I think that everyone thinks they are a good rider, I know I do, but how do you measure it?
I commute 55 miles everyday, in all weathers. Anyone who reads this knows I ride in the snow too 🙂
Does that make me a good rider?
The logical option is to do some advanced lessons and then take a test. There are various options, and i decided to go for the Institute of Advanced Motorists “Skills for Life” package.
The idea is to join up with your local group and then get assigned an “Observer”. He/she is highly qualified and will take you out on a number of rides, commenting on your riding style and how you can improve.
When you are ready, you are tested by a Class 1 Police motorcyclist, using the same observer method.
The following YouTube video will give you a flavour of what it is about.
As part of you package, you will get a book on good riding practices.
You could also buy “Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider’s Handbook to Better Motorcycling” which goes into a lot more detail, and can be a bit heavy to read.
My local group is SAM.
I have been assigned an observer, I just need to get my act together and get started being observed.