If you’re about to enter the wonderful world of motorcycling, we salute you. You’ll soon discover life on two wheels is packed full of joy and excitement. We’re sure you’ll love it!

However, when you are new to it all, it can be a bit confusing. You’re not just learning how to ride. You’re also considering the rules of the road, riding kit, and everything that comes with motorcycling. A few beginner rider dos and don’t can set you straight on the road to success.

There’s loads of information online, but that includes conflicting accounts, plenty of opinions, and a lot of misinformation offered by people who don’t really know what they’re talking about. Everyone is an online ‘expert’… It can feel like you’re chasing your tail finding reliable information.

So, to save you the trouble of trawling through the internet for the ultimate guide to how it all works, we talked to Mark Jaffe, the owner and chief instructor for our schools. We’re the largest motorcycle training provider in the UK, helping thousands of people to get on two wheels each year with CBT training, try rides, and full licence training. 

We’ve seen learners of all sorts, and we know just how to give beginner riders the best start in motorcycling. We’ve put together some basic pointers and all the essential dos and don’ts for beginner riders embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

Beginner riders: Do this

The things you do as a beginner rider will set you up for success. These simple, but powerful actions will prepare you for a smoother ride towards a full motorcycle licence.

#1 Do learn to ride a bicycle first

If you are comfortable riding a bicycle, you already have a good understanding of how to control the bike, avoid skids, and get relaxed on it. All of that will help you do the same on a motorcycle.

#2 Do read and understand the Highway Code

Knowing how to ride a bike is just a part of being able to safely negotiate your way through the urban jungle. It’s important to know how to deal with various traffic situations, what the traffic signs mean, and so on. There’s a lot to learn.

#3  Do relax and look where you need to go

It’s important to stay relaxed on the bike, and look in the direction you want to go to help your bike go that way. This is also why you should not fixate on something you want to ride away from, such as potholes.

#4 Do wear appropriate clothing

You should wear good quality motorcycle kit on every ride because if you fall, it will protect you better than regular clothing. Always wear proper protective motorcycle boots, gloves, trousers and a jacket as well as a helmet.

#5 Do progress at your own rate

We all learn at different rates. Even if progress seems slow, don’t try and rush it. A good instructor will make sure that you are learning at a pace that suits you. It’s better to take your time and be prepared than to rush and get it wrong.

Don’t do this as a beginner rider:

What you avoid doing is just as important as what you DO do. Avoid these don’t as a new rider and you’ll be happier and safer on the road.

#1  Don’t assume it’s easy

Learning to ride a motorcycle is not as easy as it seems. To make it easier for yourself, find a reputable riding school (remember to check their reviews) when you start learning as they can assess your level and tailor the learning to your needs.

#2 Don’t expect to complete a CBT in one day

Many people complete a CBT course in a day, but this is not by any means a given. To complete the course, you need to demonstrate that you are skilled and safe enough to ride on your own, and on some occasions it takes a little longer to achieve this.

#3 Don’t buy kit before trying it on

Having decent riding kit is important, but it’s also important that it fits well, you’re comfortable in it, and all the armour is in the right place. The best way to achieve this is to try it on before you buy it as sizes and shapes vary between manufacturers.

#4  Don’t get frustrated, you will get there with practice

Learning to ride can feel like a long process. And when you get your CBT or even your full licence, there is still plenty more to learn. The more you discover about biking, the more there is to learn.

#5 Don’t believe the misinformation

The internet is full of information about biking, but remember that not all of it is true, and not everyone who expresses an opinion really knows their stuff. Your best bet is to get your training done at a reputable riding school, and listen to your instructor.

The best beginner rider tips

The best tips about what to do and what not to do when you’re a beginner rider are the ones you’ll get from your experienced motorcycle training instructor. Listen closely to what they say, ask for feedback, and clarify anything you don’t understand.

A little background work learning to ride a bike and reading the Highway Code is a great way to develop the muscle memory and knowledge of road rules. That’ll put you ahead on your training day. But don’t push yourself too hard. Enjoy the process of becoming a skilled and confident motorcyclist. Not only is that more fun, we learn faster when we’re having a good time!

When you decide to become a motorcyclist, you’re always learning and growing your skills. The biggest ‘do’ for beginner riders is to embrace that growth, keep learning and improving—even after you’ve got your motorcycle licence. You’ll improve your safety and enjoyment for each and every ride.