Advanced Training Rider Performance

This report suggests that bikers who have taken the IAM’s Advanced Riding Test are safer riders than those who have not.

The aim of this research was to investigate the differences in rider performance according to different levels of training that riders have received. Three groups were tested; 20 Novice riders (i.e. riders who were post-CBT and preparing to take the standard Driving Standards Agency (DSA) motorcycle test, or who had passed the standard DSA test within the last 12 months); 21 Experienced riders (i.e. riders who had passed the standard DSA motorcycle test, with riding experience over three years, but with no further training); 20 IAM-trained riders (i.e. riders who had passed their IAM advanced riding test in the last three years).

According to the report, sustainable benefits are delivered in anticipation, road positioning and swift but safe progress on a range of road environments.

The research, one of the first systematic motorcycle simulator studies into rider behaviour, was undertaken to ascertain whether or not riders who have passed the IAM test ride differently to those who have not.

Road-side furniture near to the side of the road on bends caused a big psychological effect. The average speed of all riders reduced when barriers or trees were in close proximity to the road.

IAM riders also appeared to have the greatest awareness of the risks in a more urban environment. In the 40mph zone their riding style was more defensive than the other groups; they rode closer to the centre line when approaching a side road on the left than the novice riders, and more slowly than the experienced riders.