BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

My sons have decided that they should get me a gift voucher for an IAM Advanced Rider course as a Father's Day gift.

Thing is, I know little about these courses and have never knowingly met, and certainly not chatted with, anyone who has done one.

I'm not arrogant enough to think there's nothing a rider of 50 years experience doesn't know. So....should I take them up on their offer?

I can see plenty of good reasons to do the course. Surely there can't be any reasons not to?

Any thoughts?

Sounds a good pressie to me

You’ve got 50 years experience and know-how that has kept you alive thus far, but you’ll also have had the same amount of time to slip into some bad habits as well.

I recently did a Police run Bike Safe day and got picked up for running across the painted circle of a mini rbt. A silly mistake but there it is, especially as I was a Class 1 Advanced Police rider and did the testing for IAM/RoSPA/BMF Advanced tests, but in time we all slip into bad ways.

Absolutely nothing to lose by going on the course. Enjoy!

Yes, do it.

In 2005 (after 30 years), decided to take some post test (advanced) training with the IAM.

2009 & 2013 took the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test.

During the above period, also completed a "Handle It or Lose It" course which went on to be replaced by Ridewell Tees Valley. Did the latter twice.

yes definatly do it. never to old to learn. Most people gain a lot but even if only a little its something that might keep you alive.

P.s Steve i willl always go over painted roundabout if safer to do so.

BoB21 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 05, 2025 6:54 am P.s Steve i willl always go over painted roundabout if safer to do so.

I used to ignore them totally, but I now do try and conform as long as it doesn’t put me in play with other traffic. I just wouldn’t do it ‘on test’ now.

Oh, and I do try and avoid riding over them in the wet, especially those sneaky raised ones.

The Highway Code says.

188 Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts.

All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.

Common sense prevails for most.

Great present I’d say
I certainly enjoyed mine, 6 years ago now!
You’ll definitely get something out the course, some instructors can be a little condescending I’ve heard, but mine was fine, some I’m sure after 50 years riding you will know, but there will be some golden nuggets in there.

I did my IAM course at the age of 58 and I'm going through the process of becoming an observer (we're not allowed to call us instructors). Assuming other local groups run on the same process as ours you'll have an initial chat with an observer who will ask about your experience, what you want out of the course, whether you learn by example, reading or whatever suits. Tell it as it is. He'll then (and they mostly are men) take you out for an assessment run to see what level you at, see what work is needed or just needs fine tuning.

As part of you introduction pack you'll get a handbook. My biggest tip is read the damned thing! Yes it can be a bit heavy at times, but it does contain all you need to know to become an advanced rider. The book is broken down in sections and your observer will say, right next outing we're going to corners, roundabout, junctions or whatever. I'll say it again, read the appropriate section again and if you can, go out and put into practice what the section says. Trust me, you'll get a lot more out of the course if you do.

A couple of tips. The observer like to see you doing things. What I mean by that is you may have glanced in the mirror, but he can’t see just a glance. Move your head, make it obvious. Stick to speed limits. Make sure your eyesight is good enough, they will check. If you’re not getting on with your observer say so. We all have our faults and some people just don’t get on. No one will take offence if you ask for someone else, and don’t be surprised that if by session four or five another observer takes you out. That’s a good thing as different eye see different things.

Lastly, you don’t have to take the IAM test at the end of it if you don’t want to. It’s up to you. Really lastly, read the damned book!

David. wrote: ↑Thu Jun 05, 2025 9:07 am The Highway Code says.

188 Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts.

All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.

Thank you David, I hope that post bought you pleasure… especially the capitals and red highlighting. Please don’t bother to respond on my account as you’re the first person on my ‘ignore’ list.

Have a nice day…

Hi Just do it

( also there small fathers day discount availabe from Saturday code DAD25)

I did mine 20 years ago. Liked it so much stayed on to become an observer. I started riding over 50 years ago passed my full bike test in 1977 and I have been an observer for almost 20 years,I also support the local police with Bikesafe, I am still learning often from people i meet on the course, still enjoying riding, and meeting like minded riders.

Go into it with an open mind, have fun

Go for it - nothing to lose and potentially, much to gain.

When I was an IAM Observer, I used to get another Observer to do a check run with every person with whom I was working. That was more of a check on me, than them! As Steve says, we all make mistakes. I think the biggest mistake is sticking rigidly to "the rules", when applying "skill with responsibility" produces a safer option.

Enjoy the gift and next year, ask for a new BMW!

Old Foxy

An IAM Observer, would coach an Associate until thought to be test ready. A Senior Observer would then take the Associate for a check/pre-test ride. If the Associate was advised to apply for their test, it indicated that the Observer knew what the test requirements were. It can be very satisfying being an Observer and helps to maintain his/her own skills.

Thank you all. The voucher for the course has arrived so the next job is to get on the phone and get things booked.

Quite excited now!