Competency Reference Guide

Advanced Rider Course - Observer's Quick Reference
Sources: Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025 Motorcycle Roadcraft Highway Code
Human Factors
The Rider

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Safety first: The rider's primary responsibility is to themselves and other road users
  • Calmness and concentration: Maintain a calm, focused mental state throughout every ride
  • Manage distractions: Avoid mobile phones, fatigue, emotional upset, or anything that reduces concentration
  • IAMSaFE checklist: Illness, Alcohol, Medication, Stress, Fatigue, Emotion - assess before every ride
  • Self-reflection: Honestly assess your own riding after each session; identify areas for development
The Motorcycle

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Pre-ride checks: Complete POWDDERSS checks before every ride
  • Rolling brake test: Test brakes gently when moving off to confirm they are functioning
  • Know machine capabilities: Understand your motorcycle's performance envelope - power, braking distances, handling limits
  • Rider assistance systems: Know which systems are fitted - ABS, traction control, riding modes (rain/sport/urban) - and understand how each affects throttle response and braking
  • Warning lights: Recognise dashboard warning lights and understand what action is required
The Journey

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Purpose may influence riding: Being late, riding for pleasure, or riding under time pressure can unconsciously affect speed and risk-taking
  • Route choice and planning: Consider road types, expected traffic, weather, rest stops, and fuel needs before setting off
  • An honest assessment of the journey before departure is part of advanced riding preparation
The Wider World

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Peer pressure: Group riding can create pressure to match others' pace or take risks outside your comfort zone - always ride to your own standard
  • Risk attitudes: Understand your own attitude to risk; advanced riders recognise and manage risk rather than accepting it unconsciously
  • Social media, riding culture, and group dynamics can all negatively influence riding behaviour if unchecked
Pre-Drive / Ride Checks
Fitness / Eyesight Check

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

The associate must demonstrate they are fit to ride and have adequate eyesight before every observed ride.

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • IAMSaFE checklist: Illness, Alcohol, Medication, Stress, Fatigue, Emotion
  • Tiredness is the greatest risk between 11pm-6am; take breaks every 2 hours minimum
  • Riders over 45 are more susceptible to fatigue
  • Ensure helmet visor is clean and in good condition before each journey

Highway Code

  • MUST be able to read a number plate from 20 metres in good daylight (Rule 92)
  • MUST wear glasses/contacts if needed at all times while riding (Rule 92)
  • MUST NOT ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Rules 95-96)
  • Do not begin a journey if tired; avoid riding between midnight and 6am (Rule 91)
  • MUST report any health condition affecting driving to DVLA (Rule 90)
Cockpit Drill / Rolling Brake Test

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • POWDDERSS checklist: Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Drive chain, Electrics, Rubber (tyres), Steering, Stands
  • Check tyre treads and pressure daily - contact patch is roughly the size of a hand
  • Test brakes after starting: apply gently while moving off slowly
  • Ensure all lights and indicators are functional
  • Check mirrors are clean and correctly adjusted

Highway Code

  • MUST ensure vehicle is legal and roadworthy (Rule 89)
  • Wear protective helmet, strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing (Rules 83-84)
  • Eye protectors MUST comply with Regulations
Knowledge - IPSGA (System of Motorcycle Control)
The System: Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • IPSGA is the system of motorcycle control - a methodical approach applied to every hazard
  • The associate must apply IPSGA appropriately and time it correctly
  • The correct timing of IPSGA is paramount in achieving a safe smooth ride
  • All competencies interlink - the logbook does not have to be completed in order

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Information (TUG): Take, Use, Give - runs throughout all phases continuously
  • Position: For safety, view and stability. Account for road surface and other road users
  • Speed: Adjust for visibility, road surface, cornering, other road users and unseen hazards
  • Gear: Select appropriate gear for the speed. Use block-changing or sequential changes. "Brakes are for slowing, gears are for going"
  • Acceleration: Apply correct throttle to negotiate and leave the hazard safely
  • Consider all phases for every hazard but you may not need every phase in every situation
  • Be ready to return to an earlier phase as new information arrives
  • Brake/gear overlap: Permitted as a planned technique in later stages of braking - must never result from late or rushed braking
OAP - Observation, Anticipation, Planning

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • OAP underpins all advanced riding: Observation, sensible Anticipation, accurate Planning
  • Combined with sound operation of controls, OAP enables a comfortable, progressive ride while maintaining safety
  • OAP is not a separate technique - it is the thinking process that drives every application of IPSGA
  • Observation: Gather information continuously from all sources - road, signs, environment, other road users
  • Anticipation: Use what you see (and what you cannot yet see) to predict what is likely to happen next
  • Planning: Decide on the safest, most appropriate course of action with time to execute it smoothly
Observation & Awareness
Observation - Scanning

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Through good Observation, Sensible Anticipation and accurate Planning (OAP) combined with sound operation of controls, riders should enjoy a comfortable, progressive ride while maintaining safety
  • Scan effectively using far, middle and near distance vision

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Sweep far distance, middle distance, foreground, sides and rear continuously
  • Avoid fixing on one area - keep eyes moving
  • When a new view opens, scan the new scene quickly
  • Target fixation: The bike goes where you look. Always look where you want to go, not at the hazard you want to avoid
  • The faster you go, the further ahead you must look - foreground detail blurs at speed
  • Helmets may restrict peripheral vision - compensate by moving your head
  • Use all senses: sound (horn, siren), smell (diesel, bonfire) provide hazard warnings
Observation Links

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Observation links are chains of linked information that allow the rider to build a picture of what lies ahead
  • Physical features: Road surface changes, verge type, hedgerows, telegraph poles, buildings - all give clues about the road ahead
  • Road signs: Warning signs, speed limit changes, junction signs - each links to expected road conditions ahead
  • Environmental clues: Reflections in windows, shadows, dust, vegetation movement, sound of vehicles around corners
  • Example: tree line curving right + dip in road + mud on surface = sharp wet bend with farm traffic
  • Train yourself to read these chains automatically - this is what separates anticipation from reaction

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Observation links: Row of parked vehicles = doors opening, pedestrians stepping out; bus at stop = pedestrians crossing
  • Look beyond the next hazard - a series of hazards may need to be treated as one
  • Drivers build expectations around common vehicle types - bikes are small in a driver's field of vision, so be vigilant
Use of Mirrors and Rear Observation

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Check mirrors before changing speed or position
  • Make appropriate checks to cover blind spot areas
  • Link what is in the mirror to hazards developing ahead to remain safe
  • High-speed traffic approaching from rear is relevant to decision-making even when still far behind

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • The Lifesaver Check: A final glance into the blind spot just before committing to a manoeuvre
  • Do it early enough to adopt an alternative plan if needed
  • Essential in congested urban areas and when turning right
  • At high-speed overtaking, when certain of what is behind, it may be safer to keep eyes ahead
  • Use mirrors plus looking behind. Check rear before any change in speed or position
  • Learn to check behind quickly - don't do it twice when once is enough

Highway Code

  • Use mirrors frequently and in good time before signalling or changing direction/speed (Rule 161)
  • Be aware mirrors do not cover all areas - look round and check blind spots
  • Remember: Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre (Rule 161)
Take, Use, Give (TUG) - Signals & Communication

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Communicate effectively: position, signals, brake lights, horn, headlight flash, eye contact
  • Be aware that following traffic may not share your level of awareness
  • Show brake lights to other vehicles even when slowing using acceleration sense
  • Make eye contact with other riders/drivers to assist in communicating intentions
  • Be particularly mindful of vulnerable road users: cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Take information from the environment continuously
  • Use the information to plan your riding
  • Give information to other road users through signals, position, speed, lights, horn
  • Position as communication (Give): Road position itself communicates intent to other road users - moving to the centre line signals a right turn; moving left signals a left turn or that the road ahead is clear

Highway Code

  • Give clear signals in plenty of time; cancel after use (Rules 103-105)
  • Flashing headlights only means "I am here" - not permission to proceed (Rule 110)
  • Horn: only while moving to warn of presence. MUST NOT use in built-up areas 11:30pm-7am except danger (Rule 112)
  • Signalling does not give priority or right to carry out the manoeuvre
Road Signs and Markings

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Read and respond to all road signs and markings as part of information gathering
  • Signs give early warning of hazards: bends, junctions, speed limits, road conditions
  • Use signs to plan ahead and apply IPSGA in good time
  • Observation links: Signs, road markings and physical features provide clues to upcoming hazards

Highway Code

  • Double white solid line nearest you: MUST NOT cross (exceptions: stationary vehicle, pedal cycle, horse, road maintenance at <10mph) (Rule 129)
  • Hatched areas with solid border: MUST NOT enter except in emergency (Rule 130)
  • Reflective studs: white = lanes, red = left edge, amber = central reservation, green = lay-bys/slip roads (Rule 132)
Anticipation

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Consider: what you can see, what you cannot see, what you might reasonably expect, and your contingency plan
  • Look beyond the next hazard - a series of hazards may need to be treated as one
  • Three hazard types: Physical features (junctions, bends), other road users (position/movement), weather conditions
  • Observation links: Row of parked vehicles = doors opening, pedestrians stepping out; bus at stop = pedestrians crossing
  • Drivers build expectations around common vehicle types - bikes are small in a driver's field of vision, so be vigilant
  • You see what you expect to see - beware of complacency on familiar roads
Hazard Identification & Management
Hazard Identification

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Use visual clues to predict possible hazards and prepare for situations that may arise
  • Identify hazards early through effective scanning

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Physical hazards: Junctions, bends, hills, narrowings, road surface changes
  • Moving hazards: Other road users - their position, speed, direction, signals
  • Environmental hazards: Weather, visibility, road surface (diesel, wet leaves, tar-banding, metal covers, potholes)
  • Prioritise hazards - deal with the most dangerous first
  • Ride over unavoidable surface hazards upright and slowly
Hazard Management

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Prioritise response to any hazard in a safe, controlled manner
  • Use the system (IPSGA) to manage every hazard
  • The ride should display the "quiet efficiency" of an advanced rider

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Create a flexible "safety bubble" around your machine - vary its size and shape to prioritise hazards
  • Apply IPSGA systematically: gather information, position for safety and view, adjust speed, select gear, accelerate away
  • Safe stopping distance rule: Always ride so you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road
  • Complex situations need more decision time - reduce speed to increase thinking time
Vulnerable Road Users

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Be particularly mindful of cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians
  • Keep them safe with timely, accurate communication

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Cyclists: Allow at least 1.5 metres. Only overtake on the offside. Don't overtake then turn across their path
  • Horses: Pass at no more than 15 mph. Avoid using horn. Allow plenty of room
  • Pedestrians: Watch for unexpected crossing, especially near schools, shops, bus stops

Highway Code

  • Rule H1 - Hierarchy of Road Users: Those who can cause greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility
  • Rule H2: Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road you are turning into
  • Rule H3: Do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when turning
  • Give cyclists at least 1.5m space at up to 30mph, more at higher speeds (Rule 163)
Bends & Cornering
Limit Point

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Understand and use the limit point to judge the correct entry speed for bends

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • The limit point is the furthest point where you have an uninterrupted view of the road surface (where left and right edges appear to meet)
  • If the limit point moves away from you - you may accelerate
  • If the limit point moves toward you - decelerate or brake
  • Match your speed to the movement of the limit point at all times
  • For left-hand bends, treat the centre line as the right edge
  • Be aware of double-apex bends that tighten after initial entry - the limit point will warn you
Cornering Technique

Motorcycle Roadcraft - Five Key Principles

  • 1. Correct position on approach
  • 2. Right speed for the corner
  • 3. Right gear for that speed
  • 4. Able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear
  • 5. Positive throttle to maintain constant speed through the bend

Positioning on Bends

  • Right-hand bends: Position toward the left of your road space for best view and stability
  • Left-hand bends: Position toward the centre line for early view (but consider oncoming traffic)
  • Always sacrifice position for safety
  • Counter-steering - the primary steering mechanism above ~20mph: Above approximately 20mph, a motorcycle steers by pushing the handlebar in the direction opposite to the turn - push left to go right, push right to go left. This is not an advanced technique; it is how all motorcycles physically steer at speed. Many riders do it without realising. The common misconception is that you turn the bars like a bicycle - at speed this is incorrect and counter-productive
  • Apply counter-steering pressure smoothly - abrupt inputs unsettle the bike
  • Camber: Normal road crown helps on left bends but works against you on right bends
Braking Technique

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Tyre grip trade-off: Limited grip shared between accelerating, braking and cornering - if more is used for one, less is available for others
  • Brake firmly only in a straight line; brake in plenty of time
  • Front wheel produces the largest braking effort - use both brakes for optimum stopping
  • Under braking, weight shifts forward making rear wheel easier to lock
  • Avoid front brake when banked, turning, or on loose/slippery surfaces
  • Progressive braking: Brake early and lightly, more firmly as needed, ease off before stopping
  • ABS: Apply brakes fully, don't release when you feel pulsing. ABS retains grip but doesn't increase it

Highway Code

  • Skids are caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly (Rule 119)
  • Remove the cause: release brake or ease accelerator, steer into the skid
  • MUST NOT coast (travel in neutral or with clutch down) - reduces control (Rule 122)
Junctions & Roundabouts
Junctions and Roundabouts

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Identify the type of junction on approach using signs
  • Monitor speed and distance on approach - allow time to gather information and plan
  • Assess speed and position of other road users; scan movements to anticipate intentions
  • "Planning to stop but looking for information to go"
  • Check mirrors and blind spots before deciding on other actions
  • Accurately identify the first entry gap that is safe to use
  • A straight line may be taken through a roundabout if safe and no other road users are present

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Apply IPSGA to every junction
  • Position for turning: Nearside for left turns, toward centre line for right turns
  • Crossroads (right turns): Prefer offside-to-offside pass for better view. Use nearside-to-nearside only when layout demands
  • Avoid "swan necking" - swinging out just before a left turn
  • Stopping behind vehicles: See the rear tyres and some tarmac ("tyres and tarmac") for safety space
  • You are especially vulnerable at junctions - drivers who look but fail to see you

Highway Code

  • MUST stop at Stop signs (Rule 171)
  • Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross (Rule H2)
  • Roundabouts: Give priority to traffic from the right (Rule 184-190)
  • Signal correctly: left exit = signal left on approach; right exit = signal right then left after passing exit before yours
  • Box junctions: MUST NOT enter unless exit clear (Rule 174)
Overtaking
Overtaking

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Identify a safe, imminent opportunity to overtake
  • Identify a safe return gap that will not affect other traffic
  • Accurately judge speed differences between you and the vehicle(s) to be overtaken
  • Never plan to exceed the speed limit
  • Be prepared to cancel the manoeuvre if circumstances change

Motorcycle Roadcraft - Three-Stage Overtake

  • Stage 1 - Following position: Safe distance (2-second rule), assess conditions. If no intention to overtake, stay here
  • Stage 2 - Overtaking position: Closer to vehicle ahead, offside rear corner. Select responsive gear. Best view ahead. Only take this position in readiness to overtake
  • Stage 3 - The overtake: Accelerate past, consider hazards beyond, return safely to nearside. Don't cut in
  • Three questions: Do I need to? Is it safe? Is my machine capable?
  • 1 in 8 fatal rural collisions involves overtaking
  • Filtering: Keep speed low. Watch for pedestrians, doors, emerging vehicles, other filtering bikes. Never use hazard warning lights

Highway Code

  • Check road clear, mirrors, signal, sideways glance into blind spot (Rule 162)
  • Move quickly past, allow plenty of room, return to left when safe (Rule 163)
  • MUST NOT overtake across solid double white lines, near pedestrian crossings, after No Overtaking signs (Rule 165)
  • DO NOT overtake approaching corners, bends, hump bridges, brow of hills (Rule 166)
  • Being overtaken: maintain steady course and speed, never obstruct (Rule 168)
Motorways & Dual Carriageways
Motorways and Dual Carriageways

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Identify and use signs in planning; gather information on traffic flow when entering
  • Conduct appropriate mirror and blind spot checks
  • Adopt appropriate entry position; use slip road to build speed and position alongside gap
  • Use nearside lane whenever possible; maintain overtaking lane until sensible gap appears
  • Adopt at least a two-second following position; extend in adverse conditions
  • Balance progress with restraint
  • Recognise differences between motorways (blue signs, restricted users) and dual carriageways (green/white signs, all users, junctions from either side)

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • At 70mph you travel 31 metres per second - extend observation in all directions
  • No "slow" or "fast" lanes - overtake to the right only
  • Don't sit in other drivers' blind spots; move rapidly through them
  • Watch for slower vehicles pulling out and faster vehicles from behind
  • Leaving: Lose speed in deceleration lane, not on main carriageway. Check speedometer - 50mph may feel like 30mph after motorway speed
  • Smart motorways: Watch for stationary vehicles in live lanes; hard shoulder may be an active lane
  • Weather at speed: Fog reduces speed perception. Rain/spray from large vehicles. Strong gusts when leaving cuttings or crossing open country

Highway Code

  • MUST NOT exceed speed limit (Rule 261)
  • MUST NOT reverse, cross central reservation, or drive against traffic flow (Rule 262)
  • Keep left unless overtaking (Rule 264)
  • Red flashing signals / Red X = MUST NOT enter that lane (Rule 256)
  • If you miss your exit, carry on to the next one (Rule 262)
  • MUST NOT stop on carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road except in emergency (Rule 271)
Speed, Gears & Progress
Speed Limits & Acceleration Sense

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Advanced riding isn't about making maximum progress - it's about making the level of progress required safely in the given conditions

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Acceleration sense: The ability to vary speed by throttle alone, reducing or eliminating brake use. Requires observation, anticipation and knowledge of the machine
  • Common mistakes: accelerating hard then braking for slower traffic, accelerating into closing gaps
  • Speed perception can be distorted: leaving motorways, in low visibility, on smoother/quieter machines, on wide open roads - always check speedometer

Highway Code

  • Speed limits: 30 built-up, 60 single carriageway, 70 dual carriageway/motorway (Rule 124)
  • Speed limit is the absolute maximum, not a target
  • Reduce speed for hazards, bends, pedestrians/cyclists/horse riders, bad weather, night (Rule 125)
  • At least 2-second gap on fast roads. Double on wet. More on ice (Rule 126)
Choice of Gear & Timing of Changes

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Develop sound knowledge of the machine's performance in each gear
  • Engage the correct gear for the speed now, while taking account of what may be required in the immediate future
  • Select a gear with sufficient flexibility to allow for speeding up and slowing down
  • Conduct gear changes smoothly; match engine revolutions to road speed
  • Know when to select neutral when stationary for a period

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • "Brakes are for slowing, gears are for going"
  • Two acceptable techniques for downshifting:
    • Hold clutch and change down multiple gears, engage drive only in the required gear
    • Work through each gear sequentially, briefly engaging each
  • Match engine speed to road speed when releasing clutch (blip throttle)
  • Engine braking operates only on rear wheel and gives no brake light warning to following traffic
  • Consider higher gears for fuel economy as long as they provide adequate performance
Electric & Automatic Motorcycles

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • No gear changes: Electric and automatic motorcycles have no manual gear selection - the Gear phase of IPSGA is not applicable in the traditional sense, but the rider must still ensure the machine is in the correct mode and the power delivery is appropriate for the situation
  • Regenerative braking: Electric motorcycles use regenerative braking to recover energy when the throttle is closed; this creates noticeable deceleration without the brake light activating unless a brake is applied - be aware following traffic may not anticipate this
  • Instant torque: Electric motors deliver maximum torque immediately; smooth, progressive throttle inputs are even more important to avoid rear wheel spin, especially in wet conditions
  • Riding modes: Most electric and modern automatic motorcycles offer selectable riding modes (e.g. rain, eco, sport) that alter throttle response and regenerative braking strength - select the appropriate mode for conditions
  • IPSGA principles remain fully applicable; adapt the Gear phase to mean: select appropriate riding mode and ensure power delivery setting suits the hazard being negotiated
Rider Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Modern riding aids complement skills - they do not replace them. Know what systems are fitted to your motorcycle and understand their limitations
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking. Apply brakes fully and do not release when you feel the system pulsing. ABS retains directional stability but does not shorten stopping distances on loose or gravel surfaces - some systems allow ABS to be disabled off-road
  • Traction Control: Reduces engine power or applies braking to prevent rear wheel spin under acceleration. Particularly valuable in wet conditions. Intervening traction control is a signal to reconsider throttle inputs and road surface
  • Riding Modes: Mode selection typically adjusts throttle response mapping, traction control sensitivity, and ABS intervention threshold:
    • Rain/Urban: Gentler throttle response, higher ABS and traction control sensitivity - suited to low grip or congested conditions
    • Road/Standard: Balanced settings for normal riding
    • Sport/Dynamic: Sharper throttle response, reduced traction control intervention - suited to dry, open roads only
  • Cornering ABS / Lean-sensitive systems: Some modern motorcycles adjust ABS and traction control thresholds based on lean angle sensors - do not rely on these to compensate for excessive speed into corners
  • Always select the mode appropriate for current conditions before setting off
Acceleration
Smoothness

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Can the associate operate all controls in a smooth and accomplished manner without undue effort?
  • The vehicle should not be adversely unbalanced

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Smooth, progressive, accurate throttle movements are essential
  • Jerky throttle wastes fuel, reduces grip, and jeopardises stability
  • Maintain positive throttle (constant speed) through bends for best stability
  • Never accelerate to increase road speed while cornering
Anticipation and Planning

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Assess factors when deciding on the amount of acceleration: speed limit, road surface, lean angle, grip, weather, proximity of next hazard

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Acceleration should be smooth and progressive
  • Choose an appropriate point to accelerate smoothly away from a hazard
  • The harder you accelerate, the less cornering ability you have (tyre grip trade-off)
Progress and Restraint

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • The correct degree of acceleration will allow for safe unobtrusive progress
  • Understand that advanced riding isn't about making maximum progress - it's about making the required level of progress safely
  • Restraint should be balanced with progress, allowing the ride to flow

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Advanced riders make considered effort to complete manoeuvres within the shortest possible time, but within the speed limit
  • Balance between when to use restraint and when to make progress
Other Skills
Steering

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • All steering inputs should be made smoothly and accurately
  • Counter-steering is the primary steering mechanism above approximately 20mph: Push left handlebar to go right; push right handlebar to go left. This is not an advanced technique - it is the physics of how all two-wheeled vehicles steer at speed. The common misconception that you turn the bars like a bicycle is incorrect above walking pace and can cause instability
  • Apply counter-steering pressure smoothly. Abrupt or harsh inputs unsettle the suspension and reduce grip
  • Slight forward lean, arms slightly bent (not locked), forearms roughly parallel to ground
  • The sharper the bend or higher the speed, the more lean angle is needed - more counter-steering force is required
Spoken Thoughts (Commentary Riding)

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Commentary riding applies to all advanced riders - not just car drivers. It is a testable competency on the advanced motorcycle test
  • The rider narrates what they see, what they anticipate, and what they plan to do: "I can see a junction ahead, checking mirrors, positioning left, slowing..."
  • Enables the observer to verify that the rider's thought process matches their actions - confirming OAP (Observation, Anticipation, Planning) is being applied correctly
  • A good commentary demonstrates awareness of hazards before reaching them, not after
  • Commentary does not need to be continuous - focus on decision points and hazards
  • Practice commentary riding solo to develop the habit before it is assessed
Knowledge of Highway Code & Course Material

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Does the associate have a sound understanding of the Highway Code and advanced course materials?
  • Do they have sound knowledge of the technology fitted to their vehicle?
  • Modern riding aids (ABS, traction control, sat-nav) should complement skills, not replace them
Courtesy to Other Road Users

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Use courtesy in approaching hazards: thanking other road users, giving way when appropriate
  • Consider effects on others (when overtaking, approaching puddles near kerb, etc.)

Highway Code

  • Be patient. Do not become agitated. Slow down if someone pulls out in front (Rule 147)
  • MUST NOT throw anything from vehicle (Rule 147)
  • Promote safe sharing of road space
Vehicle / Machine Sympathy

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Take opportunities to rest the engine in higher gears when appropriate for both vehicle sympathy and fuel efficiency

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Don't over-rev or allow the engine to labour
  • Change up early for economy; use peak performance only for rapid progress
  • Fuel-efficient riding: avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, use acceleration sense, keep to the speed limit
Slow Riding
Slow Manoeuvring

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

  • Ride at walking pace under control
  • Ride at walking pace, speed up and slow to walking pace
  • Bring machine to controlled stop with left foot down and right foot down
  • Perform a U-turn in the width of the road
  • Pull away with lock applied
  • Complete a simple slalom course through cones
  • Understand balance when manually handling a motorcycle
  • Manually handle a motorcycle into parking bay (standing alongside, not paddling)
  • Place motorcycle on and off centre stand and side stand

Motorcycle Roadcraft

  • Motorcycles become more stable with forward motion - as speed decreases, weight distribution matters more
  • Rear brake as primary speed control: At low speeds, use the rear brake as the main speed regulator. It provides smooth, progressive deceleration without the front-end dive associated with the front brake, keeping the bike more stable and balanced
  • Friction zone (clutch slipping point): The friction zone is the range of clutch lever movement where the clutch is partially engaged - the bike moves but the engine does not stall. Mastering the friction zone gives fine-speed control at walking pace and is the key technique for slow manoeuvring
  • Head position and looking through the turn: Keep your head up and look through the intended arc of the turn - do not look down at the ground in front of the wheel. Looking at the kerb or an obstacle is the primary cause of running into it (target fixation applies at low speed too)
  • Practice in a large space first, then gradually reduce available space
  • It is safer to manoeuvre while standing alongside the machine rather than paddling
  • A motorcycle requires very little effort to keep upright when vertical; even a small lean multiplies the effort significantly
Test Sheet Competencies
All 23 Advanced Test Competencies

Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025

The advanced motorcycle test assesses the following 23 competencies. Any grade 3 (Requires Development) on the test results in an unsuccessful outcome. For a F1RST result, no more than two categories may be scored 2, and Safety & Legality and Slow Manoeuvring must score 1.

  • 1. Safety and legality - Machine roadworthy, legal, rider fit to ride
  • 2. Gear changing - Smooth, timely, appropriate gear selection
  • 3. Cornering - Limit point, correct approach speed, five principles
  • 4. System (IPSGA) - Consistent application to all hazards
  • 5. Use of gearbox - Block changes, sequential changes, matching revs
  • 6. Overtaking - Three-stage process, safe opportunity identification
  • 7. Observation - Scanning, observation links, reading the road
  • 8. Acceleration sense - Speed managed by throttle, reducing brake use
  • 9. Restraint and progress - Appropriate balance of pace and caution
  • 10. Planning and hazard management - OAP applied continuously
  • 11. Mirrors and rear observation - Lifesaver checks, mirror use before every change
  • 12. Human factors and concentration - IAMSaFE, distractions managed, focused riding
  • 13. Anticipation - Hazards identified and planned for before they develop
  • 14. Steering - Counter-steering applied correctly, smooth inputs
  • 15. Courtesy - Consideration for other road users, appropriate communication
  • 16. Vehicle sympathy and eco driving - Smooth use of controls, fuel-efficient technique
  • 17. Braking - Progressive braking, correct use of front and rear, ABS awareness
  • 18. Slow manoeuvring - Control at walking pace, friction zone, U-turn, balance
  • 19. Positioning - Safety, view, communication through road position
  • 20. Signals - Correct, timely, necessary signals; no misleading signals
  • 21. Smoothness - All controls operated without undue effort or machine imbalance
  • 22. Spoken thought - Commentary riding demonstrating OAP application
  • 23. Knowledge - Highway Code, course material, machine technology

Awarding a F1RST

  • No grade 3 is allowed
  • No more than two categories may be scored a '2' (for bike) - except Safety & Legality and Slow Manoeuvring which must score a '1'
  • All remaining categories must be grade 1 (Commended)
Reference compiled from: IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025; Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook (2020); The Official Highway Code (Updated April 2025)