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Lightning Motorcycle Training

Lightning Motorcycle Training

4.6(307 reviews)See reviews ↓·Reading

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

Passing the CBT in a single session despite arriving with no prior riding experience is a theme that recurs throughout feedback for this Reading provider, based at Abbey Rugby Club on Peppard Road. Riders returning to renew an existing CBT after time away are also well represented, alongside those progressing on towards A2 and full motorcycle licence training.

Paul and Marcus feature repeatedly for their patient, encouraging manner and clear step by step explanations, and several other instructors are named by riders, including Rob, Cole, Carl, Stuart and Keith. Preparation for Mod 1 and Mod 2, with sessions run at test sites in Oxford, is described as structured around correcting specific faults ahead of each stage rather than generic coaching. Reviews time and again mention a smooth booking system with clear email updates sent before every session, which helps riders know what to expect on the day.

Instructors are said to adapt their teaching to each individual within a group setting, taking time with nervous or first time riders rather than rushing them through. The motorcycles used for training are consistently described as clean, well maintained and properly fuelled. The centre is open six days a week, with weekday sessions from half past seven in the morning and Saturday training running until half past four in the afternoon.

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

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

CA
Chandan Agarwal31 August 2026

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)!

NA
Nasim Ali5 August 2026

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.

MV
Martin Vincent21 June 2026

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.

PT
Pure Templar13 June 2026

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

NS
Naila Syed13 June 2026

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

LS
Lauren Scarlett (Loza)12 June 2026

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

PT
Phil Thomas24 May 2026

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.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1BCK Motorcycle Training and Hire★ 4,9995Yes
2bike2bike motorcycle training (Reading)★ 4,65Yes
3Lightning Motorcycle Training (this page)★ 4,6307Yes
Contact
+441189511782www.lightningpass.comAbbey Rugby Club, Peppard Rd, Reading RG4 8XA
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