IAM training courses

[joe4550]

i have the opportunity to do one of the advanced rider training courses with IAM for free,

has anyone done one of these? if so what were they like?

joe

 

[steve'o]

Go for it. If its free then all you could loose is a couple of hours out riding.
It depends a bit on your skill level at starting a bit, but I feel I learnt lots from it. And most riders say that you never really stop learning. If you are a riding God then they will probably just tell you that and not waste time.

 

[les049]

Ditto on the above. Anything that assists improve your riding is always worth having, especially if it's free you lucky bast**d.

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

I did one 15 years ago and since then have spent some time as an IAM observer.

Very good course. It has a bit a of a fuddy duddy image and people who haven't done the course expact it all to be about wearing your dayglo vest properly and never breaking the speed limits. It depends on the personalities running the course and it may be like that, but more commonly its a chance to learn something from like minded people and have a few good days out.

Amongst the many things you will learn are observation, positioning, safe use of speed & hazard awareness. It is surprising how at the start of a course people people will reel off what they can see in front of them without recognising the hazards in it. At the end of the course riders can see the hazards and take appropiate action to give themselves more time to react. All of this can be put to use making you safer at whatever speed you ride, or if you are of a mind to then you can go considerably faster without compromising your levels of safety.

If you sign up and dont like it then you can always drop out - so you have nothing to lose.

 

[wheelnut]

I think the answer is 'It depends'. They are enthusiastic amateurs and the quality of tuition can vary widely. There are moves to try to standardise it more but time will tell.

If you get a good group and a good observer (depending on your current level) you'll learn loads. If you don't gel with your observer don't be afraid to shout up and get them changed.

Good luck!

 

[Micky]

Go for it ... as per above

Nothing to lose ... everything to gain

Micky ... IAM Examiner

 

[Jaq]

I had a whale of a time with a brilliant observer and learnt alot....

Passed first time with no faults...GOK's how I managed that...

Well worth it, IMHO...and if it's free, then doubly worth it......

 

[NLC]

+1

 

[Rasher]

Agree that any training is worthwhile, take from it what works for you

I found getting out regularly was a bit of an issue as many IAM groups seem really busy, luckily it only took 3 observed rideouts for me so I got it done in under 6 months.

I suspect most riders who have been riding for years probably do a lot of what the IAM teach already so it is a case of just making it a bit more formal and polishing up a bit.

I think many IAM groups / riders can be over-analytical and rigidly apply rules and theory to every second of every ride, which IMO just spoils motorcycling, and means I won't continue with my membership

Can't be doing with wandering all over the road for positioning when speeds / conditions mean it provides no benefit, or shutting the throttle miles before a speed limit so as to not use the brakes (to prove you noticed the limit a mile back) and I think this is what ongoing IAM membership means, riding out with people judging your every move and applying rules for the sake of applying rules.

I would recommend checking out some groups before joining and see if you think you will fit in, and if you want more than your 6 alloted rides and a test find out if more will be available, some clubs do regular ride outs, others seem not too, or you may not be allowed until you have passed your test / unless you are invited... more rules! Some are run as friendly clubs, others seem like big businesses where numbers of members (read cash in bank) is the driving factor.

Good luck

 

[topcat2006]

How did you manage the for free bit?

 

[dongleplonk]

I believe the first observed ride is free.

I passed mine recently after nearly 30 years of riding. I did a police advanced course yonks ago that I really enjoyed - it was a 2 day course run by the police and not police standard - no exam or qualifications at the end. Decided to do the IAM course after I had my free taster ride.

Observers were great.

Now training to become an observer myself.

Go for it. It's good and fun trying to ride properly. I actually found that 'riding progressively' (as opposed to 'making progress') was quite challenging sometimes. Takes concentration and is quite satisfying when you get it right.

 

[joe4550]

How did you manage the for free bit?

mr santa got me some motorbike stuff an this was among it lol

im thinking its a good idea anyway just wanted some feed back on them as its a choice of that or somthing else an as it dose very little to my insurance (saves me about £10 so pointless for that reason) but hey we can all do with being better riders.

cheers for the feedback

joe

 

[trainman]

worked for me many years ago, most groups do weekend ride outs, if you know a member they can bring a guest once or twice before you commit to joining etc

a lot of members can be 'older' but my group has a fair mix, the fuddy duddy image soon goes when you see how much progress (safe) these guys and girls can make

 

[st247]

Can't be doing with wandering all over the road for positioning when speeds / conditions mean it provides no benefit, or shutting the throttle miles before a speed limit so as to not use the brakes (to prove you noticed the limit a mile back) and I think this is what ongoing IAM membership means, riding out with people judging your every move and applying rules for the sake of applying rules.

TBH you shouldn't be changing position unless it provides you with a benefit, and even then it is always overidden by safety. As for using engine braking, that has it's own set of factors to consider. A lad i went out for ride with did exactly what you said and slammed the throttle shut, imagine his supprise when the following car nearly rear ended him Rules, no, more of a set of skills that you can use depending on the situation.

 

[Rasher]

most groups do weekend ride outs, if you know a member they can bring a guest once or twice before you commit to joining etc

May be a good way of getting some extra practice, I never had the chance to go on a group ride prior to passing the test, or post passing the test come to think of it, but I would have welcomed the opportunity, especially if it can be done prior to signing up.

My undersatanding was they do not let you join the rideouts until you have passed the test?

 

[iftikartaxis]

IAM

Super course i did mine with a proper gentleman called Len Tromans from Widmerpool nottiingham i enjoyed every bit he taught me so much and pointed out my errors without patronising me
I wrote a poem about him calling him red leader
Think he still does some advanced riding with a BMW dealer in Notts

 

[Wapping]

. i did mine with Len Tromans from Widmerpool...

I wrote a poem about him calling him red leader

How the feck did you get anything to rhyme with Tromans and Widmerpool?

 

[STUBBS]

go for it even if you only learn one thing you've benefited

 

[trainman]

May be a good way of getting some extra practice, I never had the chance to go on a group ride prior to passing the test, or post passing the test come to think of it, but I would have welcomed the opportunity, especially if it can be done prior to signing up.

My undersatanding was they do not let you join the rideouts until you have passed the test?

Norwich IAM allowed it in the past, havent checked recently,maybe it was 'un official', they did always check you were insured, MOTd and the bike was in reasonable nick. I will check on current position.

I know they only allowed 2 rides to discourage free loading I guess

 

[Martyn H]

May be a good way of getting some extra practice, I never had the chance to go on a group ride prior to passing the test, or post passing the test come to think of it, but I would have welcomed the opportunity, especially if it can be done prior to signing up.

My undersatanding was they do not let you join the rideouts until you have passed the test?

Rob; you really are contrary. I don't quite know whether you mean the group rides didn't suit the weekends you were free, but there have been quite a few this year, & you would have been more than welcome.

As to whether or not they "allowed you to join in pre-Test" - did you ask ?

You could have asked your Observers, you could have asked me, or e-mailed the Group sec. or the chairman.
Why does it have to be so hard

As to a few other points you've posted above, which don't reflect well on the IAM, I have to challenge a couple of your points.

You attended a BikeSafe workshop, & you were a lively participant.

Amongst other things I covered road positioning at length & what it could achieve, & when to adopt the "over to the left" & "on the centre line". As had been said by others above, you only do it when it achieves something, & you have to use your judgement to know when to adopt this practice.

We discussed braking in detail, because it's important, & at no point was it suggested the a rider should not use his brakes, but instead "roll off the throttle when you saw a speed limit a mile away". We even talked about the danger that shutting off can pose if a vehicle is close behind, & the suggestion of trailing the back brake pedal to illuminate the brake light & give the following traffic advance notice of your intention to slow down - in other words, give him some thinking time.

I never suggested that you "don't use your brakes" so I truly don't know where that's come from; you didn't seem afraid to venture an opinion, so if there was at any point a doubt in your mind, why didn't you ask ?

On your Test you gave a damn good ride, & your verbal feed back & the written report backed that up, so why do you keep on about it ?

You do yourself a disservice, & don't endear yourself to those who gave freely of their time to get you ready for your Test. If you don't want to remain in the IAM, or the local Group, that's fine, but stop sniping.