About us

Bury and Rochdale Advanced Motorists (BRAM) are just one of over 200 groups across the country run as independent charities affiliated to IAM Roadsmart.

Who are we?
2015 saw the merger of the Bury Advanced Motorists with Rochdale Advanced Motorists to create a combined group which now caters for both car drivers and motorcycle riders. The motorcycle section was formed at Oulder Hill Community School, Rochdale in 2000 by the late Alan Squire from SLAM group and Phil Gee, a member of West Pennine car group who completed his advanced motorcycle training with Manchester 500 group.

All of our Observers have been trained to pass their Advanced courses by the current Bury and Rochdale Advanced Motorists Group or transferred over when the prior Groups merged. Recently all of our Observers have gone through a re-qualification process to ensure they meet the IAM Roadsmart National standard which is awarded and recognised by IMI.

We are a friendly, diverse bunch operating in a relaxed atmosphere and try to put our Associates at ease. We don’t bite and we’ve all been through the experience ourselves so we know how you feel.

What do we do?
What do we do?
Once you have purchased either the Advanced Driver or Rider Course and selected Bury and Rochdale Advanced Motorists as your choice of Group, arrangements will be made with the Associate Liaison Officer to commence your training course. This will normally be for six to eight consecutive Sunday morning runs meeting at McDonald's Pilsworth, 66 Pilsworth Rd, Park, Bury BL9 8RD at 09:30.

You will be matched up to one of our volunteer Observers for each session when he or she will explain the route and what will be expected of you on the ride. The route will follow urban, motorway and national speed limit roads and will cover about 50 miles taking around 1.5 hours. The run normally ends at a refreshment stop where you will have the opportunity to treat the Observer to a brew before the debrief session.

The practical on the road sessions will be complemented by reference to the IAM Roadsmart course logbook, which you will receive in your joining package and to the ‘Highway Code’.

If you can’t make Sunday mornings we have the capability to offer mid-week sessions by prior arrangement.

You will be asked to sign a document confirming that your vehicle is insured, taxed, roadworthy and MOT'd where necessary and that you have an appropriate full driving licence.

For motorcycle riders please remember to wear a high visibility jerkin or jacket and appropriate clothing/gloves/boots/helmet.