IAM - Has anyone been on it?
Discussion
I am a RoADAR member which is, broadly, similar - but RoADAR is best of course ;-) and I was fortunate to get a gold pass on my test.
Learning the system of car control and how to apply it, along with all the other stuff I learnt, certainly improved my driving. And I still have a lot to learn / improve on. And there is likely no such thing as a perfect drive....
Yes it was enjoyable - though I can see why some people wouldn't like it and I can see how it could easily be made tedious (mostly by the wrong observer / pupil combination)
Did it save on insurance? No, shopping round easily beats the quotes from those insurers that claim to offer advanced driver discounts in my case.
Learning the system of car control and how to apply it, along with all the other stuff I learnt, certainly improved my driving. And I still have a lot to learn / improve on. And there is likely no such thing as a perfect drive....
Yes it was enjoyable - though I can see why some people wouldn't like it and I can see how it could easily be made tedious (mostly by the wrong observer / pupil combination)
Did it save on insurance? No, shopping round easily beats the quotes from those insurers that claim to offer advanced driver discounts in my case.
I did it, a long time ago mind, but it is well worth it in terms of making yourself a better driver & more aware of other things whilst you're driving.
Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
As with most things you will get out of it what you put into it.
An open mind, willingness to learn and an ability to try out new techniques and practice them until they are second nature will be required.
So long as you and your Observer get on you will have a great time. I did. And I've been an Observer ever since...
An open mind, willingness to learn and an ability to try out new techniques and practice them until they are second nature will be required.
So long as you and your Observer get on you will have a great time. I did. And I've been an Observer ever since...
.R2D2 said:
I've signed up for IAM and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on it. Has it improved your driving? Was it enjoyable? Did it make much of a difference to your insurance costs?
r2,I went on the IAM course about 2 years ago, and to be honest wasn't expecting that much from it. was 27 at the time, and actually didn't think I needed much improvement, but thought i'd give it a shot.
Suprisingly It totally changed how I drove, changed what I watch out for, how I approach a situation, and has actually made me a much safer driver IMO.
Definately something worth doing, just so long as your instructor is a nice guy.
.R2D2 said:
I've signed up for IAM and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on it. Has it improved your driving? Was it enjoyable? Did it make much of a difference to your insurance costs?
For me, yes! After shppping around a little, I found a few companies who were prepared to add the equivalent of an extra years' ncb in recognition of it! Plus the fact that it's great fun-I've just started observing-first associate passed his test last friday,and that's a great feeling!
I did it years ago when I was 18 so some of my comments may no longer be relevant.
The observation and anticipation techniques were fantastic and no doubt have helped.
Some of the teachings were a little inconsistent though; for example I was advised not to signal if it wasn't necessary. This was explained to me as follows: If you are always observant, you will know if there is anybody there to signal for.
However they also claim never to have tested the perfect driver. If one admits imperfection, as I do, one must admit that they are not always observant and might have missed something.
That said the IAM does teach good things and it won't do you any harm. I'd never be a member and have the badge on my car though.
The observation and anticipation techniques were fantastic and no doubt have helped.
Some of the teachings were a little inconsistent though; for example I was advised not to signal if it wasn't necessary. This was explained to me as follows: If you are always observant, you will know if there is anybody there to signal for.
However they also claim never to have tested the perfect driver. If one admits imperfection, as I do, one must admit that they are not always observant and might have missed something.
That said the IAM does teach good things and it won't do you any harm. I'd never be a member and have the badge on my car though.
I passed my test in June 2005, then my Observers test in September 2005 and this year was Observer of the Year for my area, it does improve your driving, and if you have the time to manage it you'll find that putting other people through the course as an Observer improves your own driving even more.
mattviatura said:
Some of the teachings were a little inconsistent though; for example I was advised not to signal if it wasn't necessary. This was explained to me as follows: If you are always observant, you will know if there is anybody there to signal for.
However they also claim never to have tested the perfect driver. If one admits imperfection, as I do, one must admit that they are not always observant and might have missed something.
Actually that advice has now changed. It is now phrased as: "If you are absolutely certain that no-one will benefit from a signal you may refrain from making one." In commentary one should state to whom you are making a signal.However they also claim never to have tested the perfect driver. If one admits imperfection, as I do, one must admit that they are not always observant and might have missed something.
e.g. "Signalling left for the benefit of the traffic waiting to join the roundabout. "
or even at a right hand junction on a sharp left hand corner you can't see round..
e.g. "I am making a right signal to inform *potential* oncoming traffic that I am turning into the side road."
The latter signal is not to anyone in particular but is being made because of the possibility of currently invisible oncoming traffic arriving within range during the manouvre.
...and that's allowed.
What is not encouraged is to signal blithely every time with no reference at all to the surroundings!
The other thing about signalling is to do one's best to make it unambiguous so it doesn't confuse other drivers into thinking you will turn left, for example, when actually you mean to parallel park...etc
PHmember said:
I did it, a long time ago mind, but it is well worth it in terms of making yourself a better driver & more aware of other things whilst you're driving.
Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
Perhaps it means "You are now a bettter driver than you were before", but perhaps insurance stats prove it doesn't actually make you less likely to be involved in accidents than people who don't take the test? Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
I don't know, but that's really what underwriters are interested in...
M.
marcosgt said:
PHmember said:
I did it, a long time ago mind, but it is well worth it in terms of making yourself a better driver & more aware of other things whilst you're driving.
Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
Perhaps it means "You are now a bettter driver than you were before", but perhaps insurance stats prove it doesn't actually make you less likely to be involved in accidents than people who don't take the test? Was a bit annoyed when I asked an insurance company if having passed my IAM, would my premium go down? The little tw@t on the phone just said 'No, it doesn't mean you are a better driver' - eh, I thought that was the whole point of doing & passing the IAM test?
I don't know, but that's really what underwriters are interested in...
M.
How you have to look at it is that if you are 20% less likely to prang then you are 20% less likely to have your premium pushed up or your no-claims-bonus lost. That's a saving...but you can't quantify it on a quote by quote basis. Underwriters primarily use the one absolutely sure fire statistic which is: if you've been in a prang before you are lots more likely to be in another. If you have NOT been in a prang for ages it's likely you will continue to be prang free.
Doesn't matter how you got to be a prang-free driver - skills or sheer luck - from their point of view. They only look at the stats...
R2D2 said:
I've signed up for IAM and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on it
Read the forum: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...I was pretty disappointed with it. It's not that my observer was a bad guy - he wasn't, but I just didn't feel like I got enough out of it at all.
He talked a lot about his tv system/holidays/kid's work troubles, also about his previous driving jobs and he obviously really enjoyed his status as an IAM observer but didn't really give very much feedback on my driving.
I should have asked to be allocated a different one, but I didn't want to criticize him as he wasn't a bad person, I just don't think he was a great passer on of knowledge.
In all honesty I feel that I have probably learned more about being a better (safer? more considerate?) driver from reading either driving tips/moans about s
t driving on here than I did during the IAM course.
That said, I've read enough stories from other people on here who have really got a lot out of it, so you know, I appreciate that my experience absolutely is likely to be an isolated one.
Eitherway, the IAM observers are all volunteers (AFAIK) and the fact that these people are prepared to give up their time to help others to learn is great.
He talked a lot about his tv system/holidays/kid's work troubles, also about his previous driving jobs and he obviously really enjoyed his status as an IAM observer but didn't really give very much feedback on my driving.
I should have asked to be allocated a different one, but I didn't want to criticize him as he wasn't a bad person, I just don't think he was a great passer on of knowledge.
In all honesty I feel that I have probably learned more about being a better (safer? more considerate?) driver from reading either driving tips/moans about s
t driving on here than I did during the IAM course.That said, I've read enough stories from other people on here who have really got a lot out of it, so you know, I appreciate that my experience absolutely is likely to be an isolated one.
Eitherway, the IAM observers are all volunteers (AFAIK) and the fact that these people are prepared to give up their time to help others to learn is great.
Edited by Agrilla on Monday 27th September 01:36
Agrilla said:
I was pretty disappointed with it. It's not that my observer was a bad guy - he wasn't, but I just didn't feel like I got enough out of it at all.
He talked a lot about his tv system/holidays/kid's work troubles, also about his previous driving jobs and he obviously really enjoyed his status as an IAM observer but didn't really give very much feedback on my driving.
I should have asked to be allocated a different one, but I didn't want to criticize him as he wasn't a bad person, I just don't think he was a great passer on of knowledge.
In all honesty I feel that I have probably learned more about being a better (safer? more considerate?) driver from reading either driving tips/moans about st driving on here than I did during the IAM course.
That said, I've read enough stories from other people on here who have really got a lot out of it, so you know, I appreciate that my experience absolutely is likely to be an isolated one.
Eitherway, the IAM observers are all volunteers (AFAIK) and the fact that these people are prepared to give up their time to help others to learn is great.
I see you have email enabled in your profile.He talked a lot about his tv system/holidays/kid's work troubles, also about his previous driving jobs and he obviously really enjoyed his status as an IAM observer but didn't really give very much feedback on my driving.
I should have asked to be allocated a different one, but I didn't want to criticize him as he wasn't a bad person, I just don't think he was a great passer on of knowledge.
In all honesty I feel that I have probably learned more about being a better (safer? more considerate?) driver from reading either driving tips/moans about s
t driving on here than I did during the IAM course.That said, I've read enough stories from other people on here who have really got a lot out of it, so you know, I appreciate that my experience absolutely is likely to be an isolated one.
Eitherway, the IAM observers are all volunteers (AFAIK) and the fact that these people are prepared to give up their time to help others to learn is great.
Edited by Agrilla on Monday 27th September 01:36
I'm East Midlands and if you don't mind travelling, I'll happily go out with you.
I'm not currently an IAM member but have been and was also an Observer.
You were sold short and shouldn't have accepted that.
Perhaps a couple of drives might persuade you to try again?
I passed my test in 2006 and am also a qualified observer. It's well worth doing and would bet that every person who's taken the course would say that their driving has improved (if instructed correctly). Our group rotates the observers so when learning, you get a broad mix of knowlege and also so you don't get used to/comfy sitting with the same person week in week out. As long as it is structured to the learning program, you shouldn't miss out on all the information you need to know. Road Craft (Police drivers manual) is the bible for this as it is for many other driving courses.
The IAM have thier own insurance policy (IAM Surety) to those who've passed their test. I believe this has now been extended to associates also. I have both my cars insured with them and they matched or beat the best price comparison prices I could find. It also means I'm covered when doing demonstration drives for the IAM. For the annual membership fee it's well worth the saving in insurance alone.
The IAM have thier own insurance policy (IAM Surety) to those who've passed their test. I believe this has now been extended to associates also. I have both my cars insured with them and they matched or beat the best price comparison prices I could find. It also means I'm covered when doing demonstration drives for the IAM. For the annual membership fee it's well worth the saving in insurance alone.
Edited by IAM Joe on Monday 27th September 13:24
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