IAM or RoSPA

[lloydyyy]

Hello everyone This is my first post, so go easy on me

I'm looking to become a safer driver by improve my driving skills and enrolling on an advanced driving course. The two main groups I know of are IAM and RoSPA.

Between the two, which is better? I'm looking at factors such as costs for training and testing and recognition. Which group would be preferable and more recognised than the other?

I'd also appreciate any comments from anyone that has completed IAM or RoSPA training regarding their personal experience.

[angoooose]

It boils down to which group is more convenient. The ultimate aims are the same

Differences? RoSPA is usually cheaper, both for the test and annual membership. RoSPA uses Roadcraft, IAM its own textbook (loosely based on Roadcraft). Your annual RoSPA membership includes a re-test every 3 years. IAM can offer better discounts (including insurance), newsletter and forum (not saying much...)

[Davel]

Firstly, Hi and well done you!

I've been riding for 14 years and driving for over 40 years (I'm nearly 62).

I've just booked a RoSPA course with a colleague to improve my riding skills. I don't think they're bad but am sure that they could be better.

Nice to see someone wanting to improve their abilities.

Enjoy

[R0G]

have you looked at this site = http://www.advanceddrivinghub.com/forum/index.php

[Lester H]

angoooose said:

It boils down to which group is more convenient. The ultimate aims are the same

Differences? RoSPA is usually cheaper, both for the test and annual membership. RoSPA uses Roadcraft, IAM its own textbook (loosely based on Roadcraft). Your annual RoSPA membership includes a re-test every 3 years. IAM can offer better discounts (including insurance), newsletter and forum (not saying much...)

I enjoyed doing IAM stuff, some pompous members , many friendly, helpful. However insurance discount is either minimal ( because there are so many other factors involved) or offered from an already expensive insurer.

[WJNB]

All respect for admitting you have something to learn as too many drivers think that experience equates to ability. Many motor home & caravan owners & those who wear hats whilst driving are past masters at being advanced drivers.
Just be aware that having passed any advanced driving tests you have only reached the standard for the test & may be tempted to revert to normal standards after. Also many who pass are tempted to train others by example & exaggerating many of their manoeuvres. Slowing down before everybody else would for junctions & roundabouts & being very slow to accelerate away are examples. 'They' call it 'mechanical sympathy' or saving the globe from excessive emissions.
The police used to run advanced one & two driving courses for company employees (some sort of insurance discount deal) & having completed such courses & an IAM one the police have a far more realistic less superior pompous approach that is more realistic & relevant to todays driving conditions.

[casbar]

Motorcycle only experience, did both tests on the same day after an intensive 5 day course with a company that use Police riders as trainers. Both tests are nearly the same. Differences are, IAM is for life, ROSPA you need to re-test every 3 years. I do not have a problem re-qualifying every 3 years, we all have bad habits. Insurance wise both gave me good discounts. I needed one or the other as I ride for NABB (National Association of Blood Bikers). But to be honest all training to worthwhile.

[angoooose]

Lester H said:

However insurance discount is either minimal ( because there are so many other factors involved) or offered from an already expensive insurer.

Actually, if you insure through Surety, they will match any quote you get through comparison sites.

However, for that they use someone you've never heard of, so I don't know what the claims procedure is like, and once they've got your details they will pester you at renewal time, to the extent I've blocked their phone number

[Lady Godiva]

lloydyyy said:

Between the two, which is better? I'm looking at factors such as costs for training and testing and recognition. Which group would be preferable and more recognised than the other?

Both the IAM and Rospa will get you driving to exactly the same standard, doing almost exactly the same things.

Most of the other comments on here will have answered your questions; just bear in mind that you can get good and bad observers in all organisations, so don't make a judgement based on individual stories. I'm sure you'll enjoy it whichever you pick.

Bear in mind that if forums are important to you, the IAM no longer has a members forum. But the rest is pretty much as it was before.

WJNB said:

Also many who pass are tempted to train others by example & exaggerating many of their manoeuvres. Slowing down before everybody else would for junctions & roundabouts & being very slow to accelerate away are examples. 'They' call it 'mechanical sympathy' or saving the globe from excessive emissions.
The police used to run advanced one & two driving courses for company employees (some sort of insurance discount deal) & having completed such courses & an IAM one the police have a far more realistic less superior pompous approach that is more realistic & relevant to todays driving conditions.

No observer I know, or any associate of mine, slows down before everyone else for junctions and roundabouts. Plus, they are certainly anything but slow to accelerate. My associates use the full rev range, briskly e.g. at a junction into a NSL A road, pull away in first then into 2nd, stay in 2nd all the way to 60mph in as short a space of time as possible, allowing a block change into 4th/5th just before the red line. Perhaps you had an old fashioned observer, but you get them in Rospa as much as the IAM. Fortunately they are few and far between.

angoooose said:

Actually, if you insure through Surety, they will match any quote you get through comparison sites. However, for that they use someone you've never heard of, so I don't know what the claims procedure is like, and once they've got your details they will pester you at renewal time, to the extent I've blocked their phone number

To be fair, Surety do not guarantee to match any quote. Sometimes they will not even get near. They will usually try, but there is no guarantee. I must admit I don't get pestered but I've heard of some who do.

Hope that helps.

Sally x

[p1esk]

Hiya Sally, I was thinking about you only the other day, and wondering if ADHub will get round to organising a Coventry Driving Day - with you playing a leading role...

Best wishes,
Dave.

PS, are you still persevering with the baking?

[Lady Godiva]

p1esk said:

Hiya Sally, I was thinking about you only the other day, and wondering if ADHub will get round to organising a Coventry Driving Day - with you playing a leading role...

Best wishes,
Dave.

PS, are you still persevering with the baking?

Hi Dave

I've learned that all I have to do is say confidently to number 1 son that cherry scones are meant to be flatter, and more dense, than commercially bought ones and I can get away with it.

I've also learned that despite what experts tell you, it's not possible to H&T in Jimmy Choos . But pumps let me put my foot in the bucket.

Love Sally x

[angoooose]

p1esk said:

Hiya Sally, I was thinking about you only the other day, and wondering if ADHub will get round to organising a Coventry Driving Day - with you playing a leading role...

ADHub doesn't organise driving days, its members do. Feel free to volunteer. There's plenty of advice available

And if I'm free that weekend, I'll put my name down

[p1esk]

angoooose said:

p1esk said:

Hiya Sally, I was thinking about you only the other day, and wondering if ADHub will get round to organising a Coventry Driving Day - with you playing a leading role...

ADHub doesn't organise driving days, its members do. Feel free to volunteer. There's plenty of advice available

And if I'm free that weekend, I'll put my name down

Yes, OK, if you want to be precise about it. Actually, back in the days of ADUK, I did organise a driving day, but it was some years ago now. Maybe it's your turn, if you haven't already organised one.

[angoooose]

p1esk said:

Yes, OK, if you want to be precise about it. Actually, back in the days of ADUK, I did organise a driving day, but it was some years ago now. Maybe it's your turn, if you haven't already organised one.

3

[ncaplin]

I'm not sure if the IAM does taster days but RoSPA does. I've booked to go along to the next one in Wilts on the 4th which is pretty soon but they may still have spaces (and it's free) http://wiltshireroadar.co.uk/skillshare/

The bike specific one is here if anyone's interested http://www.glos-roadar.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2...

[dvenman]

Just to clarify, the Wiltshire RoaDAR SkillShare on the 4th June is both bike and cars (cars for the first time...)

If any car drivers are going to be at the Cherhill one, say hello - my username's a bit of a giveaway as to who I am

Edited by dvenman on Tuesday 24th May 17:21

[johnao]

ncaplin said:

I'm not sure if the IAM does taster days but RoSPA does...

I suggest that you contact your local IAM group, tell them you're interested in taking the IAM advanced driving test and ask them if they would give you a free, no obligation, assessment drive in order for you to find out a bit more about what's involved.

Good luck.

[R0G]

johnao said:

I suggest that you contact your local IAM group, tell them you're interested in taking the IAM advanced driving test and ask them if they would give you a free, no obligation, assessment drive in order for you to find out a bit more about what's involved.

Good luck.

IAM roadsmart does FREE TASTER sessions - I have just received the run sheets for those
https://www.iamroadsmart.com/campaign-pages/end-cu...

Edited by R0G on Wednesday 25th May 07:37

[Rawwr]

I did RoSPA and had a police motorcyclist as my instructor. It was a brilliant experience and not only was I taught lots of great things about positioning, observation and approach but also how to ride quickly on poorly sighted roads. A real eye-opener and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, though I suspect a lot of it may depend on the instructor.

[Davel]

Mine was a six day course at RoSPA Ormskirk.

The first day was an assessment of my riding with an instructor and then each of the other days was based around different aspects of riding and with a different instructor each day.

The final day you chose which aspects you wanted to concentrate more on and it is normally done by the same instructor who initially assessed you, so he can re-assess how your riding has improved.

I found it really useful and learnt loads of new stuff and, hopefully, dropped quite a few of my bad habits.

I really enjoyed it and can recommend it to anyone.