FAQs and useful resources
Newsletters
Six times a year LADAM sends out a newsletter, which includes write up of our rides, hints and tips from our Chief Observer and other useful information.
If you have an article you’d like to submit for the next newsletter send it to chair@ladam.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualification will I receive through LADAM?
LADAM is affiliated with IAM and the main qualification we deliver is the IAM’s RoadSmart Advanced Rider qualification.
What are the costs of membership and attending training sessions?
Your IAM RoadSmart initial fee will cover your first year and your test. For the current cost, visit the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider page. You will then need to pay an annual fee.
After the first year, there is also a LADAM membership fee of £15.00 per year. During your training, we also recommend giving your Observer a contribution of £15 per session towards their expenses, although this is voluntary.
How often will I need to renew my qualification?
Once you pass your test you become a Member of LADAM and there is no requirement to renew your qualification. We do recommend that you continue to ride with other Advanced riders to maintain your skills, as skills fade is a very real issue. You can also become a Fellow of IAMRS and this will require you to take a further test every three years.
After passing my IAM RoadSmart accreditation, what next?
There are a number of different options to continue your training. You may want to consider taking your riding to the next level with the Masters qualification. For more information click here.
Or once you’ve practiced your Advanced Riding for a time you could train as an Observer yourself, to help other riders train to become an Advanced Rider.
Can I train with LADAM without first joining IAM?
You must be a member of IAM RoadSmart and sign up for the Advanced Course to train with LADAM. To continue to be a member of LADAM after your test, you need to continue to be an IAM RoadSmart member and pay the annual fee for both IAMRS and LADAM.
Can I bring a pillion to my training sessions?
No, all of your training should be one up on your motorcycle. Once you have passed you can bring a pillion on any of our Group Rides (with the exception of a Saturday rides).
What bike and gear will I need?
Your motorcycle must be road legal, but can be any bike from a sportsbike to a cruiser and you will find LADAM members of all types of bike. As part of your first assessment we will look over your bike and if there are any problms, we will not be able to take you out.
While the only legal requirement for gear is a helmet, we strongly recommend proper protective motorcycle clothing, motorbike boots and gloves. Our mantra is All the Gear All the Time (ATGATT). If your clothing is unsuitable we will not be able to train you.
What are the differences between IAM, RoSPA, BMF and Enhanced Rider qualifications?
In the UK, advanced motorcycling accreditation and qualifications are provided by organisations like the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM), RoSPA, British Motorcyclists Federation. All these qualifications are broadly based on the principles and goals outlined in Roadcraft, the handbook for Police drivers and riders, which is highly regarded worldwide. Each organisations will have their own delivery structure and approach, so before deciding on which course is right for you, you may want to talk with other advanced motorcyclists about their experiences with each organisation.
How is the IAM RoadSmart qualification different to the Government’s Enhanced Rider Scheme?
While both training schemes are based on Roadcraft, the Enhanced Rider Scheme consists of only one day of training, consisting of half a day classroom based training and half a day with an instructor. You’ll then receive an assessment of your riding.
An IAMRS qualification will give you at least six sessions of between two and three hours and then a structured asessment by an IAMRS examiner, giving you the opportunity to deep dive into the principles of IPSGA and Advanced Training.
Recommended rides
Our Observers and Associates are an adventurous bunch, and over the years we’ve accumulated a list of some awesome rides. Here’s a list of some of our favourites:
Circuit of the Peak
A lovely ride around the Peak District from Dafydd Prichard.
This ride begins in Leicester, but can be picked up anywhere along the route.
Useful links
Biker Down
First Aid for bikers. If you were in an accident you’d want to know that someone knew how to help you. Biker Down is a free three hour course for all bikers, giving them an awareness of the dangers at a crash scene, how to deal with a casualty and how to increase visbility to other road users.
BikeSafe
BikeSafe is a national police run motorcycle initiative, aimed at working with motorcycle riders in a relaxed environment to raise awareness of the importanve and value of progressing onto accredited post test training.
Roadcraft
The definitive guide for better, safer driving and riding. Written and endorsed by policy and other driving experts.