Training
Roadcraft
LAM's training follows the system laid down in Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook. It is strongly
recommended that you buy a copy of Roadcraft, which is available to purchase online and at all good bookshops. Buy Roadcraft at Amazon
Observed Rides and Group Meetings
Training for the Advanced Riding Test consists of Observed Rides with one of LAM's qualified Observers. LAM holds two Group Meetings a month: in Banstead [map] on the first Sunday and in Bromley [map] on the third Saturday. At the Group Meeting you and another Associate will be assigned to an Observer and taken out on an Observed Ride. The Observer will assess your riding and give you advice on how to improve, and may also give you a demonstration ride.
You will be given a report card so different Observers can see how you're doing and you know which aspects of your riding need work.
Please note that, as a matter of principle, LAM tries to avoid training on roads known to be IAM Test routes.
LAM carries public liability insurance for all Observed Runs taken with our registered Observers by our Associate Members. However, both you and your Observer must be on fully roadworthy, taxed, insured and tested motorcycles. LAM will accept no liability for any accident for which it is not judged liable in a court of law. In practice, this means that, just as when riding normally, you are master (or mistress) of your own fate when on an OR.
Essex Girls
So named because they'll go with anyone, Essex Girls are Observers willing to take Associates for an Observed Ride outside the Group Meetings, at a time and place that's convenient for you. You can find a list of Essex Girls in the back pages of Progress. The Forum is also a good place to find a willing Observer.
Associates Only Rides
The second Saturday of the month is your day to get together with fellow Associates, and one helpful Observer, for a longer ride. A chance to socialise, practise riding in a group, and see how everyone else's training is progressing.
Machine Control Days
Learn to control your bike and you'll be a better, more confident rider. This all-day training session will teach you countersteering, slow riding, and how to pick up a dropped bike - even a Pan European!
Training weekends
A full weekend of training is an ideal way to put that extra bit of polish on your riding before the test and have some fun too. LAM runs an annual residential weekend in Norfolk and a non-residential weekend in Kent.
Group Riding Days
Available to Full Members who have passed their test, this one-day course provides training for safe and progressive riding in a group. Make sure everyone arrives at the same place at approximately the same time!
The Advanced Riding Test
After a number of Observed Rides and a check test with a Senior Observer, you can apply to take the IAM test with one of the Examiners for the region. The test itself lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes in all kinds of roads. You will be required to demonstrate that you are a safe, systematic, smooth and progressive rider.
For a list of all upcoming events, please see the Events section.
