Advanced Motorcycling

At the Melksham & District Advanced Motorists, we pride ourselves on the high quality of our coaching and we are passionate about maintaining and improving this standard. Our goal is not just to bring associates to IAM Test Standard, itself a most worthy achievement, but rather to try and output Advanced Drivers who obtain "praised passes" from our examiners.

For members who have passed their Advanced Test, we encourage further development by enrolling in our Observer courses. Becoming an Observer with MAM not only provides a way to improve your driving, but also gives something back to new Associates. You will also find it very exhilarating to achieve this standard, and the increased driving pleasure it brings. As far as we at MAM are concerned, training starts on your first observed drive and finishes when you hang up your keys for the last time.

As soon as we have your paperwork, we will put you on the list for coaching and an Instructor, or as we call them an Observer, will be allocated to you. Your allocated Observer will coach you to the required standard. Coaching consists of drives using your vehicle with your Observer being a passenger, who will give guidance during the drive and a debrief at the end. You need to read the IAM book, "How to be an Advanced Driver", and to be familiar with the Highway Code. The number of Observed drives needed to get to test standard varies as every driver is an individual; some get to that standard in under 6 sessions, whilst others take longer.

When you start your coaching with us, we do expect commitment as we give our own time on a voluntary basis. We generally ask that associates (trainees - you) have a session preferably weekly and that they must practice the concepts discussed in between in their own time to consolidate what they've learnt.

What is the training based on?

The coaching is provided under the IAM "Skills For Life" (SFL) programme which includes a copy of the IAM publication, "How to be an Advanced Driver". It is also beneficial to purchase a copy of the Police Driver's Handbook (Roadcraft) that is available at most good book sellers, or on-line.

Who will train me?

Our coaching is conducted by MAM Observers who have not only taken and passed the Advanced test themselves, but have consequently improved their own driving to an even higher standard and have been trained as Observers, to pass on effectively that knowledge to others, i.e. you. Some of our Observers are Police officers who hold the prestigious Class 1 (Advanced) certificate.

I'm not sure if I'm up for this yet - Can I come out for a Drive to see what it's all about?

DriveCheck is a short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer driving but who doesn't feel they are (yet) ready to take the IAM Advanced Test. It takes about an hour comprising an initial introduction (document check etc.), followed by a 35-40 minute drive with a MAM Observer, followed by a feedback session, at which the candidate will be presented with a written feedback form. DriveCheck candidates then become an Associate of the IAM, for a period of 12 months.

So if you want a taster for what Advanced Driving is all about, but you haven't yet decided to enrol for the full SFL course, why not have a go at DriveCheck? Go to the Contacts page and call us now!

Why not have a look at our Costs page to see just how good value the Skills For Life programme and DriveCheck really is!

How long is each observed drive?

1.5 hours or so - about 35 miles.

Do you stick to the speed limits?

YES - We must comply with the Law. Look at the Highway Code.

Will my insurance cover the Coaching?

We have never heard of any problems, but check with your insurer. They may give you a discount when you pass the test - but only if you ask!

I've heard about having to give a Running Commentary - do I have to?

Contrary to popular belief, a running commentary is not mandatory. However, it is desirable to give one so that the Examiner understands you have identified all Hazards during the test drive. Try one in your mind the next time you drive. It is surprising how helpful it can be to maintain concentration and to identify Hazards as they unfold around you.

MAM's Philosophy At the Melksham & District Advanced Motorists, we pride ourselves on the high quality of our coaching and we are passionate about maintaining and improving this standard. Our goal is not just to bring associates to IAM Test Standard, itself a most worthy achievement, but rather to try and output Advanced Drivers who obtain "praised passes" from our examiners. For members who have passed their Advanced Test, we encourage further development by enrolling in our Observer courses. Becoming an Observer with MAM not only provides a way to improve your driving, but also gives something back to new Associates. You will also find it very exhilarating to achieve this standard, and the increased driving pleasure it brings. As far as we at MAM are concerned, training starts on your first observed drive and finishes when you hang up your keys for the last time. What is the Coaching structure? As soon as we have your paperwork, we will put you on the list for coaching and an Instructor, or as we call them an Observer, will be allocated to you. Your allocated Observer will coach you to the required standard. Coaching consists of drives using your vehicle with your Observer being a passenger, who will give guidance during the drive and a debrief at the end. You need to read the IAM book, "How to be an Advanced Driver", and to be familiar with the Highway Code. The number of Observed drives needed to get to test standard varies as every driver is an individual; some get to that standard in under 6 sessions, whilst others take longer. When you start your coaching with us, we do expect commitment as we give our own time on a voluntary basis. We generally ask that associates (trainees - you) have a session preferably weekly and that they must practice the concepts discussed in between in their own time to consolidate what they've learnt. What is the training based on? The coaching is provided under the IAM "Skills For Life" (SFL) programme which includes a copy of the IAM publication, "How to be an Advanced Driver". It is also beneficial to purchase a copy of the Police Driver's Handbook (Roadcraft) that is available at most good book sellers, or on-line. Who will train me? Our coaching is conducted by MAM Observers who have not only taken and passed the Advanced test themselves, but have consequently improved their own driving to an even higher standard and have been trained as Observers, to pass on effectively that knowledge to others, i.e. you. Some of our Observers are Police officers who hold the prestigious Class 1 (Advanced) certificate. I'm not sure if I'm up for this yet - Can I come out for a Drive to see what it's all about? DriveCheck is a short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer driving but who doesn't feel they are (yet) ready to take the IAM Advanced Test. It takes about an hour comprising an initial introduction (document check etc.), followed by a 35-40 minute drive with a MAM Observer, followed by a feedback session, at which the candidate will be presented with a written feedback form. DriveCheck candidates then become an Associate of the IAM, for a period of 12 months. So if you want a taster for what Advanced Driving is all about, but you haven't yet decided to enrol for the full SFL course, why not have a go at DriveCheck? Go to the Contacts page and call us now! Why not have a look at our Costs page to see just how good value the Skills For Life programme and DriveCheck really is! FAQs How long is each observed drive? 1.5 hours or so - about 35 miles. Do you stick to the speed limits? YES - We must comply with the Law. Look at the Highway Code. Will my insurance cover the Coaching? We have never heard of any problems, but check with your insurer. They may give you a discount when you pass the test - but only if you ask! I've heard about having to give a Running Commentary - do I have to? Contrary to popular belief, a running commentary is not mandatory. However, it is desirable to give one so that the Examiner understands you have identified all Hazards during the test drive. Try one in your mind the next time you drive. It is surprising how helpful it can be to maintain concentration and to identify Hazards as they unfold around you.

Coaching . . .