what factors would influence my choice of AD organisation?

[Rawhide66]

Hi,

I am so new to AD that I haven't even started yet. And you can't get much newer than that.

I get the impression that the debate on one organisation vs another has been discussed pretty extensively.

Some of you might not find it a very interesting thread if you thought it was covering old ground.

So, in an attempt at a slightly different take, rather than have an A vs B debate in the primary sense, I thought I might ask what factors I might take into consideration when making my choice.

Some might say its down to the individual local group. In which case, how do I go about comparing them? Do they have open evenings where a non member might come along, or do I have to join to find out another might have suited me better?

For instance, RoSPA offer 3 levels of pass and the IAM just one. With RoSPA you have to retest every 3 years which gives the possibility of moving up a grade (or down). Are these alone reasons to choose RoSPA over the IAM?

What other organisations are there? I live in Birmingham.

Thanks in anticipation.

[LandingSpot]

Hello,

If you happen to be in Peterborough on the 6th of May, we are holding a observed run evening. We have a group of about 20 members and there will be a number of Observers there, me being one of them. Our Examiner (a serving Met Intercept driver) is making every effort to be present also. He's been great for the group so far and we've made some good progress with a couple of Observers which is steadiliy filtering down to Associates. Would urge you to come along if you can possibly make it, although with the trip you would have to make , we may not turn out to be the group you then join.

Anybody else reading is welcome to come along. I'll put a seperate thread up to catch those not reading this one.

Cheers!

ETA http://www.peterboroughadvancedmotorists.co.uk/ (under coming events)

Edited by LandingSpot on Saturday 17th April 17:53

[snailpace85]

Now if you're feeling lively at 10 tomorrow morning, RoSPA West midlands Group have their monthly Sunday meeting at Morrisons car park, by Birmingham Great Park off the A38, B45 9NY.

Contact details if you want to discuss things are on the web site at http://www.rospawmg.org.uk/aboutus1.html .

We're not big on social evenings, tends to be the Sunday meetings (every third Sunday of the month) and things such as skid training sessions.

All the best

Snailpace

[waremark]

As you already understand groups vary in the way they help you prepare. I offer some factors to consider:

Different amounts/locations/timing of theory sessions
One to one associate to observer throughout, or group sessions at fixed times where you may be allocated a different observer each time
Different book used - Rospa use Roadcraft, IAM use their own book
Different costs - currently Rospa is much cheaper, but the cost is low either way (£139 for IAM including membership book and test, approx £85 for Rospa depending on group)
Helpfulness in dealing with enquiries
Waiting lists ( probably none in IAM at the mo due to recent heavy price increase!)

However, the most important aspect is the one you cannot easily assess from an enquiry - the ability of the observer, and your compatibility. I would indicate in your initial enquiry that you have already read and thought about driving a considerable amount, and that you would hope to be allocated a thoughtful observer who can explain as well as instruct. Then assess the response to this request.