Why join PAM?
Maybe you are relatively new to biking, perhaps through the Direct Access Scheme. You could be returning to biking after having some time out, or be suspicious that you may have picked up a few bad riding habits, or... you may simply be looking to take your riding skills to the next level.

If so, joining the IAM and preparing to for the Advanced Test may be just what you are looking for. With the support of your local group you will practise a well proven riding system and develop a more confident, consistent and safer riding technique.

If you live in the Plymouth area then the Plymouth Advanced Motorcyclists group (PAM) is your local IAM affiliated group. PAM is run by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers and we are always interested in welcoming new people.

What do you get?
PAM group exists in order to help you become a safer rider; by supporting your preparation for the Advanced Test. This support mainly takes the form of observed one-to-one ride outs, but also includes specific group ride outs, group meeting presentations and of course general support from both fellow Associate and Full members.

For all members PAM offers regular organised group ride outs, regular group meetings, often with interesting and informative presentations, and of course great social gatherings. See the events page.

The current “Skill for life” package costs can be found on the IAM site http://www.iam.org.uk . This fee covers the test fees, first year membership of the IAM, the guide 'How to be a better rider' and the PAM annual group fee. You join as an Associate member and become a Full member on passing the test. On the anniversary of your joining, to continue membership of PAM, you will need to pay both the IAM & PAM  annual membership fees. You will be reminded of this by post at the appropriate time.

Are there any extra costs involved?
Your Observer is a volunteer, running their bike at their own expense, so we ask that on each observed run you make a contribution of £7 to them to help with their running costs.

How to join?
Contact John, 01752 260289, the group's Membership Secretary, to find out more and perhaps arrange a no-obligation assessment ride. Alternatively you can attend one of our club meetings, at the Parkway Sports and Social Club, held every second Monday of the month. (You must, incidently, have a  full bike licence and ride a bike capable of sustaining 70 m.p.h.)

You can also apply for the 'Skill for Life' package online here: http://www.iam.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you to be a better rider.

Preparing for the Advanced Test:
The Advanced Test preparation will be a challenging and enjoyable experience and will hopefully be just the start of your focused development as a safe rider.

On joining PAM you will receive the paper work and guide ('How to be a better rider') and be assigned a PAM group Observer. You prepare for the test at your own pace, reading the manual, arranging observed ride outs and getting practise miles in. It is recommended that you aim for at least 200 miles of riding between observed rides.

In addition to the IAM manual the Roadcraft police riding manual is also a highly recommended reference.

Associates usually have more than five or six observed rides before they're ready for the test. At that time your observer will arrange a pre-test check run with a Senior Observer before it is recommended that you put in for the test.

What next?
When you've passed the test... the natural progression is to train with PAM to become a group Observer. Contact the Chief Observer.