Here’s my timeline - it may help other people who are wondering about doing their bike test… it could easily have been compressed - many people take CBT and three days of DAS on successive days. I like the way I did it because I found each day so exhausting, I didn’t really want to jump straight back on a bike the next day.

The most amazing thing I’ve found is how bikes shrink as you get used to them. The 125 which was a monster at the start of my CBT is now a cute little baby bike.

Anyway… the timeline:

July

17 - The Beginning - Decide to look into the possibility of doing the bike test. ‘Net research etc.

August

14 - Book CBT - over phone
15 - Book theory test - on internet
25 - Complete CBT - 9am-2pm, borrowed bike, helmet, jacket, hi-vis, gloves.

September

6 - Book practical test - the training school have dates set aside by the DSA, so they pencilled me in because a theory pass is required to confirm a test booking.
9 - 125cc Hire - one week, borrowed bike, helmet, jacket, hi-vis, gloves.
15 - Theory Test, Kit Bought - theory test of about one hour, phoned my certificate number through to training school to confirm test, then went to buy kit so I could stop borrowing it. Bought helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers, boots.
20 - DAS Day 1 - 6 hours (inc. breaks) on a 500cc bike. One instructor, two trainees, the other trainee was taking his test the following day, so I essentially ‘went along for the ride’ picking up some experience.
30 - DAS Day 2 - 6 hours (inc. breaks) on a 500cc bike. One to one, honing skills to a high level.

October

7 - DAS Day 3 - 6 hours (inc. breaks) on a 500cc bike. Two trainees, a day 1 and me. I was pretty much ready to test after day 2, so day 3 was confidence building on the bike, a few minor changes to my style.
8 - Test Day - Early start, 1.5 hours confidence building, final questions then the 40-minute test. Pass. Ride home alone without the infernal radio stuck on my ear.

The Future

Soon? - Find a bike.
After a few months - Return to the training school for an observed ride to ensure I haven’t picked up any bad habits.
Later - Advanced training.