IAM or ROSPA Advanced Training

[Steve_T]

I'm interested in doing some advanced training to improve my riding. Of the two groups, which have you had experience with and which would you recommend.

Thanks,

Steve

[Don]

Either. I am IAM myself - but I've just e-mailed our local ROSPA group to ask if they'll let me do a few drives and take their test.

I'll be reporting back on the differences.

Many of the Advanced Bikers I've met seemed to have done both! I think this is because if you do the IAM one (which is Pass/Fail only) you'll always wonder whether or not you'd have got a Bronze Silver or Gold pass mark from the ROSPA lot.

Both will use the same system of driving/riding.

[beano500]

I've only had experience of IAM and would recommend it. Depending on which part of the country you're in (and you're in the Thames Vale area Steve, which is great news!) IAM win from the social point of view; however I know that ROSPA is considered superior by some. Either way, offer yourself up with an open mind and you can only learn some good habits....

[todiddly]

Steve,

Apologies for forgetting to get details to you. E-mail me direct and I'll get some info to you. Either sytem is worthwhile and good fun

Tom
Chairman
London Advanced Motorcyclists

[Eliminator]

Either

I am IAM myself but RoSPA is just as good

[Steve_T]

Thanks for the info all. Looking forward to it making some progress already . Awaiting your email Tom.

Cheers,

Steve

[huge_ego]

Both are good, but local groups differ. So I'd go with whichever local group best suits. An IAM pass is equivalent to a RoSPA Bronze or Silver pass (depending on whom you talk to) so RoSPA can take you to a higher standard. (RoSPA Gold is the highest UK civilian riding qualification.) However, both follow the same police "System" of roadcraft. More depends on how good your Observer (i.e. instructor) is than on whether you're IAM or RoSPA. Though it's worth going for RoSPA Gold if you've already passed the IAM test.

Either way, reading this book will help you substantially:
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/011341143X/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/026-1734029-7796450

[toad_oftoadhall]

Steve_T said:

I'm interested in doing some advanced training to improve my riding. Of the two groups, which have you had experience with and which would you recommend.

Depends on local group.

All other things beign equal rospa is better becasue:
a) Periodic retests.
b) Pass is graded into Gold, Silver and Bronze.

IAM gets you better discounts on insurance etc. (Whichis rionic 'cos and IAM pass mihgt be bronze or it might be silver.)

[Don]

I've just applied to my local RoSPA group. So we'll see how I fare...I'll do updates as I go along for those who are interested...

[Steve_T]

Don said:

I've just applied to my local RoSPA group. So we'll see how I fare...I'll do updates as I go along for those who are interested...

Please count me in as one of the interested folks Don.

Ta,

Steve