IAM or RoSPA or both?

[sir_lurk_alot]

I have signed up to do the IAM course but was also wondering about RoSPA. Is there any advantage in doing both courses or do they both teach the same thing? I have had a look at both websites and they seem to promote the same message.

I was just wondering if it would be worth signing up to both or if it is kind of an either or situation.

any advice welcomed.

[svassileou]

Same basic concept - however, there are differences. I'll qualify the following by saying that I've recently passed my RoSPA test but have only read/heard about the differences with IAM, but here goes anyway.

RoSPA grades you in your test, IAM does not. RoSPA requires a retest every three years to maintain membership, IAM does not (I believe). I have heard that IAM allows you to cross broken white lines on (e.g.)rural single carriageway roads to maintain a straight line, whereas RoSPA does not (can someone confirm this???). Both use "the system" as defined within Roadcraft. Some insurance companies recognise IAM passes (seemingly less recognise a RoSPA pass).

There's probably much more...

[jagiam]

IAM does not encourage you to cross broken white lines, but you will not fail the test purely for doing so. However, you may fail if you cross the broken line without regard for other road users or other factors.

One of our local examiners encourages members to take the ROSPA test once you have passed IAM as part of the journey of driving life. I may do this, but personally I do not see any point in undertaking both IAM and ROSPA at the same time.

[BOF]

sir_lurk_alot said:

I have signed up to do the IAM course but was also wondering about RoSPA. Is there any advantage in doing both courses or do they both teach the same thing? I have had a look at both websites and they seem to promote the same message.

I was just wondering if it would be worth signing up to both or if it is kind of an either or situation.

any advice welcomed.

You have e mail - hope it helps - go for IAM first, then RoSPA in my opinion.

BOF.

[WilliBetz]

Both organisations coach similar skills in much the same manner, and the tests are broadly similar. There's little to choose between them in that regard.

The IAM has more local groups than RoSPA - dependent on where you are, that may limit your options.

RoSPA grade and retest, which may interest you. IAM offers a comprehensive and challenging "special assessment", but only when you've been a member for a while.

The IAM magazine is much improved, and offers some readable articles. The only redeeming feature of RoSPA's periodical is that it burns.

The IAM are promoting discounted insurance as a benefit, and this is available (I understand from a pretty informed source) to associates as well as members.

[BOF]

""The IAM magazine is much improved, and offers some readable articles. The only redeeming feature of RoSPA's periodical is that it burns.""

They might have a cat or a parrot...?

BOF

[petermansell]

I did both and found ROADA (ROSPA) better in terms of feedback from the test in that they gave me a written summary of good and not so good points and you are classfied fail, bronxze, silver or gold whereas IAM its a straight pass. I also found ROADA wanted more commentary.

So if I was you I would do both but if I had to do just one it would be the ROADA test.

[Vaux]

"But surely if you pass with one organisation, you shouldn't be wasting the time of the other organisation's Observers/Tutors to gain what is in effect only another badge?"

Not a comment I actually believe in, but it's just come up for discussion on AD-UK.

[Don]

I've done Rospa (got two 'Golds') and am an IAM Observer (soon to be Senior).

Rospa and IAM are the same. They are both based on Roadcraft. Any differences you might find are not to do with the fundamental teachings to the two organisations but more to do with the slight differences and prejudices between groups. You could find as much difference between two IAM groups as between an IAM group and a Rospa group. Whilst every effort is made to keep the standard consistent there are INEVITABLE minor differences in the advice given.

The key thing is, though, that ALL the Advanced Driving groups in the UK base their curriculum on "Roadcraft".

[Don]

Vaux said:

"But surely if you pass with one organisation, you shouldn't be wasting the time of the other organisation's Observers/Tutors to gain what is in effect only another badge?"

Not a comment I actually believe in, but it's just come up for discussion on AD-UK.

I use Rospa to keep my driving sharp for doing demo drives and so on. They re-test every three years which is useful. I MAY give it up as once you qualify for Senior Observer you have to do a test every three years anyway... There again it's been handy being able to advise IAM Associates on what constitutes a Gold level drive...they DO ask!

[sir_lurk_alot]

Thanks for the responses guys, you have answered my question.

I have sent of the application form etc for the IAM so will do that first and then will do the RoSPA test at a later stage I think.

[jeta1]

petermansell said:

....... whereas IAM its a straight pass........:

Just been to an IAM meet the examiner evening and was told the examiner either makes a recommendation for full membership, or not, as the case may be; but there is no grading in the recommendation.

[BOF]

jeta1 said:

petermansell said:

....... whereas IAM its a straight pass........:

Just been to an IAM meet the examiner evening and was told the examiner either makes a recommendation for full membership, or not, as the case may be; but there is no grading in the recommendation.

Jet,

Some of the terminology in the IAM literature is entrenched in the thoughts of some of my fellow Observers.

Let me assure you that if you pass the IAM Test, you will be a full member...the Examiner has no influence on this, nor would he wish to have...if you fail, he would not recommend you as a member, that figures?

There is no grading in the IAM, it is pass or fail...but that is not a reason not to go for it...do it, and think of going for RoSPA...which IS graded, and if you want to go further, go for individual coaching.

BOF.