Advanced Rider Training. Is it worth doing?
I recently completed an advanced rider course with the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists)
I discuss what happens on the test, how it affected my riding and if I think it’s worth going through the process.
This is the first vlog I recorded in a while (sorry I’m a bit rusty) as long work hours and the IAM training left me with not enough brain cells to figure out which way to point the camera, never mind talking 🙂
Weem
Trying to keep the sticky side down :) ----------------------------------------------- Rides: 2010 Fireblade Cameras: GoPro Hero2 + 3
44 Comments
arryace
You clearly forgot or ignored all that you learned, im sure advanced riding is not about comiting moving traffic offences.Pretty poor standard tbh
Metannica Kawascati
having been off my bike for 7 yrs, doing the whole “mummy” thing, i felt like i lacked confidence in my riding. a friend recommended the course to me ‘n’ i thought i’d give it a whirl! i’ve been with the derby group for a good while now. due to several factors (my mum was very ill ‘n’ unfortunately passed away last sept; my bike had a run of probs….to be expected….it’s a ducati!; my first observer lived quite a distance away, so we didn’t get much riding time, etc) it has taken longer than i’d hoped…..but last nite i had a pre-test assessment ‘n’ was told i’m finally ready for my test. i’d defo recommend the i.a.m. course to anyone on two wheels….it’s amazing how much my skills have developed….’n’ my confidence in both my bike ‘n’ myself has flourished! don’t just think about taking a course…..do it!! x
CalmBiker
Just considering IAM or RoSPA myself. Eleven months on, are you still in favour?
WeeemRCB
If you’re on a hill, then yea, covering your rear brake is definitely the best option.
Mr & Mrs B's Brain Dump
Eh? I would say that’s a crazy idea (right foot down) IMHO you should always have rear brake covered for hills n stuff. This leaves you full control of throttle n clutch before moving off. Ride Safe
Quentin Redbeard
Good info mate! Cheers 🙂
WeeemRCB
Likewise. I don’t practise it all, but have blended it with my style of riding.In fact my observers said that it should be an intelligent ride, not going through the motions or following it verbatim from a book.
alanbstard4
I found good aspects to advanced training, but some things I wondered about the practicality of
WeeemRCB
I was advised that the examiner will prefer you put both feet down as it makes you more stable ;)I did that already, but when I tried doing the one-leg-shuffle on my first assessment ride, I was advised to stop it and go back to what I normally do 🙂
WeeemRCB
I feel I benefited from it, but it’s not for everybody I guess 🙂
wyvernbiker
I’ve got my 2nd session at the weekend. Enjoyed the first one and your right I was knackered. Did they tell you to knock it into neutral at when you stop & to put your right leg down instead of your left? Ride safe.
alanbstard4
I can’t see the point of advanced rider training. I did it, but can’t generally see the point of it
OrcaGT
Definitely on my list of things to do, as well as a Bikesafe day!
ozjuice
I recognised that traffic from Walton area! LOL
sictc
I did 1 2 and 3 for 3×10% insurrance reduction. Unfortunately no insurance company offers reduction anymore. Otherwise i wouldnt have done it back then. Now im old, I would take those courses. Maybe im old because i did them when i was young. Helped caged as well.
WeeemRCB
No worries 🙂
Triumf Ant
I agree. It’s a stunning bike. Bit out of my price range though.
MegaDrRobot
I fancy having that training under my belt. Thanks for the video.
WeeemRCB
Good luck with it Ash.The hardest part about the training is constantly watching your speed and for the observer’s indicators telling you where to go next.But one you’re on your own on your own roads – it makes it a lot easier to get on without making a fuss 🙂
WeeemRCB
Cheers rudder :)I think I was the only one on Sunday that didn’t have any arse puckering moments. Wonder why? 😉
WeeemRCB
This was in my new helmet and the padding covered the mic a wee bit.Will pull it out a wee bit just for you :o*
WeeemRCB
Thank goo 🙂
WeeemRCB
There’s only one BMW I’d ride and BVG just bought one 😉
WeeemRCB
Aye Smo. Go check eet.I’ve seen your riding on your vlogs and think you’d get a pass pretty quickly too
WeeemRCB
None so far 😉 My insurance isn’t up for renewal until Sept, but I’m expecting 10%+From what I was told about overtaking, if you’re doing 36 in a 40 then there’s no real need to overtake.If it’s 25-30 in a 40 then get past swiftly and safely then pull back to the speed limit, but don’t take the piss and overtake at 55/60 ;)It also depends on road and hazard conditions too 😉
WeeemRCB
They do an assessed ride where they look at your riding to see where it can be improved and you get a feel for how the observed rides.They may be 2 riders to 1 observer and swap the lead now and again, but when you go through the ‘process’ you have dedicated one-on-one rider observer training
WeeemRCB
Cheers Wody 🙂
WeeemRCB
Cheers Tangaaaaaa
WeeemRCB
If you weren’t following the advanced riding system or you missed / didn’t react appropriately to hazards then yea, you can fail.All it means is that you don’t have the advanced riding status. It won’t affect your license or insurance. Just business as usual 🙂
ashleydickfisher
This Sunday I completed the Essex Police Motorcycle division and Fire Service “Bike Safe” motorcycle road safety session ( £60 inc lunch !! bargin ). An absolutely great day whereby they observed your motorcycle skills and gave a great insight on how to improve your riding skill. No pretentious agenda, they just wanted us to appreciate our motorcycles whilst staying safe. Would strongly recommend and Im now signed up for further professional training.
D Rudder
She fingered you ,,, Glad you passed but on Sunday with us you failed 🙂 …. I could understand you at the end xxx
flo41884
I’m sorry but i can’t understand a word, your vids are so silent.
TheTripleTwister
Well cone sir!Good vlog 🙂
Triumf Ant
Well done, mate. I’ve just taken a slow speed handling course, which I found very useful, but we don’t have any advanced training centres within 400 miles 🙁 Are you now legally obliged to grow a beard and buy a BMW? (Me, stereotyping?)
OfficialSmo
Cheers for the heads up fella – worth a look I reckon!
DangleVonBallbag
Congrats dude!
Motorbike vlogger
What sort of insurance saving have you now had Weee?Overtaking… what was the advice you had with regards overtaking speed. Ok to breach the speed limit during the execution or to complete it throughout within the limit? I know some IAM groups don’t agree and nether do RoSPA and IAM on occasion.. interested to see what your groups stance was.
Motorbike vlogger
I think you can, yes; in a way. My understanding is that your assessed against a set criteria and therefore if you fail to demonstrate the minimum standards you fail by virtue of not obtaining a pass. Does it effect your current licence? No.
JackSwatman
can you fail it?
7hunted
Sounds like a great thing to do !! I’ll have to look into it !
picklepoo98
Well done Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeem!
wody21
Congratulations Weeem! The peugeot footage was absolutely hilarious. 🙂
thenonangrybiker
VOLUME UP!!Well done!Wait for the hidden mong bit at the end folks!!
tangatron34
There’s nothing like when the bike kicks ya in the nuts! Nice to have you back 😉