Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend my motorcycle training instructor Andy highly enough. From start to finish, Andy created a supportive, structured, and confidence-building learning environment that made a huge difference in my progress. What truly stood out was his ability to break down complex riding techniques into simple, manageable steps. Whether it was slow-speed control, emergency braking (in very heavy rain I might add), cornering techniques, or road positioning, every instruction was clear and practical. Andy didn’t just teach me how to pass a test — he taught me how to ride safely and confidently in the real world. Andy's patience and calm demeanor made a massive impact, especially during the more challenging drills. Instead of just correcting mistakes, he explained why something needed adjusting and how to improve it. That kind of detailed, constructive feedback accelerated my learning more than I expected. Safety was always the top priority, but never in a way that felt intimidating. Andy encouraged smart decision-making, hazard awareness, and defensive riding habits that I know will stay with me long-term. You can tell he genuinely cares about his students becoming competent, responsible riders and not just ticking a box. Thanks to Andy's guidance, I developed a real sense of confidence and control on the bike. If you’re considering motorcycle training, you couldn’t ask for a better instructor. Professional, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in their students’ success — simply outstanding.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was brilliant doing the IBT with Andy, the one day of theory in the class and the two days on the bike were brilliant preparation for the test and to build up confidence on the bike. Andy is a great coach and adapts his lesson to the riders ability. If you are new to biking or experienced and looking to learn some good habits I would 100% recommend Andy. Thanks again.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing instructor Andy is. Made everything so easy to do and the patience he has is amazing and needed. You may doubt yourself but he builds up your confidence and has your back as he doesn’t miss anything, he sees everything. Was definitely the right person for me! Thank you.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Editing this on 30/10/2025: after not being with Andy or SMA for over a year between passing my IBT and booking my test, earlier this week Andy brought me for a refresher lesson and pre-test. He then accompanied me to my test itself two days later (29/10/25). Such is his knowledge, advice and approach, he helped me pass my first ever driving test (bike or otherwise) on an A Liscense with no prior experience of the road before making the leap back in 2024. That efficiency and diligence of helping me pass the test first time is exactly why you shouldn’t consider anyone else for your IBT and test-related needs, as well as more advanced courses too! Thank you once again Andy! A true gentleman, more than capable instructor and the patience of a saint, to boot! See you out there, ride safe! (My original review) If you are like me, a novice, biting off more than he can chew and going to buy a Harley Davidson for your first bike... I cannot recommend Andy from Skills Motorcycle Academy enough. This incredibly responsible, skilled and knowledgeable instructor is second to none. He managed to turn a complete newbie who'd never ridden more than 15kph in a car park, to a capable learner who got up to 80kph on a public road in a few hours of being instructed by Andy. Not only that, also made me confident enough that I brought home my new-to-me Harley Davidson home in wet conditions. His way of explaining things, breaking things down and clear instructions while out on the road were super helpful and he's a nice chap to boot! If you're thinking of learning to ride a motorcycle and need a calm voice to guide you through all the nerves and uncertainty in your head while you get to grips with it... you'll find no one better than Andy from Skills Motorcycle Academy.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just completed my IBT training with Andy over the past two weekend and seeing the sheer improvement in my knowledge of riding is amazing. Cannot recommend Andy more as an instructor and the special attention that is paid on this 1:1 course!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just had a brilliant two-hour training session with Andy last Friday. I’ve been on motorcycles since my 20’s (in my 60’s now) and wish I’d done this earlier. Machines have gotten bigger and my 1200 was proving a handful at slow speed. Andy went through several exercises showing me where I was going wrong. I left that day with confidence to practice what I had learned and am enjoying the bike much more now, and it doesn’t feel as heavy. More like riding a light 500cc motorcycle. Highly recommended.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My name is Ann. I have been back riding motorbikes since 2014. In 2018 I travelled most of Ireland on my Honda CBF 1000 doing the 24 photos in the Irish Photo Rally. I thought I was quite capable on my motorbike but we can all learn more to keep safe on the roads. I did the SKILLS motorbike training on 10th August 2025 with Andy at Leopardstown Race course. It was fantastic. Andy explains every single exercise and shows a demonstration on his own bike first. He reminds people slow riding and u-turns on a motorbike is a perishable skill and we need to practice, even for as little as 15 minutes in a local carpark doing big turns, circles and u-turns that we are comfortable with until we are confident to make smaller turns etc. DON'T RUSH THINGS. Practice makes a huge difference in our ability and keeps us safer out on the roads. Andy gives us the knowledge and techniques that work so we can go and practice. The feeling of doing that u-turn in a safe way when and where you want feels really good. The feeling of being relaxed and looking where you want to go. I know better than anyone about fighting the handlebars trying to make that smooth turn and not trusting it's going to work or I will drop my bike. I did drop my bike but the main thing is to learn from it. If you listen to Andy he will teach you well. He is patient and will answer every single question no hesitation. He wants us all to be better and safer bikers. I highly recommend his course. AnnPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend Skills academy to anyone interested in becoming a better motorcycle rider. I did the one day slow manoeuvres course and came away with the confidence and knowledge to better control my bike. The group was small, 11 bikes with three instructors to guide us. Andy gave demonstrations of every exercise we did. Best of all is a follow-up email to each rider with feedback and pointers to help improve your skill level and your safe riding abilities.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I came into this course with no motorcycle experience- never even sat on a bike before - and left feeling confident, and most importantly, safe on the road. Andy was a phenomenal instructor throughout the entire IBT process. From the start, his emphasis was entirely focussed on safety. He didn’t just teach me how to ride; he helped me understand what it means to be a responsible rider and how to transform into the mindset of a motorcyclist - being aware, anticipating hazards, and truly knowing your bike and its systems. What made the experience even better was Andy’s approachable and conversational teaching style. He encouraged questions and was always happy to expand on any part of the course, and I never felt rushed or left behind. At the same time, he stayed laser-focused on the IBT objectives, ensuring that we covered everything thoroughly and properly. By the end of the training, I went from complete beginner to confidently riding under supervision in all road scenarios - except on a motorway which you can’t do on a learner permit anyway. I never felt unsafe, and that was entirely due to Andy’s professionalism and dedication to getting it right. Highly recommended for anyone looking to do their IBT - even if you have never rode a motorcycle before like me. I’ve never left a review for anyone before, that I remember, but I had to for Andy - so good was the training! Thanks Andy.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top course! Learnt a lot and Andy is a great teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Clear concise training. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to become a better safer rider and wants to get more confidence.
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