The following list attempts to answer some of the more common questions asked about ELAM and its work. If you don’t see your question here or want more information, contact any member of the committee.
What is an Advanced Rider?
Put simply, advanced riding is the ability to make progress in a safe and courteous manner. By progress, we mean being able to ride at the maximum legal speed that is safe in the prevailing conditions.
Generally speaking, advanced riders are more aware of their surroundings on the road. An Advanced Rider is able to spot, anticipate and prioritise hazards early enough to enable their Riding Plan to be updated with the minimum of fuss and panic. They see when a bend is going to tighten up on them and complete their braking early. They seem to know when traffic lights are about to change and have selected first gear ready to move off. On a cross-country ride, gaps in the traffic seem to open up for them making progress quicker and easier. While there may be faster riders, over a long distance few can match the pace of an advanced rider.
But these abilities are something that just about anyone can learn. All it takes is practice and a willingness to learn new ways of riding, to break old habits.
What is the IAM RoadSmart test like?
The IAM RoadSmart test consists of an observed ride, given by an IAM RoadSmart examiner. The Examiner will be a police Class 1 qualified rider, the most highly qualified riders in the UK. The ride lasts for about an hour and a half and covers as many types of roads and traffic conditions as possible. The total distance will normally be between 30 and 40 miles.
Before taking the test, you’ll need a full UK driving licence, a valid certificate of insurance and a bike capable of sustaining a speed of 70mph. Effectively, a modern bike of at least 200cc. The bike, and your gear, should be in good, serviceable condition.
The examiner will assess your riding to see if you ride in a safe yet progressive manner. There is no need for fancy tricks, exaggerated slow speeds or excessive signalling, just a good, workmanlike ride. The Institute cannot condone breaking the law, so things like speed limits must be strictly observed.
At the end of the test, the examiner will review the ride with you, commenting on both the good and not-so-good aspects. Their aim is to help you improve your riding. Therefore, regardless of whether you pass or fail, you will receive some constructive tips on how to improve your riding, from the very best motorcyclists in the business.
If I want to pass my IAM RoadSmart test with ELAM, how much will it cost?
ELAM offers the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course. The cost of this package includes:
- Your 1st year Associate membership to ELAM
- Your 1st year’s Associate Membership of IAM RoadSmart
- As much coaching as required to get you to Advanced Test Standard
- A copy of the IAM Roadsmart Logbook
- Your Test fee.
All this for £149
Are there any other costs?
No, except for a contribution toward your Observer’s bike running costs, an up-to-date copy of the Highway Code and a copy of Police Motorcycle Roadcraft.
How come it’s so cheap?
The cost is so low because ELAM does not make a profit out of the work we do. Any funds accumulated are ploughed back into the group and our facilities. Everyone in the group is an unpaid volunteer who does this because they want to contribute to improving the safety of other bikers.
We constantly strive to improve the quality of our work. Observers must have passed their IAM RoadSmarttest and then have completed our own special course, before they take their Observer qualification. In addition, they must carry out a mandatory minimum number of observing hours each year and undergo a regular review of their riding and coaching skills to ensure that these remain sharp.
What guarantees can you provide?
Naturally, we cannot guarantee that you will pass the IAM RoadSmart test first time. However, our approach does greatly improve your chances of success. We can assess your riding and will tell you when you are ready to take the test. If you’re not successful first time around, we can provide additional ad-hoc support to help you polish your weak points. Good focussed practice between Observed runs will significantly improve your chances of passing and reduce the number of Observed runs that you may require. Our aim is to help you pass as quickly and easily as possible.
OK, I’m convinced, I want to improve my riding. What do I do?
If you want to take one of our courses join up using the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course and we’ll book you on the first convenient course.
I’ve already passed my advanced test. What can ELAM offer me?
We have an extensive social calendar with regular ride-outs and a monthly social evening. In addition we publish a monthly newsletter that lets members know what’s happening within ELAM.
Perhaps you’d like to become an Observer? We are always looking for more observers to help with the work that we do. See our Observer skills page.