Max passes Advanced test at just 20 years old

My journey with the IAM began after a family member of mine recommended I look into the course, as he had done it himself and spoke highly of the benefits the course gave him, and put me in touch with Geoff Salt, who is an observer with the Derwent and Hope Valley group.

When I had my first ride out with Geoff, he asked me why I wanted to take on this course, especially as a younger rider aged 20, and for me it was to gain the skills and the knowledge to become safer and more confident on the bike, and knowing how better to understand traffic and the roads . I was soon shocked with how much there was for me to learn and skills I needed to master to help me get there, but I feel by the end of the course I have achieved this and so much more.

I was dubious if the course was for me at the beginning, but after a few observed rides, I started to pick up on the little things, and started seeing the benefits in my riding, and the format seems to work well, with regular breaks in riding so you can discuss with your observer things which were done well and areas which need to be improved on.

This really helps, as you can focus on getting the things you speak about right first and not everything all at once, as it is a marathon, not a sprint, and in my case, Geoff really helped me with my positioning and cornering on top of my hazard awareness, and there was a big emphasis on using the course material found in the Advanced Riders Handbook to help reinforce the skills he was trying to implement.

As the course progressed, and my riding improved, Geoff was always there pushing me, even on my bad days and finding ways for me to improve. It gave me confidence in myself and my riding; this I have found to be one of the biggest positives from this course. 

With Geoff’s knowledge, skills, and guidance, the experience has been one I am happy to have taken on and am proud to have completed, and would recommend anyone to try the course and give yourself a challenge.