IAM Advanced Bike Test - Your Questions Answered 

I’m sure that the vast majority of viewers, including me, appreciate your videos immensely. Unfortunately there are some people who like to look for the worst in everything and seem to get some perverse pleasure from finding fault. Keep up the great work. I have got a lot out of both the car and bike videos, so a big thanks from me 😀

As an iam observer and a master rider , reg is the only one I’ll tell my associates to watch on you tube to help with the course, he has great knowledge of his craft ! 👏

Thanks for the video, as an ex police driver my opinion fwiw is the overtake kate did on the hatch markings was clearly not justifiable. During her overtake there was 3 virtual island areas which she rode over, with an oncoming vehicle approaching. 1) left hand junction with virtual island and turn arrows (major to minor) 2) left hand virtual island into brookside 3) left hand virtual island into driveway (around the time she was in the hatch markings and she had both the white car on her left and an oncoming vehicle on her offside) 4) she comes back in just before the right turn virtual island. I'm not concerned about the count just including to highlight the fact there was too much happening for a safe overtake. I agree its easy in hindsight to analyse, but given this video is your analysis / review of a what happened and your considered explanation I think that opens it up for debate. I happen to think you are both excellent riders, but on that occasion she got it wrong.

As an IAM Associate driver (not bike) I found watching both yours and Kate's view of the test really interesting. It has actually put me more at ease about what the test will be like when I come to take mine. From all the comments from people who "know" everything, I can now see why IAM do not generally permit people from publishing their tests online. I am really glad that they made a dispensation for you both, but hope that they keep the rule in place for everyone else.

What a dignified measured response to comments - very much enjoyed this as a rider just about to start the IAM journey - thank you Reg well done bud

The keyboard warriors are so brave hidden behind a computer screen. I thought both yours and Kates videos were very good

Please ignore the keyboard warriors. Your channel is brilliant and you’re helping people be safer riders. Thanks for all you do. 👍🏻

I am an associate rider, my assessor advised me to watch your videos, these are very helpful. What i like about the HBAM & iam is how everyone puts you at ease including you, thank you.

Hey, Reg. First of all, thank you for all of the content you put up on RU-vid. I started my IAM advanced rider training in August 2022 and I have been really grateful for all of the useful content you've put up to help people further understand how they can improve and get an examiner's perspective. I watched Kate's videos of her IAM training from start to finish because I was curious about how she would progress and it was great to see her record her test. I hadn't realised you recorded it until after and then watched that too, which I found incredibly useful. Just listening to your commentary throughout the ride whilst watching Kate, was incredibly helpful. I don't understand how people can judge this negatively. If you simply listen to the commentary, you made verbal observations after Kate performed specific manoeuvres, so for folk to say it was fixed or fiddled is just beyond me. To be honest, I think we should all be grateful that IAM allowed this to happen - what a privilege to be able to see an examiner's point of view on a real test. I was ready to take my test in October but decided to hold of until the Spring so that I could get a few rides in the poorer weather, get back up to scratch come Spring time and then go for my test, so this landed at a real opportune time for me personally so that I could better understand what a test might be like. Nothing like being a fly on the wall eh? I also liked how you clarified some important points in this video and that has helped me further learn and better understand things, so thanks again for all that you're doing and keep the videos coming. Cheers! Tom (Moray, Scotland).

Great video Reg, I think you cleared up a lot of questions nicely. It’s always easy for the armchair critics to pause rewind etc then be critical, life is real time though. A good explanation of the scoring system. I’ve shared on our group page for our associates. Look forward to seeing you again in April.

As a X Rider/driving instructor l can honestly say that Kate did a wonderful job . The reason Kate thought she hadn't passed was simply because she's so humble. When l seen this video l revisited Kates test again just in case l had missed something and l examined her ride very closely and thought Brilliant 👏 Can l also add and I'm being very serious. You John, are doing a wonderful job on RU-vid helping riders/drivers of all ages from learners to advanced how to become SAFE and more efficient. You are doing a wonderful job in a highly dangerous environment and your efforts are deeply appreciated by 99.9 percent of road users and their families. Well done Sir.

One of the best things I’ve ever done is take and pass my IAM test. It made me a better rider. So much so that I’m now a National Observer for IAM and attained a distinction when I did my masters some time back. I found the first video and you comments video very informative and I will continue to watch all your videos Bike related that is. Keep up the good work and I’m a bit like you I have a thick skin and can handle derogatory comments when I’ve had them

Reg Once again another great vlog. Well done for putting your point across very professionally. I watched the Kate IAM test and thought it was well presented as was the whole series of Kates training for her test. Ignore the negative comments, your vlogs are always entertaining and as ever, very informative.

I'm now an Advanced Rider (didn't get a first), and it's due in no small part to these videos. I watched - and then practiced - a lot of this channels content.

I've enjoyed both videos from yourself and Kate. I'm looking to go for my advanced next year and found both videos helpful for what to expect. Thank you 👍 Lovely part of the country too

Hi Reg Local, appreciate the info, I did my advanced test about 7 years ago. My examiner insisted on removal of my sat nav, I’m glad it can stay on, as I’m now thinking I want to retest mainly to please myself but also to keep my skills up. I have watched Kates ride and her commentary was so good I’m now going to start talking to myself out loud as I ride 😂

It’s good of you to take the time answering these questions, but honestly - you really shouldn’t need to. Sadly, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do or how well qualified you are, there’s always going to be some Internet “expert” who thinks they know better. I’ve really enjoyed watching this series of videos and have certainly learnt things from them. Thanks Reg.

HI, thank you for this video, I have not seen Kate's yet. I will be taking the IAM test soon and this has been very helpful.

Brilliant - thanks a million for all this wonderful content - so helpful John ( and double thanks to you and Kate for allowing us to watch your videos of her test - really appreciated and so inspiring . Maf in Brighton PS. got my IAM advance test on Sunday

Excellent video. I’ve done both driver and rider advanced training and tests (both Firsts no less) and really appreciated you making this video. I continue to learn all the time, your videos are a great resource.

I have just come across you vid having also watched the test with Kate. I am a NO, an IAM F1RST (all 1s), a IAM MASTERS and a Rapid Roadmaster Level 2 achieved and I would just like to say thank you for your vid, bringing the truth and dispelling all the nonsense that seems to be around. It was a breath of fresh air to hear your concise no nonsense comments and replies. Thank you.

I've just signed up for Bikesafe and IAM Roadsmart and you're partly to blame for that! Thanks for all the great videos.

Excellent video. I thought some of the previous video comments were outrageous and extremely rude. Well done for making a balanced reply. I’m attempting my IAM and need content like this.

Thank you for this, really helpful. Somewhat ironically, I found your channel via one of your apparent haters (not of this world....). I figured it was worth seeing what got him so riled up to devote that much time and energy to wingeing! Glad I did :)

Some people have nothing better to do than criticise others on points they no little about. I thought your decision was fair and balanced, like we all know there's no such thing as a perfect ride after all we are only human. I'm almost at the end of my Observer rides with the IAM Roadsmart advance rider programme and now appreciate the knowledge I have learned at this stage to make me a safer rider. I personally think your videos are clear, informative and to the point.... so keep them coming. Many thanks

I have found your videos very useful and informative. I have just applied to take the advanced motorcycle course. I'm just waiting for the date of my first observation to be arranged. I'm sure over the next couple of months I will be repeatedly watching your videos as part of my preparation for the test. A lot of us appreciate your videos and the manner in which you present them. Keep them coming👍🏻 I would just like to say to all those who leave negative comments. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, we are all entitled to have one but most of the time, if you've got nothing nice to say, it's best to say nothing at all.

Thank you for this clearup video - as far as I'm concerned it brilliantly dealt with all the questions, misunderstandings and plain wrong comments it one informative hit. Much appreciated.

. I am currently doing my IAM and I have learned a lot by watching your videos thank you .

Well said Reg don’t see why you needed to explain yourself really and nor should you. Kate deserved what she got and worked really hard to get it. Well done to both of you.

Well done Reg. Computer warriors are always willing to tear down, but very reluctant to inspire, build up or promote. Pleased to see you 'sticking to your guns' and answering the sensible questions. I'm about to do my test. IfI do as well as Kate, I'll be delighted, and proud, to get a First.

Reg ...Carry on doing your stuff . There will always be folk who expect to see flawless representation. Perfection simply doesn't exist , though it is something any honest rider aspires to achieving. Me included !😁

A great follow up. I watched both test videos and subsequently watched your series of videos. I now plan on going to my local IAM group when they next meet up in feb 👍

no probs at all with your vids and comments re advanced test and kates test. She is amazing. young and relatively inexperienced but plucky enough to challenge herself with the added pressure of filming it. Well done her. As for your comments. Its simple . The only attitude for any type of activity on or off the road on anything that moves. Is and should be :Any day is a school day:. We should all be humble and learn. Nothing wrong with that at all. Im working my way through all your videos.

This was useful Reg. the part about making mistakes particularly for me as I had a terrible ride with my observer a few weeks back and almost jacked as my confidence crashed after making a mistake. In fairness he does keep telling me not to dwell on things but you saying there is no perfect ride is precisely what he says and I’m only just coming to realise this.

Thanks Reg, Lovely view coming up to the ribble(?) viaduct!

Reg, thanks for such great videos. It was so interesting to see first Kates video and then yours, and show the test from both viewpoints. I am annoyed (but not surprised) at the negative comments you received, we live in a world of "keyboard warriors" who hide behind their monitors and think they know best, and that their opinion matters. Anyone who questions a Class 1 rider of many years standing is clearly deluded, and best ignored. I for one would appreciate your feedback, as despite passing my BMF Blue Ribband grade A, my IAM, and being a CBT instructor, I still feel my riding is far from great, and I have a few issues I need to improve on. The day you stop learning is the day you should stop riding. I look forward to watching many more of your videos.

Keyboard warriors. I love your videos, they're helping me on my current IAM (motorcycle) journey. Hopefully I'll get a first 🤞

As a brand new (mid aged) rider I found all the videos from this series extremely useful. Looking forward to attempting to apply some of the process to my next ride, although maybe not all in one hit, always learning/improving.

Did not have to do that Reg well done with your videos. please keep it up. There are always going to be a few

Haha Dave whatever you do don't make a Instagram or TikTok channel! The comments there are vile! Actually it was nasty comments on my socials that made me find your channel. I was so pleased to of found someone with your education, experience and common sense to sanity check against my riding (and content). Thank you for this video, I hope it educates people who genuinely want the answers and helps them progress; and for those people who just haven't a clue hopefully it sets them straight and educates. Loved the series, very well done and I look forward to what you do next. 👍

Hi Reg, thanks for the follow up. I watched Kates ride and was critical in a few areas, thinking it wasn’t a First, imo. I then watched your video, and recognised it was a better ride from your perspective. Her overtaking in many areas was very decisive - which is tough on test. And now with your further explanations, you have cleared a few points up for me. Thanks, enjoyed all 3 videos!

Great informative video, plenty of my queries and questions answered about IAM and the advanced test, and on a good note I'm going to enquire about my local IAM club, how to go about joining, requirements etc. Thanks again. I'm also going to go back in your vids to find the first to watch.

I have watched both your video and Kates and I think they are both excellent and give a true and accurate account of an advanced test from both sides of the fence , i would ask the people that are complaining about it to first go and take the test ,I am sue they would get a first as they seem to know everything and secondly film themselves riding for an hour and post it on here .another thought is i wonder if as many people would have had opinions if it had been a man taking the test .

Very interesting. Thanks for the information and debunking some of the myths around the test.

Well done. It was good that you responded, and did so in a calm and rational manner. The 'alien' who did the most vociferous adverse claiming doesn't have a good word to say about anyone, but himself!! 😂😂 Keep up the good work.

I'm doing my IAM course at the moment, my observer thinks I'm ready for it test, i know my confidence improved greatly thanks to the IAM advanced motorcycle group ( Durham ).

What pathetic comments Reg people make. Your videos inspired me to take my ROSPA a few years ago I managed to achieve a Gold now I am a tutor for them and everything you said I would fully agree. I love what you said about which foot you put down when stopping I’m old enough to have been taught how to do the Hendon shuffle, thank God we’ve moved away from that nonsense . keep going my friend you’re a great encourager.

A well presented,professional answer to the various points. Thank you. Also interesting to see you riding the roads near my home village of Gargrave. Thought you might have stopped for a warming coffee in Settle 😄

We all see things slightly different compared to the camera angle, not right/wrong just different. My son got a F1rst (car) although he had a 2 for one section, the examiner decided he achieved the standard required overall. That's that conundrum answered! As for the foot debate, as the great and TALL RR states; it depends !

Thanks for the update. On the subject of which foot to put down, the rider's height does make a difference, and what works for one person may be the wrong technique for another. The other point I think may be worth mentioning is that as an examiner you don't get to review the video before making a decision (unlike football) and to hold Kate to the higher standard would in itself have been unfair.

Just a quick clarification. The IAM scoring guidance does NOT say that a '1' means that you have "exceeded" the standard. What it says is that you have "consistently demonstrated the competency to a high standard with confidence ; showing sound understanding of the interaction between this and other competencies." The key is not just doing one thing particularly well, it's about the interaction between multiple competencies. Just to avoid any confusion

Well done......Very interesting video. Thank you :)

Great work, Reg (both this and the video of Kate's test). Any chance you might do the same for an IAM car test? I wish we had IAM here in Australia.

Absolutely agree with you on the "output" taking precedence over "technique" (or input). Surely an 'advanced' rider should be able to stop with either foot down?

Great videos. Thanks for the information. 👍 I am hoping to start my IAM journey this year. I am wondering from this video how the scoring works for gear control if you ride a DCT motorcycle? Is it automatically a 2/3 pass/fail or if it’s in full manual and the buttons on the bars used this would be classed as a manual bike?

11 mins, hatchings. I guess it's simply the word 'necessary' which is the problem. Not sure which alternative word they could use but don't like that one. For what it's worth, either have a solid line around them or a broken line, but not both, Appreciate you making this video.

Another very good video - thank you.

One point about the solid white line bordering hatch markings, does it have the same exceptions as the solid white line as part of a double white line, has several exemptions, ie , pass a horse, cyclist, road maintenance, stationary vehicle. etc.?

Great video. Thank you.

When I watched that video, I was surprised with your assessment. I think it was generally good. Some shoulder checks were token. Some corner entry speed was inappropriate. The overtake whilst the car was accelerating, over broken line hashed area, was inappropriate. On the basis of the scoring guide, there were several 2s and one 3. My assessment of your assessment, was that you were motivated by you wanting the associate to do well, which biased your assessment with an overly positive weighting.

There are lots of "experts" out there, but how many are? Everyone is entitled to an opinion but nasty comments are never needed. As a question from me, how long should you have been riding for before you take a IAM course and test? I would lile to take mine but after 15 years away from riding I have only been back riding for 2 years. Keep up the great vids 👍

I am a car driver First, group secretary and driver National Observer. I will almost guarantee that those with the most derogatory comments upon this test are 1. Not Examiners 2. Do not have the qualifications that you do. 3. Are not therefore qualified to adversely comment upon your decisions.

Hi, whats your opinion on a bikes suitability for the IAM course ? Im currently doing DAS and want to go straight onto IAM. I have spoken to my local IAM rep and the response was the bike needs to be able to reach the speed limit where is is safe to do so. This is extremely subjective based on rider weight, and what is an acceptable acceleration rate to reach speed limits. Any thoughts on what would be a good minimum ? I was considering buying a low hp bike as my first bike (400cc, 20-25 hp)

Sounds very interesting. I’m currently undertaking my ROSPA training and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I don’t know what’s happened mate but sounds like keyboard warriors again :(

Hi John If I was to fit a Deceleration Module to my motorcycle which flashes the brake light on Deceleration.... Would that mark me down or cause an issue taking my IAM Test ? Great feedback on your observations and decision making for test standards. Kind regards Russ

Well said mate

Unfortunately they are are always going to be,the Haters😢

Hi can you block change whilst braking and can you do it when on an advanced test. I am so confused with different advanced opinions

Agree or disagree. But as far as I'm concerned, bike tests these days are just a money-making scam. When I was younger, you took your test on the road with one guy standing and watching you. and it must have taken half an hour. All this crap now is just to con people out of a lot of money, and I don't like being conned. I haven't passed my test, but I was riding a 250-cc for years and never had any accidents. It may be important if you intend to ride a high-powered bike but not a 250-cc There is nothing they could teach me that would make me ride any better. I'm sure it would be easier and less hassle to get your flying license. I only wish I had taken my test before they brought all this bullsh*t in.

Hi John If I was to fit a Deceleration Module to my motorcycle which flashes the brake light on Deceleration.... Would that mark me down or cause an issue taking my IAM Test ? Great feedback on your observations and decision making for test standards. Kind regards Russ