Lightning Motorcycle Training Reviews 

Great place to do a CBT extremely helpful staff felt safe my instructor has one of the best patience I’ve seen from Keith I would recommend to family and friends

I attended a CBT course here in August 2025 and unfortunately had a very poor experience. The day felt disorganised from the start - our group of four spent almost the entire time repeating basic manoeuvres like U-turns and figure-eights, with very little progression or feedback. By mid-morning, we were told we wouldn’t be going on the road at all, and the course ended early without completing the full DVSA syllabus. None of the group received CBT certificates.

There were also safety concerns. During the day, I witnessed and photographed an instructor riding without a helmet or protective clothing. I’ve since shared this evidence with the school and reported it to the DVSA for investigation.

Communication after the course was dismissive, and despite raising genuine safety and quality issues, I was met with defensive responses rather than accountability.

I’d strongly recommend that anyone booking a CBT makes sure their training provider follows all five DVSA elements (A–E) and maintains proper safety standards at all times.

I used Lightning to pass both my CBT and Full Test in Swindon following a recommendation from a friend who did the same.

I was able to pass each element first time (CBT, Mod 1 & Mod 2) which is a testament to the capability of the team. So my thanks to both Jez and Ricky for their teaching.

To give a balanced review:

Positives included (1) simple booking (2) expert teaching and patience from the instructors (3) frequent useful reminders on upcoming course dates and item checks of what to bring

Areas of improvement (1) bookings are subject to strict requirements on changing and modifications to bookings (12 days advance notice subject to fees) which whilst I did not luckily need to use this leads me to (2) be prepared that your own pre-selected slots can be subject to change at Lightnings discretion at any point (3) the facilities are fairly rudimentary. It’s a small uncleaned building the size of a shipping container plus an actual shipping container, plus a portaloo, with a practice test area not at the same size of the actual DVSA area (making the fast maneuvers of Mod 1 challenging with overcompensated speed to make up for the absence of length) (4) the CBT process limit the singular instructors ability to take everyone out together (one instructor on the road per two students) meaning a group larger than two will see one or more people having to wait back whilst the others go out and then swap (this meant being sat waiting for two hours with not much to do) (5) When you first turn up, be prepared to announce who you are and why you’re there (if you’re expecting the team to proactively ask who you are and why you’re there, you may be waiting for a longer time)

Overall my experience was positive. The primary benefit of using Lightning for me (above all other providers in the Wiltshire area) was the ability to book courses and dates through their online booking system (making it easy to check dates, select times without going back and forth over the phone). It’s not a personal deal breaker, but it’s worth you managing your expectation if you’re looking for a ‘polished’ experience from Lightning overall.

I did my CBT on the 29th at the oxford centre. We were supposed to have started at approximately 07:45 but the instructor Sam was late and we ended up starting at around 08:30. Right at the beginning, the talk he gave us made it clear that 1) we would be rushed for time 2) It would be a pass or fail ( Even though the CBT isn't supposed to be a pass or fail ). I had requested to learn on an automatic 125 cc scooter. Instead I was given an electric 50 CC scooter.
Throughout the elements, there had been no issues. There were three of us on the course with him. Myself, an 18 year old lad and a 16 year old girl. We all managed to get through the first elements even though there had been a lot of pressure from him and it felt very rushed.
During the road practical, everything went from bad to worst. On the radio, he kept giving confusing instructions and even contradicting himself. At one point he told us to stop making " theatrical " movements of our heads when we did life savers. Then he criticised me for not turning my head far enough to do a life saver. He told me not to put my indicator on when pulling out onto the road after stopping. But then he criticised me for not indicating. He told me that he wanted to see me ride without following his instructions but then he criticised me for not waiting on his instructions. He criticised me for not looking ahead, even though I did. I looked ahead and spotted hazards. I checked the mirrors but he kept saying that I wasn't. ( How he could say that when he was riding between me and another learner, I don't know ). He criticised me for not going fast enough, even though I'm a 17 stone man who was riding an electric 50 cc scooter and couldn't physically go any faster. At the end of my two hours, He told me that I would need further training.
I was not happy with that as I genuinely believed that I had ridden safely and efficiently. It turned into an argument and he told me that he had been " babysitting " me all day. I found that to be untrue. In fact, to be totally honest, The instructor had focused the majority of his attention on the 16 year old female learner. I'm a prison officer and I am trained in safeguarding and the way he behaved towards the 16 year old made me uncomfortable at times. I caught him staring at her in inappropriate ways. He spent a lot of time talking to her, joking with her, swearing with her and even called her his little duckling. At one point during the road practical, while we were parked at Tescos, when she came back from the toilets, he put her helmet on her head for her. There was definitely an over-friendly, over familiar, unprofessional behaviour on his part and I think that's a safeguarding issue.
The whole training was rushed and felt more like it was a test than a course. The instructor was more like an examiner than an actual trainer. I have made a complaint to the company but I haven't had a reply so I will be complaining to the DVSA.
I spoke to another instructor from a different company and he confirmed that this was not an appropriate way of training a learner on a CBT course.
Finally the venue itself isn't up to standard. The only toilet facilities was an portable toilet which was covered in faeces.
I will not be going to this company again and as I said, I will be making a formal complaint to the DVSA. I have a picture of the instructor's badge.

I had a terrible experience with Lightning Pass in Reading. The instructor spent 15 minutes with another driver on figure-of-eights and then I got less than a minute and no instruction. I had the same experience with the other tasks throughout the morning. I was then told I wasn't able to complete the course I spent £180 on- I never got on the road. I spent the time I had paid for mainly watching other learners ride. Even though a couple of us needed more help, the instructor told us he couldn't spend any more time training because he needed a break. So maybe they should have more staff so that everyone gets a day's worth of training for the high price paid? I feel scammed. 2 out of 4 of us were failed-could this be related to the fact that they needed a ratio of 1:2 instructor to drivers on the road? I'm sending Lightning Pass an email and will be making a complaint to the DVSA.

Dont do your CBT here guys. So unprofessional. 2 instructors booked 8 learners and only 2 went out on the road. The instructors weren't good either. Instead of training it felt like a test. They expected us to get everything first time. One person paid for the full day and only done half he Wasn't allowed on road. This company is an absolute pisstake. Watch out people. One of the trainers was calling students names and was very unprofessional recording the less confident students and laughing at them.
Absolute joke.

Lighting was recommended to me by a friend that passed a couple years ago smooth from the booking process instructors very clear and relaxed thank you Keith with the module one training and test but big thanks to Dave module 2 training and test couldn’t of asked for better will definitely recommend to others .thank you

Just like to say how professional the instructors are, and very good school to learn with. Had a really great time at lighting. Thank you so much chaps. Best of the best..!!!!

All instructors great. Down to earth, don’t nitpick but keep you grounded and concentrated and get you passed.

Many thanks chaps.

0ver the last couple weeks I completed training for both Mod 1 and Mod 2 (in Oxford), as well as the tests for both. Thanks to the amazing incite the instructors gave, I managed to pass both comfortably.

For the Module 1 training, Rob and Keith expertly gave us live demonstrations as well as constructive verbal instructions to follow. I believe that these were the main reasons I was able to pass Mod 1. Both instructors were super kind and helpful with calming any nerves on the day and you could easily have a laugh with either of them.

For Module 2 training, Rob, Carl, and William thoroughly explained how one should go about riding on their test whilst also constructively, and patiently, giving feedback on areas that needed to be improved. After some hours of training, and many mistakes made, all instructors made me feel super confident for when it was time for my test.

For both tests I had Bryan supervise me who, just like the others, made me feel calm and prepared for my tests and gave extremely clear instructions during both Mod 1 and Mod 2.

Overall, the experience was exceptional, thanks to the instructors who clearly seek success in their students and are not just there for work, and it was great fun learning and having the opportunity to be on a bigger, more powerful motorbike. I highly recommend Lightning Motorcycle Training and can't possibly fault any teaching or procedure that they offer.

It is unfortunate 5 stars is the maximum rating I can give!!!

Just done my CBT with Lightning Motorcycle Training. A big thanks to Steve the instructor who was friendly, patient and experienced. Will def book my full licence with lightning.

Just like to say how professional the instructors are,a very good school to learn with,only started riding in April at age of 57 and they got me through all parts of tests passed mod 2 on 28th july 2025 thanks Steve and john all the best

Today I passed my Mod 2, I’m finally ready to ride my new bike, a massive thank you to Steve, John and William for all of there help and training, great guys, great bikes to learn on and good facilities, I’d highly recommend this company who help me pass my CBT, Mod 1 and finally my Mod 2

Just renewed my CBT with Lightning Motorcycle Training.
All good and thanks to Rob the instructor who was friendly, patient and experienced.
Will def book my full licence with lightning.

The training for Module 1 & 2 was challenging but the encouragement and coaching received from John & Steve was an exceptional experience and I’m really appreciative of the time and support received from both instructors, something I will always remember.
Top quality motorcycles were issued during the training sessions and enhanced the experience, enjoyed everything about my training and would like to thank staff behind scenes who was always there to support me when needed.

Had a great time at lighting with Ricky and Jez! Very friendly, funny, and also safe informative trainers. Makes me want to retake my cbt over and over again just to come back.

I attended Oxford’s Sandy lane sports ground to do my CBT, having pretty much no experience of riding a motorcycle, aged 53 and a 1/2!
Carl, my trainer was fantastic, he tapped into my confidence issues immediately and built me up exactly how I needed to be guided and I passed my CBT a very different rider than I arrived.
Carl is patient, understanding and breaks things down into easy to understand basics, is easy going, polite and a funny guy, it’s fair to say I really liked spending my day with him.
I’ll be back for full access when I’m ready and Lightning pass at Oxford is 100% going to be my training centre.
Thank you Carl, I hugely appreciate the skills you’ve taught me.

Great set of instructors - with great patience -all encouraging me to take a hold of those nerves and just enjoy the ride. Finally on my 4th attempt I got there - Jez thank you again
And to the DVSA instructors in Swindon - you make the drive and ride worthwhile!! - I was never made to feel I couldn't achieve.

Just passed my test with the guys in Wembley. signed up for the corse online the process was super simple as you get all the information you need through email straight away. The guys are super helpful nice and very fair with their feedback as you safety is there number one priority. Thanks to keath for doing my test with me happy to get it done and out of the way in such a short amount of time.

.Achill

Had to ģive 5 stars only because I couldn't give 7 stars!! Remarkable experience with lightning Wembley special thanks to Dave,Andrew and Keith!! Would very highly recommend lightning for motorcycle training.
Passed Das mod 1 and mod 2 first time, fantastic bikes to learn with( hornet 750 was so good after I passed I brought one as my first big bike) I wish for lightning to keep going strong for many many years