Discussion
I have decided that it is time to do some advanced driving instruction, I went for a drive with a police officer through a scheme that Northamptonshire police are doing for 17 to 24 year olds. The debrief was that I was generally good, but I would benefit and probably enjoy some advanced tuition.
The next stage of the scheme is to enroll with either ROSPA or IAM, however the only differences I can find are that ROSPA is cheaper (with the special price from the police) and that you need to take the test again every few years.
Would anyone be able to reccomend either, especially if you have experience of either of th Northamptonshire groups. Do they always meet at weekends, or are they more flexible. Will either get me discounted insurance?
When I have enrolled with one of the advanced driving groups I will be able to do a skid pan day at Silverstone, so any 17 - 24 year olds in Northants who haven't done this it is worth a go.
The next stage of the scheme is to enroll with either ROSPA or IAM, however the only differences I can find are that ROSPA is cheaper (with the special price from the police) and that you need to take the test again every few years.
Would anyone be able to reccomend either, especially if you have experience of either of th Northamptonshire groups. Do they always meet at weekends, or are they more flexible. Will either get me discounted insurance?
When I have enrolled with one of the advanced driving groups I will be able to do a skid pan day at Silverstone, so any 17 - 24 year olds in Northants who haven't done this it is worth a go.
Well - good for you.
ROSPA vs IAM. Doesn't matter - go with whoever is local and convenient to you. Both will get you to the same driving standard. Its true that ROSPA retest every three years - but its only a half day every three years so its not exactly onerous.
If you're competetive ROSPA grade their results Bronze (not really good enough but OK try again in a year), Silver (good enough) and Gold (half decent driving - one day if you keep it up you could be a proper driver). They also have a Diploma - but that's a different thing and involves driving and coaching skills I believe.
At the IAM we have Failed and Passed. Failed means not really good enough - you're welcome to try again. Passed means good enough to pass but don't get cocky. We also have the IAM Special Assessment (an "Advanced" Advanced Driving Test). No grade. You get a Percentage. Don't know what that really means. I'm going to try it sometime this year and see how I do.
Just do whichever is most convenient.
ROSPA vs IAM. Doesn't matter - go with whoever is local and convenient to you. Both will get you to the same driving standard. Its true that ROSPA retest every three years - but its only a half day every three years so its not exactly onerous.
If you're competetive ROSPA grade their results Bronze (not really good enough but OK try again in a year), Silver (good enough) and Gold (half decent driving - one day if you keep it up you could be a proper driver). They also have a Diploma - but that's a different thing and involves driving and coaching skills I believe.
At the IAM we have Failed and Passed. Failed means not really good enough - you're welcome to try again. Passed means good enough to pass but don't get cocky. We also have the IAM Special Assessment (an "Advanced" Advanced Driving Test). No grade. You get a Percentage. Don't know what that really means. I'm going to try it sometime this year and see how I do.
Just do whichever is most convenient.
I joined the local IAM group in Northants. They met at Midsummer meadow when I used to go. Problem is, they only met on Sunday mornings, which made it difficult for me as I worked Sundays. Unfortunately they weren't very flexible when it came to arranging alternatives.
Did have one observed drive, which was positive though. I would contact them and see what the current arrangements are, my experience was over a year ago, so things might have changed.
Also done drivecraft (organised by police) at Silverstone, with the skid cars and all, which was good fun.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Did have one observed drive, which was positive though. I would contact them and see what the current arrangements are, my experience was over a year ago, so things might have changed.
Also done drivecraft (organised by police) at Silverstone, with the skid cars and all, which was good fun.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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