Welcome to Durham Advanced Motorcyclists
Want To Be A Great Biker?
We Can Help
Who Are We?
Durham Advanced Motorcyclists (DAM) is a registered charity, non-profit making organisation, affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Our group has around 200 members and is growing continually. Our members are all ages, come from all walks of life and ride all sorts of bikes, such as sports replicas, tourers, sports tourers, adventure, custom and cruisers.
If you are a biker interested in improving your riding skills we can help you. Riding your bike is one of life’s great pleasures. However, regardless of whether you’re new to biking, returning after a break or have many years experience, our advanced riding courses can make you a better rider and bring you even more enjoyment and confidence to your riding. Whether it’s about improving your own standards or reassuring a loved one who struggles to share your enthusiasm, our Skill for Life programme can make you a better and safer rider.
We have a very active social scene that caters for everyone. We meet at 7.30pm towards the end of each winter month (except December) at the Bowburn Hall Hotel, see below, where you'll be made welcome.
There is a large room set aside for us and meals are available. We have guest speakers during the winter meetings when possible and rides out during the biking season, March to October.
Joining DAM
The first stage is to join IAM. Click HERE to purchase the IAM’s Advanced Rider Course. Please enter DURHAM as your local Advanced Motorcyclists Group. When you join you will be contacted by our Observer / Associate Co-Ordinator. He / she will allocate an Observer (trainer) to you for your one to one tuition, who will contact you directly to arrange your first run.
What We Do
The Observers (Trainers)
The training section of the group is run by volunteer members who are there to promote approved advanced riding techniques as detailed by the IAM. Training to become an Observer involves on-road sessions and classroom studies which ends with written exams to become a qualified IAM Observer. This qualification is reinforced by an observed road test every year. DAM's National Observers are retested by IAM every 5 years. All Observers give their time freely except for a contribution from the Associate towards their petrol and running expenses. Currently £20.00 per training rideout.
The Associate (You)
All observed runs are on a one-to-one basis and consist of briefing and discussion sessions and observed runs. Runs are typically up to 50 miles or 2 to 3 hours. The Observers will give as much help and encouragement as possible but it’s up to you (the Associate) to study and practice between observed runs. Good knowledge of 'The Highway Code’ and ‘Advanced Rider Course’ handbook is essential. Another worthwhile read is 'Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook to Better Motorcycling'. Always bring your driving license to an observed run and your bike must be road legal. Your Observer may cancel a session if he/she feels that your bike is unsafe for use on the road or if you are not suitably clothed.
The Main Focus
The Main Focus of the group is to improve your standard of riding to an advanced level through comprehensive training with our observers. DAM is actively supported by the Cleveland / Durham Police Motorcycle Section and many of our observers (trainers) have been trained by their Police Motorcyclists. We have over 25 years of experience in training to the IAM standard and have had well over 1000 passes. Riding your bike is one of life's great pleasures. However, regardless of whether you’re new to biking, returning after a break or have many years experience, our advanced riding courses can make you a better rider and bring even greater enjoyment and confidence to your riding. Whether it’s about improving your own standards or reassuring a loved one who struggles to share your enthusiasm, our Skill for Life programme can make you a better and safer rider.
Reasons for Taking The Test
To improve your general standard of riding. To become a safer rider. To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. To become a more confident rider. Other reasons are:- Get rid of bad habits. To demonstrate to others that your riding is of a high standard and to influence other people’s riding. Gaining insurance discounts. Improving fuel efficiency. For your job.
How Much Does It Cost?
New associates joining the IAM Advanced Riders Course pay a one off fee of £175 which covers the IAM fee, advanced test and 1st year IAM membership, one year DAM associate membership, a copy of the 'Advanced Rider Course' book and a certificate on passing the IAM Advanced Test.
If you are an existing member of the IAM but are a new motorbike associate the cost is £136.
Annual fees are payable on the 4th January each year and are as follows
Cheque or cash -
• DAM Full Member - £10
• DAM Associate Member - £10
After the first year all DAM members must also pay their annual IAM subscription.
How to Join
The first stage is to join IAM. Click HERE to purchase the IAM’s Advanced Riders Course. You'll be asked to enter your local Advanced Motorcyclists Group location. Please use Durham, enter your date of birth and click "Continue". You will automatically join DAM when you join IAM.
Alternatively, you can come to one of our monthly club meetings and apply there. It's as easy as that!
New members are called Associates and you'll be invited to club meetings where you can meet with other like-minded riders.
DAM is one of the best clubs in the UK and we have won top awards from IAM for our training and pass rates. We have an active riding and social scene and literally have something for everyone.
We very much look forward to meeting you and wish you a warm welcome to our club.
Scroll down to read what happens when you join DAM.
What Happens When You Join?
You will be contacted by our Observer / Associate Co-Ordinator. He/she will allocate an Observer (trainer) to you for your one to one tuition, who will contact you directly to arrange your first run. Once you have submitted your application forms you can attend the regular runs on Tuesday evenings (summer time only) and Sundays, that are open to all DAM associates and full members. This is in addition to any arrangements you make with your observer for one to one sessions. The dates and times for these regular runs are detailed in the latest DAM Diary on this website in the Diary and News page.
When You Pass Your Test
After you pass your test and become a full member you can take part in all group Full Member Runs. Please let the Membership Secretary know your IAM number and also if your personal details change at any time ie. address, phone number, email etc.
Gift Aid Form
We would also like to encourage members to download, print and complete the Gift Aid form, if the conditions detailed apply to you. We can then reclaim 28% as we have charitable status. You can download the Gift Aid Form HERE
Please send completed forms to:- Durham Advanced Motorcyclists ℅ Mrs. Joanne Turner
14, Elvey Lane, Hemlington, Middlesbrough TS8 9GT
Thank you.
Renewal of IAM Membership
IAM will contact you directly and will offer a number of ways of rejoining, such as single annual payments, Direct Debits etc.
Renewal of DAM Membership
This can be done at any Tuesday night social meeting or by downloading, printing and completing the membership renewal form here. Subscriptions are due for all members who joined the club prior to the start of 2023. Subs are £10, please use the form above.
