Advanced Motorcycle Training – BMF Blue Riband Rider Award
Advanced motorcycle training at Universal Motorcycle Training® is the BMF Blue Riband advanced rider award, a course for competent, experienced motorcyclists who already hold a full motorcycle licence. It is designed to improve roadcraft, planning, machine control and confidence on real roads.
This course is not learner training and it is not a DVSA licence course. It is aimed at riders who already have the legal entitlement and experience to ride independently, but who want a structured check of their riding and a recognised advanced rider assessment.
What is the BMF Blue Riband rider award?
The BMF Blue Riband rider award is an advanced riding course and assessment for full-licence motorcyclists. It looks beyond basic test standard and focuses on the quality of a rider’s roadcraft, judgement and decision-making.
The course develops the rider’s ability to gather information early, plan ahead, position the motorcycle correctly and maintain smooth, safe progress. It also encourages riders to understand the psychology of riding, including how attitude, concentration and confidence affect decisions on the road.
Successful riders receive a written report, a certificate, a Blue Riband pin badge, a bike sticker, a wallet card and 12 months of BMF membership. The Blue Riband award is valid for three years.
Who is advanced motorcycle training for?
Advanced motorcycle training is for competent, experienced motorcyclists who hold a full motorcycle licence and are comfortable riding on a range of roads. Riders should be able to maintain safe progress on A-roads and motorways and be comfortable with the speeds and distances involved.
The course can cover around 150–180 miles, so riders should be prepared for a demanding but practical day of riding. The motorcycle used must be legal, roadworthy and capable of maintaining progress on A-roads and motorways.
This training may suit riders who want to reduce errors, refine their road positioning, improve hazard anticipation, prepare for more demanding journeys or gain an independent view of their current riding standard.
What does the course involve?
The course is usually held over a day and a half. The first day includes discussion of techniques, theory, demonstration rides and practical training. The day is divided into sections, with breaks for discussion and feedback.
During the practical riding, the instructor observes the rider’s control, planning, positioning, use of speed, cornering, junction approach, overtaking judgement and general roadcraft. Feedback is given throughout so the rider can make improvements during the course rather than waiting until the end.
If the required standard is reached by the end of the first day, the Blue Riband rider award assessment follows as soon as possible, usually the next day. The assessment usually takes between one and one-and-a-half hours and is conducted by a different instructor.
The assessment covers machine control, information gathering, judgement, junctions, psychology and roadcraft. It is designed to confirm whether the rider has reached the required Blue Riband standard.
An alternative timetable is also available. The practical riding can be split into multiple sessions for a less intense approach, at times convenient to the rider and instructor.
How should riders prepare?
Riders should arrive with a legal, roadworthy motorcycle, suitable protective clothing and a willingness to receive direct feedback. Advanced training is most useful when the rider is open to reviewing habits and making small, precise changes.
Suggested preparation reading includes Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider’s Handbook, The Highway Code, and The Official DVSA Guide to Riding – the Essential Skills.
These books help riders understand observation, anticipation, positioning, safe progress and the responsibilities that come with riding a motorcycle well.
What are the benefits of advanced training?
Advanced training can help riders reduce errors in their riding, improve hazard anticipation and planning, and build more control and confidence. It gives riders structured feedback from an instructor rather than relying only on experience or habit.
The training can also help riders make smoother decisions in traffic, read the road further ahead and use the motorcycle more consistently. For many riders, the biggest benefit is a clearer understanding of why certain choices are safer, not just what to do.
Advanced training may help with insurance, but any discount is decided by the insurer and is never guaranteed. Riders should check directly with their insurer if this is important to them.
Where we train
Universal Motorcycle Training® provides motorcycle training from seven centres across London and Hertfordshire:
- Alperton
- Croydon
- Dagenham
- Edgware
- Eltham
- Wimbledon
- Hoddesdon
Most centres operate seven days a week, giving riders more choice when arranging training around work, family and other commitments.
Secure your spot
Booking online is required. To reserve a place, use the online booking system: Book advanced motorcycle training online.
For help before booking, email [email protected] and the team can guide riders towards the most suitable next step.
How much does advanced motorcycle training cost?
The BMF Blue Riband advanced course is £380. A standalone advanced riding assessment is £80. Both can be booked through the online booking system or by calling 020 3691 8807.
FAQ
Do I need a full motorcycle licence for advanced training?
Yes. Riders should hold a full motorcycle licence before booking advanced motorcycle training. The BMF Blue Riband rider award is designed for competent, experienced motorcyclists who are already comfortable riding on faster roads and covering longer distances. It is not a replacement for CBT, A2 or Category A licence training.
Is the Blue Riband award an official qualification and what do I receive?
The Blue Riband rider award is a recognised BMF advanced rider award rather than a DVSA test. Successful riders receive a written report, a certificate and BMF membership benefits. The award is valid for three years, giving riders a clear record of the advanced riding standard reached.
How long does the course take?
The usual format is a day and a half. The first day includes theory, discussion, demonstration rides and practical training, with the assessment following as soon as possible, usually the next day. The practical riding can also be split into multiple sessions for a less intense approach.
Will advanced training reduce my insurance?
Advanced training may help some riders obtain an insurance discount, but this is always decided by the insurer and is never guaranteed. Riders should check with their own insurer before booking if an insurance discount is an important reason for taking the course.
