Advanced Rider Course

  • Gain confidence and skills
  • Possible cheaper insurance
  • Use your own motorcycle
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Gain full IAM RoadSmart membership
  • Learn to ride proactively
  • Discover your motorcycle’s full capabilities
  • Become a smoother, safer rider in any environment

COURSE OVERVIEW

If you ride a motorcycle you already appreciate the sense of freedom it gives you, the mental discipline it takes, the buddies you make, and the thrill of being on one of the coolest machines on the planet. But if you love riding, you also know its risks. It’s one reason why IAM RoadSmart developed Advanced Rider, an on-road advanced motorcycling course delivered by trained volunteers that gives you greater confidence and a feeling of safety wherever you ride.

Whether you’re a born-again biker returning to riding on a larger, more powerful machine or love riding and want to be the best rider you can be, this course is for you. There’s a good chance you’ll save on insurance too.

It will take between three and six months to complete our Advanced Rider course, which is taken on your own bike with a local group close to you. Courses differ slightly in the way they’re delivered, so check an affiliated Local Group to find out exactly how they do it. All our groups include trained volunteers who’ll take you on a number of observed rides before you take the test. Observers use their own motorcycle and fuel when training you. Groups may therefore ask for a contribution of between £10 and £25 per session, towards the Observer’s fuel costs. Carlisle and West Cumbria Advanced Motorists currently request a contribution of £15 per session.

Each session lasts a couple of hours but can take longer as riders are a sociable bunch and they often stop for socialising and food. Your Observer will focus on specific skills helping you to develop awareness of your motorcycle, the road and your surroundings. You will be taught how to identify actual and potential hazards and to then use the ‘SYSTEM of Motorcycle Control’ to reduce the risks those hazards present. When ready, you will be put forward for your Advanced Rider Test. If successful, you will join the 1% of UK riders who hold an Advanced, or higher riding qualification.