IAM RoadSmart: advanced rider training course overview

If you ride a motorcycle then you already appreciate the sense of freedom it gives you, the mental discipline it takes, the friends 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. Which is one reason why IAM RoadSmart developed its Advanced Rider course.

It is an on-road advanced motorcycling course for riders delivered by trained volunteers, giving you greater confidence and a feeling of safety when you ride on UK roads.

Whether you’re a born-again biker perhaps returning to riding on a larger, more powerful machine or you just 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.

Depending upon your riding skill level and time availability to train and practice it takes around six months to complete the Advanced Rider course. KAMG’s trained volunteers will ride with you on a number of observed rides, ideally every 2 to 3 weeks. You practice between sessions and once the required standards have been reached, you take the advanced test. Please note that KAMG currently asks for a contribution of £15 towards the fuel costs of your observer. Click here for more detail on what an observed ride entails.

Each session lasts about 3 hours. Your observer will focus on specific competencies (skills) helping you to develop awareness of your bike, road users and the wider world. You will be coached on how to choose the right position on the road, ride at the appropriate speed, select the right gear for any given situation and accelerate where appropriate. When you have qualified as an Advanced Rider you’ll be one of the most skilled motorcyclists on the road – fewer than 1% of riders hold an Advanced or higher qualification.

To start advanced training all new Associates attend an IDCAM (Introductory Days Course in Advanced Motorcycling). Click here to learn more about IDCAM. Once you have passed you IAM Roadsmart advanced riding test, there are further opportunities to enhance your skills and to qualify as an Observer – click here to find out more.