Institute of Advanced Motorists
 

I was at a servcie station yesterday and got chatting to a couple of motorcyclists - they were both members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - one was an "observer". I am probably going to go to a taster day next month in Stafford. Has anyone on HU gone through the course and, if so, how did it add to your riding - I have been considering it for a while so I will probably give it a shot anyway.

It will highlight the bad habits we all seem to acquire after riding for several years and having passed the test it may reduce your insurance premium. I believe there is a charge to be an IAM member and you pay for the Observer's fuel.

Any post test training has to be a good thing; it is easy to knock the IAM but you should bear in mind the observers are volunteers, not paid employees.

Thanks for that -I think it is something like £120 for a year of tuition and a single exam fee. There certainly used to be discounts for the insurance but I don't know if that still applies. The driver (pun intended) is more to do with being safer and able to enjoy it more.

That they are volunteers is, to my mind, a good thing. I scuba dive and am a long term member of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) - this has the similar set up - the vast majority of instructors are volunteers and do it because they enjoy the teaching and there are a few professional BSAC instructors (normally PADI and other training agency instructors as well).

I completed IAM and then went on to RoSPA with my local group.
Well worth doing. For riding benefits but also social activities and touring trips.
Training improves observation, anticipation and concentration. And lots more - e.g. the slow riding practice. No problem .. just a few basic techniques. I looked for a group doing wheelie training but never located one alas.

I used to do track days with a BMW M Roadster and was invited by an IAM representative to have a quick drive with him as an observer. I got torn to shreds. So I did IAM in the car. The car observers can be a bit anal, when I changed to a Z4 with a clutchless SMG gearbox I had to get special permission from 'IAM Towers' to drive using both feet (left for brake, right for accelerator) and they obsess with 'block change' and not allowing the handbrake ratchet to click as you pull it up.

The IAM bike guys are more relaxed, more like a club. It's been probably twelve years since and I reckon the training is why I've never had an accident since (other than being rear ended by a 4x4). The training never leaves you, and I found afterwards I was both riding slower, but also enjoying the ride far more.

Some ROSPA guys will look down on IAM but any training is better than none.

I am an IAM member but also the RoSPA training Officer for a bike group.

You will get taken out and given some things to work on. Probably your road position negotiating hazards (junctions, bends etc).

The initial assessment rides are almost always free and as suggested if you want to continue you pay a membership fee to IAM and the fuel of the observer.
Usually £10 -20 for a 2-4 hour training session.

What do you get out of the course?
1) you will be safer on your bike.
2) you will be able to ride faster.
3) you will understand where to ride faster and when to not.
4) You will meet some great people.

Every bike club I have been to is not at all like the car clubs. They are just normal people wanting to minimize the risk of riding a dangerous machine.

If anyone is in the Midlands or Warwickshire in the UK and wants a free assessment ride PM me I can arrange some free of charge.

Chris.

As someone that holds the highest IAM and RoSPA qualifications for riding and as a trainer / observer I can tell you there is no real difference.

If you are thinking of doing something go to both local clubs (IAM and RoSPA). Pick the club you feel has nicer people that you will get on with. The differences are very very small.