Our Guide to Advanced Rider Training

Advanced Rider Training: Crash Less, Ride Better

Think advanced training isn’t for you? Whether you’re a seasoned biker or if you’ve just past your test, advanced rider training is where good riders become great riders and be one of the key ways you can help to reduce injury rates in the UK.

Why Should You Consider Advanced Rider Training?

Riding on UK roads is unpredictable. Potholes, erratic drivers, and changing road surfaces can challenge even the most experienced bikers. Advanced training prepares you to handle these hazards with composure and skill.

Courses such as BikeSafe, IAM RoadSmart, and RoSPA Advanced help riders build critical awareness, control, and reflexes that make the difference between a close call and a crash.

Key benefits include:

• Spotting hazards early and making better split-second decisions.
• Developing precision control for cornering, braking, and throttle management.
• Increasing your visibility to other road users to reduce "SMIDSY" incidents.
• Potential insurance discounts through recognised certifications like IAM or Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).

Spot Hazards Before They Spot You

Advanced training can help improve your hazard perception skills, giving you the ability to read the road and avoid danger before it becomes a problem.

• Learn how to constantly scan for hazards such as potholes, oil spills, and distracted drivers.
• Master the "lifesaver glance" over your shoulder to ensure no vehicles are lurking in your blind spots.
• Keep a safety gap of at least 2-3 seconds between you and other vehicles. This space gives you time to react and avoid collisions.

Advanced courses emphasise anticipation. Assume that every car could cut you off and every pedestrian might suddenly step out. Preparing for accidents means you’ll stay calm and composed when the unexpected happens.

Master Your Bike: Control Is Key

Even the most powerful bike should feel like an extension of your body. Advanced training refines your ability to handle the bike confidently in all conditions.

Cornering Techniques

• Counter steering: Push the left handlebar to lean left, and push right to lean right—essential at higher speeds.
• Wet weather cornering: Reduce your lean angle and apply smooth, steady inputs to maintain grip on slippery roads.

Braking Skills

• Progressive braking: Learn to apply smooth, gradual pressure to avoid skidding or lock-up.
• Threshold braking: Understand how to brake just below the point of lock-up, even without ABS, to shorten stopping distances.

Throttle Control

Jerky throttle inputs can destabilise your bike, especially mid-corner. Advanced training helps you perfect slow-hand throttle control, keeping your bike smooth, balanced, and responsive.

Ride Smarter, Not Harder

Road surfaces in the UK vary greatly depending on location and weather. Advanced courses prepare you to adapt your riding technique to different environments.

• Wet roads: Avoid slippery hazards like painted road markings and manhole covers.
• Gravel: Stand on the pegs, shift your weight back, and maintain a steady throttle to prevent the bike from sliding.
• Grass and leaves: Treat these like black ice—slow down early and avoid sharp movements.

You’ll also learn how to adjust your tyre pressure and suspension settings for different surfaces, improving your bike's grip and handling in challenging conditions.

Increase Your Visibility and Anticipate Other Drivers

A significant number of motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to notice bikes—often referred to as SMIDSY ("Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You") incidents.

Advanced rider training focuses on making you more visible and proactive on the road.

• Lane positioning: Ride in the left third of your lane to dominate drivers' mirrors and minimise blind spots.
• Active visibility: Use subtle movements, such as weaving slightly or flashing your brake light, to catch the attention of drivers behind you.
• Plan escape routes: Always keep a mental Plan B, whether it’s a gap between vehicles or access to the road shoulder.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

Riding emergencies can happen in seconds, but your reaction doesn’t have to be instinctive panic. Advanced training builds muscle memory, so you automatically respond with the right actions.

• Emergency swerves: Shift your weight and look where you want to go, not at the obstacle.
• Controlled slides: Off-road drills can teach you how to recover from rear-wheel slides on loose or slippery surfaces.
• Wet braking: Feather the rear brake while applying gentle front brake pressure to avoid losing traction.

Confidence isn’t about arrogance. Even professional riders like MotoGP champions take regular refresher courses to stay sharp.

Save Money with Advanced Rider Certifications

Did you know that completing an advanced rider course can potentially lower your insurance premiums?

Major UK insurers such as Bennetts and Carole Nash offer discounts for riders who have certifications from IAM RoadSmart, RoSPA, or the Enhanced Rider Scheme.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), trained riders are 38% less likely to be involved in accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does advanced rider training take? Courses vary but typically range from one-day sessions (e.g., BikeSafe) to multi-day programmes (IAM and RoSPA).

Which platforms and organisations provide advanced training? Popular providers include BikeSafe, IAM RoadSmart, RoSPA, and local training schools across the UK.

The Bottom Line

Advanced rider training is more than just a course—it’s an investment in your safety and riding enjoyment. Whether you’re improving your road awareness, mastering cornering techniques, or gaining insurance perks, the benefits far outweigh the costs.