It is well recognised, by governments worldwide, motorcycle manufacturers, insurance companies, police forces, armed services and road safety organisations, that passing your motorcycle test is simply the first step in becoming a skilled rider. If it wasn’t needed, none of these bodies would bother with more rider training. Insurance companies wouldn’t give discounts on premiums if it didn’t benefit them! 

Advanced motorcycling is for all motorcycle/scooter owners whose machines are capable of maintaining the UK national speed limit of 70mph. Improving your riding is an investment in your safety and welfare. It brings you a lot more confidence that you will be able to cope with the hazards of riding and get a lot more enjoyment out from being on your bike, either on your own or with friends. 

SAM’s Observers will coach you so that you are in the right place, travelling at the right speed, in the right gear and with all the information that you need to plan your next move. Whether you are riding slowly or quickly, you will have the advanced skills needed to be in the right position, in the right gear, at the right speed, to progress smoothly and safely on whatever journey you make.

There are IAM RoadSmart courses for both car drivers and motorcycle riders. They are available through the IAM RoadSmart website. The scheme costs £149.00 for up to 12 months of guidance. On paying this fee (see the IAM website for any discount offers) you can join a local group. The fee you have paid will entitle you to as much guidance as you need to prepare for the Advanced Test, for however long you remain a member. Included in the fee are all learning materials, your Advanced Test fee, 12 months membership of both the IAM and SAM (normally £12/year). More information is available at the IAM RoadSmart website. After you pass your test, the annual fees are £38/year to continue as a member of IAM RoadSmart plus £12/year to continue as a member of SAM. 

There are so many benefits to you personally. You become a safer and more skilful rider. You can save substantially on your motorcycle insurance premiums. The younger you are, the more you are likely to save. This may help you in riding more powerful motorcycles sooner. Your advanced riding skills will keep you safer. They will help you get to your destination quicker. You also get better economy from your bike. After your advanced test, there is a pathway to helping other bikers become better riders. You can get discounted track days. We urge you to complete a ‘Biker Down Course’. You can improve their riding even further with short courses at specialist organisations.

Also, there is an entire world of friendship within our club. You can attend our monthly club nights, member-organised and club organised rides. The latter include day rides, weekend trips and longer tours. You can have a rich motorcycling social life. This helps you to keep up your advanced riding knowledge and skills. It also helps your local community improve its view of motorcycling and motorcyclists.

Yes, you can join the IAM. To take part in the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider course, wait until you have ridden for 3 months.

Yes, even though you are riding on a restricted licence you can take an IAM Advanced Rider Course. Your motorcycle must have an engine size of 125cc or more and can maintain the UK motorway speed limit of 70 mph..

Most IAM members are older than 21. Helping young people develop their advanced riding skills needs experience. This is experience in riding in different weather and traffic conditions.  They guide bikers of ALL ages to become successful advanced motorcyclists. With practice young riders’ advanced riding skills quickly develop. They learn faster because our older advanced riders have experience to guide them. Older riders enjoy the process guiding an Associate further develops their own skills. Your advanced riding course helps you make better judgements about road conditions. Your riding plan is better. You ride safer in the variety of traffic conditions we cope with today. Our guidance follows the Police Riders/Driving Manual ‘Roadcraft’. British Police forces and many other emergency services also use this book. You learn faster and stay safer because of how our riding experience will guide you.

Each person starts an IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider course must hold a full motorcycle licence. Your motorcycle or scooter must have at least a 125cc engine (UK motorway regulations). It must also be able to reach and maintain the national speed limits. For scooters under 125cc a special scheme called ‘Road Rider Plus’ is available. Full details are on the IAM website.

Providing that you are not disqualified you can start an IAM Rider Course.

Your Observer will ensure that when you ride with an IAM examiner, you can pass your test. Your success is our success!

This varies a lot. Some people need very little extra preparation. Others may learn at a slower pace. Time contstraints or a short-term lack of experience can also slow progress. Also, not everyone likes to learn in the same way. Our Observers have seen every kind of rider you can imagine. They are able to find the method(s) that are best suited to each individual. You might think that you are an exception… strangely, we have found that most people are… so fear not..! The intention is that you enjoy the process as you progress towards your test.

• other members will form smaller groups and ride out usually for breakfast somewhere.

Get your Observer to give you some advice about riding in groups. SAM group rides use a ‘marking’ system (in larger groups this tries to make sure nobody gets lost en route). As ride outs can sometimes be demanding. Ask your Observer to introduce you to the members leading ride. Also, ask your Observer to go with you a couple of times to help you find your feet. After your test we do all we can to help you get involved with the SAM Club. All you need to do is make yourself known to existing members.

Yes, there are some informal riding arrangements on other days (Thursdays for instance). Talk it over with your Observer. They can make some introductions to enable you to further your involvement.