Nothing beats the thrill of wrapping your legs around an engine and motoring down the road. Or almost nothing. Sharing that passion for riding with others is a different but equal kind of thrill. Motorcycle instructor jobs could be the most rewarding career for a motorcyclist.
A day in the life of a motorcycle instructor with us—Phoenix Motorcycle Training, the UK’s largest and highest rated motorcycle school—is never dull. Our instructors blend their passion for two wheels with patience and purpose. Plus they ride every day, making them some of the most accomplished motorcycle masters in the land.
Each day brings a new challenge, new faces, and another chance to spread the joy of two-wheeled freedom. Fancy a peek inside a day on the job of a motorcycle instructor? Jump on as we cruise through this unique career choice for a chance to see if it’s right for you.
Warming up the engine: pre-ride prep and people
Our days start early. Students begin CBT and DAS courses from 8 am. But it’s not all being on a bike. There’s a little admin groundwork needed to make each training session a roaring success.
Checking schedules, preparing paperwork and ensuring everything is to hand for the first lessons of the day are the early morning tasks waiting when we roll onto the school’s tarmac and kick out our bike stand.
Bike maintenance checks are also carried out daily—either in the morning or the night before students arrive for their lessons. That ensures lessons can roll on time without a hitch. Motorcycle instructor jobs are very hands-on so we can ensure our students’ safety and give them their best chance of gaining their licence or learner-rider certification.
But it’s not all paperwork and wrenches. The human element is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this job. You’ll get to meet and work with an incredibly diverse range of people every single day.
“One of the most enjoyable bits of doing this line of work is the amount of different people we get to meet. This lets us use our skills to mould them into better riders allowing them to get through their various tests, getting back on the road or even on the road for the first time!” Steve Hutt, Motorcycle Training Instructor with Phoenix Motorcycle Training, Crystal Palace.
The day warms up when students begin arriving. It’s a series of meet-and-greets, warm welcomes, and essential check-ins. You’ll be verifying licenses, conducting eyesight checks, offering that much-appreciated first cup of tea or coffee, and helping them get kitted up.
These starting interactions are crucial because they’re your first chance to connect, set a positive tone, and begin building the rapport needed for guiding students safely through their riding journey. Every new face brings a unique story and a fresh challenge, so no two mornings are ever quite the same.
Beautiful basics: Teaching Compulsory Basic Training is never dull
Once the morning buzz settles and everyone’s geared up, it’s time for the real adventure. Usually, that’s the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. This is the absolute cornerstone of any training school. While it might sound basic, it’s anything but dull.
The CBT course curriculum you’ll teach
CBT days are structured into five elements. Each element progressively builds a rider’s skills and confidence. Your role as an instructor is pivotal in every single one.
- Element A, delving into the essentials of equipment and protective clothing – making sure students understand how to stay safe.
- Element B, covering bike controls and fundamental maintenance, to give students a solid foundation in understanding their machine
- Element C, is where real fun starts with crucial “pad work.” Students get their first real feel for the bike in a controlled environment, away from traffic and public roads. We believe in client-led training, meaning student involvement is paramount. Motorcycle instructors guide students through a wide variety of exercises, from simply walking the machine around to mastering emergency stops and simulating junction turns. It’s a dance of observation, demonstration, and patient and friendly correction. You’ll constantly be evaluating student’s performance, ensuring they’re riding to a safe standard throughout the session.
- Element D, gives students a chance to consolidate their learning with a classroom session before the ultimate challenge: riding on public roads.
- Element E, has you leading students out onto the real roads. Under your watchful supervision and clear radio guidance they’ll navigate roundabouts, encounter busy traffic and have ample opportunities to apply everything they’ve learned throughout the day.
Transforming new riders into confident learners
There is immense satisfaction from seeing a nervous beginner transform into a confident, safe rider, navigating the complexities of the road for the very first time.
Of course, not everyone will be ready for the road after Element D. If a student isn’t consistently safe when practicing their pad work, you’ll need to invite them to attend again. Extra training could be needed for them to achieve their CBT certificate. It’s impossible to state how important this is. Passing unsafe riders for their DL196 does them, you and the rest of the people on our roads a massive disservice. Their freedom on two wheels relies on their dedication to mastering the basics. And, of course, your skill and dedication in teaching them.
Beyond basics: Big bikes
CBTs might be the bread and butter for a motorcycle training school, but life as an instructor at Phoenix Motorcycle Training includes a variety of training opportunities beyond the basics. We regularly work with students ready to transition to “big bikes”. That’s the students who’ve completed their CBT and want to move up to larger, heavier, and more powerful machines. This often requires dedicated improvement days. These let students get more comfortable before they think about taking their Direct Access Scheme (DAS) course.
The DAS course itself is the gateway to a full motorcycle licence. It includes a two-part test.
- Mod 1, a precise series of manoeuvres completed in a controlled environment. These are done on a bike with the same power to weight ratio needed for passing their licence test. Your sharp eye and guidance on motorcycle track instruction are crucial. You’ll be helping students master everything from slow control to emergency braking.
- Mod 2, the road ride element naturally comes after the controlled environment pad work. It’s where you’ll lead them through real-world traffic scenarios. You’ll be watching carefully as they ride and guiding them carefully via radio contact. A few short roadside stops to discuss technique, positioning and other riding strategies and manoeuvres will help your student too. These stops help to put their learning from Mod 1 into practice with more confidence and consciousness.
Seeing a student confidently pass the rigorous licence tests and earn their full motorcycle licence is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s one that we never get enough of.
Back to biking brilliance
But it’s not just about new riders. Our motorcycle training instructor jobs also include helping those returning to biking. Life often gets in the way – careers, families, accidents or other commitments can force a break from two wheels. But once you’ve been bitten by the motorcycling bug, you’ll always hanker for the freedom of two wheels. Riders often return to us once they’re free from responsibilities like raising children. They’re eager to get back in the saddle. And they’re aware they have a little brushing up on rusty skills to do. You’ll work with them to refresh their skills, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover the joy of riding.
Our passion for riding and continuous improvement means we’re always exploring new avenues. As one of our team members, Steve Hutt said
“Mark doesn’t stay still for long and he’s always looking for something different to do with bikes that can make riding/riders safer.”
This forward-thinking approach has led to us backing our instructor course with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. This gives experienced riders the chance to train to become the next generation of Phoenix instructors. It’s a job where learning never stops, both for your students and for you.
Unseen realities of life as a motorcycle training instructor
Motorcycle instructor jobs aren’t all smooth tarmac and perfect sunshine. Just like riding itself, there are bumps in the road and unexpected detours.
You’ll encounter a fascinating spectrum of student personalities – some eager, some anxious, some who learn in unique ways. Adapting your teaching style to connect with each individual is a constant, rewarding challenge. As one of our instructors confessed, his dedication to teaching often spills over lesson time
“I’ve spent many a sleepless night thinking of different ideas and plans to help students click with a concept.” Steve Hutt, Phoenix Motorcycle Training, Crystal Palace
Then, of course, there’s the great British weather, which we all know can throw some unexpected curveballs! Navigating lessons through unexpected showers or chilly gusts requires resilience and quick thinking. We’d suggest new motorcycle instructors invest in some warm undergarments and even splash out on some proper heated motorcycle gear. Winter lessons can get decidedly icy.
Despite these less obvious challenges, the overwhelming sentiment from our team is one of profound passion. It’s why many of us echo the sentiment, “it isn’t a job, it’s a hobby!”. The sheer satisfaction of seeing a nervous beginner finally master a corner is unparalleled. Watching students gain their licence and the incredible freedom that comes with it – that’s the true reward. It’s about empowering others to experience the open road safely, and that feeling truly never gets old.
Your next adventure starts here
If shaping new riders ignites a spark in you, a career as a motorcycle instructor could be your calling. This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to blend your love for two wheels with a satisfyingly profound purpose. You’ll be guiding others towards their own riding dreams.
Ready to turn your passion into a dynamic, rewarding career? We’re looking for dedicated individuals just like you. Apply now to become part of the UK’s largest and highest-rated motorcycle school!
