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The Free
Assessment
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. It takes the form of you riding your
motorcycle, whilst being followed by an Observer.
The
Observer will note what you are doing and what you are not doing. The ride
usually lasts between 60 - 90 minutes and finishes back at the start venue. The
ride is followed by an informal debrief, usually over a cup of coffee, when the
Observer highlights areas of your riding that are good and offers advice to help
you improve any deficiencies. As a record you will be given a written assessment sheet
containing an action plan to improve your riding. These
rides are very informal and the emphasis is on
enjoying the learning experience; it is in not a test and you are not under any
pressure.
Please contact the Membership Secretary for more details and to
book your free assessment.
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 talk about the good and not so good points
of the ride. At the end of the session you will be given a written
record which not only acts as a way to gauge your progress but suggests areas
that require further attention.
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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 the benefit of
several observers experience, 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.
The period from first joining the group to actually passing the test varies
tremendously depending on many factors - the amount of spare time you have to
practice, how often you are able to take advantage of the observed rides and of
course, your own abilities. 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.
The Advanced Test
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!
The Advanced Motorcycling Test lasts for about 90 minutes and
will usually cover between 30 to 40 miles along all types of road (urban roads,
motorways (if available), dual carriageways and country lanes).
It provides a thorough workout of riding ability, allowing the candidate
to alter their ride according to the conditions and environment. There
will be hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken
care of using the methods and techniques that advanced riding provides. There may
be situations where the candidate can show flair and panache on an open country road where optimum progress can be gained with
maximum safety by using the most beneficial road positioning and excellent observation.
In other circumstances, the candidate will need to show restraint and composure to
deal with tricky hazards, for example in a town centre where observation is used to pick out hazards
that are constantly changing. The whole process combines to give a brisk, smooth ride
within the legal limits. The main objective is that the
candidate has to perform well in all conditions and circumstances rather than excel in
one facet. It's
an opportunity for you to demonstrate the new skills that you have been tuning
during the
weeks of your course.
The Advanced Motorcycling Test IS NOT EASY but is
within the reach of most motorcyclists with the right guidance. It's surprising
that more often than not, having taken the test, riders comment on how much they enjoyed the
experience (but that might be because they are euphoric about passing)!
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