Testimonials

• Very hard to suggest improvement!! A most enjoyable experience.
• The course and the presenters / observers were very good, professional and provided a quality service / course. Very definitely the best value for money training I’ve ever done.
• I’d just like to say a formal “Thank You” to all the observers and presenters from the course. The amount of time the guys give up is unbelievable, including offers of mid-week rides.
• The course has been run in a friendly, yet professional manner in every aspect. It’s a credit to Sefton Advanced Motorcyclists to be able to attract so many willing volunteers of the calibre available for such a length of time
  I think you all do an excellent job, making us all very welcome and always approachable to any little question we may ask.
• I enjoyed every Sat undertaken by the IAM. The observers gave everyone great attention and helped the guys to do their best. Look forward to continuing the skills I have learnt through you. Many thanks for your time and patience.
• I believe the course is about right – being given the guidance and assistance in manageable chunks to allow me to digest and action the subjects without losing the thread.
  
• I would personally like to thank the observers Brian Dring, Barry Hesketh and Dave Miller for their valuable input and feedback in helping me progress

And below we have some customer feedback from our Free Taster Sessions and course associates.

After many years away from motorcycles I decided it was time I treated myself to another only to find I no longer had the confidence that I'd had in my youth! I persevered and my confidence started to return, right up until the point when I got pulled out on at a roundabout! With the bike written off and broken ribs I questioned my sanity but, as soon as I was up and running again, I got another bike but thought it may be wise to book on the IAM course. Maybe I would have been able to avoid the accident if I had done it before?

I'd seen the Advanced Rider Facebook page; there was an offer on so I booked a taster ride. I was nervous about it, I'm not the most confident meeting new people and putting me in a position where I was going to be judged on my riding was well out of my comfort zone. All I can say is that I am so glad I did it! I booked onto the course as soon as I got home. Each observer was great! I was encouraged to ask questions, even between sessions I could email to ask.

The feedback was always tactful and encouraging so my confidence grew. 

With other commitments I sometimes struggled to get the practice in between sessions but, somehow they got me through it and I passed the assessment.  Even that wasn't as traumatic as I'd expected! The assessor explained everything and even offered some tips prior to setting off.

My confidence has come on leaps and bounds, I feel safer as I'm more observant and thinking ahead, even in the car!

I'd definitely recommend the course and I hope to continue my training next year to see if I can improve further.

Ruth – biker

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Back in the heady days before Covid I embarked on an advanced driver's course with John Hatchard. I finally did my assessment July 2021 and was very pleased indeed to achieve a 1st. 

The course was very interesting, informative and enjoyable. This was mainly down to John his patience, knowledge, and teaching skills which, in my opinion, were excellent. John helped me to gain confidence in my driving. In fact you could say I had my eyes opened to speed limits, road conditions, looking ahead, use of mirrors, and much more to keep myself and others safe on the roads.

It also taught me to check the car on a regular basis to make sure the vehicle has correct tyre pressure, free from external damage, all electrics (lights, indicators, wipers, etc) are working, and enough fuel in the tank for the journey.

I have recommended this course to several other drivers as I feel it is well worth taking the time and effort to improve driving skills. No matter how young or old we are, every day is a school day. 

Finally a big thank you to John I was very privileged to have John by my side. I know John would say it was all down to me on the day but it was a joint effort. 

Sue - driver

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Last year, when I began my course, everything was good until the lockdown in November.

I was informed that rides were not taking place but the theoretical side of things could be continued via Zoom.

Consequently, the whole process took longer than expected but I have to say the patience, support and guidance I was given was second to none.

I eventually passed my advanced test and would definitely recommend joining SAM for a comprehensive course of lessons with the observers who know their stuff.

Denis – biker

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I have really enjoyed doing my advanced driving lessons and I’ve learnt so many valuable skills and smoothed out some small bad habits that I had picked up over the years. It was easy to arrange my lessons and my test around work and I would recommend it to anyone.

Harriet - driver

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I have returned to motorcycling after 35 +++ years and if someone would have said to me after a 8-10 week course of IAM Roadsmart I would have completed the course and achieve my advance riding certificate I would have thought they were bonkers. However, with the fantastic group at SAM (Sefton Advance Motorcyclists) and the skill and knowledge of the observers, I achieved my IAM Roadsmart in November. I think everyone young and of “a certain age” will benefit from this course. It will give safety, confidence, knowledge of road craft and enjoyment from motorcycling, Thank you Sefton Advanced Motorcycles (SAM) and the Institute of Advance Motoring (IAM)

Mike - biker

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I had been advised of a transgression: being caught by speed (sorry, safety) camera doing over 30 mph. Initially aggrieved at feeling ensnared by a strategically located device, positioned on a dual carriageway 100 metres from visible 40 mph signs, I wriggled a little and pondered appeal. But rather than pay £100 fine and accept 3 penalty points, I opted for the £79 fee to attend online Speed Awareness Training. It was the best thing I'd done for ages. Really enjoyable, eye opening plus the course presenter suggested I join IAM and do the advanced training. The fee of £149 would include a booklet and sessions with an observer. Well, I wasn't going away on holiday so why not use the money to improve my driving?

Within days I was pouring over the IAM road smart advanced driver course logbook and was in touch with the local IAM group.   A few weeks later I learned of an Observer's availability by the local IAM group secretary. He replied to my email swiftly, setting up a zoom meeting within a couple of days, which included a PP presentation covering IAM expectations and basic course outline.  Over the next 2 months, we had 9 observed runs, lots of email or WhatsApp contacts with signposting from him and questions from me, and my driving improved considerably. From being a keen driver, I became a more aware and consciously thinking driver.  Being able to go away between sessions, reflecting on learning, mindfully applying lessons on my own drives until the next session, reading and watching suggested videos then bringing back questions or observations, to discuss before the next drive - the process was focused, it flowed logically and allowed for growth.

The concept of IPSGA has transformed my outlook, broadening my presence of mind when behind the wheel. To have then gone on to achieve a First on test was an amazing experience. The test itself was an hour's drive, but it didn't feel that long, as you're in a zone of concentrated but flowing focus.

For what would nowadays be the cost of an overnight stay for two with dinner in the Lake District, I've learned more about how to be both a safer and improved driver; avoided 3 points on the licence; learned about resources to constantly improve; passed an advanced test and been inspired to develop my observation and driving skills further to help others. 

That's what I call value for money. Highly recommended

Jim - driver

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