IAM or RoSPA?

[orangeknight]

looking to do some advanced rider training and can't make my mind up whether it should be IAM or RoSPA. Has anyone done both, any thoughts anyone?

cheers,
O.K

[SK425]

The training and testing is basically the same for both and the usual advice is that the variation between local groups (bearing in mind that they are all volunteers) is wider than the difference between IAM and RoSPA, so if you want to enjoy and get the most out of the training then try contacting your local group for each organisation and see which one you feel you will get on with best. That will have the most impact on what you get out of it.

If you're interested in the testing, the RoSPA test is graded - a pass will be classed as bronze, silver or gold. The IAM test used not to be - it was simply pass or fail - but with the introduction of F1RST there is grading there now too. RoSPA requires you to take a retest every three years to maintain your membership. The IAM doesn't, but there are things you can go for after a test pass - F1RST, Masters.

[ScoobyChris]

orangeknight said:

looking to do some advanced rider training and can't make my mind up whether it should be IAM or RoSPA. Has anyone done both, any thoughts anyone?

I've done both and the syllabus is nigh on the same with both being based on Roadcraft and both examined by Class 1 (ex) Police Drivers. The main differences are RoSPA requires a retest every three years and is quite a bit cheaper, the IAM is more widely recognised and their Surety Insurance scheme can be good.

The biggest single factor, however, is the quality of the local group and this for me would outweigh all the points above. My advice would be to approach both, ask to be taken out for a taster ride/drive to find out what it's all about and see which you prefer.

Whichever route you go, enjoy it and don't forget to ask lots of questions

Chris

[SVS]

Having done both, I agree with all of Chris and SK425's comments. In addition, the IAM offers a Fast Track option with a professional instructor, which is well worth considering too.

[DaineseMan]

Agree with Chris too.

Generally, I think you should train with the AIM because they typically have more and better support groups and the administration of AIM is much more developed than the motorcycling arm of RoSPA.

Once you're ready for the IAM test, you should book the RoSPA test too. The RoSPA test is the same for the road but has a couple of extra features, a question on the Highway Code, another on the mechanics of a bike and then a more detailed approach to POWDERS.