Motorcycle & CBT Training from Wigan — Train With Us, Test at Atherton
On Your Bike’s training centre at Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane is a straight M6 run from Wigan — usually 25–35 minutes. Our DVSA-approved instructor Angela — rated 4.9★ on Google — runs a friendly, thorough one-day CBT from £225, with bike, helmet and jacket all included. And when you go for your full licence, your test is at the Atherton test centre — right on Wigan’s doorstep.
One-day Course From £225 — Bike, Helmet & Jacket Included
Why Wigan riders train with On Your Bike
Riders come to us from Wigan, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Standish and Orrell, and they tell us the same things: small groups, no rushing, and an instructor who doesn’t shout. Training is led by Angela, a DVSA-approved instructor and IAM advanced rider — rated 4.9★ on Google by the people she’s put on two wheels.
Your first hours on a bike are also far easier on Thelwall’s quiet village roads than in town-centre traffic. Learn to control the bike somewhere calm, then build up to busier roads once the basics are solid — that’s the order it should happen in.
Your motorcycle test is at Atherton — practically home ground
Here’s the part most Wigan riders don’t realise: the CBT is a one-day course at our Thelwall site, but when you go for your full licence (Direct Access), the Module 1 and Module 2 tests happen at a DVSA test centre — and Atherton, about 20 minutes from Wigan, is one of the centres we use. You’ll be tested on junctions and roundabouts you already know, and on test day we ride there with you so you arrive warmed up on a bike you trust. Direct Access is from £1,250 all-inclusive for riders 24+.
Getting to us from Wigan
By car: head south on the A49, join the M6 at Bryn and run south to Junction 20 (Lymm Interchange), then follow signs into Thelwall village — usually 25–35 minutes. Prefer A-roads? The A49 all the way through Newton-le-Willows and Winwick is slower but more predictable in rush hour. Free parking on site — the full address is Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2SX. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
By train: the quickest public transport option — Wigan North Western to Warrington Bank Quay takes just 9 minutes, then the 5A bus towards Lymm drops you at the Pickering Arms in Thelwall. The 360 bus via Golborne is the direct-bus alternative. Allow 45–60 minutes door to door.
Riding around Wigan once you’ve got your CBT
Wigan sits on the edge of some of the best L-plate riding in the North West. The lanes through Standish, Parbold and up towards Rivington are quiet, flowing and scenic — perfect for building confidence on a 125. South through Golborne and Newton-le-Willows gets you comfortable in mixed traffic, and the West Lancashire plain towards Ormskirk is flat, open and forgiving. The M6 and M61 wait until your full licence — which is exactly the excuse you need to come back and do your Direct Access.
CBT questions Wigan riders ask us
The questions Wigan riders actually ask before they book.
Is there a CBT centre in Wigan itself?
There are options around Wigan, but plenty of riders make the trip to us for the small groups, the 4.9★ teaching and the quiet first-ride roads — half an hour is a small price for a relaxed first day on a bike. And if you carry on to your full licence, your actual test comes back your way: we use the Atherton test centre, about 20 minutes from Wigan.
Is the CBT a test? Can I fail it?
The CBT is compulsory basic training, not a pass-or-fail exam — but your instructor can only issue the DL196 certificate when you’re safe and competent. If you need more time, you come back and finish the training rather than “failing”. Full details in our guide: can you fail a CBT?
Can I commute around Wigan on a 125 once I’ve done my CBT?
Yes — with L-plates on a 125cc you can ride any public road except motorways. The A49, A577 and A580 East Lancs are all legal and practical, so commutes to Warrington, St Helens or Manchester’s edge are very doable. Your CBT certificate lasts two years (here’s what happens when it expires) — most riders take their full licence within that time or renew.
What do I need to bring on the day?
Your UK driving licence (provisional is fine), sturdy trousers and boots, and gloves if you have them. We provide the bike, helmet and jacket — all included in the £225. Bring glasses or contacts if you need them for the eyesight check.
Other Areas We Cover
We train motorcycle riders from right across the North West. Here are some nearby areas — or see our full list of locations.
Ready to Ride?
Book your CBT today — from £225, bike and kit included, a straight M6 run from Wigan (usually 25–35 minutes) to Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane.
Ready for bigger bikes after your CBT? Your Module 1 and 2 tests will be on home ground at the Atherton test centre — see our Direct Access (DAS) course in Warrington, full licence training from £1,250 all-inclusive for riders 24+.