When I set out to learn how to ride a motorbike at age 50, and eventually getting my full licence at 51, I knew it would be a bit of a challenge. But I had no idea just how much of that challenge would be mental rather than physical.

Like many new riders, I expected the training to focus on practical skills like clutch control, slow-speed manoeuvres, and road positioning. What I didn’t expect was how much fear, self-doubt, and nerves would try to derail my progress.

I had to dig deep and use all my mindset skills, the very same ones I teach my clients as a life coach. Even then, I needed support from my own coach and my mentor to push through. It wasn’t easy, but after a lot of work, I passed with flying colours.

Take a Break magazine covered my journey back in October 2024, sharing my story of perseverance. But what I’ve realised since then is that my experience wasn’t unique. It was part of a much bigger problem in motorcycle training.

The Hidden Gap in Motorcycle Training

As I continued riding and taking introductory advanced training courses, I noticed something: I wasn’t alone in my struggles. So many riders, especially later learners, battle with fear and self-doubt. But there’s very little structured support to help with that.

Motorcycle training schools do an incredible job of teaching the practical skills needed to pass, and I believe I had some of the BEST trainers out there. But they simply don’t have the time to go in-depth on mindset. The focus is on getting riders test-ready within a limited timeframe.

That’s understandable, especially with the high demand and limited test availability. But for those of us who need more than just technical instruction, who need help managing nerves, overcoming fear, and building confidence, it leaves a huge gap, and booking lots of extra lessons is expensive.

And that gap means some riders never make it through.

I’ve seen or spoken to so many people who felt like they were failing because they struggled with nerves or anxiety. Some even gave up completely, believing they just weren’t cut out for riding. But the truth is, they weren’t failing. The system just wasn’t set up to give them the support they needed.

Creating a Solution: Motorcycle Mindset Coaching

That’s why I decided to use my skills as a confidence coach to help other riders. Using my unique combination of qualifications, skills and professional and personal experience, I have launched Motorcycle Mindset Coaching, a service designed to support new and nervous riders with the mental side of learning to ride.

This is not to replace practical training – I am very clear that I am not qualified to do that. It is a confidential online space for riders to talk with me about their fears, understand them, and develop strategies to manage them when on the bike. It is so that they can turn up to their training sessions, or practice rides more relaxed and ready to learn. And of course feel more able to manage their test nerves.

To refine the service, I’ve been offering free consultations in exchange for feedback – and the interest is growing all the time . Riders have told me they finally feel seen, that they’ve been afraid to talk about their struggles for fear of being ridiculed. But once they do open up, they realise they’re not alone, and there are ways to work through it.

This isn’t about criticising training schools. They do an incredible job within the constraints they have. It’s about filling a missing piece of the puzzle. With the right mindset support, learning to ride doesn’t have to be such a hard, lonely battle. It can be an empowering journey.

Changing the Conversation Around Motorcycle Training

I want to get this message out there, not just to riders who are struggling, but to training schools as well. I believe mindset coaching could work alongside traditional motorcycle instruction, helping more people succeed and feel safer on the road.

If you’re a new or nervous rider who feels like fear is holding you back, know that you’re not alone. And more importantly, know that there’s a way through it.

Are you a new rider, struggling with fear and nerves? Or have you given up? Would you have kept going if you’d had more mindset support during your training? I’d love to hear your experiences, so let’s start the conversation. You can email me at claire@youronelife.co.uk

To find out more and book your free initial online consultation, visit my website.

And follow me on Instagram:
For Motorcycle Mindset coaching, and my personal journey @clairebear_bikerbean