Training
The Advanced Rider Course
One-to-one coaching on real roads, at your pace, from volunteer Observers who have been through it themselves.
The system
Built on Roadcraft
The course is based on Roadcraft, the police rider handbook. At its heart is the system of motorcycle control: a repeatable way of approaching every hazard using information, position, speed, gear and acceleration.
It sounds mechanical written down. On the road it becomes automatic, and it is the thing that turns a decent rider into a genuinely safe one.
What actually happens
- You join as an Associate and are paired with a volunteer Observer.
- You meet for observed rides, usually a couple of hours on a weekend morning.
- Your Observer rides with you, then talks through what they saw over a coffee.
- You practise between rides. Progress is yours to set, and most Associates take a few months.
- When you and your Observer agree you are ready, you take the IAM RoadSmart advanced test with an examiner.
The test, and the F1rst
The advanced test is a ride of around 90 minutes with a qualified examiner. Pass and you hold the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider certificate. Ride to a particularly high standard throughout and you may be awarded a F1rst.
There is no pass mark to cram for and no trick questions. The examiner simply wants to see a safe, smooth, well-planned ride.
Common questions
Before you start
What bike do I need?
Whatever you already ride. Observers work with everything from 125s and scooters to litre sports bikes and big tourers.
How experienced must I be?
You need a full motorcycle licence. Beyond that, riders join us with anything from a few months to forty years of experience.
How long does it take?
Typically a handful of observed rides across a few months, but it is entirely down to you and how much you practise.
Is it just riding fast?
No. Observers will pull you up for riding beyond the limits or your own ability. The whole point is control.