Test bike

I do see where the OP is coming from. I was in a similar situation in 2009 and fortunate that then you could still rock up on your 125 (over 24 years of age), pass MOD 1 and 2 and then 2 years down the line you could ride anything you like whilst in the mean time ride pretty much any 600cc bike (restricted) I too could not afford the DAS training at the time but wanted rid of the L plates.

I had about 1 year of riding around on my 125 at the time and 6 years car driving, I passed MOD 1 second time round after practicing myself in car parks and MOD 2 first time round. I also sold the 125 new Varadero I had on finance and used the 1k remaining to get a 600 hornet.

So you can do it but its harder these days as cant do the route I did. There is plenty of learning material out there and youtube is your friend. However given the choice and finances, I would choose professional training rather than going on your own, its going to be better option in the long term.

Just pay for the lesson and borrow the bike for the test. At least that gives you chance to get used to it.

The theory test only costs £23. I agree with the others regarding using a training school bike that way you are covered with insurance etc. However, if you can't get it booked in before your theory test runs out, it doesn't cost a lot to do it again.