The IAM (Motorcycle) Senior Observer's  Test

I have been involved in conducting numerous Senior Observer tests around Scotland and there are many frequently asked questions on this topic, so I will try to de-mystify the topic and give a few pointers for potential Senior Observers, here after referred to as the Candidate.

The IAM have produced two very good (small) booklets, which I do not intend reproducing in full on this web page.  Any Candidate for the Senior Observer Test should have a good understanding of these booklets:

• Motorcycle Observer Qualification - A Guide
• Motorcycle Observer Training Manual

Further to this they should have a sound understanding of:

• The Highway Code - Current Edition (ISBN 0-11-552698-6)
• Motorcycle Roadcraft (ISBN 0-11-341143-X)
• Pass Your Advanced Motorcycling Test (ISBN 0-7603-2036-5)

The Senior Observer Practical Test is split into 2 sections.  The first section is set aside for Observing a Group Associate riding towards the standards specified in PYAMT.  The second section is devoted to a demonstration drive at the specified standard.

What the Examiner expects on the Observed Run (taken from the IAM's booklets)

The Candidate should demonstrate the ability to:-

• Put the Associate at ease.
• Ascertain the Associates current degree of progress - Introduce each topic by giving any necessary explanations or descriptions of the procedures to be covered.
• Choose and explain the route - Consider your route carefully ensuring you choose roads appropriate to the subjects to be introduced.  Ensure the Associate understands what you expect of them during the Run.
• Give the Declaration - Ensure the Rider understands they are in control of their machine at all times
• Explain direction giving - Give directions clearly, unambiguously and in good time.
• Ensure a starting and stopping drill are given.
• Clearly explain faults - Be friendly but firm.  Couple constructive criticism with encouragement.
• Rectify faults - Explain methods to rectify those faults identified - tackle the most serious first!

At the end of the Run the Candidate should:-

• Review the ride with feedback and encouragement - Summarise what has been covered and ask if the Associate has any questions.
• Recommend reading and practise for next Ride - Remind the Associate what to practice before the next Ride giving some idea of what standard you expect by then.  Also inform the Associate of what reading would be appropriate.
• Fill in a Ride Report - Complete it before leaving the Associate (Guidance on completing such a Report Form is in the IAM Observer Training Manual).

What the Examiner expects on the Demonstration Ride (taken from the IAM's booklets)

It is essential that each Candidate is capable of producing a good quality Demonstration Run.  This run is not to be confused with a Police Class One Run or even an Advanced Test Run.  The potential Senior Observer's competence as an Advanced Driver has already been established when they passed the IAM's Motorcycle test.  What is required to be shown by the Candidate is the ability to describe and explain Advanced Driving techniques.

The Candidate will be expected to display demonstration skills in the areas shown below:-

• Town - A safe, systematic, smooth, progressive run within the speed limits.
• Country - As Town (above) but note that a reasonably progressive run will suffice, maintaining unrealistic speeds is not required and could intimidate a prospective Associate.
• Motorway (or other high speed road) - As Town (above) but including joining and leaving from slip roads.

Marking.

In marking the skill factor the Examiner has to decide if a Candidate has passed or to advise the Candidate to re-take the test after a minimum of 3-months.  The Candidate must be satisfactory in ALL areas.  Being very good in all but one area and unsatisfactory in that one area will lead to the Candidate being advised to re-take the test.

Standards.

The Senior Observers in any Group are responsible for ensuring the Group trains to the required standards.  This means they...

• train those who are Full Members of the IAM (passed the test in other words) to become Observers.
• monitor the Group's Observers to ensure training standards are maintained
• carry out "mock tests" or check runs with Associates prior to them sitting their IAM Motorcycle Test
• are there to support the Observers and act as a font of knowledge and experience
• (might) also train their own Associates.

Further insight into what is expected from the Candidate

Return to Motorcycling index page Index.