Although I’ve driven cars for 23 years, have my towing license and ridden horses on the road, I felt clueless on my motorbike! It was the right choice for me, as a new rider, to push myself to become safe and confident. It’s not just a club full of old, boring, balding men (there are some about 🤣), it’s for people who want to become safe riders on the road!

In 1972 my grandpa encouraged my dad to attend the IAM RoadSmart Dundee open day to test his own skills. Over five decades later my dad has now received recognition for being an IAM RoadSmart member for 50 years. I realised it was now or never to undertake the course for myself.

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.

Whether it’s summer or winter, there are some key items you’ll need in your vehicle all year around to help you stay safe on the road. Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, writes about the eight essentials that you should always keep in your vehicle.

Triumph Over Adversity: Steve Dean passes IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Rider Course on a trike 45 years after losing his leg in a motorbike crash. Here he tells how he got his confidence back.