Pre-Course Requirements
It is necessary to have a copy of motorcycle ‘Roadcraft’ and have spent some time studying it. The course is quite intensive and will take place at quite a pace, we advise that you and your machine must be capable of coping with both the speed and distances involved (motorcycles should be able to maintain progress in the national speed limit both on A roads and motorways and be able to overtake quickly when required.)
A minimum power output of 33bhp or more for participating machines is recommended. You should be familiar with your machine as some of the techniques may be new to you.
You should have held a full motorcycle licence for at least 6 months and have an appropriate level of experience.
The STANDARD Course
The course will start with a theory session and the practical sessions are broken down into separate sections to be held at times convenient to the candidate and the instructor. Once at the required standard the assessment is conducted as the Concentrated Course. Costs will depend on the number of sessions.
The CONCENTRATED Course
Held over a day and a half. The first day will commence with a short period of theory and discussion about the various techniques you will practice, followed by a full day of assessment and demonstration rides. Distances covered can be about 90 miles. The day is broken down into sections with numerous stops for road debriefs. The finish time is dependant on the progress being made during the day, weather and the enthusiasm of the participants! Providing you have reached the required standard by the end of the day, the Blue Riband assessment will take place the following day or as soon as possible afterwards. The assessment (conducted by another instructor) will take about an hour, at the end of which you will receive a written report on your performance. Cost is £250
The Assessment
You will receive a written report of your assessment containing advice on the subject areas of Machine controls, information gathering, psychological, judgemental and road craft. A copy of this will be sent to the BMF and on passing the assessment you will receive a certificate (valid for 3 Years), badge and membership to the BMF for 12 months.
Many insurance companies will allow a discount for this award, so please mention it when you apply.
Course Summary
Riders are given a suggested reading list (SEE BELOW).
Open book test sheets will help prepare you mentally for the course.
Start opening day with discussion of answers as part of the classroom session.
Move onward to ridden sections.
There will be adequate stops allowing for feedback and discussions throughout the road ride.
Day ends with a final briefing.
If required standards are constantly being met, the assessment session is arranged.
If for any reason the required standards are not met, a feedback session will be given, and further training sessions* will be mutually arranged before proceeding to the assessment stage. (*additional fees will apply).
All ‘Blue Riband’ Instructors/Assessors are trained to the highest level, having been trained and ratified by The BMF Blue Riband National Co-ordinator and training staff.
SUGGESTED Reading material list:
The Official DVSA Guide to Riding, The Essential Skills.
DfT, Highway Code.
Motorcycle Roadcraft, The Police Riders handbook to better motorcycling.
DfT, Know Your Traffic Signs
DVD, Better Biking The Official DVSA Training Aid.
