Hi dave, good to have you on board, I also commute every morning on the a3 and it isn't to bad after first couple of runs so be patient and enjoy, as for gear, don't avoid eBay I myself have purchased tons of bike stuff on there and have never been disapointed, rst are a great brand but spada are also very good with excellent value for money of you just want a cheap starter kit, Oxford for safety and maybe look for a ground anchor to chain to if it's not in a locked garage, good luck on cbt mate, remember its just to say you've been given the compulsory training so relax and enjoy the day