View Full Version : DAS training. how much? where etc
hi everyone.
i'm just looking into booking my DAS and finding out prices etc. It seems to be a little bit more than i was expecting - around about £600 for a 5 day course.
the other thing, i've been riding my scooter for 2 yrs now and done about 15k miles and therefore fairly experienced on the road sense side of things (although without gear changes) how long a course should I book. i was thinking the more the training the better, so a 5 day course. However i was expecting to pay £500ish max.
so, where did everyone do their training, approx how much and where they any good?. looking for west or north london.
cheers
karl
On a DAS they don't really train you, only show you enough to pass the test. With them miles under your belt, I'd go for a 3 day course and save the wedge for some proper training.
I did a 2 day DAS. Only been riding for about 6 months, but probably covered 10,000 miles in that 6 months on a 125! I can't remember exactly, but £260 is in my head!
Mr Toad
05-01-05, 09:39 PM
Hi Karl
I did my DAS last May, like you having done 2 years trundling around on a Scooter (mine was a Gilera Runner, wot's yours ?)
Did mine in Croydon with Matchless Rider Training, £500 in total, for 3 days + test
First day, redid the CBT syllabus but using a geared bike - Honda CB125
Then 2 days on a Kawazaki 500 that had definitely seen better days :D
Had an hour or so before my test for some last minute practice, like u-turns :twisted:
Road sense, and positioning OK as you say from 2 years scootering, but lots of naughty habits to be ironed out :wink:
After I'd passed the test and bought the SV, it dawned on me that I was only really qualified to ride down a road at up to the speed limit (hit 60 mph on the test :shock: ) and to turn left and right without getting knocked off.
Bikesafe course coming up shortly :D
yeah i've a runner aswell....which if i squint and bend down really low... and its dark can look like a motorbike.
which was the idea, to try and fool the GF and get her used to a bigish scooter and than she might not notice if i buy a similar coloured SV :)
I'm doing my DAS next week! I haven't been on a bike at all so I'm doing a full five day test with the CBT on the first day and the test on the last :shock: Its costing £595 for everything except petrol I think. Its with Motag that was recommended by a couple of friends. They do shorter courses too.
http://www.motag.com/
Flamin_Squirrel
05-01-05, 10:00 PM
Extra for fuel?!
Thats a bit tight, not heard of that one before :?
Taken from the info:
Our machines are supplied topped up with fuel and, as with any hire vehicle, you are expected to pay for its replacement as you use it
Flamin_Squirrel
05-01-05, 10:08 PM
Bah. I never had to pay, t'was included :?
Jelster
05-01-05, 10:15 PM
hi everyone.
i'm just looking into booking my DAS and finding out prices etc. It seems to be a little bit more than i was expecting - around about £600 for a 5 day course.
the other thing, i've been riding my scooter for 2 yrs now and done about 15k miles and therefore fairly experienced on the road sense side of things (although without gear changes) how long a course should I book. i was thinking the more the training the better, so a 5 day course. However i was expecting to pay £500ish max.
so, where did everyone do their training, approx how much and where they any good?. looking for west or north london.
cheers
karl
Karl,
Pass Masters is just off the A40 at the Polish War Memorial, going towards Yeding (A4180 - Ruislip Road). It's based in the "Country Club".
http://www.passmasters.co.uk/
I did my DAS with them a couple of years ago. If you've been riding a scooter for a couple of years you'll probably only need 3 or 4 days. Give them a call, they're a bunch of friendly guys.
BTW, I'm just down the road in West Drayton....
.
I've NEVER heard of any trg place expecting you to pay for fuel :toss:
Carsick
05-01-05, 10:49 PM
I've NEVER heard of any trg place expecting you to pay for fuel :toss:
Motag say that they charge for fuel in all their adverts, but they're the only one I know of that does it.
It's the insurance excess that gets on my tits.
rictus01
06-01-05, 01:04 AM
I'm so glad I did my test way back when.
just book the day, pay the test fee (can't remember how much but only a couple of quid).
Oh, and you had to pay for your own coal :shock:
Cheers Mark.
blacksheep
06-01-05, 08:07 AM
Same as everything else, seems that it's dearer in the south than up here.
I paid in the region of £500 for my CBT/theory test/DAS and test. Did the whole thing over a two week period.
On a DAS they don't really train you, only show you enough to pass the test. With them miles under your belt, I'd go for a 3 day course and save the wedge for some proper training.
What he said. I rode a scoot for 2 years then done DAS over a 3 dayer :D
I'm so glad I did my test way back when.
just book the day, pay the test fee (can't remember how much but only a couple of quid).
Oh, and you had to pay for your own Hay for the horses :shock:
Cheers Mark.
:shock: :lol:
In May 2003, mine cost £675 total.
This included Theory Test, CBT, Bike Test, Bike Hire and fuel. This was for CBT on a Saturday, then Mon & Tues on CG125, Wed & Thur on GS500 and a couple of ours on the Friday morning before the test. The training was from 8:00am to 4:00pm each day.
I thought that was pretty fair value bearing in mind the test costs.
timwilky
06-01-05, 08:55 AM
Did my cbt, and the instructor made recommendations depending on your experience/performance etc and I ended up paying £240 for a 3 day course.
There was an optional £50 "insurance" that provided for extra tuition/bike hire should you be unfortunate enough to fail and have to retest.
My main problem was the time element. CBT on a Saturday. and first day of lessons on the following Tuesday, it took 4 weeks for my theory test to come through and a further 6 weeks for my test.
So second lesson this time on an ER5 having forgotton most things I had been told 2 months earlier was the week before my test and final lesson the day before.
In hindsight I wish I had done like some others I know and taken theory test before I started the lessons.
Pay for fuel no. Yes did fail first time and had to wait a further 2 months for a retest so glad I had opted for the "insurance" as this got me an extra days lesson the day before my test and the bike/instructor loan for the test
BTW prices have changes since I did mine, and school is NW based so probably of no interest. But I have cut the current prices from the Oak Rider Training (http://www.oakrider.com) site
CBT prices.
CBT inc. guaranteed pass, helmet, gloves etc. £75
CBT inc. guaranteed pass, helmet gloves and bike hire from £85
Weekday Courses for CBT holders.
2 day DAS for experienced proficient riders £190
3 day DAS for the current experienced rider £270
4 day DAS for the less experienced or "born again" biker £340
5 day DAS for people with little experience £400
Beware of misleading course descriptions. For example:- when we quote you for a three day course we mean three full days, not a two day course with a quick trip to the test centre on the third day.
Optional guaranteed pass fee which covers extra tuition and bike hire regardless of how long it takes. £80
so glad I had opted for the "insurance" as this got me an extra days lesson the day before my test and the bike/instructor loan for the test
Sorry, should have mentioned that my £675 included any retest.
Not that it was needed :D
timwilky
06-01-05, 09:12 AM
Jabba
It sounds like you were able to get some sort of package? CBT on Saturday, and test on the following friday?
So I guess you had already passed your theory and made the test booking and simply booked the course for the week before the test.
wish I had done it that way
i was also on a scooter for a few years and passed first time after a 3 day DAS. started on 125 honda CB, then spent two days on an ER5. I used www.thebikeschool.co.uk in wimbledon but for some reason the test was in greenford, middx.
i can't remember the exact price but i researched it thoroughly and they were no more expensive than anyone else.
good luck!
Will
well my plan is..
i've got my theory test booked for tomorrow morning (so fingers crossed) etc. and then my current CBT lasts until 30th march. so i plan on doing my DAS before that expires and that will hopefully save me a little bit of cash and allow me to get straight on with the DAS training rather than driving around a car park for a day.. so from everyones respone it looks like i should try for a 3ish day course.
so probably try and do my DAS end feb \ march time as it might be a tad warmer. i don't mind half an hour commute is this weather, but all day riding could be a bit painful.... nad i don't suppose the riding school bikes would have heated grips.
k
It sounds like you were able to get some sort of package? CBT on Saturday, and test on the following friday?
So I guess you had already passed your theory and made the test booking and simply booked the course for the week before the test.
The bike school booked everything for me :D
The Theory test was some weeks before the CBT, they then got me a test-date and sorted the training around that. I booked-in with the school in mid-March and took the test at the end of May.
Yep, same here. I passed the theory about a month ago, and got a package for the DAS course that included the CBT, test, bike hire and training, I also get a deal if I fail where I don't have to pay for training again, just the bike hire.
Carsick
06-01-05, 12:59 PM
they then got me a test-date and sorted the training around that.
Alot of schools just have prebooked tests that they can use. If they don't have somethign booked by the minimum cancellation before they just give up the test slot.
It's definitely a good idea doing your theory well in advance. I also deliberately did mine before they increased the hazard perception scores again.
For northwest London try Elite motorcycle training; they're based right behind the stadium complex in Wembley. Handy for me living in Hayes. I did a 5 day DAS as I hadn't ridden for over 5 years and passed 1st time doing the course over 3 weekends. Have a look at their site http://www.elitemotorcycletraining.com , they do an assesment hour which I think is free to see how many days you'd need (I'm guessing 2 with your experience). I was very impressed with their setup and it made the experience nice n easy. Adam
carlos19679
07-01-05, 09:37 AM
Go for what ever they advise you, best place is to go to your local bike shop and ask which is the best in your area. Just take note though if you fail a retest can cost you as much as 200 quid for a extra days training and test fee.
Hi guys, new to the forum, friend of Kate's.
I have been riding a scooter for 6 months and want to do my DAS. I did a manual CBT and a theory test already. I have quotes of
Motag - 3day - £425
Metropolis - 3 day - £380, 5 day - £499
Flying colours - 3 day - £396, 4day - £491
The guys at metropolis said I really should do the 5 day. To be fair since I found the gears fiddly on my CBT, and I have some *very* bad habits from riding the scooter (lanes? what are they for?) I am inclined to agree. Anyone else heard or seen any better quotes?
John
I have some *very* bad habits from riding the scooter (lanes? what are they for?) I am inclined to agree. John
:lol: No, really?
I did mine in 2000. A one man school ran by a guy named John Deeth (iirc). About 400 for 5 days (1.5 days 125, followed by 3 days on a Honda NTV650 with test at the end. He had tests pre booked so I booked my course about 2 weeks before doing it.
Didn't have to pay for fuel, or insurance etc.
Stu
Lionheart
17-02-05, 12:25 PM
I did mine at Kent and Sussex in Tunbridge wells. Full package was about £650, but I had to do an extra day (coz i was bad :roll: )., and that cost a bit more.
If you have road experience then you probably won't need to do the full first 2 day on a 125, but I think they might persuade you to do at least a days.
Am i right in thinking that the scooter is a twist and go ? If so I don't think they would be too happy to let you out on a 500 with no clutch control/gear experience.
Good luck with the theory.
Yeah, it's a twist and go.
The metropolis guy said as much. Their 3day course is essentially "Here's your 500, let's go." so I was thinking of hiring a 125 manual for a week before hand. However the cost of the hire would be at least £100 which is why all in all the 5 day one seems like a good idea.
Ceri JC
17-02-05, 12:38 PM
I learnt with A.R.T. Abbey Rider Training near Swindon.
Got on really well with nearly all the instructors (one was a bit of a Hitler and not very suited as a teacher, although he was admittedly, very, very good on a bike). Cost something like £620 for absolutely everything, they booked tests etc. for me, gave me copies of theory books, mock theory test for PC cds, etc. well impressed.
They also sold basic gear (cheap lids/gloves) at close to cost prices (cheaper than you could get in a bike dealership for the same models).
Good ratio of pupils: instructors, nice long sessions. All round very good.
They also covered some more advanced tips that weren't needed for the test, countersterring, leaning the bike up to break hard on bends, etc. I'd strongly recommend them to anyone looking at learning.
Spiderman
17-02-05, 01:40 PM
I hadnt been on a bike (with an engine in it anyway) for over 10 years.
Did a 3 day DAS with Freedom. Cost £500 al in... kit, bikes, FUEL, test etc. Even teas and coffees on site were free..... and made by the instructors!!
Check their site (http://www.ride2freedom.com/)
Nice bunch.
And anyone who charges for fuel is a :toss: imo
Edit.... they are located right behind J&S accessories in Watford (not really Watford tho tbh.... i live in mill hill and it takes about 10 mins up the A41. dont even get to Watford). The good thing is that they will negotiate discounts for you for kit etc if you pass with them.
When i passed (last june) i hadnt used a geared bike much before... it came to me quite quickly tbh.
They have a 96% pass rate as a school and they like to keep it that way, so if they feel you need extar on something they will take the time with you.
I had a 12 day gap between day 2 and 3 (went on hols doh!) so when i came to day 3 with the test in the afternoon i was really bad at U turns. Instructor spent ages with me getting it right.
Passed first time with 6 minor faults. :thumbsup:
I hadnt been on a bike (with an engine in it anyway) for over 10 years.
Did a 3 day DAS with Freedom. Cost £500 al in... kit, bikes, FUEL, test etc. Even teas and coffees on site were free..... and made by the instructors!!
Check their site (http://www.ride2freedom.com/)
Nice bunch.
And anyone who charges for fuel is a :toss: imo
Tbh, I think I paid about £5 in total for fuel. I mentioned to the instructor that I had heard it was very unusual to be charged, but he didn't know any schools that didn't charge.
Overall, the DAS was good. I believe I paid a little more than average for my retest as other schools chuck in free tuition and a bigger discount on the test, but I passed, thats the main thing.
paid £550 for my DAS. 4 full days on an ER5, one day on a 125 for the CBT and half day on the day of the test. Theory on top of that (forgot how much that is!)
never paid for any fuel. and at the price paid for the DAS i'd have told them to go do one if they suggested it!!
Spiderman
17-02-05, 02:10 PM
I hadnt been on a bike (with an engine in it anyway) for over 10 years.
Did a 3 day DAS with Freedom. Cost £500 al in... kit, bikes, FUEL, test etc. Even teas and coffees on site were free..... and made by the instructors!!
Check their site (http://www.ride2freedom.com/)
Nice bunch.
And anyone who charges for fuel is a :toss: imo
Tbh, I think I paid about £5 in total for fuel. I mentioned to the instructor that I had heard it was very unusual to be charged, but he didn't know any schools that didn't charge.
Overall, the DAS was good. I believe I paid a little more than average for my retest as other schools chuck in free tuition and a bigger discount on the test, but I passed, thats the main thing.
Yeh Freedom do some free tuition if they feel you were hard done by on the test or just froxe up etc.
Like you say kate... main thing is that you passed. But i'm with Keith... i'd have told em to shove it. That much money and they still want another fiver out of you? Tight gits! :roll:
GSXR Carlos
17-02-05, 03:17 PM
I'm so glad I did my test way back when.
just book the day, pay the test fee (can't remember how much but only a couple of quid).
Oh, and you had to pay for your own coal :shock:
Cheers Mark.
mate we're not talking about penny farthings here, we me MOTORBIKES, real ones with more than a small motor and a bicycle frame :lol:
unlucky rider
17-02-05, 03:57 PM
when I did my DAS in PLymouth it was only £110 a day and i had 2 days then took my test (failed for being stupied) #-o then did another day refresher then passed :D . All for about £440 all in but that is in plymouth.
I did a 4 day course at Rex Judds on Burnt Oak Broadway, can't remember excatly how much it was, around £500 I think. Nice guys, nice roads and your not to far away from the Hendon test centre. The guy who taught me was Hong Kong John and rode a goldwing, patient and very good at explaining what the examnier wants to see you do.
Where ever you go, good luck, relax and enjoy.
Glenn
pegasus
17-02-05, 08:12 PM
somebody else mentioned elite at wembley i did my 4 day course with them absolutely excellent coaching....and when i passed my test the instructors took me to the pub for a celebration drink
bty passed first time....recommend an instructor called "H" vin diesel look-a-like
and they use brand spanking new CB-500's
Baldyman
17-02-05, 10:03 PM
I learnt with A.R.T. Abbey Rider Training near Swindon.
Got on really well with nearly all the instructors (one was a bit of a Hitler and not very suited as a teacher, although he was admittedly, very, very good on a bike). Cost something like £620 for absolutely everything, they booked tests etc. for me, gave me copies of theory books, mock theory test for PC cds, etc. well impressed.
They also sold basic gear (cheap lids/gloves) at close to cost prices (cheaper than you could get in a bike dealership for the same models).
Good ratio of pupils: instructors, nice long sessions. All round very good.
They also covered some more advanced tips that weren't needed for the test, countersterring, leaning the bike up to break hard on bends, etc. I'd strongly recommend them to anyone looking at learning.
Yup, Go along with all the above =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>
even your description of Rob :lol: Glad I had Kurt, who has since left :(
i got everything for £280 cbt theroy test thing and 3 lessons plus the test, i found that there was a hugggeeee price differnce between different places.
It def helps to shop around
I'm booked on the Metropolis course! :D
Wish me luck!
Good luck! (not that you need it)
Why? Really my riding is very bad.
I'll miss the scooter if I sell it. It gave me a kick knowing I was stretching its limits over the bypass at Ikea. You know, 50mph, bum half way off the seat racing style... :wink:
In fact I did Purley to Victoria in 37min the other day. And I can get it to 60mph up the hill past croydon airfield!
And I can get it to 60mph up the hill past croydon airfield!
..And I think I was somewhere in front of you.... *smirk*
:P
Ceri JC
18-02-05, 04:51 PM
Yup, Go along with all the above =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>
even your description of Rob :lol: Glad I had Kurt, who has since left :(
Ha ha, Rob was my favourite instructor there, good bloke, struck the fine balance between tellling you off for having a bit of fun (and encouraging lunacy) and actually teaching you to ride in a way that'll pass the test.
And I can get it to 60mph up the hill past croydon airfield!
..And I think I was somewhere in front of you.... *smirk*
:P
No, everytime I go up it! I love seeing people's faces when I overtake them in their cars!
REEVESIE
20-02-05, 12:16 PM
Passed my test in December just before xmas.
I did a super six with Metropolis in Vauxhall.
This included theory test cost, insurance ,petrol, CBT, the use of a geared 125cc for 2 evenings to practise and the actual driving test and if you book it quick you will also get the winter discount.
I found the instructors very good and helpful and my test was in Belvedere where the roads are very wide so u-turns are easy to achieve.
We also did a couple of stints on the A2 where you could get up to 70mph on a CBF 500.
i originally had been riding a 125cc for 2 years but learnt a hell of a lot I did not know on my super six.
if you failed you test for some reason it also included two extra days training before you next re-test.
Cost was just under £600.
Couerdelion
20-02-05, 12:50 PM
Do most people get there licenses this way? (DAS)
I did my CBT on my scooter.
Did my theory the week after and then had four lessons over the space of four months on a 125 before I took and passed my 125 test.
Kept on the scooter for 2 years and then bought an SV. Had a 4 hour refresher, weekend before I was due to pick the SV up, and was surprised that I remembered how to change gear and everything. Total cost about £200
Carsick
20-02-05, 12:52 PM
Do most people get there licenses this way? (DAS)
I think a large percentage do, yes.
Mostly to do with the costs involved in getting a bigger bike, these days.
Insurance and such like make it mostly unviable for anybody under 21 and then you add on the increasing congestion (and charges) and alot of people are taking up biking for commuting.
wheelnut
20-02-05, 02:51 PM
:P By gum eh!
Its grim oop north, but its certainly a lot cheaper to do DAS :P
I did CBT on Saturday, Ride out Sunday. Theory test on Tuesday,
Full day training on Thursday then 2 hours training before test on Friday for £230
http://www.smartridertraining.co.uk/index.htm
Kev and Heather are the instructors and he rides an R1 while Heather teaches on an RSV Mille :P
they will also do one to one training days
idid a three day,£300 all in.hadn't rode for 20 years-no probs.
did it in letchworth up the A1,good bunch 'o' lads :lol:
GSXR Carlos
24-02-05, 09:41 AM
My test was five day jobby, did my theory the week before, passed, ran down to instructors and got my training and pre booked test booked, then 5 days later ( no CBT as just coming to the end of it from a moped, if i failed i'd need my CBT again :() i'm a restricted license holder pining over a shine 51 plate sv, it's the sort of stuff that dreams are made of :)
Well Ha! I passed!
The guys at metropolis were great. 3 minors. The guys I was training with was rubbish on the morning of the test but managed to get only minor in the end!
So what bike to get? Hmmm! :D
Flamin_Squirrel
03-03-05, 09:47 AM
\:D/
Well Ha! I passed!
Whoo-hoo :D
So what bike to get? Hmmm! :D
Clue:
Rearranget the following letters to make the name of the best selling bike in Europe for the past few years..........
E H N O R T
:wink:
Congrats John!! Now get on and test out some bikes!!
Congrats John!! Now get on and test out some bikes!!
Yay! I get to scare myself stupid trying all the sports bikes for a laugh! I'll swan in and pretend I don't give a **** about the prices and test ride a rocket 3 or something for a laugh ha ha ha... :D
No seriously, beat up fazer or SV is looking a fairly good bet at the mo. Unless I become seduced by the daytona or VFR. 8)
leatherpatches
03-03-05, 11:02 AM
Well done. From the original post, you must have been doing 20 miles a day on that scooter, and that's if you rode every day including Christmas. That's some mileage if you're limited to 30mph!
40 miles a day for the last year. (weekdays).. but its a bit quicker than 30mph.
it has been know to reach the heady speeds of 65mph.. wind behind, dowh hill :D
Never did DAS - couldnt afford it or the time.
Did CBT ( of course ) and theory. Then spend 6 months driving in and out of work before booking my 125 test. Waited & practised another 10 weeks for my test slot and then passed on a wonderful day 2 years ago.
Been riding a GS500 restricted to 33bhp for last 2 years and its been a great way of learning. Now I might be ready for something a bit bigger - but I've explored my limitation and put 10,000 miles under my belt.
For me DAS wouldnt have been right - too much about passing a test and not enough about riding correctly. And too intensive for me to take it all in anyway. I'm just glad I did it 'my way '
Pashda ( new here - just browsing over from gs500e.co.uk )
I've NEVER heard of any trg place expecting you to pay for fuel :toss:
Agreed! Bunch of :toss: When I did my training the fuel and gear hire was all included( I used my own gear though..the thought of someone elses nervous sweat in my helmet does not do things for me :? :wink:
biketeacherdave
27-08-05, 09:00 PM
The reason, i am a CBT/DAS instructor who runs his own school. My 5 day DAS course seems cheap compared to others, i DONT CHARGE FOR PETROL, i often buy the teas and coffes i give any additional training free of charge,bike hire and insurance is free should some one fail the test and base all courses on each persons needs.
PLease keep this one going so we can all see which are good or bad schools :D
650newb
27-08-05, 09:46 PM
done a 4 or 5 day(cant remember excactly) with Apex training in peterborough - cost around the £500 mark, they got me through my test first time so i'd say they were good :)
ART in Royston was where i did the DAS. 575 for a 4 day course and that included any additional lessons and that price of a second test should you fail.
idid a three day,£300 all in.hadn't rode for 20 years-no probs.
did it in letchworth up the A1,good bunch 'o' lads :lol:
I tried them and they could not even be bothered to make enquiries for me with DSA about teaching someone with hearing loss who can not use radio gear.
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