Your IAM history
Discussion
Just interested in when you became a member/"passed", how involved you are etc?
I did the "test" aged 23 (now 37) after my folks sold me a mk2 GTi cheaply and I was pretty certain my driving wasn't good enough. Not been heavily involved but stayed a member ever since - at one point I had an invitation to be a trustee after I wrote an email (we run a PR/comms company) but being in Cornwall, the time commitment was a bit much.
I think I'd like to do a bit more - probably ought to contact my local group!
I did the "test" aged 23 (now 37) after my folks sold me a mk2 GTi cheaply and I was pretty certain my driving wasn't good enough. Not been heavily involved but stayed a member ever since - at one point I had an invitation to be a trustee after I wrote an email (we run a PR/comms company) but being in Cornwall, the time commitment was a bit much.
I think I'd like to do a bit more - probably ought to contact my local group!
Passed test at 17, did IAM a year later. LGV test at 21, RoSPA at 22, IAM Observer at 23.
Then let it all drop for a few years, until I got the itch again in mid-2006. Discovered ADUK driving days, and a drive with an HPC member opened my eyes to a less dogmatic, more stylish way of driving.
The subsequent years have been a quest to reach HPC standard without actually paying for it. I plan to actually do the entry course when funds allow, but keep getting delayed by my car breaking in novel and expensive ways.
I've kept up with the IAM though, and have progressed to being a local group committee member and Senior Observer.
Then let it all drop for a few years, until I got the itch again in mid-2006. Discovered ADUK driving days, and a drive with an HPC member opened my eyes to a less dogmatic, more stylish way of driving.
The subsequent years have been a quest to reach HPC standard without actually paying for it. I plan to actually do the entry course when funds allow, but keep getting delayed by my car breaking in novel and expensive ways.
I've kept up with the IAM though, and have progressed to being a local group committee member and Senior Observer.
It was actually the above poster who got me involved initially by pointing me in the direction of Bristol IAM and their SfL refunds for drivers under 25, during a discussion in this forum. How odd to think that was two and a half years ago now, but since passing I went on to observe for my group, before having to put that on hold as I moved away.
More importantly than the test itself though, through the people I've met I've become involved in the AD community, attending most ADUK days last year. I also went to two HPC Young Drivers Days, which inspired me to see a gatekeeper, and in September I was recommended to entry to the club. I now think that ADUK and HPC better reflect my outlook on the subject than the IAM, but I still wholeheartedly support what the local groups do.
More importantly than the test itself though, through the people I've met I've become involved in the AD community, attending most ADUK days last year. I also went to two HPC Young Drivers Days, which inspired me to see a gatekeeper, and in September I was recommended to entry to the club. I now think that ADUK and HPC better reflect my outlook on the subject than the IAM, but I still wholeheartedly support what the local groups do.
Bought a fast car in 2005 & the SFL for myself & Mrs Brisel shortly afterwards (having scared myself).
Passed the IAM test in 2008 having had many observed runs out over a long period. Wanted to go further so did the Master Driver's Course for HPC entry in 2009. No further contact with the IAM after passing the IAM test but still a member & read the newsletters/magazines.
Passed the IAM test in 2008 having had many observed runs out over a long period. Wanted to go further so did the Master Driver's Course for HPC entry in 2009. No further contact with the IAM after passing the IAM test but still a member & read the newsletters/magazines.
Did the bike as a teenager, due to Police involvement with the RAF (they were trying to lower the deathrate amongst young airmen with motorcycles).
Didn't do the car test until my 40's, became a committe member, observer, then senior observer.
I am still a member, but dropped out of group involvement after a serious accident due to ill health, that broke the "habit" and I haven't been involved since.
Didn't do the car test until my 40's, became a committe member, observer, then senior observer.
I am still a member, but dropped out of group involvement after a serious accident due to ill health, that broke the "habit" and I haven't been involved since.
brisel said:
Admiral, my current insurer, don't give a discount for IAM after 3 years post test as allegedly we are supposed to have "relapsed."
Really? There's an option for it (license type) on the website, and it doesn't mention such a thing. It only saves about £20 out of £600 for me anyway.Passed IAM test in July 2006. Membership Secretary and Associate Coordinator for the local group. Was also an observer but just put that on hold for a while due to other commitments.
Being an observer is a great way to keep up the standard of my own driving and this is reinforced by the need to re-qualify every 3 years (3 theory tests, observing test and re-test of own driving)
Being an observer is a great way to keep up the standard of my own driving and this is reinforced by the need to re-qualify every 3 years (3 theory tests, observing test and re-test of own driving)
BertBert said:
neither of us could put the patronizing b
ks to one side to get the goodness out!
My experience of IAM too, I did stick it out and pass the test, but the driving style was not my cup of tea (little old lady observer).ks to one side to get the goodness out!Went on to do RoSPA Gold with our local police driving chief, much more enjoyable, and much more suited to my driving style, great instructor and genuine enthusiast/petrolhead.
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