At Valley Bike School, we pride ourselves on giving the best possible training. Although we have become bigger since setting up in 1999, we have not lost sight of the fact that the student must come first and the safety of each student is paramount. We believe that safety is the cornerstone of motorbike training and, as we say elsewhere, passing a test is a 40 minute experience - safety is for life.

Here are a few of the things that previous students have said about us. For more, follow this link at The Review Centre.

If you're looking to do your bike licence, look no further than these guys! Cant praise them enough! Very friendly atmosphere about the place, which puts your nerves at ease straight away. equipment-wise 10 out of 10! Everything provided for you. Done the 5 day intense course, would have gone from no riding/driving experience on the roads whatsoever, to getting my licence in 5 days, only for a very silly mistake through no fault but my own (huff). Never mind, put straight back in for the Mod 2 and 2 weeks later passed!!. Big massive thanks to Joe an Bob who made my dream come true.. or is it Bob an Joe?? haha (Joke Joe you know what I mean!) These guys are the best around make no mistake about it! The day I travelled up from Liverpool for the Mod 2 again I was horrifyingly late due to rail service! Without a thought, Joe was there ready to meet me with my gear the moment I stepped off the train. That gives you an idea what the guys at Valley Bikes are about, willing to go the extra mile for you... or 5 eh Joe!! Ha Ha. Going anywhere else would be cheating yourself!!!!!! Again big thanks to Michelle Joe bob!!! and all at Valley Bikes... Chuffed to bits!!!!!!

Steve (Liverpool) 27/07/10

I attended Valley Bike School Rawtenstall with some trepidation being the only "Mod" in a biker environment and a Yorkshireman in Lancashire to boot..! I could not have been made more welcome... The standard of training was exceptional with all instructors highly competent and with greatest emphasis on safety safety...!! Fantastic course all round and highly recommended for any level of rider to attain the required licence.. Well done Joe, Michelle, Martin and especially Bob who is just the calming influence required on test day...! I did a theory test, CBT, and Mods 1 & 2 all in one week... Fantastic support and highly recommended.. Recommended to me by a car driving school in Yorkshire....!!!! Can't say better than that...!!!

Stephen (Skipton) 23/07/10

Great bike school would recommend to anyone, I had never ridden before and passed my test within the 5 day course and felt safe on my own. Very friendly and very good teachers both in riding and on the safety side.

Andrew (Burnley) 19/07/10

My friend had recently done a course with Valley Bike School and I've always fancied a bike so I booked a 5 day course with VBS over a week I had off work.

I really enjoyed my training and as long as you listened to what they had to say and took it on board you were laughing. I really enjoyed tuition off Joe and Bob who were a great help and thanks to them passed my mod 1 and 2 with no minor faults. I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to learn to ride a bike 10 out of 10.

Cheers guys

Ben (Burnley) 17/07/10

When I started thinking about doing my Bike License two friends both recommended Valley Bike School and I can totally see why they would. I went from having never rode a geared bike to now having a full motorbike licence in the space of 6 or so days spread over 2 months (due to work commitments).

Valley Bike School were incredibly flexible and could fit lessons around my schedule, and as I was a total novice I had none of my own gear so I got to use theirs which was always clean and in fantastic condition.

Whilst there I had the fantastic tuition of both Joe and Bob who honestly couldn't of been better instructors. They teach you all that you need to know but also treat as a friend rather than just a client. So much so every week I was looking forward to riding just to have the banter with the instructors.

As you can tell from going from a total beginner to a full bike licence in the equivalent of 6 days VBS are not in the business of ripping you off, as soon as your ready they'll put you in for your tests.

I couldn't recommend Valley Bike School highly enough, they were fantastic. Special Thanks to Michelle Joe and Bob for all of their hard work and for showing me what a pleasure biking can be and the camaraderie that goes with it. Don't bother going anywhere else, Valley Bike School has it all.

Dave Furness (Oldham) 24/06/10

A very professional and friendly bike school and whilst the emphasis is on safety. They also make it fun and enjoyable.

All the equipment is first class and the instructors, especially Joe and Bob were always patient and I was always made to feel comfortable and at ease which is obviously great for confidence, especially having never ridden a bike before.

I really enjoyed my time at VBS and would recommend them to anyone wanting to learn to ride.

Chris Skinner (Rochdale) 4/06/10

Brilliant training and good solid equipment. Joe and Bob both did a fantastic job and I would recommend anybody doing there training to use Valley Bike School. The training is well structured and never rushed. I really enjoyed the time at VBS. You feel like you are amongst friends and it does wonders for your confidence on the bike. If they seem far from you it is worth the journey (25 miles for me) for great training in a fantastic environment.

David (Manchester) 4/06/10

Quick to assess your abilities, totally committed to teaching safe riding, the whole thing was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

I would recommend them to any new learner, whether they are interested in mopeds or muscle bikes.

I found everyone friendly, very professional, and easy to learn from, all their bikes and equipment are first rate, and kept in clean tiptop condition.

Roy Fletcher (Bury) 31/05/10

It is 18 years since I last rode a motorcycle but I wanted to get back in the saddle and become a born again biker, at aged 56 technology has moved along since I last rode my trusty FJ1200. There are new rules and regulations enforced from the day I passed my test in 1976 these guys are not trying to teach you to suck eggs, they are there to save your life.

I would recommend doing the refresher course with valley riding school the instructors are first class I feel I have gained enough knowledge and skill to go biking again and hopefully not become a casualty if you are thinking of going back to motorcycling then sign up for a refresher it could save your life and what’s more it helps to reduce your insurance when you apply for a quote.

Thanks a lot guys the course was worth every penny

John Hainsworth (Rochdale) 25/05/10

I cannot speak highly enough of VBS. The whole team is awesome. I went from never riding a bike to passing my test (via direct access) in about 6 weeks. You would be foolish to spend your money elsewhere - just read the reviews, they speak for themselves. I have NO criticism of VBS at all. Kit, bike, insurance etc all provided. Special thanks to Bob!

Dave (Barrowford) 27/4/2010
 

Can not rate them enough. Taster session first, CBT week later then rode 125 for few months. Started training 15th March, test passed 16th april (2nd go never mind eh! Bob). Really good professional instructors who also have personalities and wont lie to you just as money making exercise. Dont go anywhere else these are THE BEST. Big thanks to all especially Bob

Stuart (Manchester) 17/4/2010

AFTER SEARCHING THE NET FOR A WHILE I CAME ACROSS VBS THE AD LOOKED GREAT AND THE INSTRUCTORS LOOKED FRIENDLY SO I POPPED DOWN. WHEN I GOT THERE I WAS GREETED BY JOE AND MICHELLE WHO TALKED ME THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS. I WAS MADE TO FEEL EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE ABOUT GOING FROM MY CBT TO MY DIRECT ACCESS. I DID MY CBT AND THEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE BIG ONE, WELL I HAVE TO SAY I DIDN'T FIND IT EASY, BUT THERE WAS ONE PART OF THE TEST WHICH I HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE DREADED U-TURN I JUST COULDN'T GET IT RIGHT BUT FULL CREDIT TO ALL THE INSTRUCTORS, THEY PERSEVERED WITH ME CALMED ME DOWN AND TALKED ME THROUGH IT AND MADE ME FEEL AT EASE AND, EVENTUALLY I PASSED. I HAVE TO SAY TO ALL THE STAFF, JOE, MICHELLE AND THE INSTRUCTORS THANKS A MILLION. THEY NOT ONLY TAUGHT ME HOW TO RIDE A BIKE BUT ENJOY IT AND RIDE SAFELY......CHEERS

Nuna (Rochdale) 29/03/10

Excellent day & gr8t experience, the instructors were simply brilliant - made 2 feel at ease, but made fully aware of all the in's & outs & the importance of what you were there for, with a friendly relaxed atmosphere! Enjoyed it from start to finish. Would definitely recommend them 2 anybody!!

Paul (Rochdale) 28/03/10

I travelled up from London to do my CBT after reading the reviews of Valley Bike School (VBS) on this website, it was well worth it.

The CBT was taught thoroughly and by highly trained staff. The staff took time over detail and were very friendly and helpful to.

I am planning on completing my training there

Cheers VBS

Jeremy (London) 20/03/10

This is to say thank you to everyone at VBS. I would recommend VBS to anyone considering learning to ride. My experience was very enjoyable and well priced. All members of staff that I came into contact with were knowledgeable, courteous and professional throughout. Genuinely nice people. I've now got a big bike and an even bigger grin!!

Many thanks

Stephen (Bury) 08/02/10

A big thank you to everyone at VBS.

Great facilities and fabulous range of equipment.

Excellent standard of tuition throughout, safe, progressive and very supportive.

Everyone is treated exactly the same and you are able to learn at a pace that suits you.

All staff extremely friendly and always available to listen or give advice.

I am now proud to be a member of the 6.5 club and am looking forward to popping out on a Sunday when I can.

I would recommend Joe, Michelle and the team to anyone considering taking up Biking.

All in all a fantastic experience.

Chris (Northwich) 23/01/10

To read more of the 6.5 Club click here

Just to say a HUGE thank you for helping me to achieve one of my longest held secret ambitions! I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism, safety consciousness, supportiveness and general niceness and human-ness of everyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at VBS - it's sooooo nice to be treated as an individual and not just as a 'girl'!!!! The sessions were fun, challenging, chilly (at times!!) but packed with advice, support, lots of patience, humour (albeit dubious on occasions!) nice tours and tips for success - loved it, thanks!! Achieving this goal means a lot to me so thanks guys for everything!! 
Cheers! 

Emma (Burnley) 18/12/09

Excellent friendly instructors, who put you at ease, and appreciate that you may be a total novice and never been near a motorbike. I went from novice to passing full test in 3 months. 

Even when you pass they still don't mind you popping in for a brew and asking advice riding techniques.

Damian (Rossendale) 11/10/09

VBS came with a friends' recommendation, and I wasn't disappointed! From the day I arrived, everyone was friendly and a calm atmosphere was created which lifted a lot of my initial nervousness. The instructors were professional throughout and really gave me confidence. They happily structured the learning to my specific needs rather than just a step by step program. Most importantly they helped me achieve a 1st time pass and allowed me to enjoy the world of biking. Strongly recommended to anyone interested in taking the first steps to safe riding.

Martin (Bury) 20/09/09

Valley Bike School was a excellent choice for me. The team were brill and provided cbt training and direct access.

Ian (Manchester) 17/09/09

Fully recommend anybody to learn with Valley Bike School as I had a good time with friendly people who care about how quick you learn. Some training schools seem to take advantage of trying to spin things out to make money at the expense of learning as I found out before going to Valley Bike School.

Peter (Bolton) 07/09/09

Valley Bike School, Rossendale, Lancashire made taking my CBT a fantastic experience, a great set of tutors dedicated to producing safe riders, absolutely professional setup but with the personal touch to make the day enjoyable. I cannot recommend them high enough and will certainly be back as I progress in my riding. Genuinely engaging tutors, fantastic with first time riders and a really professional setup.

Phil (Burnley) 06/07/09

 

Excellent motorcycle training from Valley Bike School, for beginners or the more experienced riders. Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, no pressure, could save your life. Bad points,  put two sugars in my cup of tea instead of one!!!! ;-)

David (Rawtenstall) 22/06/09

I was persuaded by a friend to take my Motorbike test, as a natural progression to my current hobby of Road Biking. I was given a name of school who would do my CBT which was where my Friend was doing his. It wasn't horrid but I got home after the day, and seriously considered if it was for me. I then decided to try VBS for my lessons and I can honestly say it was the best thing I did. 

I hated my car lessons when I learnt but I really looked forward to the bike lessons. And the main reason for me was the people who work at VBS. They always went above and beyond with everything. After a lesson you get off the bike feeling like Valentino Rossi, and full of confidence. Even if you made a mistake, somehow they can turn it into a positive situation, and you leave your lesson wishing you could go back out for another two hours. 

Another big plus has been the safety and awareness they have taught me. I now got out cycling and it's like having an extra pair of eyes. I cannot recommend them enough. 5 Star Service with a smile! 

Good points in addition to the above Everything! But especially the teachers, who make you feel so relaxed when out, and never fail to make you laugh... I have passed first time, and will miss everyone at VBS. But no doubt I will call in and say hello from time to time.

David (Rawtenstall) 02/06/09

Valley Bike School, make passing your bike test, fun and enjoyable while learning the safest way to ride!

Big thanks guys!

Damien (Salford) 21/04/09

I did my CBT with another bike school and had a few lessons with them in city areas - not much variety in the route and lots of road works around Manchester - then I found valley bike school, Rossendale - what a pleasant change! Good kit to borrow - boots (I've seen them being polished!), helmets, gloves, waterproofs, well protected jackets - not to mention the bikes! I immediately felt welcome - with good lounge area, tea/coffee and good company - wish I'd done my CBT with them - they do offer pre-CBT lessons which would have saved me taking 2 week days off work with the other bike school - as I had to repeat my CBT with them - I'm sure that with VBS I could have passed the CBT first time - and at the weekend. 

I had a variety of instructors - with sessions once or twice per week and was told to take the best advice from each of them. The change in instructors was really good for me as the test is obviously with a different person - so I felt that having comments from different instructors meant I was ready for someone new to assess my riding. We went to many places - Bolton, Blackburn and local to Rawtenstall - I received great advice, I always felt safe and that they were paying attention to my riding and giving feedback that actually helped me improve on my weak spots. I tried a few different bikes - and when I found my favourite - they arranged that it was available for my lessons and test. 

I did start training for the new 2 part test with them - slaloms, figure of 8 etc.. as it looked like there were no old style test dates available but they rang me in the week to say they had found an appointment for the old style test for me- so I took it and passed. I felt that they were already well prepared and geared towards training for the new style test - which is great as it isn't in effect yet - I didn't feel like a guinea pig. I was really impressed that they found a test date for me and rang me at work to give me the option to take it earlier - it shows they consider who is ready for the test - rather than handing out test dates to the next person who asks.

Good points, they rang me to check dates were OK - I always seemed to be the one ringing my past bike school. Good bikes and kit to borrow, great advice. Web forum for students. Tea, coffee and somewhere to sit. I've been to an average bike school in the past - and VBS were completely different - they really looked after me - they are a great friendly bike school that take an interest in the trainees - I'd recommend them to anyone

Ros (Manchester) 19/04/09

 

Hi everyone at Valley Bike School. Just wanted to thank you all for the fun, the enjoyment, the thrills and the spills that I have had since October when I first meet you guys and started lessons from CBT to test....with some good weather, I got there with your help. So once again, THANK YOU, and don't think that this is the last that you will see of me. From the training at CBT stage to test, cant fault you

If your looking for somewhere to train you how to ride safely, then go to Valley Bike School, you wont be sorry.

Stephen (Rochdale) 28/02/09

Valley Bike School was recommended to me by a friend, I now recommend it to anyone considering bike training. I found all the staff to be friendly and very helpful both on and off the bike. The tuition I received was second to none. My knowledge and confidence was greatly increased through the professionalism of my instructor. I passed my standard motorcycle test with no faults, that's how good they are! 

My time spent at Valley was fun and was a very positive experience. Very professional ,friendly and most important the instructors have a vast knowledge, teaching skills second to none

Ivor (Accrington) 23/02/09

 

This started as a dare by my work colleagues to do my CBT. After a pre-CBT lesson I was addicted and booked a theory test in anticipation of CBT completion and some practical lessons. Every instructor has been a positive re-enforcer of what I have learnt, and given constructive criticism of what went wrong to help me get it right. I had no experience and had never ridden before, but they took me to a Big Bike test pass and in the process due to the emphasis on safety, made me a much better car and bus driver as well

The philosophy is clearly to make you a safe and competent rider, no matter how long it takes. No corners are cut, and you can progress at your own pace, with support, humour, tea, coffee and a great atmosphere.

Martyn (Manchester) 19/12/08