Wheel-Skills Rider Training Centre Newcastle - Adamstown, New South Wales

Joy

This is a mixed review for me as despite extreme weather conditions the course I felt was great, the instructor Brian was great (until the end) and the group of guys in the group were good value (I was only female). So I would of given 5 stars. Unfortunately though right at the end of the second day my instructors ego got the better of him and he did a chauvinist power play which was unnecessary and very disappointing to experience.

I had expressed earlier in day that I'd have to leave on time to get to work, he said certificates take a while so I asked if I could pick up another day (I'm local). End of day we were a little behind time so I asked again to be told, "no you have to oversee to end and I have to hand write certificates". The boys asked can hers be done first- " No I must do them in order and she's second last". Stone awkward silence in group as he ever so slowly writes.... After a few minutes I asked, sorry what am I supposed to be overseeing here, I can come back?.. "I have to read the conditions sheet too".. So boys asked can you read the sheet so she can get going and pick up certificate later"... "NO I won't be rushed. It's in the module that all people must leave the room at the same time!".

It was so blatant the entire group of guys were mouthing "WTF?!!!! ". I have since spoken to others who did the course and had people in their group get their certificate first if the class was ok with it which confirms that this was an egotistic chauvinist power play. I'm a guys girl - I'm thick skinned - I can handle joking ridicule in male situations and can give it back - I can also laugh at myself and still enjoy the ride! But I have to call this one out. It's such a shame - you delivered 2 great days of training so why choose to act like a dick right at the end leaving a negative end for all the group?

I'm not sure if this feedback will result in behaviour upgrade or if I'll just be "the girl who wanted to leave on time so left a bad review" to be mocked in his next class ... But whatever differential attitude towards women that instigated this power play needs to be addressed on a company level. As I said, he is a great instructor but that was by far not his finest hour.

Petr K.

I took the pre-learner course here with Brian as the instructor.

Having never even sat on a motorcycle before (just push bikes and driving manual transmission cars), there was a lot to learn in just two days, but Brain made it work. I had to ask for clarification a few times, which Brian was happy to provide. Definitely do the same if you need to. It's not annoying, it shows that you are engaging with the course. Plus chances are that at least one of your fellow students has the same question, but is just too shy to ask.

One thing I really liked was that instead of just reciting theoretical information from a piece of paper, Brain would explain why exactly it matters in the real world. I just purchased my first bike and despite it being a month later, the moment I touched it, everything Brian said instantly came back to me, like I heard it just yesterday.

Kouki Z.

Learning how to ride at wheel-skills was an exceptional and extremely beneficial experience, I can't thank Chris enough for all the good vibes, funny jokes, tips and information. I definitely felt myself progress from a totally inexperienced and beginner rider to someone with a healthy understanding of how to control the bike, apply emergency breaking, turn properly and so much more. I have previously been in a motorcycle accident overseas and if Chris had have taught me beforehand, I 99 percent would have avoided injuring myself in the past. Thankyou Chris you did an amazing job instructing us all and this review is for you.

Shayne C.

My instructor for the learner rider course was Mark, absolute legend. Was very patient and polite. Made the two days very fun and educational. Would recommend him to any first time riders or anyone wanting to get their bike license.

Taylor B.

Took the night course with Chris and had an amazing time learning. Packs the class with a lot of humour in the lesson keeping you engaged. After the two days of classes, I definitely feel motivated and ready to continue on the path.

Edit, went back three months later for my P's. Again had Chris, he made the session fun and impactful. We started out practicing and then did the long ride, he gave good instructions but I still managed to get lost and he was super encouraging. He found a couple of faults during my ride and that was corrected. Came back and practiced more doing a mock MOST. We then did the MOST test and that was great, he explained every step in detail and then gave time for questions.

Only thing I wish, both classes had student time wasters. I wish they could be moved off or figure a way to get them to stop yapping as I'm trying to focus on the instructor and they're making an already long class extremely long.

Chauntelle J.

My 5-star rating is specifically for instructor Chris. I did my P course yesterday and arrived nervous, to say the least. Chris' superpower is making you feel at ease. He is hilarious, humble, encouraging and very intelligent and knowledgeable. I learnt a lot and got my Ps! Thank you Chris, my fellow Beastie Boys fan.

Madison R.

First day of learners course was amazing as I have never touched a motorbike before and I got so much out of it. The second day however we were running a bit late so our instructor started to rush everything and at the end he didn’t even give us a practice go for our test it was just straight into it. Myself and another person in my group (who had never ridden before) stalled the bike in that assessment ride and therefore he failed us. I am extremely disappointed on how this turned out as being not have touched a bike before getting rushed through a course is not ideal. I work full time and took two days off work to complete this course which now I have to go back and do it again. Very disappointed in this as I thought it would have been more professional and if we were running late still work overtime to make sure all of your students are comfortable and are able to pass with flying colours.

Mark K.

Very professional and effective operation. Mark my instructor was approachable, very knowledgeable and a really effective teacher who related well to all in the class. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and will be going back for the next stages of my training.