Life after The Test

Just because you've passed the test doesn't mean that you can just put your feet up and enjoy all the benefits CWAM and IAM have to offer. 

Become a Qualified Observer

One of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you can do is train to prepare and coach CWAM associates. CWAM mentors will guide you through the various written and practical stages until you are ready to tutor associates on your own. By taking up the challenge of becoming a Qualified Observer, not only will you learn how to pass on your knowledge and improve your roadcraft even further, you will have the immense satisfaction of knowing that you played an significant role when associates you have helped, pass their test.

Other CWAM based courses 

POST-TEST ASSESSMENT & RIDER DEVELOPMENT

CWAM  provides assessment and/or further development opportunities for its members by means of one-off sessions or a specific course with a Senior Observer. The course can be designed around the member’s particular needs or with the intention of steering the member towards a successful attempt at the IAM’s Special Assessment which is conducted by an IAM Staff Examiner.

Post-test assessment

This is a one-session assessment to provide the member with a full verbal and paper report on their riding standard. The member can take as many of these sessions as they wish. They are designed to provide the member with information on where their riding standard has improved or diminished since passing the advanced test. It is an ideal check-up on one’s skills or as a precursor to further development.

The sessions are pre-booked and last approximately two to three hours. The format is similar to a standard check ride. The session will start with a briefing, followed by approximately 40 miles of riding. The riding will take in all road types: motorway, ‘A’ & ‘B’, urban/town, country lanes and single track/unclassified roads. At the end the attendee will receive a full verbal debrief and a notated report in the form of a mark sheet detailing their riding standard in specific skill areas.

These sessions are not intended to be tutorials but the Senior Observer will be happy to advise the attendee on any skill areas they may wish to ask about following the final debrief.

There is a maximum of two members per senior for these assessments and they must be pre-booked. You will be asked to contribute £10 each plus refreshments towards the Senior Observer’s running costs.

Riding skill development

This is for those members that wish to improve their understanding and execution of the Roadcraft system of riding. Upon completion the member will be able to display a greater level of precision, smoothness and planning than when they passed their advanced test. Their riding will be more relaxed, confident and progressive. The degree of improvement will be dependent on the individual, the programme chosen and the amount of personal practice and study.

These can be taken as one-off sessions, multiple sessions, part of a planned development or as a course leading to an attempt at the IAM’s Special Assessment. The sessions are intended to be tutorials and will include on-road coaching and demonstration rides. The sessions last approximately 3 hours and mileage is dependent on the coaching and type of practice the session has been designed around. These are not general assessment rides so only those roads that compliment the skills being developed will be used.

Because of the greater depth of knowledge and skill imparted on these sessions it is recommended that members obtain a copy of ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft, the police rider’s handbook to better motorcycling’ (version 1996, reprinted 2000, ISBN 0 11 341143 X).

At the end of each session the attendee will receive a full verbal debrief and a notated report in the form of a mark sheet detailing their riding standard in specific Roadcraft skill areas.

These sessions work on a strictly one-to-one basis except by special arrangement. The member can choose their Senior Observer themselves or have one allocated to them. You will be asked to contribute £10 per session plus refreshments towards the Senior Observer’s running costs.

 Group riding skills

These are specific on-road workshops that are intended to increase the member’s riding quality and confidence. Each session incorporates a heavy emphasis on anticipation, planning and safety within the riding plan.  These workshops are similar to that used for prospective trainee observers for ‘lead and chase’ skill development but would also benefit those members that wish to improve their overall riding skill and competence at riding in groups.

The sessions run with one or two senior observers and need at least two attendees over a short run of roads. The roads are ridden a number of times within the session with a different rider leading each time. The seniors coach and debrief the lead rider and the rider(s) following. Self analysis and cross analysis between the attendees is strongly encouraged as a learning aid and that is why a short repeated set of roads is used. Mileage is dependent on the number of circuits completed and the sessions last approximately 4 hours allowing each attendee to have at least two attempts at leading and following.

Ideally, three workshops need to be completed.

It must be emphasized that these sessions are not in any form a challenge to see who can go faster and leave the others behind. They are a serious tutorial in the discipline of riding with other motorcyclists.

Police Instructor Assessment

This is an on-road session led by the resident CWAM police instructor. These are designed to be a relaxed and enjoyable half day of riding where one’s personal Roadcraft skills can be honed and weaknesses and strengths confirmed. There is a maximum of three attendees for each four to five hour session. The session starts with a demonstration ride given by the instructor with each attendee taking it in turns to ride in the number two position. Then, following a break, each attendee takes their turn to lead with the instructor in the number two position for about 20 to 30 minutes, stopping for debriefing and guidance as required.

IAM Rider Skills Day

These training sessions are national events for members and associates.  They are conducted at local race tracks but are not track days in the recognised way. The skills days have been put together by the IAM to provide expert tuition in rider skills and motorcycle control whilst in the safe environment of a race track (good road surface and no oncoming traffic or junctions). There is one instructor per four attendees and you stay with your instructor throughout the day’s events as you complete the various exercises and enjoy the freedom of the track. These days are excellent for improving one’s on-road confidence and familiarisation with the behaviour of one’s own motorcycle. CWAM officer Steve Pearce can give you a more personal appraisal of the day and answer any questions you might have or act as your local host for the day. Steve can be contacted through the CWAM website. Bookings must be done through the IAM by calling 0208 996 9600 or emailing: skillsday@iam.org.uk.

Contribution

Each attendee will be asked to contribute £10 per session plus drink/beverage towards the Senior Observers’ or instructor’s running costs. The contribution is identical for all assessment or development sessions with the exception of the IAM Rider Skills Day which has to be booked and paid for directly with IAM.

Booking & further information

A document that provides more detail on each of the rider development provisions can be obtained from the CWAM training officer (e mail). CWAM based rider development should be booked initially through the CWAM central membership phone number (07765 663514) or via CWAM information e mail

The IAM Rider Skills Days must be booked directly through the IAM by calling 0208 996 9600 or emailing: skillsday@iam.org.uk. Also see IAM Page for 2011 calendar.

IAM based courses

The IAM also offers other personal challenges for the dedicated bikers who wants to polish their roadcraft to the highest standards.

1 The IAM Members' Riding Assessment

2 The IAM Special Assessment