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Top Notch Motorcycle Training

Top Notch Motorcycle Training

4.7(92 reviews)See reviews ↓·Norwich

About the company

Top Notch Motorcycle Training is a motorcycle training provider based in Norwich. The business was taken over in 2011 by the family who have run Tinkler's Motorcycles for the last 80 years, and it operates from Tinkler's Motorcycles. It is an Approved Training Body for the Driving Standards Agency and an MCIA Accredited Training School in Norfolk.

The company's directors are A J Newstead and G M Newstead. Top Notch promotes the DVSA's Ridefree initiative. Its instructors include Steve Jessop (CBT & DAS Instructor), Matt Jackson (DAS, Cardington, CBT, IAM, NAM) and Ricki King (CBT Instructor).

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Off Northumberland Street in Norwich, this motorcycle training provider covers the full progression from CBT through the module tests to direct access, with an A2 course also mentioned by one rider. Several reviewers repeatedly mention instructor Zack, praised for patience, clear explanations and a knack for putting nervous beginners at ease, while Matt and Steve are credited with calm guidance and helpful demonstrations before riders head out onto the road.

A point raised repeatedly is the encouraging, unhurried teaching style shown to complete newcomers with no prior riding experience, alongside first-time passes achieved on geared 125cc machines. Office contact Alison is mentioned for handling bookings and responding quickly when a session needed rearranging after a trainer became unwell, with the missed training slotted back in that same week.

One rider noted the reception and workshop area felt fairly busy during the initial briefing, with staff conversations and phones in the background. Weekday sessions run into early evening, with Saturday availability until 5pm, giving flexibility for those fitting training around work commitments. Riders consistently describe the instruction on Northumberland Street as relaxed, thorough and confidence-building at every stage of licence progression, from a first geared bike experience right through to full direct access.

Top Notch Motorcycle Training — Customer photo
Top Notch Motorcycle Training — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

EH
Ellerie Hughes26 July 2026

Did my CBT today. It was great. My instructor was patient and clear with instructions. Will be coming back for my A2 :)

PG
Pinnij Gaming (Pinnij)15 April 2026

Gonna go middle of the road for this one, as I have used Top Notch many moons ago to passed one of my CBTs may of been my first ( did like 4, over many years) now have a full license. I was being followed by I believe one of your instructors on the way to the test centre when for some unknown reason only to them 40mph zone suddenly didn’t apply to them, I was driving along happily in a 40, and they had been following me for a while in a 30, I was doing about 38/40 myself and they just blast pass me to get stuck at the red traffic light, in front of only me, looking a tad foolish especially when he has a company name branded on him. I know being on a bike allows your quicker acceleration, a bit more Manoeuverability, but it would have cost him no extra time and saved a bit of fuel just to filter at the lights. Other then that he rode well, used indicators, done many a shoulder check.

TB
Toby Barr-thomson20 March 2026

Came here after dealing with poor service at a different training for cbt and thought it was 10 times better here, the instructor was brilliant and gave helpful advice and feedback, throughout the practical part of the cbt I was heavily impressed with how much the instructor helped me with as I struggled a little with some turns and stops, one of the best experiences I’ve had and I’m loving being on the road now, I’ll definitely come back when I need to renew my cbt or for my mod 1 and 2

MH
Mark Hall17 June 2025

My Son had his CBT booked in with Top Notch Training on a Sunday, he completed the morning and unfortunately the trainer became ill so my Son and another individual could not complete their CBT. We called Alison first thing on the Monday morning and she could not have been more helpful and arranged for my Son to complete his training that afternoon. I could not fault Alison or the team with how they handled the situation and I would very happily recommend To Notch Training for all your training needs.

K
Katfran21 January 2025

I did my cbt on a 125cc automatic, with Ricky this month (January), who was so friendly & very professional. After an accident on my little moped back in 1990, I'd totally lost my confidence about getting back on a bike again. Ricky was patient & went through everything thoroughly with me before I felt brave enough to go out on the road. The course was enjoyable & very informative. To anyone who'd love to get back on a moped/motorbike but is feeling apprehensive, please book with Top Notch. I can't thank or recommend them, & in particular, Ricky enough. I'm so grateful he's helped me overcome my fear that's been with me for 30+ years. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Thank you Top Notch 😊

S
Scott26 December 2024

Gained my CBT certificate and obtained my full A UK motorbike licence with Top Notch Motorcycle Training. Had Zak & Steve as my instructors. Both great instructors at giving advice and believing in their clients, which aids to boost confidence. I would definitely recommend learning to ride and/or obtaining your licence with this excellent training school.

S
SStotty15 December 2024

I completed my CBT on a geared 125CC today. The instructors were amazing, very patient, allowed you to have enough time to practice everything before going out on the road. They were very knowledgeable and explained/demonstrated all tasks clearly or until you understood. Out on the road Matt was very calm, made some jokes to make me feel at ease, and only commented when needed, I felt safe and comfortable with Matt, which allowed me to gain confidence quicker than I had originally thought! I give Matt and the team 5 stars and I will most definitely choose Top Notch Training for my DAS course. If you are unsure on where to train in and around Norwich, this is the place to go. Thank you for an amazing day, Sam

Contact
+441603699806www.topnotchtraining.co.uk182-190 Northumberland St, Norwich NR2 4EE
Working hours
Monday09:00–17:30
Tuesday09:00–17:30
Wednesday09:00–17:30
ThursdayClosed
Friday09:00–17:30
Saturday09:00–17:00
SundayClosed