ABS: Prevents wheel lock-up; apply brakes fully and do not release when pulsing; does not shorten stopping distance on loose surfaces
Traction Control: Reduces power or applies braking to prevent rear wheel spin; intervention is a signal to reconsider throttle inputs
Always select the mode appropriate for current conditions before setting off
4. Rolling brake test ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Perform a moving brake test at low speed when first moving off
Assess that brakes pull up evenly with no pulling to one side
Check for any unusual noises, vibration or sponginess in the lever/pedal
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Test brakes gently when moving off to confirm both front and rear are functioning correctly
Any sponginess in the front brake lever may indicate air in the hydraulic line - do not ride until inspected
Brakes may be affected by overnight cold or damp - a rolling test confirms they are effective before traffic conditions demand them
5. Knowledge – IPSGA ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
IPSGA stands for: Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration - the system of motorcycle control applied to every hazard
The associate must apply IPSGA appropriately and time it correctly
Correct timing of IPSGA is paramount in achieving a safe, smooth ride
OAP (Observation, Anticipation, Planning) underpins the Information phase
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Information (TUG): Take, Use, Give - runs continuously throughout all phases
Position: For safety, view and stability; account for road surface and other road users
Speed: Adjust for visibility, road surface, cornering, other road users, unseen hazards
Gear: Select appropriate gear for the speed. "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; you may not need every phase in every situation
Be ready to return to an earlier phase as new information arrives
Brake/gear overlap is permitted as a planned technique in later stages of braking - never from rushed, late braking
2. Information ▼
6. Observation – scanning ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Sweep far/middle/foreground continuously - do not fixate on any single point
Use all senses including sound (engine noise, surface noise, horns) and feel (vibration, wind)
Lifesaver check: rearward glance into blind spot before any change of speed or direction that would place you in conflict with following traffic
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Target fixation: Looking at a hazard rather than the escape route increases the chance of riding into it - always look where you want to go
Use peripheral vision to detect movement at junctions and side roads
Safe stopping distance rule: always be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear
Extend observation distance on fast roads; at 70mph you travel 31m per second
7. Use of mirrors and rear observation ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Check mirrors before every change of speed or position
Link mirror information to hazards ahead - what is behind matters when you need to brake or change lane
MSM routine: Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre applied before every change of direction
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Mirrors have a blind spot either side - lifesaver (shoulder check) is required before moving into the path of following traffic
Adjust mirrors before moving off so full rear coverage is achieved with minimal head movement
Rear observation should be routine, not reactive - check mirrors as part of every IPSGA cycle
Highway Code
Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre (MSM) before changing speed or direction (Rule 161)
Check mirrors and blind spots before moving off, turning, overtaking, changing lane, or stopping (Rule 159)
8. Take, Use, Give (TUG) ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Take: Actively gather information - scan the road, check mirrors, cover blind spots, be aware of all other road users
Use: Process the information - make observation links, prioritise hazards, form a plan
Give: Communicate your intentions - signals, horn, headlights, and positioning all count as giving information
TUG runs continuously throughout the Information phase of IPSGA
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Information must be acted upon, not merely gathered - the Use stage converts observation into a riding plan
Signals are given for the benefit of other road users, not as a formality - only signal when it helps others
Position communicates intention: moving out signals intent to overtake; moving in signals intent to turn left
9. Road signs and markings ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Read and respond to all road signs, road markings, traffic lights and speed limit signs
Signs give advance information - use them as part of the observation link process to plan ahead
Speed limit signs must be identified and complied with; note repeater signs in built-up areas
Highway Code
MUST comply with all road signs, traffic light signals and road markings
Double white lines: where nearest is solid, MUST NOT cross or straddle unless turning, passing a stationary vehicle, or passing a cyclist/horse (Rule 129)
Yellow box junctions: MUST NOT enter unless exit is clear, except when turning right (Rule 174)
Lane markings and arrows indicate lane usage - follow them (Rule 130)
10. Anticipation ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Read the road ahead and form a picture of what is developing
Observation links: use physical features as clues to what lies beyond your view
Ask three questions: What can I see? What cannot I see? What might I reasonably expect?
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Observation links: Signs, shadows, reflections, vegetation, fences, telegraph poles, other vehicles - all give clues about road direction and hazards beyond view
A hedge line turning right, or a gap in a wall, may indicate a hidden junction - anticipate, adjust speed, be ready
Other road users: vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, horses, animals
Weather/environment: rain, ice, fog, sun glare, wind, debris
Prioritise: assess severity and proximity. The most dangerous hazard demands most attention
Safety bubble: maintain space on all sides - front, rear, left and right - and expand it as speed increases
Multiple hazards together require extra caution - time and space to deal with each reduces
3. Position ▼
12. Bends ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Apply the five cornering principles consistently on every bend
Use the limit point to judge entry speed and adjust throughout the bend
Motorcycle Roadcraft - Five Cornering 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 through the bend to maintain constant speed
Right-hand bends: Position toward the left of your road space for best view
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 - push left handlebar to go left, push right to go right. This is how all motorcycles physically steer at speed
Apply counter-steering pressure smoothly - abrupt inputs unsettle the bike
13. Junctions and roundabouts ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Approach philosophy: "planning to stop but looking for information to go"
Position: nearside for turning left, centre lane for turning right at multi-lane junctions
Offside-to-offside right turns where road layout and traffic permit
Tyres and tarmac: when the front tyre of the vehicle ahead clears the junction, you can see it is clear
Roundabouts: approach in correct lane, signal correctly, give way to traffic from the right
Highway Code
Give way to traffic on the major road at junctions (Rule 172)
At roundabouts, give way to traffic already on the roundabout from the right (Rule 185)
Signal left when leaving a roundabout (Rule 186)
At T-junctions, traffic on the through road has priority (Rule 172)
14. Motorways ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Identify and use signs in planning; gather information on traffic flow when entering
Adopt appropriate entry position; use slip road to build speed and position alongside a gap
Use nearside lane whenever possible
Adopt at least a two-second following distance; double in wet conditions
Recognise differences: motorways (blue signs, restricted users) vs dual carriageways (green/white signs, all users, junctions from either side)
Motorcycle Roadcraft
At 70mph you travel 31 metres per second - extend observation far ahead
Overtake to the right only - no "slow" or "fast" lanes
Don't sit in other drivers' blind spots; move rapidly through them
Leaving: Lose speed in the deceleration lane, not on the main carriageway; check speedometer - 50mph feels like 30mph after motorway speeds
Smart motorways: Hard shoulder may be an active lane; watch for stationary vehicles; obey gantry signals
Highway Code
Maximum speed 70mph (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)
MUST NOT stop on carriageway, hard shoulder, or slip road except in emergency (Rule 271)
15. Overtaking ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Three stages: Following position (safe distance, gathering info) → Overtaking position (moved out, confirmed safe) → The overtake (commit and complete decisively)
Three questions before every overtake: Do I need to? Is it safe? Is my machine capable?
Never exceed the speed limit to complete an overtake
Always be ready to abort and return to following position
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Choose a safe place: good visibility ahead, no junctions, no bends, no crests
Build up information from the following position before committing
Once committed, complete the overtake decisively - hesitation is dangerous
Allow adequate clearance and don't cut back in too soon
Highway Code
Check mirrors, signal, check blind spot before moving out (Rule 162)
MUST NOT overtake across solid double white lines, near pedestrian crossings, after No Overtaking signs (Rule 165)
Do not overtake approaching bends, hump bridges, or brow of hills (Rule 166)
Being overtaken: maintain steady course and speed, never obstruct (Rule 168)
16. Hazard management ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Consider what can be seen, what cannot be seen, and what might reasonably be expected
Form contingency plans for developing hazards - have an escape route in mind
Maintain a flexible safety bubble and expand it as speed or risk increases
Prioritise hazards: most dangerous first, closest first
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Position is the primary tool for hazard management - being in the right place creates time and space
When multiple hazards coincide, additional caution is needed - time and space to deal with each reduces
Apply IPSGA to every hazard: the phases may be compressed or expanded depending on severity
Contingency: always have a plan B - reduced speed, increased space, or an escape route
17. 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
Reduce speed and increase space when passing all vulnerable road users
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Cyclists: Allow at least 1.5 metres when overtaking; only pass on the offside; don't overtake then turn across their path
Horses: Pass at no more than 15mph; avoid using horn; allow plenty of room; be prepared to stop
Pedestrians: Watch for unexpected crossing especially near schools, shops, bus stops, parked vehicles
Highway Code
Rule H1 - Hierarchy of Road Users: Those who can cause greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to reduce risk
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)
4. Speed ▼
18. Speed limits ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Advanced riding is not about maximum progress - it is about the required level of progress, safely
Identify speed limit signs and repeater signs; respond immediately to changes
Highway Code
Built-up areas: 30mph (Rule 124)
Single carriageway (unless signed): 60mph (Rule 124)
Dual carriageway and motorway: 70mph (Rule 124)
The speed limit is the maximum, not a target - conditions may require much less
Reduce speed for hazards, bends, pedestrians/cyclists, bad weather and night (Rule 125)
At least a 2-second gap on fast roads; double on wet; much more on ice (Rule 126)
19. Acceleration sense ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Develop the ability to manage speed through observation and anticipation, reducing reliance on the brake
Smooth speed management creates a more comfortable, fuel-efficient and safer ride
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Acceleration sense: The ability to vary speed by throttle alone through observation and anticipation - reducing or eliminating brake use
Requires knowledge of the machine's capabilities in each gear and at each speed
Common mistakes: accelerating hard then braking for slower traffic; accelerating into closing gaps
Speed perception can be distorted on quiet machines, wide open roads, and after motorway speeds - always check the speedometer
20. Limit point ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Understand and use the limit point to judge the correct entry speed and progress through bends
Motorcycle Roadcraft
The limit point is the furthest point where you have an uninterrupted view of the road surface - where the 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 of your road
Beware double-apex bends that tighten after entry - the limit point will warn you early if you watch it correctly
21. Braking technique ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Apply progressive braking: early and lightly, building to more firmly, then easing before the stop
Brake firmly only in a straight line - braking while cornering reduces available grip for steering
Complete all braking before turning in to a corner
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Front wheel produces the largest braking effort - use both brakes together for optimum stopping
Under braking, weight shifts forward making the rear wheel easier to lock - ease rear brake progressively
Tyre grip is shared between braking and cornering - if more is used for one, less is available for the other
ABS: Prevents wheel lock-up; apply fully and do not release when you feel pulsing; does not shorten stopping distance on loose surfaces
Progressive braking is both safer and gives brake light warning to following traffic in good time
5. Gears ▼
22. Clutch and changing gear ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Conduct gear changes smoothly - no jerkiness, no clunking, no coasting
Match engine speed to road speed when releasing the clutch (blip throttle on downchanges)
Don't over-rev or allow the engine to labour - both indicate an incorrect gear
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Two acceptable downchange techniques:
Hold clutch and change down multiple gears (block change); engage drive only in the required gear
Work through each gear sequentially, briefly engaging each
Engine braking operates only on the rear wheel and gives no brake light signal to following traffic
Smooth clutch release is the foundation of smooth riding - rushed release causes instability
23. Choice of gear ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Select the appropriate gear for the current speed - engine should neither over-rev nor labour
Select a gear with sufficient flexibility to allow for speeding up and slowing down without changing
For electric/automatic motorcycles: ensure riding mode and power delivery setting suit the hazard; the gear phase of IPSGA becomes mode selection
Motorcycle Roadcraft
"Brakes are for slowing, gears are for going" - do not use gear changes as a substitute for braking
Consider higher gears for fuel economy where they provide adequate performance
Know your machine's performance in each gear - this informs when to block-change vs sequential change
24. Timing of changes ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Engage the correct gear for the speed now, while taking account of what will be required immediately ahead
Gear should be selected before reaching the hazard - not mid-hazard
Know when to select neutral when stationary for a period
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Block change or sequential - both are valid; choose based on time available and situation
Timely gear selection allows smooth exit from hazards - late selection results in clutch slip under acceleration
Brake/gear overlap (braking while changing gear) is permitted as a planned, late-phase technique - never the result of late braking
6. Acceleration ▼
25. Smoothness ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Operate all controls in a smooth and accomplished manner without undue effort
The machine should not be adversely unbalanced by control inputs
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Smooth, progressive, accurate throttle movements are essential for stability
Jerky throttle wastes fuel, reduces grip, and jeopardises stability - especially mid-corner
Maintain positive throttle (constant speed, not acceleration) through bends for best stability
Never increase road speed while cornering; save acceleration for the exit
Smooth transitions between braking and acceleration pass through a brief neutral throttle phase
26. Anticipation and planning ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Apply the OAP approach: Observation, Anticipation, Planning
Read developing situations and plan ahead - adjust the riding plan as new information arrives
Assess factors before deciding on acceleration: speed limit, road surface, lean angle, grip, weather, proximity of next hazard
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Choose an appropriate point to accelerate smoothly away from a hazard
Acceleration should be smooth and progressive - abrupt throttle opens unsettle the rear tyre
The harder you accelerate, the less cornering ability you have (tyre grip trade-off)
Good planning means acceleration can begin earlier and more smoothly - rewarding earlier observation
27. Hazard awareness ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Identify hazards early to allow smooth management through IPSGA rather than reactive responses
Assess risk level: probability of hazard developing, severity if it does, your available response time
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Early hazard identification allows acceleration sense (throttle management) to replace braking
Late hazard identification forces harsh braking and rushed gear selection - the hallmarks of a reactive rider
Manage response through IPSGA: Information (identify the hazard) → Position → Speed → Gear → Acceleration (negotiate and exit)
28. Progress and restraint ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Advanced riding is not about maximum progress - it is about the required level of progress safely
Restraint should be balanced with progress, allowing the ride to flow without unnecessary delay
The correct degree of acceleration allows safe, unobtrusive progress
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Advanced riders make a considered effort to complete manoeuvres in the shortest safe time, within the speed limit
Balance between when to use restraint (approaching hazards, limited visibility) and when to make progress (clear road, safe overtake opportunity)
Unnecessary slowness obstructs other road users and fails the standard just as excessive speed does
7. Other Skills ▼
29. Steering ▶
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Counter-steering is THE primary steering mechanism above approximately 20mph: Push the left handlebar to go left; push the right handlebar to go right. 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 under pressure
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 the ground
The sharper the bend or the higher the speed, the more lean angle needed and the more counter-steering force required
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Road position should be chosen for safety and view - smooth, confident steering achieves this
Look where you want to go: head and eyes lead the motorcycle through the corner
30. Slow manoeuvring ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Ride at walking pace under full control
Bring the machine to a controlled stop with left foot down, then right foot down
Perform a U-turn within the width of a normal road
Pull away with lock applied
Complete a simple slalom course through cones
Manually handle the motorcycle into a parking bay (standing alongside, not paddling)
Place motorcycle on and off centre stand and side stand
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Motorcycles become less stable as speed decreases - balance and weight distribution matter more at low speed
Rear brake as primary speed control: Use the rear brake as the main speed regulator at low speed - it provides smooth deceleration without front-end dive
Friction zone (clutch slip point): The range of clutch lever movement where the clutch is partially engaged; mastering this gives fine speed control at walking pace
Look through the turn: Keep head up and look through the intended arc - do not look at the ground or an obstacle (target fixation applies at low speed too)
It is safer to manoeuvre while standing alongside the machine than to paddle with feet
A motorcycle requires little effort to keep upright when vertical; even a small lean multiplies the effort significantly
31. Knowledge – Highway Code & course material ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Demonstrate sound understanding of the Highway Code and advanced course materials
Sound knowledge of the technology fitted to the machine: ABS, traction control, riding modes, sat-nav
Modern riding aids complement skills - they do not replace them
Understand all road signs, markings, signals and rules governing motorcycles specifically
Highway Code
The Highway Code applies to all road users; riders are expected to know rules specific to motorcycles (Rules 83-88)
Rules H1, H2, H3 establish the hierarchy of road users and responsibilities (2022 update)
Speed limits, stopping distances, signals, road markings - all must be known and applied correctly
32. Courtesy to other road users ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Share road space cooperatively - give way when it is safe and courteous to do so
Communicate clearly and cooperate with other road users
Set a good example - advanced riders represent the standard others aspire to
Consider effects on others: passing near puddles, close overtakes, blocking junctions
Highway Code
Be patient; do not become agitated; slow down if someone pulls out in front (Rule 147)
MUST NOT throw anything from a vehicle (Rule 147)
Promote safe sharing of road space; courtesy and good manners reduce conflict
33. Vehicle sympathy ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Smooth operation of all controls: throttle, brakes, clutch, steering
Take opportunities to rest the engine in higher gears when appropriate for both machine sympathy and fuel efficiency
Appropriate use of all controls reduces mechanical wear and improves tyre life
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Don't over-rev or allow the engine to labour - both cause unnecessary wear
Change up early for economy; use peak performance only when genuine progress requires it
Fuel-efficient riding: avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, use acceleration sense, keep to the speed limit
Machine sympathy and eco driving are the same skill - smooth inputs benefit both rider and machine
34. Spoken thoughts (commentary riding) ▶
Advanced Rider Course Logbook v7, 2025
Commentary riding is a testable competency on the advanced motorcycle test - applies to all advanced riders, not just car drivers
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 is being applied correctly
A good commentary identifies 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
Motorcycle Roadcraft
Commentary riding reveals the quality of OAP (Observation, Anticipation, Planning) in real time
If you can verbalise a hazard before you reach it, you have observed and anticipated it correctly
Commentary that only describes what is happening now (rather than what is developing ahead) indicates reactive, rather than anticipatory, riding
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)
DEMO Birmingham Advanced Motorcyclists