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
- Take the initiative
This is your decision and your course. You will be the main beneficiary of this learning experience and we’d appreciate it if you keep us on our toes: Be prompt, chase us if we are not providing enough information and tell us if there is anything else we can do for you. We’re here solely to help you achieve success. - Read the book
‘The Advanced Course Logbook’ contains all the information you will need to know in a simple, clear style with plenty of photos and diagrams. Invaluable reading! - Ask questions, get advice
People learn in different ways so please ask as many questions as you need to. Speak to fellow associates, visit forums and request to see advanced skills demonstrated. Your group is here to help you pass the advanced test in whichever way suits you best. - Don’t switch on and off
Advanced road skills need to become embedded as your normal everyday behaviour. You cannot switch between advanced skills and your ‘everyday driving or riding’. - Ask for help or support
We provide our time to coach and help you to pass the advanced test. If we are not meeting your expectations or there is something we are not doing for you then please let us know. Speak to your group or call Customer Support on 0300 303 1134 customercare@iam.org.uk We can only put things right if we know about them. - Practice
You will only be able to change and develop your road skills by putting in considerable practice time. The benefit will be from the changes that your passengers or fellow riders notice and comment on – try it and see! - Engage with your local IAM RoadSmart group
Your local IAM RoadSmart group receives great satisfaction every time one of their members passes the advanced test. As volunteers, they all give their time willingly so that you can pass the test – make sure you make good use of their skills and knowledge. - Set a ‘test ready’ target date
Possibly our most important tip is to set a ‘test ready’ target date with your group as soon as possible for you to work towards. Your group will help plan your development to reach ‘test ready’ status. - Don’t drift away
It’s only natural that the early enthusiasm and commitment wears off a little as ‘real life’ takes over. Please try to stay focused and make the effort to attend your observed sessions regularly. Our groups love nothing more than to nag lagging Associates! - Enjoy the experience
We saved the best until last. You’ll find that you will enjoy and have great fun developing advanced road skills with us. If you love the experience then please tell your family and friends about it – the majority of our new members come via word of mouth and we’d like that to continue.
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.