Motorcycle Instructor Training courses
Welcome to our information about training to be an instructor. There's quite a bit to read. We hope you find it helpful but if you need more information please contact paul@in-gear.co.uk
We can help you to make a change of career, or, if you are already a CBT or a Direct Access instructor and would like to know more about working for In-Gear please Contact Us on 01275 375 111.
Being a motorcycle instructor, or a trainer/coach, which describes the role more accurately, is a rewarding and very enjoyable life. It comes with unique responsibilities with the opportunity to meet and interact with people of all ages from all walks of life.
To work for In-Gear we would like you to be articulate and friendly, with an aptitude for teaching. You must have good interpersonal skills and be very willing to learn. You may have been a Scout leader, or you may have taught woodwork. If you can demonstrate an understanding of what's required to teach you're on the right track.
On the more formal side of things to get started you need to be over 21, have a full category A motorcycle licence, which you will have held for a minimum period of 3 years. The licence must be clean. You will need to be prepared to have a CRB check made against your background. The CRB check is made with the Criminal Records Bureau to establish if there is anything that would make your role as a trainer unsuitable. Applicants will also need 2 references.
What's involved?
In short, a lot of hard work! There are no specific figures available to measure your chances of success but to make a comparison with car driving instructor training, you should know that only 12% of those that start their courses qualify to become instructors. Go here for information about our instructor riding courses Riding Standards
What are the roles?
There are different categories of trainers but the starting point is your role as a down-trained CBT instructor. Here you will be working under supervision and gaining experience. Once you have sufficient experience and knowledge you can apply to become a Cardington assessed CBT instructor. The assessment for this qualification is 2 days and takes place with the Driving Standards Agency in Bedford.
Having qualified at Cardington for your CBT licence you will be able to move on to becoming a Direct Access instructor. This will require further training and a final day will be spent at Cardington for another assessment.
Once you have become a Direct Access instructor you will ideally need a further 2 to 3 years teaching experience to become truly independent of further supervision requirements, although you will be able to work independently once you have qualified.
How do I learn to teach?
We will teach you. Your instructor training course can be an intensive kind or spread over a longer period. Or a mixture of both. We will assess your abilities and discuss with you the best way for you to go about the course. There is no right or wrong way, however, learning over a longer period can establish the skills more securely.
Shall I give up my day job?
No. As with all things in life there are no guarantees. You need to make sure during the training process that it is something you want to do. There is lots of hard work ahead with theory and hazard perception development, rider training and teacher training. One step at a time is best. 
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on how far you want to progress. There is the opportunity of a free assessment and discussion in the first instance to establish the likelihood of your suitability and for you to find out if the career offers what you are looking for.
Once you decide to go ahead, all courses require a non-refundable £750 deposit. This will include an advanced riding course with qualification as above and the early stages of your progress to the down trained level where you can start gaining experience in preparation for the Cardington assessment. The costs thereafter to a great extent will depend on your capacity to learn, your personal goals and your ability to progress to a different level. The remainder can be by instalments if needed.
What do I do now?
E-mail paul@in-gear.co.uk or telephone 01275 375 111 or 01446 794578 and ask for Paul Dickinson.
Good luck with your new career!
