Can anyone advise...

[andrew]

Whats the best advanced rider training you can do, basically what will get the biggest discount on insurance. I was talking with Kornel this morning and I think we're both going to do something sometime soon.

Thanks.

[T.C]

There is no such thing as "The best advanced training" as it is all based on the same book "Roadcraft"

What you will get is a difference in instructors. There are a lot out there who are qualified, there are an equal number who are not but think it is OK to teach at advanced level on the basis that they believe it is simply a step on from passing the test.

There are some very good RoSPA and Institute of Advanced Motorist Groups out there who for a nominal amount of money will give you something like a full years training. There are professional instructors like myself who have the qualifications, background and experience, and in some cases, there are those of us who are also advanced examiners.

Recommendations are the best way to find someone who can look after your needs. If you are doing it simply for the purpose of getting cheaper insurance, then I am afraid you are doing it for the wrong reasons, you should be doing it because you want to become a better rider and the benefits of cheaper insurance become a bi-product of having done the course.

Phone around a few schools and see what they offer.

At the very least, the instructor should have a recognised advanced riding qualification, which might be a RoSPA, IAM, BMF or Diamond Advanced certificate.

Ask if they have any formal advanced instructional qualifications. RoSPA diploma, Btec level 3 or 4, senior IAM observer are the main ones, there are other minor ones which may need further checking.

How many advanced students do they teach each year? If they have had one or two then walk away, if they have had quite a few then ask what level they teach to, what tests their students have taken and what is their pass rate.

Are they prepared to provide references from past students or do they have written testimonials? Always a good source of proving how good they are.

I can't give too much away as this is a subject I am covering in my June feature in the magazine, but that should give you a starting point.
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