Phoenix Motorcycle Training - Bristol Avis 

I initially completed three try-ride sessions with this company. By the end of these sessions, I had practised all of the manoeuvres required for a CBT and was able to complete them confidently and consistently on the same bike I was later given for my CBT. The try-ride instructor confirmed that I was CBT-ready.
Despite this, I had a very disappointing and concerning experience during my CBT training session.
The bike I was assigned had an engine warning light on for the entire session. Despite raising this issue three times, the bike was still used and I was told that this was “normal for this type of training”. During the session, the instructor also allowed other students to ride far too close and attempt unsafe overtakes. I had to intervene myself and ask for this to stop.
There were two instructors for six students, both shouting conflicting instructions at the same time, which made the session extremely stressful and unsafe. Between 8am and 2pm, I repeatedly asked to stop and take short breaks, clearly explaining that I have an anxiety disorder. These requests were refused.
There was no proper classroom, only an old storage container. When I sat down inside, the chair collapsed underneath me and caused pain to my back.
Throughout the session, there was constant pressure to rush because other students were more experienced and the instructors wanted to finish early. This created an uncomfortable and unfair learning environment.
I was eventually told to go home without a clear explanation and then asked to pay an additional £160 to continue training. This was particularly frustrating as we were explicitly told during the taster/try-ride sessions that if a student was not road-ready, they would continue training in the car park. Instead, I was sent home and asked to pay again.
Before booking the CBT, I was told not to worry about bringing my own boots, gloves, or helmet, as trainers would be acceptable and all necessary equipment would be provided. However, when I arrived at 8am, I was asked to wear borrowed boots, waterproof trousers, and gloves. The only boots available were a size too small, the gloves were far too large, and the waterproof trousers were completely torn on the inside with the armour falling out. While trying to put this equipment in the storage container, the chair collapsed and injured my back.
When I initially raised a complaint with the school, I was told I would receive a callback at the end of the day. I was informed that the feedback provided was unclear and vague and did not properly explain why the session had been cut short. I was then advised to pay an additional £40 for another taster session, followed by a further £130 for another CBT.
Overall, the experience felt disorganised, unsafe, and poorly managed. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this training provider.
Driving home from the course, I began to feel that I do not even want to ride a motorbike anymore because Phoenix expected me to turn up at 8am road ready, check that I was, and get back in time for lunch.

I booked my CBT with Phoenix after reading all their positive reviews.

Like most people, I arrived with excitement and some anxiety, but was immediately put at ease with Andy's warm and professional welcome.... then I met Jorge! What a dude!! A perfect pair of instructors in my opinion, expertly explaining everything in a fun and friendly professional manner.

Bikes and equipment was as expected, although run from a shipping container, it is a bit no frills, but tea and coffee etc is available.

It is a fairly intense day, lots to take in, but you always feel supported, complimented (when you do it right) and subtly pulled up (when it's not so right) every minute of the day, which is quite remarkable. Even out on the road, they capture all your performance whilst navigating and guiding you through the busy streets of Bristol for 2 hours.... To sum it up, I wiggled and stalled around a car park thinking I'll never get the hang of this, then by the end of the day I was actually riding a bike on the streets with some confidence :) Long way to go though, as I'm going for the full licence!

Through no fault of Phoenix or the instructors, there was a bit of a downside to the day as there was some time used up by several attendees who could barely speak English and later in the day had to leave the course. You could see the Instructors trying so hard to make it work and painful to watch if i'm honest and felt sorry for all involved. Phoenix do state on their website(You must have a good understanding of English, especially when we are out on the road as we use one way radio communications to give instructions and directions. If you cannot follow our instructions, your course may be stopped on safety grounds, and you will lose any fees paid. Interpreters / translators cannot be brought along for the CBT.)
- Very sensitive subject, those guys wanted their CBT to work but it did have an effect on the day

Overall though, it was an amazing day and extremly good value.

Welcoming atmosphere, clear instructions, patient instructors.

Very kind instructors taught me through the mistakes I was making will be suggesting this place to my friend for his cbt training

Brilliant experience. In depth practice before heading out onto the roads for a couple hours. Also the instructors were really friendly and always had a laugh. Would highly recommend even as someone who has been riding a 125 for 2 years I learned a lot.

From start to finish the experience was top class.
Andy our in instructor was engaging and informative, very friendly and me feel at ease.

brill, great instructors, mightve been nice to have more auto 125s in stock but barely makes a difference really. top notch lads

Great instruction, felt well looked after and guided, appreciated the follow-up for post CBT learning also however I was the only 50cc bike when others were on 125cc and I was legally able for a 125 under instruction (I'm 35).

This meant when it came to the road portion I actually felt unsafe because I was constantly aware on hills I was holding up cars behind and they were getting frustrated. In addition the in helmet mics were not ideal because they would slip out of your ears. For hygene and ease it would have made much more sense for helmets to be properly mic'd up with cardo etc like other schools do as it sall extra distractions.

They are honest and very helpful

The website is easy to navigate and the prices are reasonable. There are plenty of locations and availability is good. The instructor in Bristol (Andy) was a really nice guy, extremely professional and obviously loves his job. This made the day informative and very enjoyable

Really helpful and friendly instructors who catered to all levels of experience

Very friendly and patient staff. Would highly recommend

The service from Phoenix was excellent from start to finish. My nephew took his CBT at 16 yrs old and I called Phoenix and they gave me a really clear understanding of what to book and how the process worked with bike licences.
On the day we tuned up to Bristol and were greeted by the friendly staff.
The course was professional and covered all the aspects we expected for the CBT.
I would recommend them and we will be back for the next licence in a couple of years.
Thanks to the instructors who made the experience very easy and enjoyable.

Went in expecting a nervous experience, but had full support and teaching all the way through.

George brought both humour and serious care to the ride. Will & Andrew both taught better than any teachers in school.

Would highly rate you take your cbt with phoenix Bristol, even if you have anxiety or fear, they will support you

Amazing instructors. They were perfect, made the experience so much smoother when I struggled and even made it very fun and pleasant. Thanks to them I felt more confident as well as getting to enjoy the ride. Couldn’t praise them enough.

Excellent training and Communication. My pleasure

The experience was really good. Both the instructors were really supportive and knowledgeable. Thank you guys.

Both the instructors were excellent at their job. Had a laugh which is an ice breaker for nervous people but kept things professional. Instructions were clear and help was there at all times. Would highly recommend the team in Bristol. Jeorge likes biscuits so don't forget them!!!

Great training
Cooperative
Competitive