Testimonials

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What our customers think about us

Our motorcycle and scooter training has enabled thousands of riders to fulfil their dream of passing their bike test. We love to hear from our customers, it helps us to improve the quality of what we do. Here’s some genuine comments from our customers about us. Original copies are available for your inspection to verify authenticity.

Mark R

"After having an hour free rider assessment with Lee I was encouraged by the feedback and comments and had gained a lot of confidence in ART. I signed up for a 3.5 day course on Lee’s advice (I already had an A1 license for a 125). The extra half a day was definitely beneficial to get used to the larger bike. It has been said before but I wholly agree that ART teach you to ride a bike properly not just how to pass the test. The slow speed control you are taught provides you with the means to ride a larger bike with confidence as you know you are able to control the power. What became apparent talking to other students during the course was how the instruction is not generic and how Lee tailored his instruction to address the varying needs and abilities of each student. Yes you get shouted at, and it is tough at times but also thoroughly enjoyable and the feeling when you pass is awesome! The best advice I can give is listen to everything they tell you very carefully, you’ll probably be told the same thing over and over but good practices become natural surprisingly quickly. Thank you so much for your time, expertise and patience. I will call by soon when I get my new bike."

Tony B

"Apologies for not emailing earlier but I just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Assured Rider Training for getting me through my test a couple of weeks ago. I did a 4 day Direct Access course with Dean and passed first time. The course was first class with great instructors and a strong emphasis on learning to ride safely not just pass the test. I did my CBT at another school but would definitely recommend Assured Rider Training to anyone in the Southampton area wanting to learn to ride and pass their test."

Darren W

"Really good place to learn. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff who gives you a excellent learning experience. I never ridden a motorcycle before and within a few days I passed my CBT, MOD 1 and MOD 2 first time. I would highly recommend them."

Nichola S

"I would highly recommend ART. The training was brilliant, can't thank them enough for their perseverance and patients with me. I managed to pass on my second attempt. Thank you so much Lee and Dean."

Linda B

"ART provide excellent training, they teach you to ride safely for life, not just how to pass a test. Instructors are friendly and have a great sense of humour to get you over your nerves! Thanks guys!"

Paul C

"Top lads. Really nice guys with a friendly and welcoming environment. You are treated like a human and not an idiot like other training schools I’ve been too. There is no pressure to do everything as quickly as you possibly can. Although you are pushed to learn it is a pace that you are comfortable rather than a pace that the instructors wants so they can get home. You ate taught not just to 0ass a test but to keep you alive. Loads of riding/biking tips too. Nice well maintained bikes. Had fun and a good laugh along the way too. Thank you for all your help Dean. And thank you for being so patient. Top lad."

Ben R

If you are looking to learn to ride a bike and pass the requisite tests to get out on the road then you really should give these guys a call. It’s not just about ‘what’ they do, which is to educate and train you to understand and use a motorcycle to a safe and competent standard but it’s about ‘how’ they do it. All the guys are friendly, engaging and take the time to understand their pupils and understand how they learn best, matching the teaching methods to that to ensure the best chance of success.
Not only did I pass my full bike test first time after 3 days intensive training from not having ridden anything above a 125cc 20 years ago but I had a ton of fun over the course of the 4 days (even the tests were enjoyable because I felt so well prepared!) and I said goodbye having felt I’d made some new friends who I’m looking forward to showing my new bike in a few days time and hopefully keeping in touch with in the future.
Don’t phone around. Just phone Assured!

Howard G

"Just a short note to thank you and your team again for the training over the last few days. As a complete novice when I started with you, the fact I passed MOD 1 and 2 at the first attempt with 1 minor is testament to the excellent training your team provide.
 The laid back approach from Dean and Dave was a real pleasure, no question was too stupid (although attracted some justifiable piss taking), they never showed any frustration and always found a different way to explain or demonstrate the point. The contrast of teaching methods between Dean and Dave was very helpful and worked together to make the experience a really enjoyable one. Obviously, the test day was a nervous one but with Dean’s reassurance and confidence the outcome was a very happy one!
 Mike, both Dean and Dave are a real asset to your company, it’s easy to forget that people respond to people! You can have the most talented rider in the world as an instructor but if they can’t get on with the students and impart their knowledge and skill, it’s entirely worthless! Aside from their obvious riding skills and ability to interact with a broad range of people, both Dean and Dave were hugely supportive, able to give criticism in a way that didn’t crush confidence, praise that didn’t inflate ego’s and support and reassurance to ensure that nerves didn’t get in the way of us achieving the end goal! All this whilst retaining a great sense of humour!
 I would be very grateful if you could pass this on to them both and again, thanks for your help!
 I will be recommending you to anyone who will listen!"

Ben S

Many thanks to Mike, Lee and the staff at ART. Absolutely excellent service, extremely professional and patient. Lee got me through my direct access first time in two and a half days. Mike managed to book me in at very short notice before my CBT ran out. I was put at ease from the very start by the relaxed atmosphere and friendly attitude of all the staff.
Because of the focus on riding safely all the time and not just getting me through my test I now feel that I am a far safer and more competent rider.
I would recommend ART to anybody. Far better than the other Southampton training centre where I did my CBT!
Once again thank you for getting me through my full bike licence, now I can go bike shopping. I’ve fallen in love with a bright green Kawasaki!

Kevin R

Thanks you and all the guys at ART for helping me to achieve my full licence. I thought that the professionalism and dedication of the instructors was outstanding.
Obviously, the course was hard at times, but they made it interesting and enjoyable, and I will always be grateful for their determination and insistance on getting it right.
As a 62 year old who remembered nothing but bad habits from years ago, it was a challenge, but I am absolutely delighted at passing my test at the first attempt. The credit for this goes to you all, particularly Dave who had his patience sorely tried.
I would recommend Assured Rider Training to anyone wanting to learn to ride. With very best wishes.

Allan D

Hi Mike, Just a short note to you and your team at ArtRT to say a huge thank you from the proud owner of a newly acquired ‘Full Motorcycle Licence’ thanks to Art.
In less that five weeks I have gone from not been on a bike in over seventeen years to taking a full test on one of your Honda 600′s. At my age, I could not have achieved that without the support and guidance of the Art team.
From making the initial enquiry, to the free one hour lesson and the honest feedback that followed, on to the CBT and then culminating in the DAS 1 & 2 and finally Mod 1 & 2 test, I have felt at ease in an environment that is conducive to learning.
You and your staff made me feel welcome whenever I arrived at the training facility, ensuring I was aware of what the itinerary was for the session ahead . Dene was great instructor throughout, not shy in pointing out mistakes and providing great explanations on ways to improve whilst always maintaining the ‘human’ element throughout with some light hearted humour which kept us all relaxed.
I would have no hesitation in recommending ART to anyone wishing to pursue learning to ride a motorcycle, it is refreshing to experience a business that provides a sound ‘Customer Service and Value for Money’ philosophy in a time where ‘sheer profit’ seems to be the norm. Once again Mike thank you from an extremely satisfied customer.

Glenn and Louise S

From Louise:
As a lady of 52 years and wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle – having never sat on one before – I represented quite a challenge; but one that ART happily accepted.
With friendly professionalism from Dene, Dave, Carl and Lee, all ably led by Mike, I passed my DAS and have already put 550 miles on my own bike since my test two weeks ago. The training was very well organised and the motorbikes of high quality and well maintained. I felt very well prepared for my Mods 1 and 2, and for motorcycling once I had achieved my full licence. So if there are any women out there wondering whether they should take up motorbiking, don’t hesitate to give Mike and his team a call, they will look after you and get you through your test. With grateful thanks, Louise

From Glenn:
I’m 58 and before being given a free one hour ‘taster session’ on a 125 by ART I had never ridden a motorbike before but I enjoyed the relaxed and professional approach to teaching that ART deliver and so decided to go for direct access to a full licence. I realised that I needed more time than the four day course, so opted to expand that into about double that time. I enjoyed being taught by each member of the team, all of whom worked hard to get me up to scratch and ready for my Mod 1 and 2. Passing both was extremely satisfying for me and opened the door to the motorcycling world. I can’t thank ART enough, Mike runs a tight and very effective ship and all the crew members were excellent.

Once again Mike a BIG thank you for giving us the best experience we could have had training to get our full licences.

Nik J

Mike, Lee, Dave and Dean,
A little overdue but I wanted to drop you a line to say thank you to everyone at ART. Dave was particularly good on the CBT (much better than the one I did elsewhere a few years back), and Dean was top class when it came to the DAS. I found both of their approaches very adaptable to the candidates needs and personalities which made the whole process enjoyable and not so stressful. I include a formal recommendation below:

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Thank you all at Assured Rider Training (ART). The training I received for both my CBT and DAS courses were both thorough and enjoyable. I felt fully prepared for my test and more importantly to ride on the road. I have completed 1500 miles in the 3 weeks since passing my test and am enjoying every minute of it finding excuses to ride whenever I can. I would recommend ART to all those considering doing any level of motorcycle training, as the instructors are thorough and actually prepare you for riding on the road, not just passing your test. All the team at ART are enthusiastic, fun and make training interesting. The assessment of the training I needed was correct, and therefore I didn’t waste money on longer courses or extra days. The bikes and the kit used are up to date and in good order, not like some of the rubbish other local firms I looked at used. Overall 10 out of 10 – great job guys thanks again.

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Wishing you every success in the future and tell Dean to layoff the Donuts!!

Steve R

Mike,
Just a letter of thanks after completing your direct access course today. My experience was excellent to say the least, from the professionalism of Dene our instructor, who was, in my mind, a fountain of knowledge when it came to getting us up to and beyond the standards expected for passing the module 1 and 2 tests, all the while offering a comfortable, fun and easy training atmosphere. The Honda bikes that were loaned to us for the duration of the course were of the highest standard which left us safe in the knowledge we had the best equipment for us to get on with our training and achieve a successful pass. I would not hesitate in recommending “Assured Rider Training” to anyone needing any form of motorcycle training.

Regards
Steve R (hero to the realm, gift to the ladies and all round snappy dresser)

Jim Mc

Mike,I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your delightful Team at ART on completion of my test!
On reflection I warmed to the knowledge, skill, friendly environment, manner of teaching, the justified criticism and the TLC from the guys!!
Respect where its due guys and I will pop in shortly with some high energy fuel for them ; the pies and cake and choccy’s!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience and wish you continued success.

Steve J

Dear Mike, I would like to thank you and your team at ART for the help, guidance and support given to me over my five day course.
I found the attention to detail and ability to explain the fundamentals and more ‘technical’ areas form both Richard and Andy second to none.
I will not hesitate in recommending ART to fellow colleagues
Once again, thanks very much and I look foreward to seeing you again when I have my bike

Paul R

Dear Mike, I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to you and your instructors for the excellent tuition I received, guiding me through to a first-time pass on the 500′s. At 45 years of age and not been astride a bike for more than 15 years, the training speaks for itself.
Would you please pass on my appreciation to Richard, who gave up part of his day off to provide me with extra instruction, and Pete and Andy who carried out such a professional job. Thanks

Alan E

It is becoming increasingly rare to find companies or organisations who dedicate themselves 100% to delivering high quality, professional service to their customers and clients.
Assured Rider training stands out as one of those companies and I would like to pass on my thanks to you and your team for helping me to successfully pass my Direct Access motorcycle test first time. In particular I would like to thank Lee, who taught me on my original CBT and on whose advice I went for Direct Access. And to Richard who taught me through my Direct Access, putting up with my persitent crossing of amber lights and my ‘quick’ right-hand turns.
I took my CBT on 18th June 2002 and passed my Direct Access on 18th July, first time. When you consider that I had never previously stepped onto a motorcycle, this is oustanding credit to your team. The efforts have not only earned me my full motorcycle licence, but were also highly enjoyable.
My original purpose was to enable me to take my wife pillion on our Vespa motor scooter – but I can see this rapidly turning into the purchase of a ‘suitable’ (you’ve got to think Style, Richard!) motorcycle for enjoyable, fair-weather days, safely touring.
So, thank you all once again. I will have no hesitation in recommending ART to people in the future.

Mitch S

Dear Art, Just a short letter to say thank you to all the staff at ART for all their help and encouragement they showed to me last week when I took my CBT training.
I am now the proud owner and rider of my first set of wheels.

Chris E

I am writing to thanks you and all your instructors there for the Direct Access Course of training I undertook in December.
Zero to Hero in just 5 days was a bit daunting as I had only ridden a BSA Bantam for 3 months on a provisional licence 36 years ago! However, the friendly and professional approach by Lee, Andrew and Pete made it all possible and I got my licence on 22nd December.
Lee was very good with the initial theory and my first road ride where I saw hazards everywhere! Andrew then took me out on the frozen Forest roads with a great sense of dedication. Finally Pete took me through the delights of Shirley High Street, Millbrook et al on the 500cc mean machine, patiently dealing with the wet roads and Christmas shoppers.
Yes, they were right in saying ‘it all comes together in the end’, ‘I want to see 49 on the speedo, not 40, not 51′,’you think about it too much – just do it!’.
I’ve now clocked up just under 100 miles on my Kawasaki ZZR600 with a view to going to Europe later this year having had the benefit of expert initial training at ART
I would have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending your services to any prospective riders. Well done all round.

John J

Just a few lines to express my thanks to all at Assured Rider Training for helping me to achieve a first-time motorcycle test pass.
From my first contact with you over the telephone I have found you extremely helpful, giving me all the information needed in a concise and friendly way. On my assessment I was welcomed and I felt confident riding around the car park.
Completing my CBT was a great experience under the instruction of both Lee and Andy, who were both able to impart knowledge and confidence firmly, yet able to make it a happy and light-hearted day.
The three day Direct Access course enabled me to build on the CBT experience. Pete was exceptionally patient and his professionalism shone through. Although he was always prepared to give me a telling off, it was always done with a smile on his face, and a good explanation, after all safety was his paramount concern. During the course, and on the test itself, it rained heavily. It was not ideal conditions but, importantly, I was able to learn additional wet riding skills and for that I was greatful. On the test day, I was slightly apprehensive before riding, but I knew as soon as I was on the bike that I had the confidence and ability to successfully complete the test, which I duly did.
Finally I would like to thank your son Pete, whose knowledge and patience at Hein Gericke, with the purchase of helmet, boots, gloves and clothing was very welcome. He was particularly helpful and I hope his racing gives him much success and enjoyment in the future

Once agin, many thanks to all at Assured Rider Training. John J

C Douglass

Just a note to say thanks for the help, advice and support last week from you and your team. The whole process from initial introduction, theory test, CBT and then lessons culminating in the DSA test was friendly and professionally organised, making life much less stressful for the already nervous student.

Special thanks to Richard for seeing me through the training program, which at times must have been extremely frustrating, but at least the knowledge and advice passed on came together when required. Thanks mate and all the best with your media course and for the future.

Several colleagues at work have now expressed an interest in pursuing the Direct Access Course and I will have no hesitation in recommending your company to them, now or in the future.

Tracey D

Hi Mike and Lee
Just want to thank you both again for getting me through my ‘big’ bike test – I still can’t believe I’ve done it!
My other half (Matt) didn’t believe it either when I finally told him what I’d been up to! I literally had to show him all my pass certificates! Thankfully, he was dead chuffed, and has been helping me to find a new bike.
So, my little CBR125 has now been sold (to Tony Pang), who I believe is doing his CBT with you!), and I’ve just bought an ’05 Suzuki GS500F with only 1600 miles on it, pic attached. Not the most exciting of bikes maybe, but nevertheless it’s a beauty, my feet actually reach the ground comfortably, and it should be a great bike to develop my riding skills on. I’ve sorted the insurance today so will be out on it this evening, can’t wait!
I’ll ride over to the portacabin sometime to say hello…just don’t ask me to do a figure-of-eight again!
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for your support, patience and absolutely brilliant tuition. I will continue to recommend ART to anyone I meet (even those who don’t know yet that they want to ride a bike:-)).

Gilmour S

Sorry it has taken a while to write to thank you for the service and profesional help that you gave in my recent training and test for a full licence. I shall have no hesitation in recommending your company to others.
My special thanks should of course go to Rich, Pete and Andy for the patience and encouragement they gave throughout. Thanks to Pete’s wife for the tea, good luck Rich for the Marathon and tell Andy my hearing’s better now thanks, I hope his cold is better!!!
All of you made the whole thing fun and now that I have passed will try to continue to put your good advice and training into constant practice. I have not finally decided on what machine I will get yet but I am still looking. I have looked at Flymo’s Qualcast and Black and Decker but still fancy the Atco Super 18 inch with larger grass box, it will be more stable in the corners. (picture of Gilmour crouched over lawn mower wearing helmet included lol)
Again thanks to you all for the fun and superb training.

Brendan H

Good Morning, 
Further to my direct access course carried out last week.
I would like to pass on my gratitude and thanks to Dean who instructed me on my course and CBT,
His encouragement , perseverance and instruction during my course enabled me – much to my surprise to pass both modules of my test last Wednesday.
I have now taken delivery of my bike and had a very enjoyable weekend getting use to it.
Thanks again – and good luck with the Diet Dean ha ha.

Ray H

Just a brief note of thanks really, feel free to use in your testimonial section of website if you wish to do so.

Having arrived at Art as a complete novice with no experience of ever being on a motorbike, it’s fair to say I was somewhat nervous commencing the 5 day DAS course.

I experienced working with 2 instructors, one day with Dave and the remainder with Dene, I have nothing but praise for both of these guys. An individual assessment is made of your experience and abilities, with teaching and challenges delivered at an appropriate pace for each individual. They have infinite patience, delivering the combination of theory and practice in what is clearly a tried and tested method.

Personally I appreciated the humour as much as the tips and advice about how to be a safe motorbike rider. Whilst the aim of most participants is to pass all of the tests and assessments, it is clearly the aim at ART to take your skills beyond these levels to make you as safe on the road as possible.

I was somewhat surprised, but exceptionally pleased, to pass all elements on my first attempt, I really must say a huge thank you to Dene in particular for helping me achieve this.

The whole team at ART are very approachable and helpful, it was not unusual during a break for an instructor not working with you to give words of advice and encouragement. I have no hesitation in recommending ART to anyone considering motorbike training, I cannot praise them highly enough.

Hawkins C

Please can you pass on my thanks once again to your team of expert instructors aat Art.
To Lee, who did my initial assessment, and all the necessary bookings for DAS, including my theory test, CBT, Mod 1 & Mod 2 tests. This was very professionally handled, and the seamless approach made the whole process stress-free. 

To Dene, who did my CBT.

To Dave, who’s expert tuition got me through Mod 1 & Mod 2 with first-time passes. I would have no hesitation in recommending ART to any of my friends or colleagues

Chris h

Hi Mike, Please can you pass on my thanks once again to your team of expert instructors at Art.

To Lee, who did my initial assessment, and all the necessary bookings for DAS, including my theory test, CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests. This was very professionally handled, and the seamless approach made the whole process stress-free.

To Dean, who did my CBT.

To Dave, who’s expert tuition got me through Mod 1 and Mod 2 with first-time passes.
I would have no hesitation in recommending ART to any of my friends and colleagues.

Thanks again

Andy A

Hi Mike, Please can you pass on my thanks once again to your team of expert instructors at Art.

To Lee, who did my initial assessment, and all the necessary bookings for DAS, including my theory test, CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests. This was very professionally handled, and the seamless approach made the whole process stress-free.

To Dean, who did my CBT.

To Dave, who’s expert tuition got me through Mod 1 and Mod 2 with first-time passes.
I would have no hesitation in recommending ART to any of my friends and colleagues.

Thanks again

Simon H

Just thought I’d write a note to show my appreciation and perhaps do a bit of a testimonial to help others learn more about the experience at Assured Rider Training.

For some time now I have wanted to pass my full road bike test. I’ve ridden motocross for some years and loved being on two wheels.

Having looked around, I found Assured Rider Training to be the most complete package to get the job done. Perfect facilities, all the required equipment including the bikes of course and most importantly well qualified and friendly instructors.

I got through my theory test with a reasonable amount of highway code revision and started my course. To be fair, I didn’t do very well at all during my CBT training on the first day, but the Assured Rider Training instructors persevered and got me through it. By the second day, things just started to click into place and I realised how much I was enjoying the training.

When you first get on a 500cc bike, it feels fantastic, that “this is what I’ve been waiting for” feeling! The Assured Rider Training instructors went on to make sure I was more than ready for my test and I now have my full bike license.

I can’t praise the guys enough, no matter the challenge, they get the job done. Thanks to them I’m realising a lifelong dream and loving every moment I get to go out on the bike.

Special thanks go out to Dene and Lee who know exactly how to get you through that test! Thanks again Mike and to all those out there who aren’t sure, you’ll be glad you gave these guys a call!

Chris J

Hi Mike.
I hope this Email finds you well!
I just wanted to thank all at Assured Rider Training for making it possible for me to pass my bike test. I found the CBT to be very helpful. I must give an especial thanks to my personal trainer; I think I was very lucky to have a one on one course with him. Without him I am sure I would have not passed.

I am having lots of fun on my Harley Diversion. I feel a lot safer now I have completed one of your courses. Thank you Thank you so much.

Richard W

Gentlemen,
This is just to thank you all for getting me through my bike test at the first attempt. In paticular, I must thank Jason for his patience and calm reassurance. Without Jason, I feel that it would have been a longer task. Thank you Jason!
I would highly recommend your company, Assured Rider Training, to anyone thinking of starting to ride or going back to riding after a period of absence. My own experience with you has been first class, your proffesionalism, attention to detail, quality of staff and machines is excellent.
Whilst at the test centre in Lee-On-Solent, I saw several other traing schools arrive with pupils, few of them came accross as being as well prepared as we had been, for the test.
Thanks chaps, I have already recommended you to several people and will continue to do so.
Kind regards.
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