I.a.m

**jezjay** · 01 Dec 07, 09:20 PM

Hi all, I`m starting my IAM course locally soon, anyone completed this? or got any advice??

thanks in advance

**MarkST** · 01 Dec 07, 09:33 PM

Did one for commercial vehicles some years ago in a HiCube Transit I owned at the time, and really enjoyed it. Real cheap to do too. Can't comment on bike ones though, as have not done it.

**jezjay** · 01 Dec 07, 09:45 PM

the cost is £85 , i think that includes test etc.. the paperwork is due with me midweek..

**MarkST** · 01 Dec 07, 09:56 PM

When I did it, which was probably 7 or 8 years ago, it was something like 30 - 40 quid for a years membership, and then you were appointed an instructor who gave his time freely, so it was just the cost of your gas (you had to go and pick him/her up) then the cost of the test which I cant remember, but was not expensive. With the bike ones though, you also have to pay for your instructors gas too - but all in all, not expensive by any stretch.
I thoroughly enjoyed doing my course and test, but went to a couple of non compulsory meetings, and found the people there to be 'Advanced Driving Anoraks'
Thinking about that last statement I've made makes me think that maybe I'm a bit of a 'Ducati Anorak'
What the heck, I dont care. Suits me

**Paivi** · 01 Dec 07, 09:58 PM

I started that last year but then went on my Italian trip and wrote off the rest of the year due to some crash damage. Been meaning to pick it up, but with a different lot due to my relocation.

The £85 is the Skills for Life package, so that includes the test. Usually, you're deemed good enough to try the test after 4-8 observed rides. For these, you're expected to cover the observer's petrol (in London, I paid £15). Each ride lasts up to 4h, with a few feedback sessions during it, followed by a comprehensive feedback at the end, where you're scored on loads of things (incl condition of the bike and the suitability of your gear).

**jezjay** · 01 Dec 07, 10:04 PM

thanks guys, sounds cool, looking forward too it... ( but not the anoraks!! )

**Rob998** · 01 Dec 07, 10:34 PM

Anoraksia is not cool

JR · 02 Dec 07, 09:31 AM

I did the I.A.M test 2 years ago when i turned 60 mainly to see if i was still up to it after riding for 44 years. It was somewhat strange to be observed by people who had only passed their normal driving test a couple of years before. But, it was a good insight and all part of the constant learning curve we all need to be on to stay safe on the roads. I have not found my local group to be Anoraks - far from it, they are serious full on riders, so much so that they have sunday meetings at 9am when it is not the best of winter weather. I think the course cost around 85 quid which includes the persuit test with a Police class 1 licence holder. When you pass the test many insurance companies offer a discount on premiums, which over the long term would cover the cost of the course, so its a no brainer with benefits all round. Have fun - that is what it is all about.

**Rudolph Hart** · 02 Dec 07, 09:41 AM

Passed my IAM car test years ago & used to be an observer. Lack of spare time meant that I stopped the observer activities & haven't gotten round to doing the bike test. Recommend it, & will do the bike test some day.

**jezjay** · 02 Dec 07, 09:48 AM

thanks JR, whats the main benefits from it??

JR · 02 Dec 07, 11:58 AM

Difficult to say what the main benefit is - for me it confirmed that at my age i was still able to pass a high level test while at the same time accepting that life on a bike is a constant learning curve. For many Ducatisti on this site i see them passing their test, then with little or no experience jumping onto a Superbike. Maybe for them, a course would introduce them to the Police style of riding, which looks a bit sedate, but is in fact very smooth, very fast with one aim - to make rapid progress safely on the roads within the speed limits.
One benefit for me is the fact that the IAM have regular ride out's for members. Often when my mate Duncan of the UKMOC sets up a ride out for members no one turns up except me and him, but the IAM events are allways well attended, with riders of all ages (girls as well). I will do the test again in a couple of years - if i fail i will know then it is time to hang up my boots and let someone else enjoy the pleasure of my Ducati.

**David Matthews** · 02 Dec 07, 02:08 PM

I was thinking about looking into the IAM. I had a one-to-one day with an instructor when I got back into biking. Must say I learnt a lot from that one day.

The odd time that I have visited biker cafes lately there have been BMW riders with their dayglo bibs saying 'I am an advanced rider' which seems a bit cringeworthy. JR's comments have convinced me to have a go, I don't suppose the bibs are essential!

**Paivi** · 02 Dec 07, 02:22 PM

David, you may want to start with a BikeSafe day, run by your local coppers. I've done this on both my bikes, and they've been excellent days. Here in Londinium, they're £25-30 for the whole day, including two observed rides with bike cops (one cop per two students, unless you're lucky and there's an odd number and you're one-on-one) and lunch.

Part of it is class room based on the highway code, filtering, positioning, Q&A session on anything (in London, usual suspects are the legality of filtering, going round traffic islands the wrong way, etc.). In between, you've got two observed rides of ca 45min each, followed by detailed feedback.

At the end, you get a certificate, which a lot of the insurance companies accept as 'advanced training' and give you a discount.

**jezjay** · 02 Dec 07, 03:26 PM

Thank JR and paivi, really helpful, will let you know how I get on,

JR · 02 Dec 07, 04:26 PM

David - I have never been asked to wear a "bib", nor are they provided as part of the course. Some people wear plain dayglo stuff but that is a matter of choice.