Advanced motorcycle training and testing

Considering taking an advanced riding course but worried about what’s involved? Don’t be concerned, as it could be the best thing you have ever done. It could turn you into a safer, quicker biker while potentially saving money on your insurance, too.

When most riders hear the term ‘advanced riding course’ they tend to be put off slightly. Sometimes it’s because advanced riding sounds a bit intimidating and something that only the very best riders have the skills to complete.
For others it’s because they want to believe they’re already an advanced rider and can’t be taught anything new.  However in reality this is far from true in both cases. Advanced riding isn’t all about increasing your corner speed, learning super-human overtaking skills or pushing your tyres to their limit. It’s focused on making you a safer, more confident rider who is able to identify hazards on the road and react accordingly before they develop into a potentially harmful situation.
So rather than thinking of it as advanced riding, think of it as the next progression in your motorcycle riding skills journey.  

 In the UK there are three main qualifications for advanced riding. The IAM and RoSPA are both registered charities that have local groups throughout the UK. 

 Then the government runs an advanced riding qualification called the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) that is supported by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) 

 Its all about using a system so nothing is left to chance or luck !

there's a book too called Police motorcycle Roadcraft. Roadcraft is basically the bible for advanced riding and is written by people who know a thing or two about motorcycling  its used by all the emergency services as their guide for better, safer  riding.

Attempting to condense the finer details of an advanced riding course into a small article is somewhat tricky, however the fundamentals are based around the acronym IPSGA, which stands for Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration.

An instructor will explain to you how to use this mantra to evaluate what is around you when you are riding and make decisions regarding your speed, gear, positioning on the road as you ride along. Covered in far greater depth in Roadcraft and How to be a better rider a basic overview is as follows:

• Information – Study the road ahead and take in any information that it is giving you. Look for pedestrians, the road’s surface, potential hazards such as junctions and use the information to plan your next move. Also provide clear information to other road users so they know what you will be doing.• Position – React to what is happening and move your motorcycle accordingly within your lane for maximum safety. If there is a potential hazard, move away from it, but also position your bike to provide the maximum view through a corner so that you can see a potential hazard as soon as possible.• Speed – Only go as fast as the situation ahead allows, always ensure you can stop if required.
• Gear – Rather than stick in one gear, use the bike’s gearbox to give you better acceleration and its engine braking to deliver a smooth ride.
• Acceleration – Aim to accelerate smoothly to prevent the suspension overworking and upsetting the bike’s balance by using the bike’s mid-range torque. 

If you’re a motorcyclist – yes! No matter what your experience level, an advanced riding course will benefit your riding by making you think more about the hazards around you and how you are approaching the road.

its not preachy it is a great day out riding that may even save you a few quid when it comes to your insurance renewal.
However, far more importantly, if you pick up just one hint or tip that helps you avoid having an accident, it is worth every single penny.