WITH the weather improving as we advance into spring, thoughts often turn to the joys of the open. For many, motorcycle is the best to enjoy the better weather. There are many specialist companies which offer vital training and safety advice to would-be bikers. We’ve picked out five you might wish to consider if you’re contemplating an adventure on two wheels.

Oldham Motorcycle School

Windermere Road, Royton

The Oldham Times:

OMS is operated by Diver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved experienced instructors, offering a friendly approach to customers’ riding needs ranging from its Kickstart taster, CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) to all pre-test training courses.

This ensures that new riders are both safe and competent in riding their moped, scooter or

motorcycle on the road.

It also runs Back To Biking (BTB) Courses for anyone with a full UK Bike licence wishing to polish up those rusty skills, from back in the day.

Focus Rider Training

Gigg Lane, Bury

The Oldham Times:

WHETHER you are a novice rider or an experienced one, Focus Rider Training offers a wide variety of motorbike training courses.

If you wish to learn how to ride a bike, visit the centre. From teaching the theory of riding a bike to providing on-road training, we can help you with anything you need.

Its Direct Access courses will allow you to ride bikes of varied sizes and power. Once you are DAS certified, you can ride large, powerful bikes like a Kawasaki or BMW.

RJH Driver & Rider Training Ltd

Langley Business Park, Langley Rd, Salford

The Oldham Times:

RJH Driver & Rider Training is a DVSA approved motorbike training school and car training school which was established in 2002 in Congleton, Cheshire, and has since developed its training facilities to a broader area including Staffordshire and Salford.

“We are a passionate business and strive to be better than the rest in what we do and this is reflected, in our results (pass rates),” its website says.

“RJH is now considered one of the leading motorcycle and car training centres in the North West, which is celebrating 10 years in business during 2012.

“Thousands of trainees have passed their motorbike and car test through RJH and its team of qualified Instructors, so rest assured you are in very capable hands.”

Universal Motorcycle Training, Tameside Stadium, Richmond Street, Ashton

The Oldham Times:

THIS is a motorcycle training company with various centres in the United Kingdom. It is authorised and regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fully-accredited by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and many of its instructors are associated with RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).

Offering a range of different courses, it caters from the very beginner to the advanced rider. “From CBT training and A1 licence to DVAS full motorcycle licence and advanced motorcycle training, most certainly we will have a course for you,” its website says.

Williams Motorcycle Training, Ivy Road, Bolton

The Oldham Times:

WITH a 98 per cent first-time pass rate this is one of the UK’s leading motorcycle training organisations. Its fleet of motorbikes ranges from 50cc scooters up to sport bikes and it offers a wide range of courses and tuition including: Compulsory Basic Training (CBT); Direct Access (DAS) – free 1 hour DAS assessment; Advanced Training and Examination; Back to Biking and assessments.

The company is run by Mike Williams who is a Diamond Advanced Instructor, and a DIA Examiner. Mike has many years’ experience of teaching motorcyclists to ride, pass the tests, continue to improve, and stay safe.