Motorcycle Training in Bedford
Why train at Bedford?
We provide expert motorcycle training for the Bedford area. This includes Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), Direct Access courses, Standard licence, Advanced and all aspects of learning to ride a motorcycle or moped. Our staff are fully DVSA qualified with decades of experience. Most importantly, Camrider has a very rigorous staff selection, training and continuous professional development program. For us it’s not enough to be a qualified instructor, our trainers are selected and assessed in kindness, good humour, interpersonal skills and the importance of being a mentor to new riders who need to feel safe, happy, and valued. Our top notch courses are specifically designed by qualified educationalists to meet your personal needs. After all, everyone is different and we make sure that you have a lesson plan that fits you, rather than a one size fits all approach. If you are a complete novice wanting to learn to ride a motorbike from scratch – to a more experienced rider with previous experience, we have motorcycle training packages to suit you!
Every course and lesson comes with the highest quality equipment: Loan motorcycles, helmets, jackets, gloves, waterproofs and first rate radio communications. Camrider has been able to invest in the equipment you need to be sure of a safe and happy progression through CBT to full test. We have trained over 240,000 people since we started in 1977 and have glowing references from our regular customers and many celebrities who choose Camrider to be the company to look after them.
We also operate a “One site” policy. This costs us more, but we know that it’s worth it to ease our customers through training. We have our classrooms, training pad and facilities all at one location so your time is spent learning in a relaxed environment and not on a minibus or pushing bikes from storage to off road pad. The time you spend with us will be entirely focused on coaching you through the syllabus. Your time is valuable and we recognise that new riders need confidence in their trainers and the facilities provided.
Opening times
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Book your course today:
Located at Oasis beach pool in the smaller pyramid, we have a very large training area along with classrooms, rest facilities and all the services you would hope for with a professionally run training company. There is plenty of free secure parking and bus routes run outside.
We try to make the CBT a really enjoyable experience and you will find we have a large range of bikes for you to learn on. Additionally, we provide loan helmets, gloves, jackets and waterproofs. Our office staff will book you to tests we have reserved in advance and make sure you have details of exactly what’s needed. If you need any information or have any questions we are just a phone call away.
The Bedford training site is ideally located so you can learn on the roads of Bedford and be close to the DVSA test centre. This means you will have plenty of practice in the same environment, and on the same roads, as your actual practical test. This aids nerves and helps new riders understand the little nuances of roads, junctions and roundabouts. We prepare you for any issues that might distract you if you were not to have practiced in the same environment beforehand.
Key elements
- Loan motorcycles: 50cc, 125cc and 600cc
- Loan helmets, jackets, gloves and waterproofs
- DVSA tests are booked in advance – we have 100’s of available tests reserved.
- Specifically designed safety equipment and bikes with lowered or raised seat heights and suspension available to help riders of all heights and sizes.
- We specialise in helping the nervous, new or very inexperienced get up to speed, not just with caring instruction but with equipment and systems to aid the process. We believe anyone can ride with the right attitude and patience to learn.
- Large private training area for CBT and Mod 1 practice
- Classrooms, bathroom, rest areas and training pad all on one site
Our Instructors and Staff
Dale Hobbs
My name is Dale, I am the Franchisee of Camrider Bedford and Warwick.
I started my motorcycle instructor career with Camrider in 2017 – fortunately motorcycling is the main passion in my life and I’m lucky to have a job I love and the chance to help new riders reach their dreams.
Before becoming a Motorcycle Instructor I was an Approved Driving Instructor. This gave me a great base to start from when moving to motorcycles – as lesson planning and road disciplines are common. The experience of being an ADI has given me a better insight into the dangers learner riders might face and from that I can teach you to ride defensively as well as for fun.
I have been a biker since 1996, passing my advanced riding qualification in 2020. As well as being a fully qualified CBT and Direct Access Instructor, I am also a DVSA qualified Enhanced Rider Scheme – Advanced Instructor.
It’s a real pleasure working in the motorcycle training industry and having responsibility for Camrider Bedford and Warwick. I very much look forward to welcoming you onto a course!
Ralph Watts
Hi my name is Ralph, I am a retired nurse and worked in the orthopaedic operating theatres for the NHS. I passed my bike test in 2005 with Camrider Peterborough and have rider bikes ever since.
My son recently gained his full licence and the list of rides we want to do is getting longer. We are hoping to get to the TT in the next couple of years, Scotland is on the agenda and touring in Europe.
Katie Sargent
My name is Katie, I am a very creative person with a bubbly personality. I have had my motorcycle license since 2008 and have been a motorcycle instructor since 2021. I qualified for my CBT1 in November 2022 and DAS qualified in April 2023.
I currently own a Fazer 600 which I ride everyday and love the freedom of the open road. Over the next few years I plan to ride the NC500 and want to do some travelling in the uk and Europe.
Mike Hartley
I am an armed forces veteran and a mental health First aider. I have been riding all my life and have had a motorcycle licence since I was 19.
I am one of the DAS qualified instructors for Camrider and enjoy bringing on the next generation of bikers. For me it’s a pleasure to help new or nervous riders though the steps needed to gain a full bike licence. I can clearly remember doing the same myself a long time ago – so want to make sure that any new rider with me will have a fun, kind, and enjoyable time when learning those vital skills to keep us safe.
Perhaps unsurprisingly I love motorcycle travel and getting out and about on my bike outside of work. To be able to work in an industry you are passionate about is a privilege and I hope you will enjoy your training with us.
Sally Hobbs
Hi my name is Sally, I’m married to Dale and I am part of the admin team for Camrider Bedford and Warwick. I love motorcycling and the people we get to meet on their journey to a full test. You may even get to meet me as I am planning the stages to complete my Direct Access course in the near future.
Peter Peklivanas
My name is Peter My profound affinity for motorcycles has its origins in my early childhood, commencing around the age of 5-6. My initial foray into the world of motorcycling involved motocross, an endeavour that ultimately propelled me into the realm of semi-professional racing. However, as the demands of life and career began to command more of my attention, I found myself compelled to explore a new facet of this passion. It was during this juncture that I embarked upon a transformative journey into the realm of road bikes, starting with successful completion of my Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
My motorcycling odyssey has traversed numerous countries, affording me the opportunity to traverse diverse landscapes astride a plethora of iconic motorcycles. However, my most cherished pursuit within this realm involves packing my motorcycle with provisions, including sustenance and libations (beer) alongside tenting equipment. With this comprehensive preparation, I embark on exhilarating excursions to remote woodlands or picturesque coast lines, whereupon I revel in the elemental pleasures of fires and simply unwinding in nature.
We believe that learner motorcyclists deserve the best possible environment to train in and that high-quality machinery and equipment are not just an advantage, but are essential.
In particular, we are the only local company to use brand new Kawasaki Z650 motorcycles that are compliant with the European Third directive and also have specially manufactured rider protection bars. We also use new fuel injected Yamaha YBR125cc motorcycles and our mopeds are all-new Peugeot Kisbee 50cc with a ride height and turning circle to aid CBT students.
Some of our Bikes
Yamaha XJ600cc
Amazingly competent high end 600cc motorcycle with our unique rider protection system.
These bikes are perfect for direct access having the controllable power and speed to make mincemeat of the module 1 exam. As these are high end new Japanese manufactured bikes they really are a cut above the rest. As Camrider have a range of rider aids and protection systems, you can be confident that these bikes will ease you through any tests.
Yamaha YBR 125cc
First class learner 125cc bike from Yamaha. We believe the YBR is one of the very best bikes possible to take your CBT or standard training on.These motorcycles have fuel injection so there are no “choke” issues or warming up problems.
As the YBRs come from Yamaha you can rely on high end build quailty and relaiability that is not found in the “Cheaper” Chinese imports
Kawasaki Z650
Striking Sugomi styling, easy control and accessible power invoke the
Kawasaki Z spirit. LED lights and a TFT display deliver the
newest tech. The Z650 has full rider protection bars and a switchable power system.
Honda CB125f
The CB125F is a full-sized feel, for a full-sized experience. There’s wind protection from the angular nose fairing and fly screen. Perfect for learners with a low seat height and the legendary Honda reliability and performance.
Honda Vision 50cc
Excellent Honda quality with a perfect seat height and the premium feel of this major brand. The Vision is powered by an air-cooled 49cc four-stroke engine coupled to an automatic transmission.