| The Free
Assessment
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Your initial riding assessment is free so that you can
experience first hand what Advanced Riding is all about before making any commitment to join CWAM.
Basically, you ride your motorcycle for about an hour, whilst being followed by
one of CWAM's Observers. The emphasis is on
enjoying the learning experience; it is in not a test and you are not under any
pressure.
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The
Observer will note what you are doing and what you are not doing. At
the end of the ride, usually over a cup of coffee, there is an informal debrief
and the
Observer highlights areas of your riding that are good and offers advice to help
you improve any deficiencies. Finally you will be given an action plan to help you improve your
riding then you can decide whether you want to join us or not.
Please contact the Membership Secretary for more details and to
book your free assessment.
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Improving
your skills
Once you have decided to join us,
your guidance will follow a similar process to the free assessment in that you
and an observer 'go out' together and discuss the good and not so good points
of your ride. At the end of the session you will be given a written
record which not only suggests areas
that require further attention but also enables you to gauge your progress.
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During the riding routine you will be encouraged to use a
process of riding based on the five phases of the police's System
of Motorcycle Control (Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration). The
System assists the rider to develop his/her riding plan; setting up future
actions as early as possible so that he/she is always in the right place, at the
right speed, at the right time whilst making safe progress.
Full
details are in the excellent IAM's 'How to be a better rider' and 'The
police rider's handbook to better motorcycling'.
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At CWAM you may choose either to go out with one observer who will become your
personal mentor for the whole pre-test period or if you prefer you can elect to go out with someone different on
each observed ride. There is no right or wrong approach, it is purely a matter
of personal preference, doing what is best for you and what makes you feel most
comfortable. CWAM will fit in with your needs wherever and whenever possible
after all, if you succeed, then we succeed. It is a win-win situation. If
you are unable to attend the usual Sunday check rides, CWAM will offer you
alternative times to suit your schedule.
The period from first joining the group to actually passing the test varies
tremendously depending on how often you are able to take advantage of observed rides and of
course, your own abilities. However, the more you
practice the sooner you will pass your test.
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The Advanced Test
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Once you are thought to have reached the required
standard by one of CWAM's senior observers, it will be time for you to bite
the bullet and accept the challenge. Your IAM appointed examiner will hold a Police Advanced Motorcyclist certificate (either
serving or ex Police Class 1) and will have extensive experience from working
within the Traffic sections of the Police Force. Don't worry, despite his
fearsome qualifications he's a nice guy!
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The Advanced Motorcycling Test lasts for about 90 minutes and usually covers 30 to 40 miles along all types of road.
There will be opportunities for the candidate to demonstrate an ability to react intelligently to hazards
and ride with restraint and composure when required. On the other hand, on an open country road where optimum progress can be
made, a dash of flair and panache will not be out of place. Overall it's
an opportunity to show off your new skills by giving a brisk, smooth ride
within the legal limits. The Advanced Motorcycling Test is not easy but is
within the reach of most motorcyclists with the right guidance.
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