Rider and Motorcycle Safety Checks

Rider Fitness – IAMSAFE

Before riding, every client and instructor must consider whether they are fit to ride safely. The IAMSAFE check should be used as a simple reminder:

I – Illness: Am I suffering from illness, injury or any condition that could affect my riding?
A – Alcohol: Have I consumed alcohol or am I affected by alcohol?
M – Medication: Could any medication or other substance affect my ability to ride safely?
S – Sleep: Have I had sufficient rest and sleep to remain alert and focused?
A – Attitude: Am I calm, responsible and in the right frame of mind to ride safely?
F – Food: Have I eaten appropriately and am I adequately hydrated?
E – Emotions: Could stress, anger, anxiety, excitement, grief or other emotions affect my concentration or judgement?

A person who is not fit to ride safely must not participate in practical motorcycle training. Clients should contact Compass Motorcycle Excellence as soon as possible if they believe illness or another circumstance may affect their ability to ride.

Motorcycle Safety and Pre-Ride Checks

Every motorcycle used for training must be roadworthy, safe and appropriately maintained.

Before riding, appropriate safety checks must be carried out, including:

Petrol/fuel – adequate fuel and no apparent leaks.
Oil – correct level and no apparent leaks.
Water/coolant – appropriate level where applicable and no apparent leaks.
Drive system – chain, belt or shaft drive in suitable condition.
External damage – no damage or defect likely to affect safe operation.
Electrics – lights, indicators where fitted, brake lights and horn functioning correctly.
Tyres – suitable condition, tread and correct pressures.
Brakes – appropriate operation and condition.
Steering – free, smooth and without obvious defect.
Suspension – appropriate operation and free from obvious defects or leaks.

These checks complement, rather than replace, the manufacturer's maintenance requirements and any legally required inspection. The DVSA motorcycle MOT inspection requirements cover areas including brakes, steering, lamps and electrical equipment, tyres, suspension, structure, controls and audible warning equipment.

Rider and Motorcycle Legal Requirements

Any motorcycle used on public roads for training must be legally permitted to be used on those roads.

Where applicable, the rider must have:

A current and appropriate UK driving licence or licence entitlement for the motorcycle being ridden.
Appropriate motorcycle insurance.
Appropriate vehicle tax.
A valid vehicle registration.
A valid MOT certificate, where an MOT is legally required.

The rider and motorcycle must meet all applicable legal requirements before riding on the public road. The Highway Code specifically requires riders to ensure that they have a valid licence and insurance and that their vehicle is legal and roadworthy.

Evidence of documentation may be requested by the instructor before or during training. This may include the rider's driving licence, insurance documentation, MOT information and vehicle registration details.

If the required documentation cannot be produced or the instructor has reasonable concerns regarding the legality or roadworthiness of the rider or motorcycle, training may be refused or stopped until the matter has been satisfactorily resolved.

Compliance with Road Rules

All riders must ride in accordance with the current edition of the UK Highway Code, together with applicable road traffic legislation and regulations. Motorcycle riding techniques and training will also be informed by recognised motorcycle roadcraft principles, including information contained within the Motorcycle Roadcraft handbook.

The Highway Code contains both legal requirements and advisory guidance. Riders remain responsible for complying with applicable laws and for riding safely and responsibly at all times.