So you've got you're DAS. Where to from there?

[Mustafa Day-Off]

Hello again world,

Is there an accepted hierachy of further training once someone has passed their DAS / test, particularly for commutters?

(This would exclude time with a friend off-peak / at weekends etc before you started commuting).

Thanks for your thoughts folks.

Kevin.

 

[SilverFish]

I dont think there's any proper hierachy in place as all the respective organisations compete with each other, and so do not concede readily who is better!

As commuting is your thing, probably the best start you could do is the BikeSafe course run by the Police. A lot of the guys here have done it, and I dont think I've seen one criticism of it. It's not proper training - its too short for that. But they will give you a very good introduction in how to be a safer rider, as well as clear up a few myths.

If you enjoy that, then you've then got a choice as to where to go next: IAM, ROSPA or other (paid) tuition.

If you do a search for all three here you'll find plenty of recommendations and past experiences. This is my experience, having done all three:

IAM. Based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control (AKA the Blue Book, pretty much all advanced road riding is based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control). Tuition and passing with the IAM is certainly a very good thing, but they do have a few drawbacks. Firstly, standards vary. For every good group or tutor, they'll be a disappointing one too. Secondly, you are only required to pass your test once for life - so standards could fall. Thirdly, the pass level isn't all that high really. Which brings me on to...

ROSPA (aka ROADA). Still based on the System of Motorcycle control, but the quality of instruction is kept consistent by a structure of senior instructors with ROSPA diplomas and national standards. They have three levels of pass: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Its generally accepted that a good IAM pass falls between Bronze and Silver. Having done both, I agree. A pass at Gold level affirms an extremely professional and capable rider; one who would do well if they were to take the Police Class One riders course. The Gold Award is the highest test pass available to the general public - it is not easy to get! ROSPA have retests every three years.

Paid Tuition is your remaining option if you dont suit the IAM or ROSPA. Obviously you pay your money and you take your choice! I'd go for an instructor who has served as a police class one rider/examiner and is now offering you the wealth of his experience and training - but at a price! It will be a lot more than either IAM or ROSPA, but the quality should be very good and obviously tailored to you as an individual.

HTH,

Mike

 

[DavidJames]

Hi Kevin,
I was in a much similar position 18 months ago, and it is great you are thinking in the right way! The option that i chose was RoSPA for several reasons. You are assigned a trainer who takes you out on rides on a one on one basis (in my group anyway, it may vary) after an initial assesment by one of the group leaders. You then schedule regular rides focusing on what ever areas you/they feel you need to improve on. It combines general road safety, riding in traffic and on the open road. The training to pass your DAS, was just that - there is so much more to learn out on the road!! most people have gained this through experience, but an easy way to accelerate your learning is to ride with an exerienced trainer. Within a few rides my confidence grew immensly and really allowed me to enjoy riding, and I enjoyed trying to improve my riding. The great thing i find with my group is that they are there when you need them, but don't hassle you. I am rubbish at organsing myself, and often end up not doing training session for several weeks, but as soon as I am ready - so is my trainer.
I began the training with the attitude that I wanted to gain confidence and become a better rider, getting the certificate was not that important (all though it will reduce your insurance!). I have really enjoyed the training and I am hoping to do the test in the next few weeks. As a new rider, if you do not have any close friends that ride, it is difficult to know what to do or how to ride in certain conditions - doing RoSPA training gives you a friend who doesn't mind getting asked stupid questions during the coffee breaks.

PM me if you want to talk.

David

P.S. IAM will take on people with less than 3 months riding expereince, RoSPA do.

 

[Mustafa Day-Off]

Thank you Mike and David for your considered advise.

The Missus and even the boss (no, ladies, not the missus again), are justifiably concerned about lack of experience and therefore risk of incident (as I am also), so high quality training is the only way to go.

Thanks again.

Kevin.

 

[Navy Boy]

It's all good stuff

I'm just about to do my IAM test (Tonmorrow in fact) after having been a member for a year now. I've heard a lot of good things about ROSPA and I'd echo what has been said about them above.

Ultimately an awful lot depends on the people involved. My observer has been very good. Quite laid back and not your stereotypical IAM flourescent type who thinks they are God's gift to all things biking. Having said that the chap who took me for my dummy test wasn't as good IMHO and made me feel far less at ease than my observer. I guess it's a case of you pays your money...

I'd been riding since I was 10 and have had my DAS for some 10+ years now. I wanted to increase confidence and do my machines (Which I'm lucky to have more than one of) justice by riding them properly.

No advanced training is bad (I've done the Hampshire CC's Edge 44 scheme twice too - Which was well worthwhile) and I feel sure that you'll get something good out of it.

Good luck!

 

[Frankers]

Hi Kevin

I passed my DAS 8 years ago and rode for 3 years straight after. With a break of 5 years I'm back on a bike as of last Saturday (GSA) and got it to commute from Tunbridge Wells to Central London. Today is my 4th day and even though I did my test sometime ago and have some experience, I'm effectively starting again.

My wife is concerned for my safety too and I can understand that. What will your commute be? London riding is very different - lots of slow filtering and lane changing, so you need to be happy with the bike you are riding. Also the training for this would be different to riding on country roads. Questions I'm constantly asking myself are - should I follow that bike down that side of the cars and where to position myself at the various junctions and trying to avoid being stuck in the middle of the road when the lights change red. Knowing your route helps to, but again it takes a few runs.

I posted a thread about commuting and have had some excellent replies :. UKGS'er.com .:: > If you're new here.... > Go on, you know you want one )

www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129597

I'm considering further training too and will probably book a Bike Safe course
www.bikesafe-london.co.uk which is £30 for the day. I'm sure the officers on the day will be able to speak to you and offer their opinion as to what training to do next. That's my short term plan.

Frankers

 

[Mustafa Day-Off]

Hello Frankers,

Thanks for your response.

I commute from Medway to Silvertown (north side of the Woolwich Ferry) and when we move, it will be to the Isle of Dogs, which has raised this whole issue.

As many commutters know, the Blackwall Tunnels no fun for anyone.

Being a few minutes from the ferry is fine, if its running slow and your in a car. Getting onto and off the island is going to make life that much harder, especially when the tunnel or A13 are congested / closed.

I'm happy with my routes, and would expect to come off the a A2 early to begin with to avoid the major queues and reduce the initial risks to me as a beginner (i.e. Welling and Shooters Hill to the ferry).

I'll look at your thread and at the Bike Safe course links for extra help.

Thanks again and must go,

Kevin.