RoSPA anyone done it

[dazl1212]

I'm thinking of doing this, you get a free 2 hour taster sessio.
https://www.roadar.org.uk/drivers/index.htm

Anybody done this? Any good?

[Rick101]

I did it a few years ago. Worthwhile but much depends on the group.

[ScoobyChris]

I did it 10 or so years ago and imho it’s worthwhile. Some suggestions looking back:

- question everything - to improve your driving you need to believe in what you’re doing and just being told “you need to do it this way because a man with a clipboard expects it” isnt going to make what you learn stick
- observers vary wildly in quality (they’re volunteers). If you don’t gel it’s ok to ask for another one - some groups rotate them anyway
- if you want Gold make it clear to the observer that’s what you’re working towards - some just want to get you to test ASAP
- read around the subject and discuss with other people. Lots of opinions and forums are a good place to question or challenge things
- don’t get hung up on BGOL
- enjoy it!

Good luck!

Chris

[johnao]

dazl1212 said:

I'm thinking of doing this, you get a free 2 hour taster sessio.
https://www.roadar.org.uk/drivers/index.htm

Anybody done this? Any good?

Hi Dazl1212,

All coaching/tuition/teaching with RoADAR is free once you've joined a local RoADAR group. The fee to join a local group is usually a nominal £10 or £15 per annum. But, I agree, a free taster session is an excellent idea. Well worth a try just to see how you get on. If you want to do the full course you can then join the local group.

The RoADAR and IAM Roadsmart (previously know as The Institute of Advanced Motorists) courses and advanced tests are virtually identical. The main difference being the quality of the observers/tutors. The IAM have taken some steps towards eliminating some of the worst, most inept, observers and RoADAR appear to be about to do the same.

The obvious advantage of RoADAR over IAM is that you are required to successfully retake their advanced driving test every three years in order to maintain membership. The IAM is a one-off lifetime membership, provided you pay the annual membership fee.

However, the IAM has in recent years introduced its Masters Advanced Driving test which is open only to IAM members and well worth considering.

If you really get into this you'll find yourself a member of both organisations, a tutor for RoADAR, an observer for the IAM, and badgering an IAM Masters Mentor to take you out for some Masters mentoring drives.

Good luck and best wishes.

[Rick101]

The other benefit to the Rospa route is that is it considerably cheaper.

Whilst the IAM is a far bigger organisation the cost of it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
Money supporting groups, observers and examiners sure, more please. Money for policy and politics, no thanks.

[dazl1212]

Hi Gus,

Thanks for the replies, I am looking forward to my session on the 18th. just hoping to make myself a better driver and build up some no claims and be safe.

Cheers

[Rob_R]

You can do the 're-test every 3 years' thing through the IAM Fellows program as well now.

[akirk]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

That was probably slihtly different as the course being referred to be the OP is taken over a longer period with repeated shorter sessions with practice inbetween, rather than a one day course - however both will be based on roadcraft and cover similar skills and both are worth doing...

[Sheepshanks]

akirk said:

That was probably slihtly different as the course being referred to be the OP is taken over a longer period with repeated shorter sessions with practice inbetween, rather than a one day course - however both will be based on roadcraft and cover similar skills and both are worth doing...

We did it at work some years ago, run by DriveTech in its early days. Most of the instructors were off-duty police officers. It was billed as Defensive Driving, but was anything but - indeed some of our guys didn't like it as they thought it was too forceful. We had several sessions and then the test. I passed first time at Gold, which meant I didn't have to do a refresher for 3yrs.

To be honest, I thought it was all a bit obvious, but I've always been interested in driving and had read Roadcraft. Many of the guys needed it though and we had one who they said should be taken off the road as he was a danger to himself and others!

[PhilAsia]

ScoobyChris said:

I did it 10 or so years ago and imho it’s worthwhile. Some suggestions looking back:

- question everything - to improve your driving you need to believe in what you’re doing and just being told “you need to do it this way because a man with a clipboard expects it” isnt going to make what you learn stick
- observers vary wildly in quality (they’re volunteers). If you don’t gel it’s ok to ask for another one - some groups rotate them anyway
- if you want Gold make it clear to the observer that’s what you’re working towards - some just want to get you to test ASAP
- read around the subject and discuss with other people. Lots of opinions and forums are a good place to question or challenge things
- don’t get hung up on BGOL
- enjoy it!

Good luck!

Chris

I took mine in the mid nineties.

I prepared myself without any observer or any other input other than reading Roadcraft.

I passed with a Gold, first time out.

The only negative comments were that I very slightly anticipated a speed increase signage (by about 15 feet or less) and on one other occasion we discussed a green MG Midget entering a very large roundabout I was exiting....I took on board what was said, but I am still of the opinion that, in that particular instance, considering the measured approach speed and that it was not a V8 we would not and did not come into conflict. Particularly with the distances involved. I have subsequently improved in the areas mentioned to cover ANY eventuality...

The examiner was complimentary on all other aspects of my driving which I was chuffed with and particularly impressed with my visual scanning process and observation links. Taking time to mention Berkhamstead High Street>Pedestrian crossing with keys in hand>Positioned for opening door. I can't recall if he had seen the keys, but he was obviously impressed.

I believe that my driving has improved since and will hopefully continue...