Recommendations for good schools

OK, Recommendations and advice PLEASE.
I want to get a bike license this summer. I have a provisional license and
have never ridden/driven a bike/car. ( I do have a pilots licence but I don't
think this will help!)
I have done some research and have decided to do a 5-7day DAS course.
but the qu is WHERE??? I have seen 100s of websites, claiming DSA accreditation
IAM teachers, RoSPA gold standards, ex police officers, and more.
Many claim to be friendly, patient, second to none, etc.
So, WHERE?? The websites are all well and good, btu they only tell me
that they are offering what should be basic (DSA, patient etc).

Any stories of great places, or horror stories of places to avoid?

Incidentally I have heard of places where you can try different styles of bikes
(post successful test) so you have an idea which type/style of bike you like
before going out and buying one. Anyone know of a place?

Willing to travel anywhere in UK to do the course.

Thanks for all advice

 

Up early to go and praise the resurection of Our Lord, eh, Cane?

 

or eat the kid's easter eggs.

 

Do you want a license or a licence? The former can be obtained by
going to Merkia and proving you are not Osama Binliner, the latter can
be obtained by by reading http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html item
8.4 and following the advice therein.

 

London, but willing to travel and get accommodation etc.