Advanced motorcycle coaching gets back on the road in England and Northern Ireland

Advanced motorcycle coaching gets back on the road again in England and Northern Ireland from Monday (15 June) after a three-month suspension due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions on travel and social distancing.

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity has issued detailed guidelines to ensure the current social distancing rules are followed at all times and advanced rider coaching is carried out with personal safety in mind.

The move has been widely welcomed by the IAM RoadSmart biker community which has also been able to re-start social rides in England and Northern Ireland, in line with guidance on outdoor gatherings.

Social distancing and travel restrictions in Scotland and Wales mean IAM RoadSmart bikers must wait a little longer to return to the road to provide coaching and enjoy social rides again.

IAM RoadSmart’s advanced driving and riding groups across England and Northern Ireland have been preparing for the return to one-to-one on-road coaching since it was announced by the Government and the devolved administration that social restrictions were to be eased. The return to advanced biker coaching coincides with the re-opening of non-essential shops in England.

The move marks a slow return to the delivery of advanced driver and rider coaching which can help reduce vehicle, fuel and insurance costs, improve road safety, boost confidence and reduce travel stress.

Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driver and Rider Standards said: “We are delighted to be able to get those taking the advanced rider course back on the road.

“Our community of passionate and skilled bikers have made personal safety their number one priority by following the rules on social distancing and non-essential travel. They have been great ambassadors for motorcycling IAM RoadSmart and road safety.

“Our volunteer Observers and Examiners have been brushing up their skills over the last couple of weeks to make sure that when our Associates resume their coaching, they are doing so to the same high standards we always aspire to maintain.

“We continue to monitor announcements from Government and the devolved administrations carefully and update our guidelines accordingly." 

Advanced driver courses remain suspended nationwide to maintain compliance with social distancing rules. This is being kept under regular review.

For those who would like a refresher as they return to the saddle after an extended period off the road, rider assessments are also available for members and non-members. Visit our courses page for more information.

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