Advanced Motorcycle Training FAQs – Derbyshire Advanced Motorcyclists
It’s about systematic riding, not instruction
IAM is coaching, not training.
- Observers guide you using the System of Motorcycle Control (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration)
- You are expected to reflect, practise solo, and self‑improve
- Progress depends heavily on your own motivation between rides
Even experienced riders benefit from advanced training. At DAM, we focus on:
- Forward planning and observation
- Positioning and machine control
- Safe progress and restraint
- Hazard awareness and risk management
Our observers have many years of varied riding experience, and training is adapted to refine your existing skills rather than replace them.
IAM focuses on:
- Observation and anticipation
- Road positioning
- Planning and hazard management
- Smooth, legal progress
It is not:
- Track riding
- Knee‑down cornering
- Aggressive overtakes for their own sake
That said, many riders find their progress improves naturally through better planning.
Very capable riders often struggle at first because:
- They ride instinctively, not consciously
- They haven’t verbalised decisions before
- Some habits conflict with IAM principles (especially positioning)
This is normal—and temporary.
- Initial assessment ride
- Broad overview of your current standard
- No judgement—just baseline setting
- Observed ride
- Structured commentary or Q&A
- Focus on one or two themes at a time
- Increasing independence over time
- Independent riding & reflection
- Most improvement happens between observed rides
- Observer expects you to practise deliberately
- Mock test
- Run like the real thing
- Identifies fine‑tuning areas
- IAM test
- Calm, professional, no trick questions
- Focused on consistency and safety
Most associates complete the course in six to twelve sessions, although this can vary. Some riders need fewer sessions, while others may choose additional sessions to refine specific skills.
The focus is quality of riding, not speed of completion. You progress when you—and your observer—are confident in your ability, not when a fixed number of sessions is reached.
Each training session is tailored to your individual riding experience, learning pace, and development needs. Most sessions last between 3 and 4 hours and typically include:
- A short briefing
- A mentored ride on public roads
- Discussion and structured feedback
- A debrief focusing on progress and next steps
Our goal is to make every session informative, supportive, and enjoyable.
- Observers are experienced riders, not paid instructors
- Styles differ: some are very analytical, others more conversational
- They all follow IAM standards, but delivery can vary
✅ A good observer:
- Explains why something matters
- Encourages discussion
- Adjusts coaching to your learning style
Our IAM observers are unpaid volunteers who give their time to help improve rider safety.
In addition to the course fee, we request a voluntary contribution of £15 per session, which goes towards fuel, equipment, and motorcycle running costs for your observer.
The test is a consequence, not the goal
As you progress through the Advanced Riding Course, your development is assessed against IAM RoadSmart’s seven core riding principles.
Your observer will regularly discuss your progress with you and let you know when you are approaching test readiness. Most riders report feeling noticeably more confident, smoother, and more aware well before the test stage.
If you ride to improve thinking, you’ll pass anyway.
About the Course & Expectations
- “What does a typical successful candidate look like?”
- “How many observed rides do most people need?”
- “What should I be practising between sessions?”
About Their Coaching Style
- “Do you prefer commentary riding or post‑ride debriefs?”
- “How do you usually give feedback—during or after the ride?”
- “If something doesn’t click for me, how should I raise it?”
(Asking this sets a healthy adult‑learning tone early.)
About Standards & Interpretation
- “How strictly do you interpret positioning and progress?”
- “What are the most common reasons people struggle to pass?”
- “Are there IAM ‘grey areas’ I should understand?”
This avoids surprises later.
About You and Your Goals
- “I want to focus on ___ (confidence / smoothness / urban riding / national speed limit roads). How can we tailor rides to that?”
- “What do you think will challenge me the most?”
IAM is flexible—use that.
About Readiness for Test
- “What tells you someone is test‑ready?”
- “What should feel different in my riding by then?”
- “What would you want me to be able to explain confidently?”
✅ Be vocal
Explain your thinking:
- Why you chose a position
- What hazards you prioritised
- Why you delayed or made progress
IAM rewards reasoned decisions, not silent perfection.
✅ Keep a simple ride log
After rides, note:
- What went well
- What felt awkward
- One thing to practise next time
This accelerates learning fast.
✅ Ask “why” rather than “is this right?”
Example:
“Why is position 3 safer here than mid‑lane, even though visibility feels OK?”
This deepens understanding instead of box‑ticking.
✅ Stay relaxed about mistakes
Observers expect:
- Missed hazards
- Late decisions
- Overthinking
They are data points, not failures.
Consider discussing with the group coordinator if:
- Feedback is vague or dismissive
- You’re told what to do but never why
- Progress feels stalled with no clear plan
IAM groups are generally supportive and open to reassignment if needed.
DAM is more than just an advanced riding course. Members also benefit from:
- Regular weekday and weekend ride‑outs
- Evening social runs (including popular “chippy rides”)
- External and national IAM events
- Monthly club nights with discussion and guest speakers
We usually meet on the second Monday of each month at The Red Cow, Derby. Please check the club calendar for the latest details.