IAM Advanced Rider Test - Full & Unexpurgated 

Congratulations Lad - you got the result you deserve after all your determination, perseverance and hard work - time to just enjoy your bike and polish what you've learnt - have fun and a sausage and egg bap with a bucket of coffee ;-)

Well done Neil. Sign up as a Fellow at least - undertake to re-examine every three years. You could also train as an Observer on your way to a Masters. Biker Down or similar is also worth doing, so you know what to do if you come across an accident. Several things you could do with your qualification, as if you weren’t busy enough! Blood Biker, Cycle Marshalling (National Escort Group?). Whatever else you do, enjoy it, and stay safe!

This is a brilliant video, I was concentrating throughout, even moving my head to check junctions. Your comments about the IAM Observers are spot on, I have found them to be super encouraging, great trainers and mentors, making it a very enjoyable experience so far. Observed ride 4 is next for me!

Great News Neil I am 52 and passed my test 1984 and only just got back into biking since heading off to Cambodia a couple of years ago for a 6 day tour off road experience, which really was fun, but as far as safety went, well there really wasn’t any! I am still in the process of test riding bikes and still get the nervous tummy each time I enter a motorcycle shop! I came across your videos a few weeks back and have been compelled to keep on watching and I finished your test exam video this morning… Well Done sir, and congratulations. As soon as I get my new bike I will be booking an IAM course local to me, but just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with everyone and for taking the time to explain what you were feeling whilst riding etc. It’s certainly made feel much more confident and looking forward to getting back on the road. Best wishes Richard Harding (Worthing)

Great video, been on my second Observed Ride today with another Andy from Plymouth Advanced Motorcyclists. i was very nervous on my first ride after doing the BikeSafe ride a while back, i was left my Twins VFR 800 & promised him i would follow his example, he was a RAC/ACU instructor years ago & after not riding for 26 yrs i followed him to get my confidence back, Well done & what's next !! Dave G

Well done! I'm about to start my IAM lessons in the next 14 days or so, and I found this video very helpful. So well done again, and thank you. Safe biking!

Thanks for sharing your test experience, and congratulations on the first. Taking the time to share this is appreciated by those of us working towards the test.

Neil, Enjoyed your well produced videos. It brought back memories of my IAM bike training in the 80s. My observer told me to treat my test ride like any other observed ride, and it worked…. After that, I trained for and took the car IAM test. Examiner said, “Do you always drive like that?” I thought I was in trouble, but it turns out he’d enjoyed the ride - phew.

Been watching a few of these , what great videos really enjoyed them. It's made me decide I want to start my journey , to be a safer and more observant rider. Well done sir...

Congratulations on the pass and the 1st. Binge watched all the videos and it's been great to see your progress over the year. Would like to get back into biking after 26 years break but getting it past the wife is proving difficult. Wish me luck.

More than two years on this series of videos remains a fantastic learning resource. Many congratulations on both your videos and your IAM achievement. It would be interesting to know how you feel about it all 2 years on? Very best wishes and many thanks..

Great result. Well Done. I’ve not long passed my Full bike test (from being a 4 wheeled and 18 wheeled driver for some years) and have contemplated doing an IAM training course. Having contacted my local group - I went looking for videos and found your channel. Great content. Thankyou.

Oh, and a big thanks for these very honest videos … I’m finding them to be a big help on my own journey with the IAM 😀😀

Jumped ahead to enjoy this one as RU-vid prompted me to! I guess this is a very belated congrats - I am actually finding watching enlightening and relaxing! Thanks!

Hi Neil, I have found your story and journey addictive. In fact I have watched your videos more than once. I myself am back to the bike after 38 years and have found your honesty, openness and willingness to learn excellent. I am hoping to take the IAM course from Kingsthorpe next year, as like you I want to improve my standard of riding. The videos that capture the local area are great and I have used a few of the routes to improve my riding. if you are local to Thrapston and want someone to ride with, please let me know.

I watched all your videos in sequel, and you have progressed beautifully..... I have learnt a lot already, but will definitely take the course myself. I loved the fact that your dash was in view all the time, so I could see what speeds you were doing. I didn't like your front cam on some of the videos, didn't feel they added anything, but obscured some views. Huge Congratulations on passing, made me want to do it so much, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Neil, thanks for posting this series of vids. I’ve just signed up to start my IAM RoadSmart, and these have been extremely useful in my preparations. It was great to witness your development and progress as time went on, and I can only hope to mirror what you’ve achieved. Congratulations!

I am currently doing my IAM and have my pre-test tomorrow. I have just watched this, and I cannot understand how this was a first, as there were many things in this that I have been taught not to do, such as rolling off the throttle early into lower speed limits and not using the brakes, losing too much speed through the bends, some positioning issues past junctions, and mostly being in the wrong lane on the motorway section, as indicated by the position of the examiner. I am being taught by an IAM Masters observer, and to say I am little confused is an understatement!...

Just wanted to add my congratulations as well. I am almost at the end of the process and hopefully doing my test in next week or two. Watching these vids all the way through has really helped me, and I have had similar emotions to you. Seeing you pass in 2 degrees temperature is a good motivator, as well. I also can understand your comment about being an advanced rider, but sometimes not feeling like it (or words to that effect). Thats exactly the way I feel, I rode home tonight in the damp and felt like an amateur on my first ride, but I relaxed in to it and it felt better. Finally, congratulations on the F1rst Pass AND you have left a valuable resource on the net - Good result all round!

Congratulations on passing your advanced, I'm currently on my path with IAM, I've found all your videos useful and very helpful, thank you very much. Paul

I passed my mod2 two days ago....and my journey and learning has just begun, really enjoyed your video was good to see how relaxed your ride looked. Congratulations!

Thanks for posting these videos. I managed a good pass today. Your videos were invaluable. 🏍🙂😀

Big kudos, Neil, for posting these videos! I'm back to bikes after a 40-year layoff, and this has helped a lot. Very encouraging and satisfying to witness your progression and how your skill level and confidence improved over the courser of your training program. I binge-watched the entire series today and always felt it interesting and informative. Keep up the good work and Ride Safe!

Just watched your test ride again as I have now been put forward for my test and awaiting my time/date. Your video helps to boost confidence. I know I can do it, it’s putting it all together on the day. Many thanks for posting all your IAM videos!

👏👏👏👏👏 You came a hell of a long way since your first observed ride.

Just finished watching the "box set" of these videos, and wanted to say thanks for taking the time and trouble to make them. I am about a year behind you - having passed my bike test (theory, CBT, mod1 and mod2) a couple of months ago after a gap of several decades. I have spent as much time as possible on the bike since then, gaining experience and confidence, and putting into practice some of the techniques demonstrated on these videos, which are a great resource. Hoping to join my local IAM group later in the year, and follow (to some extent) in your footsteps. Thanks again.

I gave up biking 5 years ago due to health reasons (arthritis in my back and hands). I got into biking late on on my 50's doing my CBT and passing my test with no issues. I was good to go but not very confident in my riding. I blamed the bike, so changed bikes 3 times ending up with a Honda Pan European ST 1300 having read somewhere that the heavier the bike the more stable it is. Decided to try for the IAM advanced test as a means of building my confidence. Immediately I learned that confidence is directly linked to knowledge of correct riding, forward planning and observation. After a few rides with the IAM group, I found myself enjoying my riding so much more. I took and passed the advanced test and continued my training with the group to become an observer, going on to help many riders to improve their riding and pass the advanced test. Only regret is that I didn't take up riding sooner so I could have enjoyed it for longer. These videos are an inspiration for all riders new and old. Well done.

Well done Neil, really enjoyed watching your progress from a back to the biker to advanced rider. I'm sure people will have learnt from your videos veven though you have always maintained the videos were a taster for others to take up further training. Although I haven't taken further training I feel my riding has improved from your videos and videos from Dale your mentor. I'm sure others will have picked up new strategies and techniques making us all better riders in the process. Thank you to both and keep the videos coming 👍

Congratulations on getting a first. I made a mistake on mine and ruined the chances of getting a first but still passed.

Congratulations Neil followed your journey from the beginning hope you’ll still continue to post on RU-vid, well done.

So brave of you to showcase the entire driving. Some of the RU-vidr only show some part of the straight road and avoid the mistakes he made. You did well. Very experienced safe rider.

Congratulations Neil. Like yourself i came back to the bike last year after a 37 year absence and I was successful in my advanced test with RoSPA earlier this year. I've found your videos beneficial . Your open and honest approach throughout your training is to be applauded, well done

Very good watching here in NZ as an expat , just got to get my wife back on her bike ur post r helping more than I can say . Thanks

Congrats! That’s a two fold congratulations. One for passing with a 1st and one for the content. Tomorrow is my first meet with the advanced rider instructor so the timing is excellent. Thanks again and stay safe.

Well done Neil - Motorway made me cringe a little (keep left unless overtaking) but the rest was excellent. Would be nice to hear / read a little about the examiners feedback and I so wish he had stopped and done some slow riding :-)

Well done I'm about to take on the test taken the Iam route practice practice practice till Well done again take care now urs Sandy.

Hi Neil, This just came up on my feed and I watched your test day with much interest. I'm back to bikes after 36 years and thought I would never ride again. I had however forgotten how much I loved riding. Your previous video's inpired me to take further training and I'm currently doing my IAM course and thoroughly enjoying it. Obviously by now you are a seasoned veteran. Thanks for the interesting content. Ride safe 👍

Brilliant film, your riding flows so well now compared to your beginning 👍

Great video , great exam cam, great resolution, great observations, great riding…

Well done, I was wondering how you got on, and I’m really pleased .I’ve watched you from the beginning, and I’m always interested to what you have to say, not only bike related, but you whole outlook and opinions. Keep the vids coming, I could honestly say, you should follow the IAM path, and strive to become an observer, then onto an examiner. Once again, well done, have a cigar, or well earned pint, and start planning your next goal.

Well done Neil. I thought that was your best ride yet. Stalling the bike did not seem to phase you. Next steps. As you said practice makes permenant. When you are ready, become an Observer. You learn so much more when teaching others.

Congratulations, been following your story, very interesting. I am also going back to the bike and have contacted IAM Roadsmart to get an observer. But still gaining confidence on the bike before getting an observer. Your videos have really helped. Thank you.

Well done, that's fantastic news. I did mine last year and I really enjoyed it and learned so much and am still enjoying learning and honing my riding.

Very well deserved and many congratulations. Sorry I fast forwarded to the result and didn't watch the whole video. I watched the start and sensed you were onto a winner barring any clangers - which you obviously didn't have ! A man reaps what he sows and so all your hard work and diligence has paid off. Pass with a first is brilliant achievement and you must be chuffed so enjoy the moment. As I think we all agree who follow your channel this is the start of something and not the end. As a motorcyclist one is vulnerable so the real skill is applying the same level of attention and concentration to each and every ride. I love being out on my bike, whether alone or in a group - it is joyous but I remind myself concentrate, take care and don't be an idiot. My bike is all cleaned up and in the garage now and I will be unlikely to ride until end of February early March. I may venture out if a very good day but just to the nearest open space ( I have a couple I use not far from home) or around town just to keep things ticking over, mainly just slow speed skills and town work . Early season I break myself in by doing a few of my old observed run routes to get back into the IPSGA system. Looking to the future, I believe your channel is quite niche but I like it and so I have every confidence you will come up with some good content. I will continue to follow and look ahead with interest to see where you go with it. The Masters thing is something I have thought about but remain unconvinced of its merits. Maybe you can convince me ! Observer training seems a logical step for you and something I can see you excelling at. Your thoughts on different bikes ( I see you already have had a shot on the s1000XR - just a bit different to the RT! ) would also be interesting as I think you would bring a unique perspective to this compared to all the other channels out there which all tend to copy each others content in the end. I would love to join you on a ride out but alas it is unlikely to happen as we are about 400miles apart from what I can work out. Anyway, very happy for you and as always, all the best.

Congratulations on an excellent and well deserved result, both you and Dale have provided plenty of learning and enjoyment for us all - I recommended both your videos to associates and trainee Observers. My suggestion for 'what next' would be to celebrate your success (with your Observers and Dale), and then enjoy that bike and keep on polishing and learning. Give yourself some time and then consider future steps - Observing, Masters etc. That certainly worked for me. Every day is a learning day (or ride) - just make sure you keep enjoying it!

Congrats Neil, still watching the video but couldn’t resist reading the comments for the spoiler! Great result.

Neil, hearty congratulations on passing your advanced test. I have only just found and thoroughly enjoyed this whole series of excellent videos. I have learnt a huge amount watching.... 'Bravo' for being brave enough to video your riding, warts and all (not many!). I am returning to biking after a 21 year layoff on a 38 year old BMW R80RT, a bike I loved having had 2 previously. There was never anything (training wise) like this when I started biking in the early 70's except perhaps Oli Duke's Telegraph newspaper riding help clips which I religiously collected, stuck in a scrap book and still have! After passing my test it was generally a case of learning by common sense and experience which I have to say served me very well. I rode all year round (winter included) to work and back at (because I was a sort of shift worker) all times of the day/night on a variety of bikes everything from a Suzuki GT250 through Honda 400/4, CBR1000 and most of the BM range during the era up to 2000 when I stopped riding. Having watched this series I fully intend, when I've practiced a bit(!) to follow your path and hopefully succeed with the IAM. Also many thanks for your 'heads-up' re the 'seaflyfisher' series which I have also started watching; again excellent. Good luck for the future and 'stay safe' as the current Covid saying goes! Chris Bailey

Just wanted to say thanks again (to you and seaflyfisher) for all your informative videos. I managed to pass my advanced test today and I'm convinced your material was a huge contributing factor. Cheers!

WOW awesome major congratulations.. it's been sooooo inspirational following your journey.. let it not end here lol... great ride.

Well done,l did get told by a following police biker to use the inner lanes on motorways if clear & progress could not be made on the outside lane due to speed limit .

Congratulations Neil. I was told that the main trait of a high quality ride was that it would seem uneventful. Takes a huge amount of concentration for that length of time to make it so. Very well deserved! I found your videos by accident when I was looking for clips on the RT as I'm thinking about having one in the future especially after seeing the new 1250 at the NEC. I've been spoiled with your series of videos! Thanks very much for all your efforts. I think it was a brave thing to do to record your progression through the course and as for recording the exam as well...my hat comes off to you. There is so little that is known about what is involved in preparing for and taking the advanced test that I think your videos are invaluable for anyone thinking about taking the test (and also for those that haven't been). The IAM are exhibiting at the NEC Bike show. If you attend, it might be worth a mention. Many IAM clubs attend various open days and festivals to try to get the message across and to encourage riders to take up the training. These videos have the potential to reach so many more and IMHO are very well made.

Very well done sir! I have followed your exploits from the beginning as I am currently undergoing the same course. One more observed ride for me and then the test! Your films have helped a great deal in terms of knowing what to expect. Congratulations!

Congratulations Neil I purposely avoided looking at the comments until the end and I was pleased to hear you say that you had not only passed but had a first. As others have said you really deserve it as you have put so much effort into achieving it and at the same time kept so many of us entertained with your video postings. I would like to say that you have made me want to take it now but sadly it seems like a lot of work so I will just keep riding " steady ". Hopefully this is not the end of your video postings Regards Ted

Well having binge watched your series earlier this month, I had my test day today and passed. I didn't want to comment before because even though I'm not a superstitious type I thought keeping my mouth shut was for the best! What I really liked about your videos was the learning journey, which we don't often see. So many RU-vid videos on riding are from somebody who is already an advanced rider. Which is fine, but being able to watch someone go from new to it to test pass was really good. Having already done a check ride before I stumbled upon your series, in the first couple of videos I could actually see what you were going to get feedback on, which gave me confidence that I had clearly learnt something during my course. And the progression in your riding and planning was clear to see. I can only thank you for putting it all out there, so to speak. Braver than some. I only did my CBT last year and passed my full test in the autumn, so very happy with my progression although there of course always new things to learn - this is only another step of the journey.

I have binged watched this series and loved being pillion to your adventure! After my taster yesterday, I signed up, and I'm hoping to be out and about in the next few weeks. I'm nervous, but can't wait!

Thanks very much for doing this box set, it really shows the advantages of advanced rider training. What i would have loved too have seen is a follow up of the examiner narrating this video to see if he would have done things slightly different. Congratulations though in producing something that maybe will help others be safe

Neil I am contemplating back to biking….watched your IAM based series…congrats on the pass. It was a delight for me as you were mostly riding roads i knew well from growing up in a village cloae to you. Having watched I am booked on a three hour Back to Bike course nearer to my home in Derbyshire in a weeks time..thanks for the inspiration...

My sincere congratulations to you Neil. Fully deserve the pass. You took things steady and smooth apart for a wee stall but you handled that well. There's hope for me now as a B2TB biker too.

Thank you for sharing your test ride. I am just about to take my test and I hope it goes as well as yours. Ride safe and enjoy.

Great video, thanks for making it! I have my advanced rider test on Saturday and this helped me to mentally prepare for it.

Well done, 12 months well spent, will consider it next year when I make my comeback ;)

Congratulations Neil, I'm glad you passed. I too have enjoyed watching this and all the observed rides before. They have been useful for me to improve my own riding. I really should take the plunge and do some advanced training. I can see that your experience has been very positive and you've met some great people. Thanks for sharing it!

Just about to start my training and really enjoyed your set of videos, I found them really useful in helping me understand what the observers are looking for. Well done on the videos and passing👍

Well done Neil, you certainly deserve it, I'm very pleased for you. I look forward to hearing what you're next step will be!!

Well done mate and a well deserved pass .i enjoyed your journey and wish you well in whatever you choose. Stay safe 👍

Come a long way in a year! Well done, lots of work, concentration and diligence all paid off.

Couldn't wait 54 minutes to hear the result so skipped straight to the comments! Well done mate - I can enjoy watching the ride now 😥

Nice one Neil, you've earned that!! Well deserved too judging by your test ride; it looked really polished and smooth. Really pleased for you mate, a lot of hard work went into that. You were talking about 'what next'. Well, my approach was to take the pass as confirmation my riding was headed the right way and then just keep practicing until it really flows and feels completely natural. Just retired (this week) so thinking about what I can do with the bike. One idea may be to go back to my IAM group and enquire about becoming an observer. That will probably involve sharpening my riding too which would be no bad thing. Anyway, for now just enjoy it. Job well done! I'll have a drink for you tonight.

Wonderful video and. very entertaining and suspenseful. Glad you passed and I vicariously continue to watch your progress. My riding will be very spotty over the next several months as the weather deteriorates but the learning process continues. Thanks again for a great video

Big congratulations on a job well done! I know you said earlier you weren't sure whether you wanted to take the test, but I bet you're glad you did now and you can be proud of your achievements.

Congratulations Neil that is an excellent result. I have just joined NAM myself and have my first official ride with them tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there and you can give me some tips to help me settle in. All the best JJ

Before I even watch the video, (could be shite) but, I'm going to give you a thumbs up for using the word, "Unexpurgated" in your title. I had to Google it. Well done.

Great story and well worth watching all your videos from day 1. Really positive educational piece of work. Great result and wonderful to watch the progress from slightly defensive beginner to mature and safe rider. Enjoy your riding.

So pleased for you Neil, well done and congratulations. Clearly you were ready for this test, again hi lighting effort being rewarded. Andy appeared to be wearing a Mick Doohan replica helmet if I’m not mistaken, obviously a man with good taste 👍

Excellent video, clearly a first, well done.

Congratulations, well deserved. I have watched some of your sessions and the whole of your test. Very nice. You don't feel like an advanced rider yet? Well that's actually a good thing because as advanced riders (I'm RoSPA Gold) we never stop learning and trying to improve and I always think after a ride I could have done some things better. As they say they have yet to test the perfect rider. Go down the observer route and give something back. Safe riding. Cheers - Dude

A great big well done. Once again another great job and video. Wear your badge with pride.

Congratulations Neil and a good ride it was too. Options.... I concur with Dale, settle in to what you've learnt and apply it always. Then maybe a Masters next year or so, or Observer or even try your hand with the Northants ROSPA. Blood Biking if you've got the time would be grand. Plenty of options but most of all just enjoy biking. Take care :)

Well done Neil watched you From the beginning. my advice now is enjoy your bike and take time to think about your next step anyway all the best I hope to see some more videos soon.

Congrats on the IAM pass. Safe riding, fellow biker :)

Congratulations I didn’t know you have to do running commentary is there also a written part to it. By the way fantastic vids you’ve taught me a lot thank you.

Congratulations that was a drive and a half

Well done and congratulations, great ride. Liked the exam cam, safe riding.

Cheers for sharing your journey. I too have been drinking up the videos of Seaflyfisher as I’m about to take my test in Devon Monday week through DAM

Got my test tomorrow so fingers crossed 🤞

Enjoyable insight Neil, well done and thanks for sharing.

You should be proud of yourself getting a 1st, pleased for you, I think the attitude you have following your pass is the correct one, always seems to be something new to learn or improvements that can be made riding. Perhaps you could do a presentation for some local I.A.M. groups on your experience.

Well Done Neil all the hard work paid of . I Am looking at taking the course my self in the New Year Thanks to your video's . the future is enjoy it on the Bike your always learning that what i find

Well done. Glad you got the rslt you were after. I rode a bike for a short while years ago. Good following your progress. Stay safe I take it Andy's other hat is a police hat?

Congratulations Neil very well done and well deserved for the time and effort you’ve put in! By all means become an observer but also start to use the bike for what it was designed for, trips over the water and you must try Scotland you’ll love it. Regards - Gary S

Huge congratulations Neil very well deserved❗️ feel an affinity as we are both back to the bike and passed our IAM in the same year, the difference being you let jo public in on your journey and laid yourself open to the you tube audience 😳 Definitely agree with your comments on the examiner doing their best to put you at your ease and your assigned observer/s setting the bar high to make the test more....straightforward 👍🏻 What next? Well if I may be so presumptuous put your analytical objective to one side and just ride for the love / hell of it 😁❗️for a while anyway. I might have rambled a bit here but am on holiday in North Yorkshire dales at the moment and a couple of pints in and a couple of whiskeys 😆👍🏻

well done congratulations to you ,you have worked hard to get here i have enjoyed every minute of it

huge congratulation's from skegness lol....buzzing for you after all your hard work ...brilliant!!

Well done. Your perseverance and warts 'n all video all had the right attitude to learning I thought with lessons taken in and feedback absorbed step by step. As soon as you stalled, took stock and got on safely without fluster I was sure that you had demonstrated proficiency and had passed. All the very best and perhaps see you at Wollaston for one reason or another. There's a great crowd, a good cafe and a meet there once/month with the BMW Midland Club if I can get that plug in.

Congrats. Well done. Quote "What should I do next?" Not for anyone else to say what you should do. Whaddya wanna do? My thoughts: great, got the green badge. For myself, 3-400 mile joy rides was the order of the day. Just enjoying riding and having fun and discovering that, like obtaining a full licence, getting the green badge is just another starting point. What I rather wish I had done was advanced off-road riding and also maybe, just maybe, observer training. So, do with the bike what you most enjoy doing with the bike such as, er ... riding it?

A superb video so open with feeling and understanding. I would have like to have heard some of the examiners comments good and bad. There were a couple of time on the M1 when the lane on the left was empty for a while when you could have move to it. Congratulations on a frank commentary most informative.

Awesome! Well done and a big congratulations! I did see on the NAM Twitter page on Saturday congratulating a Neil on passing with a first and I thought it may have been yourself. Regarding what next, I'm in the same boat. I think I'm going to continue for the foreseeable to go out with my local group on the ride-outs to continue to practice and improve. Next year I may possibly look at going for the Masters.

Congratulations Neil! Well done.

A good safe ride and well worth a first. Carry on train to be an observer the learning curve is great and it will advance your skill base a lot further and you can give some of the skill you have learnt to newcomers to advanced riding, WELL DONE, bkt national observer

In my best Strictly Come Dancing judge impersonation "Fab-U-lous!" Well done Neil I'm really happy for you. Next steps? I always say to my recently passed members you might think that you know a subject but you'll only find out how little you know when you try teaching it. While Masters is an option I'd suggest getting on the observer training. For your own personal development I'd work on slowing down that twitchy head. Take one or maybe two longer more considered looks rather than the 3,4,5,6 quick glances that you currently do. You will gather much more information (look at your examcam to see how little his head moves). My other critique would be your lane selection on the motorway, for much of it you were not overtaking but were too far right, as evidenced by the examiner sitting in the lane to your left. That said, a well deserved F1rst.