All motorcycle riders should consider the benefits of undergoing an Advanced Motorcycle Training course from a certified training body. This training is designed to refresh and improve the driving skills of motorcycle riders who already have a licence. At present, all new licence holders are expected to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before they get a licence, but existing riders are not expected to do further training unless they have committed a motoring offence. However, Advanced Motorcycle Training is an optional course which should be beneficial to most riders. It is well worth taking this course to improve your skills.

What does the course involve?

As part of the Advanced Motorcycle Training course you will learn a wide variety of different things about motorbiking and bike safety. This will include advice on;

• Choosing and wearing correct personal protective equipment on your bike.
• Identifying potential problems with your bike and carrying out minor bike repairs.
• Safely manoeuvring and storing your bike when it is not in use.
• Safe bike positioning and signalling whilst on the road.
• Braking and manoeuvring at slow speed.
• Negotiation roundabouts, junctions and pedestrian crossings in a safe and efficient way.
• Riding on dual carriageways and motorways.
• Driving in the dark or in dangerous weather conditions.
• Riding with passengers and heavy loads.
• Riding as part of a group.
• Environmental concerns around motorcycle riding.
• Your legal responsibilities as a rider, including incident management.

As well as discussing the theory of Advanced Motorcycle riding, you will also put your new skills to practice by riding several different roads in mixed conditions. Most training centres have set routes of varying difficulties so that they can put learners through their paces.

What are the benefits of taking the course?

Taking the Advanced Motorcycle Training course will help to improve your motorcycle riding skills so that you can become a more courteous and responsible driver. Learning these skills can help to keep you and other road users safe, because it will improve your ability to respond to adverse situations.

The course will also help you to get more out of your bike. Knowing advanced techniques will help you to ride in an efficient way which is less likely to damage the bike. Efficient riding techniques should help you to save money on your fuel costs, especially when you are riding in an urban environment or when you are covering longer distance.

Who can benefit from the Advanced Motorcycle Training course?

The Advanced Motorcycle Training Course is open to all motorcycle riders, and it can be beneficial to anyone. It is particularly useful to take this course if it is over 5 years since you were issued with your first licence. However, participants are said to particularly enjoy the course if they have an existing strong knowledge of the Highway Code and Roadcraft. Anyone who lacks confidence when they are driving in busy, fast or dangerous conditions should consider taking this course as a way to boost their riding confidence.

What do insurance companies think about this qualification?

Some insurance companies are willing to offer a reduction on motorcycle insurance premiums for people who have completed the Advance Motorcycle Training course. Although the reduction isn’t likely to cover the cost of the course straight away, it should help to pay for the course over the span of a few years. You should contact your insurance provider directly to see if they are able to offer a reduction in premium to people who have successfully completed the course. The skills that you learn as part of this course may also help you to protect your No Claims Bonus.