Ride Better.
Ride Safer.
IAM and RoSPA advanced rider qualifications — the gold standard in motorcycle skill development. Recommended by The Road Ahead.
"The best upgrade you can make to a motorcycle is the rider."
I did my IAM advanced test years ago. Not because I thought I needed it — but because I was honest enough to admit I'd picked up bad habits. The Observer sessions changed the way I see the road. Permanently.
Both IAM and RoSPA are built around Roadcraft — the police system of motorcycle control. It's not about riding slowly or timidly. It's about reading the road further ahead, planning better, and making the right decisions earlier. It makes touring faster, safer, and significantly more enjoyable.
If you're serious about touring, serious about the roads on this site, this is worth doing first.
Safer
Significantly reduced accident risk for advanced riders
Better
Read the road further ahead — every ride improves
Recognised
Qualifications recognised by insurers nationwide
Community
Join a national network of serious riders
IAM & RoSPA — What's the Difference?
Both are excellent. IAM is typically the starting point — RoSPA's graded system suits riders who want to keep developing after their initial qualification.
Advanced Rider Course
The IAM Advanced Rider course is built around Roadcraft, the police rider's handbook. You'll work one-to-one with a qualified volunteer Observer to develop sharper road awareness, smoother control, and genuine riding confidence.
£225
Book via IAM"The police system of motorcycle control — taught 1-to-1."
- 6–12 observed rides with a qualified local Observer
- Instructional videos and a personal logbook
- IAM RoadSmart Associate membership
- The Advanced Rider Test with an IAM Examiner
- Full member status on passing
Booking handled directly by IAM
Find out moreAdvanced Riding Assessment
RoSPA Advanced Riders offers a graded assessment system — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — with Gold representing the highest standard of civilian rider assessment available. Ideal for riders who want to continue developing after their initial advanced qualification.
From £55
Book via RoSPA"The highest standard of advanced riding qualification in the UK."
- Graded assessment — Bronze, Silver, or Gold
- Annual re-assessment to maintain and improve your grade
- Detailed feedback report from a qualified examiner
- RoSPA membership and community access
- Recognised by insurers — can reduce premiums
Booking handled directly by RoSPA
Find out moreIAM vs RoSPA — At a Glance
IAM RoadSmart
RoSPA
Qualification
IAM Advanced Rider Certificate
Bronze / Silver / Gold
Examiner
IAM qualified Examiner
RoSPA qualified Examiner
Frequency
One-off (or retake)
Annual re-assessment
Membership
IAM RoadSmart
RoSPA Advanced Riders
Insurance benefit
Often yes
Often yes
Best for
First advanced qualification
Ongoing development & graded achievement
Many riders do both — IAM first, then RoSPA for continued development.
What is Roadcraft?
Roadcraft is the police rider's handbook — the system used by traffic officers, Blood Bikes, and emergency services riders. Both IAM and RoSPA courses are built around its principles.
Central to it is IPSGA — Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration. A system for approaching every hazard, every corner, every overtake consistently and safely.
- →Information — gather, use, and give it continuously
- →Position — always the best position for the situation
- →Speed — appropriate for the road, conditions, and hazard
- →Gear — the right gear for the speed
- →Acceleration — smooth, progressive, controlled
Recommended Reading
Roadcraft
The Police Rider's Handbook
The definitive text for both courses. Get it before you start — it'll accelerate your progress significantly.
Available from IAM RoadSmartThe Road Ahead is not affiliated with IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA. We recommend these courses because they make better riders — full stop.
Start Your Advanced Journey
The roads on this site will reward better riding. Start here.