Hello
Some of you may already be familiar with me, but for those who aren’t, I serve as a local Examiner based in Margate. My journey with motorcycles began in the late 70s with the renowned FS1E. (I often wish I still had it, considering its current value). However, my stint with motorcycles was short-lived back then as I transitioned to four wheels and passed my Advanced car test in the early 1980s at just 17½. I was the youngest member of IAM at the time. This means I’ve been a proud member of IAM Roadsmart for an impressive 45 years!
Over the next couple of decades, I drove a variety of vehicles, including bikes, cars, vans, lorries, and buses, all to high standards. My roles in the logistics field often involved driver training and road safety, which remain my passions to this day. I’m committed to making our roads safer through training at all levels. I also have a history of racing Range Rovers off-road, and for the past 25 years, I’ve been racing lawn mowers across the UK and Europe.
I became a part of London Advanced Motorcyclists in 2006, passed my advanced test with Jon Taylor, and quickly progressed to a local observer, then National Observer as soon as it was launched. Back then, it involved a full day assessment with an associate under the watchful eye of JT.
I later assumed the role of Training Coordinator (Chief Observer) and Chairman of LAM until 2018. I transitioned to an examiner role as my work business increased, and I could not commit the time required for the role.
Currently, I own and operate the UK’s largest motorcycle training school, with 25 locations and 4 off-road centres. I’ve built it up from just myself in 2010 to what it is today. I’m a member of the DVSA Motorcycle Strategy Group, which looks at the future of motorcycling in the UK, as well as a member of the National Motorcycle Council. I also serve as the motorcycle lead for the Driving Instructors Association, which represents driver and rider trainers in the UK. But let’s move on from me, as I could talk about myself all day.
To help you prepare for your test, here are a few FAQs from my perspective:
What is a common thing people do on their test that leads to fails or lower scores? The most noticeable issue leading to lower scores or fails is a lack of practice. The more you practice, the better your ride flows as the system becomes ingrained, and the more “sparkle” is evident. Another common mistake is attempting an overtake and getting it wrong. We don’t expect to see an overtake during the test as there isn’t always one available, but we do need to see you planning and taking the appropriate riding positions to demonstrate that you can complete one if the opportunity arises. So, don’t think, “I have to show the examiner an overtake to pass,” as this often leads to a fail.
What is a common mistake people do on test that they are unaware of themselves? One common mistake is positioning on smaller country roads and breaking the offside rule. You shouldn’t go offside to get vision, but if you are in an offside position for whatever reason, then you can stay there to maintain the vision. This mainly occurs where there are no centre markings. If you are on a road like this, then you should work out where the centre lines should be rather than ignoring the fact that there aren’t any.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened during a test? One of the most unusual incidents during a test was when my associate was attacked by a flying hawk that was trying to catch a rodent at the time. His bike scared off the rodent and he got in the way of the diving bird, which was intent on a meal.
Is there anything riding-wise that you find more in EKAM than other places? Are there any specific EKAM habits that get passed around? Some associates still use too much acceleration control as part of the Speed phase of the system, i.e., not showing brake lights going into bends. Brakes can be used and are a systemic element of the system, as part of the Speed phase. It also adds to the “Give” part of Take Use Give in the information phase. By using this approach of braking before the bend, if appropriate, associates will maximise the progress over a given distance by carrying a higher speed before the bend, then applying the 5 principles of cornering.
How do we plan a test route? Criteria? The test needs to be conducted over a good selection of road types, to include dual carriageway or motorway, National Speed limit roads, towns or villages, and smaller country roads. Local knowledge allows the examiner to work out routes, and we tend to test these routes out before we conduct tests on them. These test routes are also monitored by the IAM Roadsmart Regional Manager during our regular standards checks for variety and suitability and to ensure national standards are being met.
Do you think people revert back to “old” techniques after they have passed their test? What is your recommendation to stay on top of your advanced riding after a successful test pass? The first three months after passing your test are the most dangerous for advanced riders. This is known as the honeymoon period where your perceived skill as an advanced rider is higher than reality. Typically, skill fade sets in after 5-6 months of not riding to an advanced standard, and my advice is to continually update and practice your skills. The Fellowship level of IAM Roadsmart membership means you have to retake your test every three years, thus keeping up your skills and preventing this skill fade.