licence within about a month of starting from nothing, thanks to instructors' straightforward, non-patronising style. Training remains available six days a week, closed only on Sundays, at the County Road location in Swindon.

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.

JC
Jonathan Chase9 July 2026

If you want to pass your test and have the skills you require to ride your motorcycle, look nor further than Lightening pass. I did my CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 with them. You will find that all the instructors are top notch, very understanding and ensure you are kept safe. I had Jerry as my main instructor who is amazing and has the patience of a saint. I also had Simon and Ade from Oxford for a couple of sessions who are also brilliant, you will not find a weak instructor working for Lightening pass. I passed all my tests 1st time and have the skills to ride confidently on my own, which I now am.

AF
Astrigo Fernandes4 June 2026

booked a motorcycle training package for £480, which included a road ride and Mod 1 test. During the booking process, I felt pressured to make a quick decision due to repeated warnings about limited availability. After booking, I discovered that the included road ride was only on a 125cc motorcycle, despite explaining beforehand that I specifically wanted 600cc training before my test. I was then informed that any 600cc practice would require additional payment. Due to this misunderstanding, I requested a refund within 24 hours of booking. This was refused, and I was told that the money could only remain as account credit for one year. When I later attended a scheduled road ride lesson, I was informed on arrival that it had been cancelled without any prior notice, resulting in a wasted journey. I changed my mind and decided to not learn on a 600cc bike and only learn on a 125cc bike. The most concerning incident occurred after I rebooked both a road ride session and a Mod 1 training session. Partway through the road ride, I was instructed to return to the training compound because I had left a negative Google review. I felt like I was being coerced as I asked that if removed the review will I be able to continue with my session which they replied with yes. When I asked whether I would receive a refund for the prepaid sessions if I chose not to remove the review, no clear answer was provided. Instead, I was told I could not continue with my training session while it was still up As a result, my Mod 1 training session was cancelled. This was particularly frustrating because arranging time off work is not easy, and the cancellations resulted in wasted time, disruption to my plans, and further delays to my training. After I removed the review, I was allowed to continue with my riding session. However, the situation had already caused me significant stress, anxiety, and discomfort. I felt unable to fully relax for the remainder of the session. As an inexperienced rider, this was a safety concern. Motorcycle riding requires concentration, confidence, and good judgement. The stress caused by the situation affected my focus and confidence, which negatively impacted my riding and created an unsafe learning environment. I felt bullied, intimidated and pressured as I was concerned about losing a significant amount of money. Overall, I found the communication regarding what was included in the package to be unclear, and I was disappointed by how these issues were handled.

DS
dharmesh shankardas1 June 2026

Just passed my CBT with Lightning Motorcycle Training and had a great experience from start to finish. The instructors were professional, patient, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable regardless of riding experience. The training was well structured, safety-focused, and delivered in a friendly manner that helped build confidence throughout the day. A big thank you to the whole team especially Stuart for their support and guidance. I would highly recommend Lightning Motorcycle Training to anyone looking to start their motorcycle journey or progress towards their full licence. Looking forward to coming back for my full licence course. Thanks again!

LB
Louis Brookling26 May 2026

Both Jerry and Stuart are phenomenal instructors who helped me go from nothing to a full A-license in just over a month. In a world of adults getting babied, their honesty and not beating around the bush is exactly the approach I needed from an instructor to help me learn safely, correctly and quickly. Couldn't recommend them enough...thanks guys!

RC
Rocco Castagno25 May 2026

The guys at Swindon lightling motorcycle training centre Jerry and south African guy where amazing and very invested in making sure things were done right. Thanks again for all the support getting me through my CBT and Direct Access.

RB
ranil bastian19 May 2026

I recently completed my MOD 2 training and test in Swindon, and I would like to give special thanks to my instructor, Jace. He is genuinely a lovely person and without doubt the best instructor I have met from the whole team. Jace was professional, supportive, and very patient throughout the training, which made the experience much more enjoyable and helped build my confidence. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent instructor. My sincere thanks and regards to him for all his hard work and dedication.

AL
Angus Lacy-Hulbert14 May 2026

Excellent school and great training from Jerry in Swindon. Passed both Mod 1 and Mod 2 first time. Bikes are excellent, modern machines. Would recommend using Lightning to anybody.

Motorcycle training in Swindon compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 4 businesses in this category in Swindon are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Riding In Action - Motorcycle Training - Swindon★ 4,9410No
2Lightning Motorcycle Training (this page)★ 4,995Yes
3Abbey Rider Training★ 4,8222Yes
4Direct Rider Training★ 4,7126Yes
Contact
+441793267430www.lightningpass.comCounty Ground, County Rd, Swindon SN1 2ED
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