My story an ex pupil
I didn’t know Dave before my DAS course, I’ve not been paid to write this and I’m not just writing it because I passed my test. I’m writing this because I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.
It took just 27 hours for Dave (and his team) to take me from a total novice to a DAS success. Six hours for 4 days and a 3 hour pre-test-practice-warm-up-ride-thingy.
I started out day 1 in a school playground (no cars, buses or lorries to hit, or to hit me!!). It’s the friendliest induction you could hope for. I never once felt intimidated and nor was I patronised, if this is your primary fear then go get down to DG training, Dave takes all these fears away and reminds you that whilst riding is a very serious business, it is, like the bacon sarnies, to be enjoyed.
Days 2,3,4 were out on the road, I felt protected throughout, Dave constantly rode to defend me from idiot road users. Using radio contact, his professionalism (with interjected humour/banter) guided me swiftly through years of his experience, which still echoes as I ride solo now.
The pre-test-practice-warm-up-ride-thingy left me more prepared and relaxed than I’ve been for any test/exam in my life. I passed first time.
I’m proud to have been his pupil, will definitely stay in touch and urge you that if you are thinking about doing your DAS then give Dave and his team a call, he’ll see you through.
Ash, Westerham
Current/First Bike: Yamaha FZ6
Once you get to the CBT training day you"re made to feel at ease by your instructor. The day starts with a run through of the basic things you need to know before you get on a bike. I had never ridden a bike before and was not sure i wanted to! I had gone along to support my other half who had wanted to learn to ride for many years. The day was great fun and the instructor was excellent. We had a weeks training for our DAS. The first day was on the 125s and was very strange and not at all that enjoyable for me. The 125 seemed very small and i felt intimidated by the cars. I nearly didn"t go on the second day as i didn"t think riding was for me. How wrong could i have been! The 500cc bike was just fantastic. So much did i enjoy myself that i went out and bought a bike before i passed my test. The training at DG is superb, far more than is needed just to pass the test-you get lots of very useful help that has stood us in good stead now we have passed our tests. If you think you might want to learn to ride a motorbike-DO IT, ITS FANTASTIC.
Sue
Current bikes: CBR600f/Ducati 999s
Firstly, I think it's testament to Dave that he stills keeps in touch with ex-pupils, whom I observed coming to the Sunday Test Centre, proudly showing off their new bike purchases, This speaks volumes in my book. I too have now been welcomed into the biking fraternity with the offer of a Friday night Ride out to Hastings. In the past I have never felt the need to write a recommendation letter and have indeed scoffed at those who do. Why I have changed is that what I was given by Dave goes beyond the norm and should be commended. Dave is incredible friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. To this day I often still hear his voice in my right ear "lifesaver!!!, "turn off your indicator!!!!!") . The training was spot on and indeed have had over five years in the training business myself. Dave patiently broke me of my dubious riding techniques picked up from two years of bad riding on a scooter (boo hiss). His advice was always spot on, he called when he said he would, he saved me money and I passed with not even one minor fault. From the good humoured chats we had. we will probably never agree on the way to save the planet but that's another story. Good luck with your business.
Richard Lockwood
Orpington
Suzuki Bandit GSX600
I was looking to take my bike test due to the fact that I done some motocross as an early teenager and the buzz of the bike never leaves you. I had a look on the internet and found that there were several schools but they seemed to main stream and it did not feel right. I also had a look at Dave’s website which I found very straight forward and to the point I have personally never left a any correspondence on a website before but felt the need to due to the fact that I had such an enjoyable time while doing my full CBT/DAS course. Immediately when I first spoke to Dave I had the sense of a very straight and honest guy and He told me exactly what I needed to do before actually doing any practical riding i.e. Theory & Hazard Awareness to which He also gave superb advise on what software and literature to get and also on how to apply for the tests.
The first day started on a school playground at Orpington which was great due to the fact that you have a day to get used to the bike and practise manoeuvres and learn about the bikes as well. I think I was even getting my knee down (ha ha ha) and ex-pupils who still go on there Sunday morning which says so much for Dave as a person regarding his teaching and his persona were taking bets between myself and somebody else.
Following on from this we then hit the roads and again could not fault the way in which Dave taught us an individuals.I also enjoyed all the banter from Dave in my earpiece which I found very comfortable LOL. (laugh out loud) I actually miss my time doing my lessons so I will definitely be joining the Sunday club for bacon butties.
Thanks
Sean
A message from Graham 27th april 2008
I passed. OK, so thousands of people have said this before, but for me it was different. I’m not a ‘natural’ biker and had spent the weeks running up to my test reading forums and talking to bikers all of which put the fear of God into me because, “No one passes first time!”.
Then I met Dave.
Even after day one of the DAS, Dave’s genuine enthusiasm and fantastic non-patronising teaching style started me thinking that I could do it. By the end of day three I genuinely believed that I could pass the test. Dave never loses his temper (or his professionalism) and his never ending banter and encouragement manages to fill you with confidence and skill. So much so, that I wasn’t even too nervous on the morning of the test. I was the first of Dave’s two students to go out with the examiner. Before I knew it I was on the bike. Armed with Dave’s knowledge I actually enjoyed the ride and passed first time!!! I might add that the other student went on to pass first time as well. (of course!)
If you want to pass first time I advise that you get yourself booked in with DG Rider training. You won’t look back (except for lifesavers of course).
Graham Kirkman
|
