bikegirl.co.uk - Advanced Motorcycle Training Schools

Advanced Riding Schools… by Boxerchic . 2004

There are many varied options for rider training once you have passed your test and they differ from area to area around the country.

Police forces now offer a number of training days called “Bikesafe” dedicated to lowering the number of motorcycle casualties. You can find their website at www.bikesafe.co.uk.

There are many small independent companies offering rider training usually with an instructor that has a police class 1 certificate. Some will offer weekend training in Scotland or Wales with hotel accommodation, and instructors may be male or female. We have a very good female class 1 instructor in our Cheshire/ North Wales area if anybody would like a contact number. Expect to pay around £150 per day for one to one instruction. Most instructors will offer training by the hour. A 3 hour session sounds like a long time but will give the opportunity to ride a good variety of different roads en-route.

A less expensive option is to join an IAM group. The Institute of Advanced Motoring is a road safety organisation with a national network of groups who run advanced training in cars and on bikes. www.iam.org.uk

Groups and courses vary both in organisation and cost, though they are all a less expensive option to individual class 1 Police instruction. The main reason for this is that the group “Observers” who assess riding and advise on attaining the advanced test pass all give their time voluntarily thus reducing the cost to the rider.

South Cheshire Advanced Motorcyclists (S.C.A.M.) is my local group, scam-online.org. The group run three courses a year, each course comprising six morning sessions over a twelve week period, excluding bank holidays. Have a look at the website for further details. The courses cost £85.00 and includes an induction and theory evening, six observed rides, course books, the IAM advanced test, and twelve months membership to the IAM on passing the test.
The group also have a good social calendar from ride-outs to social evenings.

So why do rider training?

It may save you money. Most insurance companies will give up to 10% discount for a recognised qualification.
If you are new to riding it may build your confidence on the road.
It will almost certainly improve your riding skills.
If you join a group you will meet other people to ride with.
You will have a lot of fun!

Boxerchic