Motorcycle Training - bad experience!

passatrider

I recently booked up for a three day DAS (direct access) course to get my full bike licence. This was with a local company who came recommended and had good reviews on the net. It had taken me a lot of courage to book this course as I have a social anxiety disorder which hinders me with things like being watched over etc.

Well, all was well on the first day until we came to the Slalom practice/figure of eight. For some reason I just could not grasp this part of the day and the trainer began to loose his patience with me - raising his voice at me on occasions. I thought this was out of order but he continued to make an issue with it. I wouldn't mind but I'm a 45 year old man not a 16 year old just starting out! I had to get him to one side and explain that I have anxiety issues and I think it got through eventually.
The rest of the day went ok but the treatment I received was out of order I feel.
My Mod 1 test was yesterday but I'd got so worked up beforehand that I had to pull out when I realised that I'd left my helmet at home - yes I know it was a silly thing to do but there you go. The instructor was not very happy to say the least.

Anyhow, I went home later and fired off an email to the trainer explaining that I was unhappy with my treatment and this had played a part in my pulling out of the test as It had dented my confidence somewhat. I wanted to cancel the rest of my training and asked for a refund.
After several emails back and forth we agreed a sum of £150, despite me paying £500 for the 3 day course up front. I was advised it was a 'good will gesture' as they are not obliged to give refunds.

I'm not asking for any advice as such, more just venting. If anyone reading this knows of any other instructors in the Wiltshire area who has a bit more patience I'd be appreciated if you could message me or leave a comment.

Thanks!

Arfa__

Sounds like a pretty crap time you had there.

Can I ask, how much riding experience you already have on CBT?

3 days for a DAS is about the bare minimum TBH. Many courses and people will take up to 5 days. Having trouble with one of the slow manoeuvres is very common for all bikers. Quite a few who have passed will often avoid doing U-Turns for sometime whilst they build up more confidence.

However, it does sound like your instructor was not great, did not have much patience and wasn't exactly filling you with confidence - which is one of the most important things they do need to do!

I can't recommend any other schools in your area, but don't give up. why not practice on a 125 for a bit, or book yourself a 1-2-1 lesson to nail the manoeuvres you're struggling with.

jc808

I think a complete novice to attain DAS in 3 days is unrealistic.

A lot of this pressure is coming from you.

Next time, book some general Mod 1/ mod 2 training without booking the tests (less pressure) then when you get good, book another day with the tests afterwards (the day after, with say an hours warm up ride to the test centre)

That way there is no target test (non refundable or changeable at short notice)and therefore less pressure

OnanTheBarbarian

I did my DAS in February.

I used a place where they are happy to just let you take lessons when you want and you book your own test date via the VOSA website.

being smug, I only had 1 lesson for the MOD1 and 1 lesson for the MOD 2, plus an hour on the bike before each test. But if I had needed 1 lesson or 20, that flexibility was there

The places that do an intensive course are catering for the marketplace where people do want to pass quickly as they just want to get out there and ride, but this comes at your own price as you put pressure on yourself to complete it all in the space of a few days.

Just shop around locally for any other riding schools and speak with them about your situation beforehand.

Doing the DAS is expensive and then needing to buy a bike, all the kit etc at the end makes getting on the road on a bike an expensive proposition, but it is so worth it!

arcon5

So the instructor got frustrated. You took him to one side and had a word with him. He took your comments on board.
Sounds like it was handled okay on both sides.

I'm sorry about your anxiety issue, but the issues surrounding the service received was resolved. I don't think this is a valid reason to cancel at such short notice and expect any kind of refund. So their offer seems pretty good to me.