If you are taking motorbike lessons in London with a view to passing your cbt and getting out and about on two wheels, some may think now is an odd time to start.

At this time of year the nights are dark, the visibility is often poor, fog is common and the roads will frequently be wet. Over the coming months, there may be potholes, snow and ice to deal with too. 

All that may prompt some to suggest that riders could make things much easier on themselves by waiting until spring, when the clocks go forward, there will be a bit of sunshine and the road surfaces will be more trustworthy. 

However, that would still leave the challenge of tackling tougher conditions next autumn and winter without a lot of prior experience, which could increase the risk of accidents and damage to the motorbike, so there is an advantage in starting now.

The truth is every part of the year has its perils, but there are more in autumn and winter. The AA lists autumnal risks - which apply to riders and drivers alike - as including the risk of being dazzled by the low sun and a lack of tyre tread. 

Winter brings many more risks, with a need to keep snow off the vehicle, try to stick to gritted roads where possible, look after your batteries in cold weather and take steps to make your vehicle more visible, including the correct use of lights as it gets dark. These pieces of advice will apply to motorcyclists and car drivers alike.

There are many others things riders should know about winter riding. This includes an obvious practical issue of having warm enough clothing, because learning the skills you need to ride is not going to be enough if your hands and feet are too numb to carry them out.

If you can learn to ride in the challenging conditions that exist from November to February, you will be a more skilled and streetwise motorcyclist all year round.