Past IAM test today
Discussion
Well done. I did mine last year, not a F1RST sadly on not using full width of road to increase visibility round bends(nearside for righthanders and vice versa), and not enough block changing down to second rolling up to roundabouts. Although my police driver examiner liked how I straightened up some clear view NSL twisties. Commentary was ok but I did tell him that if things got interesting I'd probably shut up and concentrate on the driving, which he was fine with.
I am considering doing the RoSPA test, but without the 12 observed drives as they seem to cover most of what IAM does and I know roughly what to work on.
IAM pass got me an insurance discount with Admiral, roughtly 10% I think.
I am considering doing the RoSPA test, but without the 12 observed drives as they seem to cover most of what IAM does and I know roughly what to work on.
IAM pass got me an insurance discount with Admiral, roughtly 10% I think.
You don't need to do "observed" drives with either organisation
With IAM I went out once just to see what feedback I got, then took the test
Similar with Rospa, but with them I did two drives, so i knew what they were looking for.
swallowing road craft and practice before both tests was enough for me. But, I come from an ADI back ground which might have helped. Having said that, driving the DSA basic driving test way would not get an IAM/Rospa pass, likewise driving IAM/Rospa way would have a driving examiner having kittens !!
With IAM I went out once just to see what feedback I got, then took the test
Similar with Rospa, but with them I did two drives, so i knew what they were looking for.
swallowing road craft and practice before both tests was enough for me. But, I come from an ADI back ground which might have helped. Having said that, driving the DSA basic driving test way would not get an IAM/Rospa pass, likewise driving IAM/Rospa way would have a driving examiner having kittens !!
watchnut said:
, likewise driving IAM/Rospa way would have a driving examiner having kittens !!
I've heard this before and I really have my doubts. Some years ago an insurance company had a scheme whereby if you went out with their nominated instructor for an hour you got a discount on your insurance. The instructor was one that usually taught learners for the DSA test, drove in the way that had recently got me a ROSPA gold and he was perfectly happy, quite complementary in fact.Dr Jekyll said:
watchnut said:
, likewise driving IAM/Rospa way would have a driving examiner having kittens !!
I've heard this before and I really have my doubts. Some years ago an insurance company had a scheme whereby if you went out with their nominated instructor for an hour you got a discount on your insurance. The instructor was one that usually taught learners for the DSA test, drove in the way that had recently got me a ROSPA gold and he was perfectly happy, quite complementary in fact.Outcome was... he was thereafter straight-lining roundabouts like he'd been doing for ever. All he needed was permission to do so!
Edited by johnao on Wednesday 13th March 22:34
DR J " I am an ADI, and sit in on every test I can when a pupil takes their test. I feel I am very qualified about what goes on in tests.
If a person on test, on a rural road, with nice bends, at speed, and to look further ahead, straight lined those bends, using the camber to also keep the vehicle stable, going over onto the off side of the road, (after suitable checks in mirrors etc..) would not be passing a BASIC test. ("serious fault positioning normal driving)
Or if straight lined a roundabout would pass, around Southampton the examiners are so strict that even a tyre touching a roundabout lane marker can and has resulted in a "serious" fault for "Positioning Lane discipline"
The driver training I deliver for a basic driving test is far different to what I deliver for full licence holders be it "eco" safe driving, Van driving, confidence building, or for more advanced driving techniques.
Road craft, which for me is a brilliant help into further/advanced driving training would be beyond most people, if your someone, like those that is into refining their skills and making an improvement used those for a basic driving test, then I would suggest that the examiner would not be impressed.
The basic test allows as many as 15 "minor" faults spread out over the DL25C marking sheet, it is not easy to make "no Faults" on a 38-40 minute driving test. Most of us full licence holders would struggle to make less than 3-5
I therefore take my hat off to anyone who does go that extra "mile" and train towards the IAM/Rospa test cause they ain't easy, they are "different" to the basic learner test requirements.
I try to "suggest" all my pupils go on and do "pass Plus" (really poor take up, variety of reasons, I suspect no.
1 is the extra money involved,
2 I know how to drive, have passed my test, and now know it all attitude
3 poor discounts from the insurance companies
When I then suggest to company car drivers, taxi drivers (i have trained hundreds to try improve their driving in order to take a taxi test, and conducted hundreds of taxi tests), friends, to maybe try IAM/Rospa tests on top of the reasons not to, is that they don't have the "time"
So well done the "OP" now one of the few who is trying to be a safer/better driver
If a person on test, on a rural road, with nice bends, at speed, and to look further ahead, straight lined those bends, using the camber to also keep the vehicle stable, going over onto the off side of the road, (after suitable checks in mirrors etc..) would not be passing a BASIC test. ("serious fault positioning normal driving)
Or if straight lined a roundabout would pass, around Southampton the examiners are so strict that even a tyre touching a roundabout lane marker can and has resulted in a "serious" fault for "Positioning Lane discipline"
The driver training I deliver for a basic driving test is far different to what I deliver for full licence holders be it "eco" safe driving, Van driving, confidence building, or for more advanced driving techniques.
Road craft, which for me is a brilliant help into further/advanced driving training would be beyond most people, if your someone, like those that is into refining their skills and making an improvement used those for a basic driving test, then I would suggest that the examiner would not be impressed.
The basic test allows as many as 15 "minor" faults spread out over the DL25C marking sheet, it is not easy to make "no Faults" on a 38-40 minute driving test. Most of us full licence holders would struggle to make less than 3-5
I therefore take my hat off to anyone who does go that extra "mile" and train towards the IAM/Rospa test cause they ain't easy, they are "different" to the basic learner test requirements.
I try to "suggest" all my pupils go on and do "pass Plus" (really poor take up, variety of reasons, I suspect no.
1 is the extra money involved,
2 I know how to drive, have passed my test, and now know it all attitude
3 poor discounts from the insurance companies
When I then suggest to company car drivers, taxi drivers (i have trained hundreds to try improve their driving in order to take a taxi test, and conducted hundreds of taxi tests), friends, to maybe try IAM/Rospa tests on top of the reasons not to, is that they don't have the "time"
So well done the "OP" now one of the few who is trying to be a safer/better driver
watchnut said:
DR J " I am an ADI, and sit in on every test I can when a pupil takes their test. I feel I am very qualified about what goes on in tests.
If a person on test, on a rural road, with nice bends, at speed, and to look further ahead, straight lined those bends, using the camber to also keep the vehicle stable, going over onto the off side of the road, (after suitable checks in mirrors etc..) would not be passing a BASIC test. ("serious fault positioning normal driving)
Or if straight lined a roundabout would pass, around Southampton the examiners are so strict that even a tyre touching a roundabout lane marker can and has resulted in a "serious" fault for "Positioning Lane discipline"
That's fascinating thanks, I really thought a safe legal move would be OK on any test. So it's something to be aware of if taking a DSA test on one type of vehicle when already experienced on another.If a person on test, on a rural road, with nice bends, at speed, and to look further ahead, straight lined those bends, using the camber to also keep the vehicle stable, going over onto the off side of the road, (after suitable checks in mirrors etc..) would not be passing a BASIC test. ("serious fault positioning normal driving)
Or if straight lined a roundabout would pass, around Southampton the examiners are so strict that even a tyre touching a roundabout lane marker can and has resulted in a "serious" fault for "Positioning Lane discipline"
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