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Become a more skilled and safer rider with an IAM Roadsmart Advanced Rider course

Published: 30 October 2023 Updated: 31 October 2023

Paid partnership with IAM Roadsmart

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Who we are

IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s leading road safety charity with a network of over 70,000 members and around 170 local Groups.

Formed in 1956 as the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), IAM RoadSmart’s mission is to make roads safer by raising driving and riding standards with Advanced courses which are accessible to everyone.

What is the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider course?

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Rider course trains post-test motorcyclists to ride to the highest standard, helping you gain additional on-road knowledge, skills, and confidence above and beyond what is taught when you learn to ride.

After being assigned to an IAM RoadSmart Group local to you, you’ll be paired with one of our highly skilled Observers (volunteers who themselves are Advanced Riders and hold an additional IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry qualification.

Then, over a series of Observed rides, you’ll be helped to develop your core riding skills and learn how to continuously apply the ‘IPSGA’ framework (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration), as developed from the Police Advanced systems detailed in the RoadCraft publication and our own course material, to a variety of situations including on bends, motorways, and during overtakes.

We’ll also send you a log-book to help you keep track of your progress, and you’ll have time to practice and hone your new skills between each session. You can even take advantage of your local Group and meet up with others on the course to discuss and share your newfound knowledge and skills.

Then, when you’re ready, your Observer will put you forward for your Advanced Test with one of our Examiners (who are also volunteers). Upon successful completion, you’ll gain ‘Advanced Rider’ and ‘IAM RoadSmart Member’ status and be awarded our IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider certificate.

What are the benefits?
With thousands of members and over a hundred local Groups across the UK, our Advanced Driver and Rider courses give our members on-road confidence, introduces them to a thriving community of friendly, like-minded people, and helps members rediscover their love for driving and riding – all while raising the standards of driving and riding on our roads.

What’s more, as well as gaining recognition for your skills, once you’ve passed the Advanced Test, you’ll become a full IAM RoadSmart member with potential access to insurance benefits as a result, via our partner, Cornmarket. You’re also likely to save on maintenance and fuel costs as you’ll be a more efficient rider.

Who’s it for?

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Rider course is available to anyone who has held a full motorcycle licence for more than three months and wants to improve their riding.

This can be anyone who rides a motorcycle regardless of age, gender or disability and is suitable for any stage of your riding journey. It includes those who have just passed and want to refine their skills, to people who have been riding a while and want to check they’re still riding at a good level. 

You may be a bike enthusiast, enjoy a challenge, or are simply keen to develop your skills on two wheels. Whatever the circumstance, you’ll find new ways to enjoy riding in all environments.

What can I expect?

IAM RoadSmart provides you with the tools to reconstruct your riding habits, offering skills that ensure your safety during your sessions and beyond.

After signing up you’ll receive a welcome pack and course log-book followed by an introduction to your nearest IAM RoadSmart Group.

You’ll then be paired with one of our Observers who will accompany you on a number of rides (you may be asked to make a contribution to your Observer’s fuel costs, the amount varies with each IAM RoadSmart Group.).

These rides will develop your core riding skills, can be tailored to your specific requirements and will help you apply the ‘IPSGA’ framework.

Independent research has shown 70% of those who received coaching showed significantly better skills in positioning, motorway riding and hazard anticipation.

Then, when you’re ready, you’ll take the Advanced test. This takes around 90 minutes and covers 30-40 miles along a variety of roads, including where possible, urban, rural and motorways and you’ll negotiate hazards using the techniques you’ve developed, demonstrating confident and safe riding.

What’s included?

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Rider course costs £175 (although your local group may charge a discretionary observer’s fuel contribution). For that you receive:

  • A series of rides with an Observer, providing guidance and practical examples to help you develop your skills
  • A copy of our IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider course log-book
  • Your first year’s membership with IAM RoadSmart and your local Group
  • IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Test fee
  • Access to member benefits, including a subscription to the IAM RoadSmart members’ magazine
  • Access to competitive insurance quotes with our partner, Cornmarket

If this sounds interesting but you want to see what it’s about for yourself before committing to a course, then try before you buy with a free taster session. Our members tell us that the best introduction to developing advanced skills is to experience it for yourself. During your free taster session, an Observer will show you some of the skills and techniques that it takes to pass the Advanced Test. They’ll also be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the full course. Everyone is welcome, all you need is a full licence and your own motorcycle.


What people say

“I’ve been riding bikes many years and I got so much out of this course – such a worthwhile experience.”

– Rachel E

“Anyone who values their riding skills should sign up for a course. Once you’ve passed your assessment there are plenty of opportunities to continue honing your skills. As a bonus there is the social side as well.”

– Tony W

“I’m a much better rider now. It’s good fun, something to get your teeth into and I’ve been shown some amazing roads and how to handle them.”

– Phil C

“What a worthwhile experience. Each observed ride gave me little nuggets of information, increased my knowledge, and my confidence. I would recommend it to everyone wanting to carry on learning.” 

– Brian L

How to contact us:

By MCN

The voice of motorcycling since 1955