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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
Having passed the
motorcycling Advanced Test, 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 the test.
Other
CWAM based courses
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.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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 will 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 3 hours allowing each
attendee to have at least two attempts at leading and following.
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.
Contributions,
booking
& further information
Each
attendee will be asked to contribute £10 per session plus drink/beverage
towards the Senior Observers’ running costs. The contribution is
identical for all CWAM assessment or development sessions. Booking
should be done initially through the CWAM central membership phone number
(07765 663514) or via CWAM
email.
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
The IAM Riding Assessment (not
to be confused with the Free Assessment or CWAM's Post-Test Assessment) is a valuable learning
experience which gives full members the opportunity to brush up their skills
with an IAM Examiner. It provides a chance to have your strengths and
weaknesses identified by an expert and to enhance your abilities and
roadcraft to an even higher level. There is no pass or fail just the knowledge
that you have ridden with and been assessed by a highly qualified expert
and are the proud owner of a certificate to that effect.
It entails:-
The cost of the IAM Riding
Assessment is £25. Details & application forms are on the relevant
page of the IAM website
2 The IAM Special Assessment
The IAM "Special Assessment" is
the ultimate Advanced Riding challenge for civilian riders and
offers IAM Members an opportunity to demonstrate their motorcycling skills to the highest possible standard. A Special Assessment involves both
practical and theoretical elements and members are expected to be fully and
properly prepared for a very demanding and stringent examination of their
riding skills and knowledge. The cost for the Special Assessment
is £60.
Full details of all IAM
courses and application forms for
the above can be obtained from IAM
head office (or see the relevant
section of their website for details & to download the
application form).
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