Frequently asked questions

1. What are the restrictions on type of bike / scooter that I can ride on the Test

There is no difference between bikes or scooters when taking the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test, as it is the same test for both. The only requirement in either case is that the vehicle used for the test must be capable of sustaining the National Speed Limit.

2. Do MAM also do advanced training for cars

No, MAM only offer motorcycle and scooter training. Please visit the IAM web site to find many Groups offering help with car training.

3. I ride a scooter, isn't there a Group that specialises in scooters

No, not that we know of, as there is not the demand. We will still try to help. Many of the skills are the same and the dangers of getting it wrong certainly are. We have a number of scooter riding members already, so although you will be in a bit of a minority, you will not be on your own.

4. How do I know when I am Test Ready

At the end of each Observed Ride your Observer will give you a full review of your ride. This will include advice on your Test Ready status.

5. What happens if I fail the Test

We will work with you on those areas that let you down. There is no fixed delay before you are able to apply for a further test. However, you will have to pay a further fee when you apply to retake the Test. See what are the costs for details.

6. I have a number of points on my licence, does this mean I cannot join

No, although it does depend on how many you have. We would be keen to help you sort out why you keep getting points. Providing you can legally ride, we would encourage you to start preparing for the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test as soon as possible. You can take the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test when you have less than nine points on your licence and no other convictions pending.

7. I have only just passed my DSA test, should I wait before joining

No, although many riders will want to get some independent experience before starting to prepare for the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test. However, this is not always the best approach, as you are equally likely to start developing bad habits.

You must have held your full motorcycle licence for three months when you take your IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test. This means that if you have only just passed your DSA test, you have at least three months to prepare for the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test.

8. How much discount will I get on my insurance after I pass my Advanced Test

It varies, some insurers give more than others, but most give 10%. But even if you pay £1,000 that is only £100. Any spill is likely to cost a lot more that that, so the real value is in not having the spill!

9. How many Observed Rides will I need to get Test Ready

How long is a piece of string, it depends on so may things. It might even be that you need to unlearn some things, not just learn them. As a very rough indication, between four to six rides will get you to the required standard, providing you put in plenty of practice on your own between Observed Rides.

10. If work means I have to stop training for six months, do I have to pay the Skill for Life fee again

No, if your MAM subscription expires, you will be invited to renew for a further year on payment of the MAM Associate subscription. See what are the costs for details. All other elements of the IAM Skill for Life programme, including your test fee, remain pre-paid ready for you to use when appropriate.

11. I am already an IAM member as I have passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test, do I have to pay the full IAM Skill for Life price

No, as you have already paid your IAM Member subscription, you can deduct this from the price of the IAM Skill for Life programme. See what are the costs for details.

If you belong to a joint motorcycle and car Group, you may also wish to discuss getting a refund on their subscription. Of course, this does not apply with MAM.

12. I have already enrolled in the IAM Skill for Life programme and joined another motorcycle Group. If I want to change to MAM do I have to pay the full price again

No, providing you have your seven character IAM Associate number and you have not yet taken the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test, your only additional cost is the MAM Associate annual subscription. See what are the costs for details.

13. On which day are the Pot Luck Observed Rides

Club Nights are always on the second Monday of the month, except on the rare occasion when they coincide with Easter Monday. The Pot Luck Observed Rides are on the Sunday following every Club Night.

14. When are the Theory Classes and Observed Rides for the course

The Theory Classes are at the RNA on two consecutive Wednesday evenings from 8pm to 10pm.

The Observed Rides will be on four consecutive Saturday mornings immediately following the last Theory Class.

15. Can I just turn up at a Club Night or other event to join

Yes, but you are taking the chance that the person to process your membership application might not be there. You will still be welcome to stay and see what we can offer. We will put you in touch with the Membership Secretary so that you can complete your membership application later.

16. If I join, how do I know I will get good instruction

It is important to understand that we do not give instruction. We will work with you to observe your riding and offer you guidance to help you improve your riding standard. However, we only offer guidance, you do the rest as a process of self-training. You can judge the quality of our guidance by our pass rate and by the fact that we monitor the performance of our Observers by operating our own continuous assessment process.

17. Once I have passed my test, what else is there I can do to improve my riding

We offer a number of activities such as Slow Riding, Track Days etc, all of which will improve your level of skill. If you want, you can offer to train as an Observer and help others in the same way as you benefitted. There is also the IAM Special Assessment, which measures your riding against a theoretical perfect rider. Or you can just participate in Social Rides and other events, where you will get the opportunity to continue to improve in very good company.

18. What does the Observer expense contribution cover

It makes a contribution to your Observer's day to day running costs. Most Observers will do a minimum of 1,000 miles a year, many considerably more, either doing Observed Rides or maintaining their training standard. Their spend on petrol, servicing, tyres, even clothing and phone costs will all increase considerably as a result. We rely on Observers to give their time freely, so it is not reasonable that they pay these extra costs out of their own pockets.

19. How many Associates go out at a time with an Observer

Nearly always it will be one Observer to one Associate.

20. What will I need on my first Observed Ride or Assessment Ride

Of course you will need your bike and riding kit suitable for travelling at up to the national speed limit over a two to three hour period. You will also need to bring your Driving Licence, MOT (if applicable) and Insurance Certificate. Once these have been checked you should not be asked for them again until you take the Test. Remember to turn up with a full tank and be ready to leave at the arranged time.

21. How long is the Test

Normally about an hour and a half, travelling about 50 miles over a mixture of roads.

22. Where does the Test take place

You chose the general location, most Associates opt for the Middlesex area. But the Examiner chooses the actual roads, which will not necessarily be the ones you expected.

23. I have heard of a book called Pass Your Advanced Motorcycling Test, what is it

This is the out of print predecessor of the current book How To Be An Advanced Motorcyclist. There are some revisions inside, but otherwise they are essentially the same.

24. What happens if I am not able to go on the Course Observed Rides on Saturday mornings

We will need to find Observers who can be available when you are. We occasionally get Associates who are shift and weekend workers, but we also have some Observers who have time available for Observed Rides during the week.

25. Do I have to get my training through one of the Courses

No, although if possible we recommend it, as it is the only way to attend the theory classes. It is possible to substitute the Course Observed Rides with a combination of Ad-Hoc and Pot Luck Observed Rides, if your available free time makes this the only option.

26. Do I get a refund if I do not take up the option of doing a Course

No, we do not operate this way.

27. I have done a "Bikesafe" day or weekend. Do I need advanced training as well

Yes. Bikesafe teaches a huge amount and is highly recommended as an introduction to Advanced Motorcycling. But the Observed Ride section merely identifies what your current ride standard is and provides advice about things that would benefit from change. In a way it is like our own Assessment Rides, it identifies what needs doing, it does not get it done. We all benefit from additional training, anyone who says they do not is probably not even fooling themselves.

28. What does MAM being a registered charity mean and how does this affect me

Being a registered charity means that the money we receive, principally in subscriptions from Full members, with the member's consent can be treated as "Gift Aid". This means that we can reclaim the income tax from HM Revenue & Customs, so increasing what we can spend on the work we do. It also means that we are duty bound to spend our funds only on promoting the work we are registered as a charity to carry out, that is promoting road safety and assisting riders to pass the IAM Advanced Motorcycling Test.