We are one of 60 local voluntary groups affiliated to RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).

The aim of our group is to reduce road accidents, especially for motorcyclists, by encouraging an interest in road safety, by improving motorcycle riding standards, and developing riding knowledge and skills.

Your goal in joining this group should be to take the RoSPA RoADAR test and achieve a recognised motorcycle safety certification. It is our objective to help you on that journey and encourage you to enrol with RoSPA and take that test. As an associate you will meet with tutors on a regular basis to develop your skills and knowledge to that end. While RoSPA ROADAR caters for both cars and motorcycles, this group (RoSPA IART) is a motorcycle only group.

We encourage ongoing membership and ROSPA recertification is every three years. For those that are interested, we actively welcome certified riders to become tutors themselves. This is voluntary and there is no obligation for any member to do so.   However, it is only by advanced riders going forward to become tutors themselves that the group can remain sustainable. Without tutors the group cannot function.

Quarterly meetings are held that include presentation on the material taught, user experiences and general discussion is encouraged. Time permitting these meeting may be supplemented by riding skills sessions, e.g. slow speed riding or maximum braking and bike ABS reactions. (Currently Covid restricted).

The RoSPA Advanced Riding Test is regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging available to the public. Testing standards are monitored and approved by the Driving Standards Agency in the UK.

There are a number of steps to taking the test are:

1. Get Informed - the first thing to do is read the information RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders website. It contains lots of useful information and guidance. In particular, read the information for 'Riders'
2. Read "Motorcycle roadcraft: the police rider's handbook" - this is a great read for anyone interested in improving their riding skills. Available direct from tso website or from many good bookshops. It also comes as a subscription option for new members. Compulsory for anyone hoping to do the Advanced Riding Test!!!
3. Join a RoSPA Group such as ourselves - this is of course optional! Joining a group however will give you an opportunity to get some free tuition in riding technique, and also ride with motorcyclists who have already taken the test.
4. Apply for the Test - apply for an initial test with RoSPA online here. If you are a member of a RoSPA group (such as ourselves), make sure you select it in the drop down field on the application form!
5. Take the Test! - a number of weeks (or sometimes months) after you have applied, an examiner from RoSPA will contact you and arrange a time and place for the test. The test itself lasts around 90 minutes.