Dumfries Motorcycle Section

Dumfries and Galloway Group Of

Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Welcome to the Motorcycle Section

We meet at St Michael’s St. Filling Station, Dumfries at 10am, every Sunday.

Our Aim is to help motorcyclists ride to the IAM standard and then to take and pass the IAM Motorcycle Test. This is done by associate members following the IAM “Skill for Life” advanced motorcycling programme with the help of our motorcycle observers.

Observed Rides take place on a one-to-one or two-to-one basis and are the way associate members of the Group learn and then refine their skills. They are helped to achieve this by our observers who are specially trained local IAM members. Their task is to coach associates as they progress through the "Skill for Life" programme. The observed rides last around 1½ hours and during this time there are usually a couple of short stops so the observer can give feedback to the associate. At the end of the run there is a proper de-brief and the associate is advised what aspects of their riding they should practice or read up on before their next observed ride. Our observers give up their time and use their own bikes so associates are required to contribute towards the petrol costs incurred by the observer, this will be no more than £4 to £5 depending on the length of the run.

What if I can't make Sunday's? Don’t worry we will always try and be flexible enough to meet your particular requirements.

What if I can't come to Dumfries? We will try to meet your particular requirements.

The IAM Test is arranged once observers consider that the associate has attained a sufficiently high level to exceed a pass (just in case you have a bad day). As a final check associates will go out with our chief observer. If asked observers will always try to have a same day pre-test run with an associate going for their test. The examiner is a Police Class 1 licence holder and he will arrange a test time that is mutually convenient with the associate. The test itself normally lasts around 90 minutes following which the associate is given a comprehensive de-briefing. The pass rate is very high (90% +) and is a tribute to the hard work put in by associates and observers.

Once you have passed your test please keep coming. We have a regular group of full members who go for a run every Sunday and our observers will be happy to do 'polish-up' sessions for those who feel they would benefit. After passing the test you will automatically be upgraded to a full member of both the IAM and the Dumfries and Galloway Group. You will be invited to maintain your membership of the IAM and Dumfries and Galloway Group annually. For the year 2008/09 the annual costs are:

Annual IAM membership fee - £28.00 if paying by Direct Debit.
Annual Dumfries Group membership fee - £10

Riders who have passed the advanced test have a significantly lower accident rate this will allow you to benefit from a range of discounted insurances. Adelaide Insurance have recognised the standard of IAM riders and adjusted their premiums accordingly, many of our group have re-insured their bikes with them.

As a member of both organisations you will receive the IAM’s ‘Advanced Driving’ magazine and the Dumfries Group’s magazine ‘Advance’, each published three times a year. These publications cover a variety of driving and riding topics of national and local interest. Additionally membership gives you access to national and local discount schemes.

Group Rides take place on the first Sunday of the month. The run destinations are chosen by our full members and you can rely on a variety of different road types and a run of between 150-200 miles. There are regular stopping points and these tend to centre round cafes! The group rides can be attended by all IAM motorcyclists, associate or full member.

The Cost of a "Skill for Life" programme is currently £139 (subject to review periodically) and includes the following:

IAM national and local Dumfries and Galloway Group associate membership, automatically upgraded to full membership once you have passed the advanced test, (upon passing the test within 12 months).
A copy of the IAM book ‘How to be an Advanced Rider’.
As much coaching as you require to reach test standard
IAM Test

You may qualify for a discount on the cost of the “Skill for Life” programme, (offers are subject to review), if we have the funds available. More details can be found here.

Why should I do the "Skill for Life" programme? My riding is just fine thank you. Someone once said that we can learn from history or be destined to repeat it. Nothing could be truer in regard to Motorcycling. When was the last time you ran wide on a corner? Or had a car pull out in front of you? What did you learn? We all hopefully learn through life's experiences. Motorcycling is a potentially dangerous pursuit. For instance in 2006 three bikers were killed on Dumfries & Galloway’s roads, they all lived locally. We probably all know someone who has been injured while enjoying their passion of Motorcycling.

Very many riders rely upon their machine control skills alone to get them out of situations. How much safer it could be for these riders if that control can be backed up with the road skills that we can help to develop and at the same time enhance the control? Imagine coupling those machine control skills with the advanced observation and hazard awareness techniques, all promoting increased levels of safety for not only rider but other road users too.

The intent is not to scare you into joining us but to be aware of the possible consequences of assuming you already know all that you need to survive on the roads of today. "Skill for Life" will make you a smoother, safer rider.

If you have any questions, or just want to find out more, please contact the Secretary who will gladly put you in touch with Andrew Bird (motorcycle co-ordinator) or Graeme McColm (chief observer) who are happy to discuss in more detail the “Skill for Life” advanced motorcycle programme with you. Alternatively simply turn up at St Michaels St filling station any Sunday for a chat.

Important Note Concerning Advanced Tests - motorcycle (and car)

No person who has a conviction pending, including those related to Fixed Penalty Notices can take the test until the court case has been completed.

Visit the IAM Scottish Motorcycle Group online forum here