Testimonials

I had always wanted to feel what it was like to lift my feet from the ground and pull away on a motorbike. In my fifties, with no bike, would I still be able to learn that? YES, on my first time sitting on a bike in a car park with Bill Roberts next to me.

The ‘ground work’ (pardon the pun) was done. I had taken the written road skills test, and the day before sitting on the bike, a full day in the classroom. I had also been shown that before even considering sitting on the bike and setting off, the checks to ensure the bike is roadworthy.

I was nervous, excited, 100% unskilled, and yet, on my first time sitting on a bike I was able to feel exactly what it was like to lift my feet and glide away. Bill is patient, very patient (did I mention I was nervous), passionate, clearly highly experienced, and best of all he wants to ensure you get to enjoy all the feels of riding a motorbike with confidence and safety.

I would recommend taking a course with 1st Choice, because riding a motorbike with ease, enjoyment and safety is their Number 1 priority!

As a previous student of Bill’s,  I highly recommend him as an instructor. He is passionate not only about riding motorcycles but also teaching people how to ride safely.

 

I was having trouble with a motorcycle exercise and stopped as I could not figure out how to successfully complete the pattern without hitting cones and going off course. After watching me for awhile and seeing my frustration, Bill quietly approached me, asked me what I was thinking and suggested that I look at the pattern from a different angle. Bill then walked the pattern with me and gave me some pointers on how to conquer the pattern. The light bulb went off and the pattern was no longer a challenge. Awesome

As a past student and subsequent motorcycle training partner of Bill’s. I can say that he is very passionate about motorcycle riding and getting you home safe.Having instructed with him in Victoria and Washington State, Bill has shown time and time again his interest in helping students achieve the maximum out of their abilities.He keeps his lectures entertaining but to the point, his mannerisms when demonstrating an application is confident and professional at all times.You couldn’t ask for a better motorcycle instructor.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone planning to take their motorcycle skills test or road test. The 1st Choice teaching group provided excellent theory and practical training delivery in an easy to understand manner. Each student was given ample time to practice every foundation skill being taught and the course was laid out well to help the whole class progress together as a group. If you’re thinking of getting your motorcycle license TAKE THE COURSE! You won’t regret it.
Mark,

I attended this course last weekend in Cranbrook, and I really can’t say enough about it.

It was intimidating to sign up for this course, I had never been over 20km an hour, had no idea how to ride and was scared of my own shadow.

Good start on day one with coffee and muffins, we sat in the classroom while Bill patiently taught and answered every question we asked, and being brand new I had a lot! He encouraged them all, and allowed us to air all our anxieties, or fears and explained how he would help us alleviate them. I was doubtful.

I destroyed most of his pylons day two, but it was a blast! Over and over and over we did it until we weren’t scared and we had it right.

More coffee, more muffins, more lessons and before you know it day three rolls around and you are in traffic, on the highway and pulling outta hill stops!

Bill absolutely goes out of his way to ensure your safe, you feel confident and you are ready for skills and road test day. His willingness to bring you to any location, provide practice before the exam or offer gear, bike and/or maintenance tips proves this is a passion for him, not a job. Worth every penny spent!

I was a nervous novice, over 50, when Bill Roberts started teaching me to ride a motorcycle. It began with a ‘theory’ day in which we learned about specific skills for motorcyclists and general road safety. Bill kept the theory session interesting and on topic. This gave me the chance to get to know Bill’s teaching style, have confidence in his knowledge and develop a trust. It also gave him the opportunity to learn my strengths (stubbornly determined) and weaknesses (nervous). The second day was ‘on bike’ skills training in a large barrier free parking lot starting with very basic skills and progressing throughout the day in challenge and difficulty. His years of training motorcycle riders showed in the professional way he conducted the many training exercises. He was clear in his instructions, consistently stressing safety in each exercise. Bill was patient with me as I learned to master the required skills. He helped build my ability and confidence in each skill throughout the course with constant coaching, cajoling and when required, one on one guidance. The last day was an ‘on road’ day where I learned to ride in a group and experienced riding in traffic. This first road ride was scary and exhilarating all at the same time. Bill’s professional approach to motorcycle training and safety ensured that by the end of the course this ‘young old girl’ had the skills necessary to successfully complete the next step, ICBC Motorcycle Skills Test. Bill is an excellent instructor; he is dedicated to helping you attain the motorcycle handling skills and road safety awareness to get you out riding and home safely to ride again another day.

Joan Wilson

Bull River, BC

Bill’s instruction is professional and kept me tuned in and focused for each exercise. He helped me work on areas he could identify as my weaknesses. He wants to see you succeed!  I would definately recommend 1st Choice Motorcycle School for anyone thinking to get proper and professional training.

Bill at 1st Choice is an amazing Motorcycle trainer and coach.  I have learned so much in 3 days about motorcycle safety and proper riding techniques.  Not only that, Bill shares experiences and lessons that you would never get anywhere else.  Because of 1st Choice I feel confident that I have the right skills to be a safe motorcycle rider.  I highly recommend 1st Choice for training skills and safety mindset if you are a first time motorcycle rider or need a refresher.  Best money I have spent.

The journey to get my motorcycle license in 2020 with Covid-19 delays was long but before I took my road test on October 15th I contacted Bill and he helped me learn my way around Cranbrook. Being from out of town is definitely a disadvantage when taking your road test. Bill was awesome as I followed him around town with his hand signals and short conversations when we stopped at different locations. He has all the skills to teach you to be a great rider no matter if you are a beginner or an advanced rider. Thanks Bill for helping me pass my road test and get my license. ??

How could I describe in one word my experience with them? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! All about safety, skills and lots of FUN! Bill and Steve are so helpful with their comments and instructions. I felt like I was riding for many years within a day of training. If you’re thinking about taking motorcycle lessons, stop wondering and go with them! ?

Bill and Steve are great instructors.  I learned so much in this 3 day novice course.  The way they teach was excellent, starting small and building on skills one step and a time.  They instill trust and confidence.  They are highly professional and fun!  I highly recommend this motorcycling school

Thank you (and Steve and Theresa) for a great weekend.  You guys made me feel comfortable and from never EVER  being on a  bike to highway speed in 2 days was nothing short of a fricken miracle.  HAha

thanks again

was an amazing weekend and a great way to really start my biking journey.   Bill and Steve were terrific instructors – lots of education built in around a fun and comfortable atmosphere and really pushed our group of misfits beyond our comfort zone but well within our developed skills from the training.  Overall, its increased my confidence on my bike and looking forward to more riding and hopefully erasing any memory of pink lycra and speedos.

Great Class!  Bill and Steve were very professional yet made the course not only a valuable learning experience, but was entertaining and a whole lot of fun.  Thanks guys, this will be my stepping stone to adventure and safe riding.  I recommend 1st choice to anyone contemplating riding or just want to experience something new.

Bill and Steve were absolutely amazing. Passionate and encouraging to teach us the way around on a motorcycle while being safe and always having a good time!

I would highly recommend to take their course if you are just starting out or looking to improve your riding skills. Thank you Bill and Steve, what an awesome weekend.

1st Choice Motorcycle School is a stellar program with informed, professional, quality expert training that benefits all learning types as well as ability levels.

Bill and Steve complement each other in their approach to content delivery. Information and techniques are provided in diverse ways that benefit the learner throughout the weekend, both in the classroom and on the road.

I would like to thank you both for your attention to each of your students as needed throughout the weekend.

Accurately described techniques and clearly explained reasoning and riding philosophy, coupled with significant and necessary practice – PERFECT practice – made for a huge increase in my comfort level and skill ability.

This has been a long time coming, and I am simply delighted with the outcome and the experience.

Thank you!!! The teacher in me gives you and F and an A (figure it out).

Had an amazing weekend with Bill and Steve from 1st Choice Motorcycle School. From the great discussions and displays in the classroom where the atmosphere is kept light, making learning enjoyable. To the one bike tutorials and demonstrations, paired with the ride around town, with emphasis on safety and fun.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering learning how to ride a motorcycle, whether you have previous experience and think you know how to ride or have never sat on a bike before, Bill and Steve are phenomenal, professional, and their enjoyment of seeing you succeed definitely shows in how they teach.

Thank You Guys!!!

So, I’ve been riding for over 50 years and would say I know a few things about riding. Although I didn’t take the three day course that 1st Choice puts on, a family member of mine did.

Bill and “crew” allowed me to sit and watch (drink coffee) on the Saturday and I rode with them as my family member’s coach on Sunday.

Let me tell ya, these two instructors (Bill and Steve), know their stuff. Patient, encouraging and ya, spoke in a way all the students understood, a few laughs along the way.

All I have to say is, what these guys teach “saves lives”. And ya even an old shovel head like me learned a few things. Thanks for what you do boys!!!

George 2022.

Top Notch organization. Professional instructors who really know their stuff.

1St Choice Motorcycle School “TWO THUMBS UP”

When i was falling into quick sand and you recognized it with coaching, mentoring, patience and offering another way to succeed, You guys are truly the Best

Thanks (again) for the great work you did for us the past three days. That’s a BIG job, You, Steve and Theresa undertake every week or so with a bunch of “newbies”.

Glad this is a GREAT START to my motorcycle journey, even at 70ish!!!!!

With your assistance last weekend, I was feeling really great about riding around my own town today. Up and down the mountainside using my clutch and changing gears. Awesome instruction, professional and very patient . Thanks so much

Hey Bill and Steve, just wanted to let you guys know I passed my road test with flying colors, Thanks again for all the awesome instruction and continued feedback, YOU GUYS ROCK

Namaste!!!

Hey Boys.

Nailed the road test today. You guys set me up for success.

Now I’ll take all the teachings and put them into practice.

Can’t thank you enough Brothers.

Just wanted to give a big shout out to Bill and Steve at 1st Choice. Brought my own bike out on course but quickly realized that I was in quick sand!!

You guys recognized it really quick and with coaching, mentoring and offering another way to succeed I was able to gain the confidence and abilities to do  my best..

All I can say is Thanks BOYS!!!

I am so grateful for all your help and am looking forward to finally having my license and to a life time of learning more.

Couldn’t have done it with out your support…

Oh by the way “Namaste” and WWBD…..hahahahaha……..

The weekend with Bill n Steve simply made me a better rider. Anyone can ride fast, it’s the slow speed drills they teach that make you a better rider. It was very cool to see how the progressions built upon each other as new skills were introduced.

The group I was in had people with almost no experience to experienced dirt riders-they were able to keep everyone moving forward and we all hit the streets on Sunday. The time on the streets gave a lot of variety and practical riding experience but the highlight was the run out to Shadow mountain, nice stretch of road to cruise.

These guys don’t just teach you to ride, they teach you to ride with awareness. I’m looking forward to getting my wife a bike and getting her instructed at First Choice.

Just wanted to let you know that I passed my motorcycle road test today!! Wanted to say thanks again for the course and the support that you instill, the right values for riding a motorcycle.

Perfect Practice makes PERFECT

Stephen E. Fernie BC

Thought I knew a few things about riding a bike, but boy was I wrong..

The folks at 1st Choice (Bill, Steve, Theresa) know there stuff, they are passionate about teaching you how to ride safe, with confidence and have the skills to back up what they say. They follow you from he classroom, to skills, to the MST and the road test, couldn’t have done it with you.

Randy, Cranbrook