Kiss_My_Rs
Scooby Slapper
Joined: 13 Sep 2006
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 Posted: 02:56 - 14 Feb 2008  Post subject: ART - Advanced Rider Training. |
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I passed my DAS a while back now with 0 minors and was thinking is it worth doing the Advanced Rider Training course?
Is it really worth the money and is it going to make a noticable difference to my riding ability. Also is it recognised by the DVLA etc
Opinions please! 
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Wafer_Thin_Ham
Super Spammer
Joined: 18 Nov 2005
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| Posted: 10:19 - 14 Feb 2008 Post subject: |
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I wouldn't like to say, because I haven't done it. I did the BMF Blue Riband Rider award. Passed that with top marks and it taught me fuck all. I learnt more about riding on my trackday. It doesn't give you any money off insurance either. 
I don't know what's on the ART syllabus though.
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Lady P
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Joined: 09 Jan 2008
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T.C
World Chat Champion
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
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Posted: 13:25 - 14 Feb 2008  Post subject: |
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| Big_Ham wrote: | I wouldn't like to say, because I haven't done it. I did the BMF Blue Riband Rider award. Passed that with top marks and it taught me fuck all. I learnt more about riding on my trackday. It doesn't give you any money off insurance either.
I don't know what's on the ART syllabus though. |
Blue Ribband is not advanced riding in the true sense of the word, it is more of a halfway house where you re-emphasise some of the points made during your DAS and a few pointers are given towards full advanced technique.
If the advanced instructor is properly qualified, then a lot of what was taught to obtainthe full licence will be ripped up and thrown in the bin, as the concept of advanced riding and the technique is completely different.
You will be taught different road position, how to make better use of forward observation and planning, bend assessment, hazard perception, observation links, in simple terms how to put the bike onthe right place on the road with the right gear engaged.
It won't make you travel any quicker in terms of MPH, but what you will learn is how to cover the ground quicker in that your speed will remain more of a constant rather than bore and brake as some riders apply, and in fact if you have a decent instructor, your actual speed may decrease during the learning process in order to give you the time and ability to take on board and practice new ideas, but higher speed in safety is a by product.
Track days are fine for learning the capabilities of the bike and maybe finding out your limitations in terms of confidence, but much of what you learn on a track does not transfer onto the public roads.
Advanced riding will not stop you being involved in an accident, what it will do however is help you prevent being involved in an accident that is your fault and that can count for an awfull lot.
Just make sure that your instructor is suitably qualified.
Over the last few years, advanced rider training has become more popular than ever before, resulting in a surge of new courses as motorcycle schools jump onto the bandwagon.
Now, the last thing I want to do is to criticise those individuals who give up a lot of their spare time and do their best to make our roads a safer place, but I would urge anyone who is contemplating taking an advanced training course to ensure that their instructor is suitably qualified.
At the moment, unlike CBT and Direct Access learner training, advanced rider training is unregulated. In simple terms what this means is that anyone who feels so inclined can offer advanced training. Choose your instructor poorly and you may not get the level of instruction that you hoped for.
There are a number of riders out there who have either taken one of the recognised advanced tests, or have attributes they consider sufficient to qualify them to teach at advanced level, when in fact riding to a standard and being able to teach to that standard are often miles apart.
So what are your options?
Well, you could join a local group such as those run on behalf of organisations such as RoSPA the IAM or the BMF. These groups have much to commend them. Not only do they offer a structured training programme, but the cost of joining is relatively cheap, they have a good social side and offer a recognised advanced test at the completion of what is often a 1 year course. The downside of joining such a group is that there is no guarantee as to the quality or experience of the instructor allocated to you, and as with any form of teaching there are good and bad in all organisations.
You could go to a professionally qualified instructor or training school, however costs are invariably higher as they have overheads to meet and a living to make. Being professionally qualified does not always mean that they are capable of teaching at advanced level, they may hold a certificate issued by the Driving Standards Agency authorising them to teach CBT and Direct Access, but they may not have the first idea about the requirements of an advanced test.
So, how can you ensure that your instructor is suitably qualified and can be trusted to give you the standard of information and instruction you need? Quite simply by asking the right questions.
What advanced qualification(s) do they hold?
The main recognised standards are Police class 1, RoSPA diploma or gold grade, IAM observer, holding a Btec level 3 or 4 in advanced motorcycle instruction, or belonging to and instructing for a training scheme such as the BMF Blue Riband.
How many students do they teach at advanced level?
If they only teach one or two perhaps there is something you should know about.
What advanced test do they recommend?
If you are talking to a RoSPA or IAM group, then this will not be a relevant question, but it will be relevant if you are talking to an independent instructor. If they favour one test over another, what sort of results have they had over the previous 12 months?
What type of course do they offer?
What you are looking for are indicators that they have actually structured a course syllabus and are not just cobbling something together ad hoc whilst they talk to you on the phone.
What formal training have they done to attain their current position?
Some instructors are self taught and believe that is sufficient. I have even heard of one guy who believes that 10 years as a courier is sufficient on the basis that having survived for so long he must be doing something right! Ex-racers are often the worst offenders, and are of the belief that race craft is a good aid to staying alive on the road.
Can they provide references?
Perhaps past students or organisations they are affiliated to. Recommendation and approval from your peers is often the best form of advertising.
Do they get their own riding and instructional ability checked on a regular basis? Many don’t and end up teaching others dangerous practices.
Although this is not a definitive list of questions, it should at least give you the opportunity to make your own mind up about whether the person you are talking to is someone you would trust to teach you. For many people advanced riding requires a completely different approach to what they are used to. If you have any doubts at all, walk away. There are plenty more qualified fish in the sea.
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