EKAM’s advanced rider courses
As an IAM Roadsmart affiliate, EKAM supports IAM Roadsmart by delivering the advanced riding courses they provide.
All EKAM’s observers have qualified to IMI/IAM National Observer standard. The IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) was created to establish new skills and knowledge benchmarks for the automotive industry. The IAM Roadsmart National Observer qualification is monitored and overseen by the IMI and is seen as a motor industry wide qualification. Some of EKAM’s observers are also qualified IAM Masters Mentors.
Advanced rider
IAM Roadsmart and EKAM recruit candidates for the Advanced Rider course through a number of means. Once a recruit has signed up, they become an associate assigned to EKAM and their course can start. They will be introduced to the Advanced Riding course through a classroom session followed by an observed ride. The next weekend they will have the opportunity to go on the slow riding session.
An IMI qualified IAM National Observer from EKAM will be assigned to the associate and they will work together 1-to-1 to develop advanced riding skills and theoretical knowledge. An associate may opt to start training with an observer in advance of the next available classroom session.
When the associate and observer agree that the associate is ready to take the IAM Roadsmart Test, a senior National Observer will make a ready for test assessment. They will advise how to apply for test or may give guidance on aspects that need further polishing before applying for the test.
Once the associate has passed their IAM Roadsmart test with an IAM examiner, they will become a ‘Full Member’ of IAM Roadsmart and EKAM.
Members riding assessment
Members Riding Assessment (MRA) is an IAM Roadsmart course. Any member can at any time buy the course from IAM Roadsmart. In EKAM’s experience, members are more successful if they have some refresher training especially if their aim is a F1rst.
An EKAM observer will be assigned, and they will work together to develop advanced on the road riding skills and theoretical knowledge to the level aspired to by the member. Once the member and observer agree they are ready to take the IAM Roadsmart Assessment, a senior National Observer will make a ready for test judgement. They will advise how to apply for test or may give guidance on aspects that need some further polishing before applying for the test.
Members refresher
EKAM offers any member a bespoke refresher course. This course is specifically aimed at members who want to refresh their skills but not take a test with an IAM Examiner. The scope could be to review and work on a specific aspect of the members riding or a full review of their riding to any level up to and including IAM Roadsmart Advanced Rider – F1rst.
An EKAM observer will be assigned and they will work together to agree and develop advanced on the road riding skills and theoretical knowledge to the level required by the member. No pre-test assessment or IAM Test is expected but a member can decide to switch to a Members Riding Assessment course at any time.
Fellows
Fellow membership offers enhanced recognition by IAM Roadsmart to full members who commit to keeping their advanced skills up to date. This commitment is demonstrated by retaking the Advanced test every three years.
EKAM supports Fellow Members by providing a Members Refresher in advance of their three-early tests. Fellow Members can contact the Chief Observer to arrange for an observer to help them prepare for the test. The service provided is described under Members Refresher above but without the option to take the assessment. If the member requires a pre-test check by a second set of eyes they can ask their observer to arrange this before they proceed to arrange their three-yearly test with IAM Roadsmart.
Masters rider
EKAM is committed to encouraging members development to achieve their Masters; the highest IAM Roadsmart riding qualification. The course available to members considering the Masters programme is through the Members Refresher described above. Members who have yet to achieve a F1rst may want to complete the IAM Roadsmart Members Riding Assessment as a stepping stone before embarking on the Masters programme.
Be aware there may be EKAM incentives available to help with the financial cost of the Masters programme. For details contact the Chief Observer.
Free taster ride
EKAM supports IAM Roadsmart by making available IAM National Observers to conduct Free Taster Rides to any member of the public holding a UK Motorcycle driving license issued Category A, A1, A2 including MotorTricycles. EKAM also hosts open evenings when National Observers are on hand to provide Free Taster Rides as part of local recruitment campaigns.
Contact the EKAM Membership Secretary to find out about Open Evenings or arranging a Free Taster Ride locally or via IAM Roadsmart – click here for details.
EKAM does not supply vehicles for any level of Taster or Training. The candidate needs to supply a vehicle that is fully road legal and that the candidate is legally entitled to ride.
Observer training
As members of EKAM all aspiring observers will have had first hand knowledge of how their observers were able to coach them to success on their IAM Advanced test. Observers work one-to-one, observing rides coaching associates and members on IAM Roadsmart courses to pass. When an associate passes, it’s a great feeling for the observer knowing they played an important part in the associate’s safety and success.
If you are interested in becoming an observer you should contact the Chief Observer to discuss your suitability to the role. If it is agreed to start observer training you will be registered as a trainee with IAM Roadsmart and they will register you with the IMI.
Once registered with the IMI and IAM Roadsmart you will be allocated to a senior EKAM IAM National Observer Mentor to learn the riding, observing, coaching and technical skills to qualify as an IAM National Observer. Once a mentor considers a candidate’s is ready for the IAM National Observer assessment EKAM’s National Observer Training Officer will conduct a local assessment. They will make a ready for assessment judgement and either declare the candidate “Test Ready” and advise the candidate on how the IAM Assessment is arranged or they may give guidance on which aspects need some further polishing before applying for the assessment.