IAM is it worth it?

[Downton Mini]

I'm considering doign the IAM coruse next year but wanted poeples opinons on if it is worht it. Speaking to the insurance compnay who I insure the Mini with it will make my policy cheaper by about £60 but speaking to the comany I currently insue the everyday Golf wiht it won't make any dofference so what ofther benifits are there to doing it I know it says all there are lots ont he the IAM website but I thought I would ask from people who have done or are doing the course for their opinions

Sorry if this has been asked before

[ScoobyChris]

Whether it's worth it will come down to what you are hoping to get out of it. If you want significantly cheaper insurance you may well be disappointed. If you want to improve your driving they can certainly help you on that journey.

In a similar vein, you might want to consider the RoSPA route (also known as ROADAR). The pros and cons of the two have been well argued in the past but they are pretty similar.

Chris

[R0G]

Downton Mini said:

I'm considering doign the IAM coruse next year but wanted poeples opinons on if it is worht it.

There might still be a financial incentive in regards to fuel usage even if your insurer will not reduce their premiums

Being a safer driver than you already are is a major consideration

Take a FREE assessment with your local group and use that to help make up your mind

If you live near Leicester then I'll do that free assessment for you if you wish

[Mr Grayson]

.. and once you've passed the test if you're over 25 you would qualify for the IAM Surety insurance schema (if that's your only motivation) which may insure your Golf cheaper for you.

[R0G]

Mr Grayson said:

.. and once you've passed the test if you're over 25 you would qualify for the IAM Surety insurance schema (if that's your only motivation) which may insure your Golf cheaper for you.

Age 19 now

[Mr Grayson]

I bow to your superior knowledge. I didn't see anything in the OP's post or his profile to suggest his age.

[Vaux]

Mr Grayson said:

I bow to your superior knowledge. I didn't see anything in the OP's post or his profile to suggest his age.

Adelaide will accept 19-79 age range now.

[Nigel Worc's]

In a single word ........ YES

The insurance discount has been good to me, but it doesn't work for all, and my IAM observer neighbour, a 29 year old married mathematics techer was recently refused cover by IAM surety, because he's changed his car from a 1.2 litre clio to a 3.0 litre BMW Z3.

I'm sure the Rospa course is just as good.

Enjoy the training and what you'll learn from it.

[Downton Mini]

Thanks for your replies guys I really do think it would be a benifit to me I'm 32 well in just over a week I am I would like to be able to learn to be a smoother driver so I'm easier on the cars. The one worry I have is if I do it in the Mini I might fail as I erm how to put his enjoy dirving it enthushiastcly (sp?)

[Downton Mini]

ROG thanks for yor offer unfortantly I live in Kidderminster so its a little to far but thank you its much appricated

[Nigel Worc's]

Downton Mini said:

ROG thanks for yor offer unfortantly I live in Kidderminster so its a little to far but thank you its much appricated

Your local group number is 07505 224355

I'm no longer an active senior obs, unlike Rog ( I started a new business and needed to concentrate on that).

If your group will not give you a free assessment, pm me, I'd happily go for an imformal run with you, but I'd strongly advise you to do a full course ..... in any car, it doesn't matter what it is.

[Nigel Worc's]

Mr Grayson said:

.. and once you've passed the test if you're over 25 you would qualify for the IAM Surety insurance schema (if that's your only motivation) which may insure your Golf cheaper for you.

Sadly not always true, they can be very fussy about what you drive !

[Benbay001]

Downton Mini said:

Thanks for your replies guys I really do think it would be a benifit to me I'm 32 well in just over a week I am I would like to be able to learn to be a smoother driver so I'm easier on the cars. The one worry I have is if I do it in the Mini I might fail as I erm how to put his enjoy dirving it enthushiastcly (sp?)

The guy who took me on my test was very much a speed demon.

[Pork_n_Beem]

I would say it is, i can still remember stuff from the observed runs even today after 24 years...eek was it that long ago.

Haven't been asked by insurance company, in fact it never seams to come up on Meerkat or confused so would not say it has saved me any.

Its great fun as well, although the examiner was a but miserable on the day, think he was ex-police but everything he said was fair.

Hope you get a good rapport with your observer as that will make it more social and engaging

Go for it

[SVS]

In a word, YES. Just do it! Completing the course is great experience, fun and very rewarding.

Downton Mini said:

The one worry I have is if I do it in the Mini I might fail as I erm how to put his enjoy dirving it enthushiastcly (sp?)

No worries You'll be expected to show restraint in 30, 40 and 50 limits. In National Speed Limits, however, you can drive enthusiastically (provided you are systematic, smooth and above all safe). Bear in mind that IAM Examiners are former police pursuit drivers, who are masters at maintaining smoothness and safety at very high speed.

[WhoseGeneration]

Downton Mini said:

Thanks for your replies guys I really do think it would be a benifit to me I'm 32 well in just over a week I am I would like to be able to learn to be a smoother driver so I'm easier on the cars. The one worry I have is if I do it in the Mini I might fail as I erm how to put his enjoy dirving it enthushiastcly (sp?)

Ah, my youth in the 1960s, in Minis, I had a tuned 997 Cooper.
Just do IAM, the car doesn't matter, it's about how you drive, whatever the car.
Once you've understood AD, your enthusiasm will be tempered by your new found appreciation of observation and planning.
Which will mean you will know when to be enthusiastic, with safety.

[Mr Grayson]

^^^ What he said

[MC Bodge]

I did bike IAM and I think it was a good experience overall (My experiences are documented on a thread on here)

Contrary to stereotyping, I don't display an IAM badge, ride a BMW, smoke a pipe or have a (very)holier-than-thou attitude.

I do, however, wear hi-viz for commuting and sport a stubbly beard at the end of each week.

[DeadMeat_UK]

I bought the course for my girlfriend. It has significantly changed her driving and awareness, as well as her enjoyment on the road. She has gone from a disinterested uninvolved driver to a proper petrolhead and very aware driver.

I am starting mine this weekend so I'll be able to comment on how much of a difference it makes to an existing petrolhead and (I think anyway!) a reasonably aware driver (I rode motorbikes for 12 years which brings up your awareness loads in order to avoid natural selection). Although please don't read into my statement that I think I have nothing to learn - far from it.

The only downside is that she used to get in my car and fall asleep or stare dreamily out of the window, leaving me to get on with the pedalling. Now she just points out any danger ahead (mostly which I've already seen!), and we have arguments and post-mortems about how a hazard has been avoided/dealt with!!

[Downton Mini]

Thanks guys I think I will be investing in the course after Christmas I probally will use the Mini at some point as well as the Golf as they are 2 totally different cars I find myself more alert in the Mini this is either due to no real crash protection, ABS, Traction Control etc or the fact its noisy compared to the Golf. Don't get me wrong I'm not the type of person who drives like an idiot every where I'm just aware that the Mini is a lot smaller then most cars and objects around me!