Driving courses
Discussion
Is there a preferred/recommended sequence to follow and do any of them overlap to such an extent that it's not worth doing both?
I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
I have no clear aim at the moment, just a vague wish to improve.
I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
I have no clear aim at the moment, just a vague wish to improve.
They're not strictly equivalent, but you could compare them to academic courses.
The GCSE level ones (IAM and RoSPA) may not stretch you much, but would undoubtedly give a good grounding for the higher levels of study. Like school, they're almost free. These two are like the same subject set by two different examining boards - so similar that there's no real need to do both.
Going straight to a degree level course (HPC entry, IAM Masters) without these basics is possible, but you're now paying Uni-type fees. Like Uni, you won't get onto either of these courses without passing some form of entry test.
Individual coaches, like a private tutor, could provide help with particular areas or occasional refreshers. Children of wealthy families could go all the way with private tuition, but risk missing out on the greater range of ideas and opinions that come from mixing with a wider group. I know of a few people who are very good, and got there without taking the usual IAM route though, so it can be done.
The GCSE level ones (IAM and RoSPA) may not stretch you much, but would undoubtedly give a good grounding for the higher levels of study. Like school, they're almost free. These two are like the same subject set by two different examining boards - so similar that there's no real need to do both.
Going straight to a degree level course (HPC entry, IAM Masters) without these basics is possible, but you're now paying Uni-type fees. Like Uni, you won't get onto either of these courses without passing some form of entry test.
Individual coaches, like a private tutor, could provide help with particular areas or occasional refreshers. Children of wealthy families could go all the way with private tuition, but risk missing out on the greater range of ideas and opinions that come from mixing with a wider group. I know of a few people who are very good, and got there without taking the usual IAM route though, so it can be done.
LordGrover said:
Is there a preferred/recommended sequence to follow and do any of them overlap to such an extent that it's not worth doing both?
I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
I have no clear aim at the moment, just a vague wish to improve.
As you're local you'd do much worse than going for a drive with Tony (S. Gonzales Esq) and seeing what it's all about (sorry for volunteering you Tony! I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
I have no clear aim at the moment, just a vague wish to improve.
). Tony was a great help when I was going down a similar path.I think that's a record number of metaphors mixed. 
Actually, S Gonzales Esq. is the reason for my rekindled interest. He kindly spent a couple of white-knuckle hours at the weekend both reviewing and critiquing my driving and a demonstration of how it should be done. Very enjoyable and rewarding; as I say though - it's started me asking more questions than gaining answers. It's surprising (to me) what I miss or don't even realise until it's pointed out. Humbling I think is the word.
My wish is to become safer while still making good progress and to help fellow road users do the same. Maybe a bit pompous/grandiose but you get the idea.
Actually, S Gonzales Esq. is the reason for my rekindled interest. He kindly spent a couple of white-knuckle hours at the weekend both reviewing and critiquing my driving and a demonstration of how it should be done. Very enjoyable and rewarding; as I say though - it's started me asking more questions than gaining answers. It's surprising (to me) what I miss or don't even realise until it's pointed out. Humbling I think is the word.
My wish is to become safer while still making good progress and to help fellow road users do the same. Maybe a bit pompous/grandiose but you get the idea.
LordGrover said:
My wish is to become safer while still making good progress and to help fellow road users do the same. Maybe a bit pompous/grandiose but you get the idea.
Based on my experience I wouldn't bother with the IAM. I don't know if RideDrive would be any better, or if it just boils down to the instructor.I'm yet another whose been dragged into this AD malarky by S. Gonzales Esq, after an innocuous question in this forum a few years back, when the ink was still drying on my freshly printed license.
-The HPC entry course, RideDrive and Bespoke all use professional coaches. There are many other professional AD coaching companies and independent coaches besides. The disadvantage of these are of course the cost. The advantage is that they are professional coaches, rather than volunteers as per IAM/Rospa.
The traditional approach is to do IAM/Rospa first, then move onto a paid coach once you've learnt the basics, and can get a better return on investment. This worked for me (although those on here who've driven with me will probably disagree).
By this point I've normally mentioned ADUK, but there's clearly no need in this case
LordGrover said:
Is there a preferred/recommended sequence to follow and do any of them overlap to such an extent that it's not worth doing both?
I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
-IAM and Rospa are much of a muchness, and your experience depends more on the observer you're assigned than anything else. They provide an economical way to learn the basics of roadcraft, a good place to start. I'm looking at HPC, IAM, RoSPA, RideDrive, Bespoke, etc.
If I 'do' IAM would I gain much from RoSPA for example?
-The HPC entry course, RideDrive and Bespoke all use professional coaches. There are many other professional AD coaching companies and independent coaches besides. The disadvantage of these are of course the cost. The advantage is that they are professional coaches, rather than volunteers as per IAM/Rospa.
The traditional approach is to do IAM/Rospa first, then move onto a paid coach once you've learnt the basics, and can get a better return on investment. This worked for me (although those on here who've driven with me will probably disagree
).By this point I've normally mentioned ADUK, but there's clearly no need in this case
For a start, I'd suggest reading some or all of the following:
Mind Driving
Expert Driving
Advanced driving (or Porsche driving book) by John Lyon
Roadcraft
and then try to implement the ideas every time you drive.
Read some decent racing/track driving books too for information about dynamics, balance etc.
I think that working on smoothness and 'harmonious interaction with others' is the most important thing.
ps. Learn to ride a motorbike too (as in pass your test and spent a lot of time getting used to riding it well, rather than buying a Fireblade and leaving it in the garage for 362 days of the year).
Mind Driving
Expert Driving
Advanced driving (or Porsche driving book) by John Lyon
Roadcraft
and then try to implement the ideas every time you drive.
Read some decent racing/track driving books too for information about dynamics, balance etc.
I think that working on smoothness and 'harmonious interaction with others' is the most important thing.
ps. Learn to ride a motorbike too (as in pass your test and spent a lot of time getting used to riding it well, rather than buying a Fireblade and leaving it in the garage for 362 days of the year).
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 6th August 20:19
Craikeybaby said:
LordGrover said:
My wish is to become safer while still making good progress and to help fellow road users do the same. Maybe a bit pompous/grandiose but you get the idea.
Based on my experience I wouldn't bother with the IAM. I don't know if RideDrive would be any better, or if it just boils down to the instructor.
MC Bodge said:
For a start, I'd suggest reading some or all of the following:
Mind Driving
Expert Driving
Advanced driving (or Porsche driving book) by John Lyon
Roadcraft
and then try to implement the ideas every time you drive.
Roadcraft and Mind Driving are givens and both read and inwardly digested. Doing my best to implement now; I'm finding it difficult to break 30+ years of bad habits and lousy observation though. Mind Driving
Expert Driving
Advanced driving (or Porsche driving book) by John Lyon
Roadcraft
and then try to implement the ideas every time you drive.
I watched the Roadcraft video last night; found it very useful to see pretty much every concept 'for real' on the road.
Looking forward to Saturday for the Shaftesbury Driving Day; hoping to learn a lot.
I ought to say what a stout bunch Advanced Drivers are; not only did S. Gonzales Esq. offer his time and fuel freely and willingly, but another member has since offered the same. I guess it makes us all safer if we share the knowledge.
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