It doesn’t matter what level of experience you have, what bike you ride, (as long as it can reach and maintain the national speed limit) how long you have been riding, or your how old you are.
There will be a series of observed rides where you are followed out on the road by your observer. After each ride you will receive feedback on your strengths, progress seen and any areas for development.
Through the IAM RoadSmart training programme you’ll develop your riding skills using some key principles of the riding system used by police and emergency service riders. You’ll be encouraged to challenge your own standards thereby gaining the skills and knowledge to remain confident and in control when riding, whatever the weather or road conditions. This will allow you to get the best performance from yourself and your bike whilst also helping you avoid common mistakes and banish bad habits.
IAM RoadSmart will advise us when you’ve enrolled. Our Associates' Secretary will then contact you and match you with an Observer who is local to you and can accommodate your availability. They will work with you on a 1:1 basis to assess your riding and suggest how to improve and hone your skills.
There’s no classroom work because all the Coaching takes place out on the road.
You will be provided with the Advanced Rider Course handbook which will become your “go to” reference point throughout the training. Your Observer will have the same material and will be able to highlight key chapters for you to read in readiness for your first and subsequent rides. It’s important to get to know this handbook because your understanding of its content will be assessed throughout the process and on the test. You’ll also need an up to date copy of the Highway Code.
The ride part usually lasts for about an hour but with feedback etc you should allow up to 3 hours in total. Your Observer may wish to have a chat with you before the ride to answer any questions you may have since the previous ride and to give an outline of the route for that session. At the end of the ride you’ll have a full discussion and debrief about the ride and you’ll be provided with feedback and advice on any areas for development.
People learn in different ways and at different speeds so the fact we work on a 1:1 basis means we can progress at a pace that suits you. However, to get the most from the experience you need to be willing to grasp the theory and ride plenty of miles on your own to put all the learning into practice. But on average between 6 – 8 rides.
Test fee
Course Handbook
Unlimited on-the-road training
1 year WaBAM membership
1 year IAM RoadSmart membership
1:1 personal coaching
Access to additional training courses
Ride-outs across the County
Trips and tours in the UK and abroad
Also as all our Observers are volunteers we ask that you contribute £10 per ride towards their fuel and running costs.
After the first year it will be necessary to maintain both memberships. The WaBAM subscription is currently £15pa, whilst annual membership of IAM RoadSmart is £43 Currently Subscription fees may change each year.
You must have an A2 motorcycle license or above.
You'll need your own street legal machine that is capable of maintaining the motorway speed limit.
Protective equipment - gloves, helmet, riding gear.
This link will take you to the relevant section on the IAM RoadSmart website:
Sign-up to the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course