It is well recognised by governments worldwide, motorcycle manufacturers, insurance companies, police forces, armed services, emergency services and road safety organisations, that passing your motorcycle test is simply the first step to becoming a knowledgeable and skilled rider. If it wasn’t needed, none of these bodies would bother with more training for motorcyclists. Insurance companies wouldn’t give discounts on premiums if it didn’t benefit them! Research has consistently shown that bikers who do advanced rider training:

• Have fewer accidents
• Any accidents result in few injuries and lower insurance claims
• Anticipate developing hazards better
• Are much less likely to show off and take fewer risks than non-advanced riders
• Are more likely to recognise the contribution of advanced motorcycling to safety on the road
• Are more likely to help other riders recognise the value of advanced rider training
• Are more likely to recognise and remedy their own riding errors
• Are more like to want to continuously improving their riding to get more enjoyment out an activity they love doing
• Are more likely to enjoy longer rides and the challenge of more difficult riding conditions
• Are more likely to arrive home safely to family and friends

WYAM’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.

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. 

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 WYAM (normally £20/year). More information is available at the IAM RoadSmart website. After you pass your test, the annual fees are £37/year to continue as a member of IAM RoadSmart plus £20/year to continue as a member of WYAM.

All Observers volunteer their time at no charge but some may ask for a contribution towards their running costs; your Observer will advise what they require before you start your training (this varies depending on the Observer).

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 be able to 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 riding experience. Including the experience of 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 develop quickly . They learn faster because our older advanced riders have the riding experience to guide them. Our older riders really enjoy the process guiding an Associate in developing 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.

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

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..! Your training is completely bespoke to YOU and the way that you learn. The intention is that you enjoy the process as you progress towards your test.

Get your Observer to give you some advice about riding in groups. WYAM 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 WYAM Club. All you need to do is make yourself known to existing members.
“Refer to IAM Guidance and WYAMs Social Ride Outs (Refer to Observer Page under the Your Club Tab).”

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.