Had my RoSPA driving test today...

Rainmaker · 28 Sep 2016 at 14:44

...and bagged a Gold. :cool:

The most stressful 90 minutes I've had in a long while, but a nice run out nonetheless. I had some very complimentary remarks from the examiner, and a clean sheet at the end of it. I'd done full commentary from the off, which seemed to help. This isn't a brag post or anything daft like that, but more the fact that there's nowhere else to really tell someone. At least you guys will (probably) know what it is lol. It was hard work, but good fun and I am a much better driver for it. Highly recommended to anyone who has a full licence!

If anyone interested has any questions, feel free to fire away.

Rainagul · 28 Sep 2016 at 14:50

What benefits does passing the test bring you?

tom_e · 28 Sep 2016 at 14:50

Rainagul said:
What benefits does passing the test bring you?

Some insurers offer a small discount.

Rainmaker · 28 Sep 2016 at 14:52

Rainagul said:
What benefits does passing the test bring you?

tom_e said:
Some insurers offer a small discount.

Insurance can be one benefit, but being honest the primary benefit is improving the quality and safety of your drive. My awareness, planning and ability to make progress have gone through the roof since I took the extra training. I honestly feel horrified comparing my current driving standard to the 'I'm better than average, I think' standard of driving I had before I started. :eek:

Logsi · 28 Sep 2016 at 15:14

Not done the RoSPA but did the IAM test. Mainly did it to reduce my insurance costs.

Can't say it really taught me anything differently and my lessons were always cut short as the instructor didn't need to give me any tuition bar what road positioning they expect and explaining what commentary they want.

Rainmaker · 28 Sep 2016 at 15:53

Logsi said:
Not done the RoSPA but did the IAM test. Mainly did it to reduce my insurance costs.

Can't say it really taught me anything differently and my lessons were always cut short as the instructor didn't need to give me any tuition bar what road positioning they expect and explaining what commentary they want.

You must have already had a good grounding in the system then? For RoSPA (certainly Gold) you're expected to know chapter and verse and apply it to your drive and commentary throughout. For example physics of driving, human factors, positioning, choice of gear and speed, forces and slip angles etc etc. No way you could walk in and do it without comprehensive prior study and training.

Cookeh · 29 Sep 2016 at 08:45

I'd looked into RoSPA, but couldn't actually find any instructors in the branch local to me - irritating as it's something I'd really like to do.

In any case, congrats!

Uther · 29 Sep 2016 at 13:15

Well done! I've thought about doing the IAM test a few times, I'm sure I've picked up some terrible driving habits in the last 30 years!

Rainmaker · 29 Sep 2016 at 14:47

Cookeh said:
I'd looked into RoSPA, but couldn't actually find any instructors in the branch local to me - irritating as it's something I'd really like to do.

In any case, congrats!

Thanks. Have you spoken to RoSPA to see what alternatives there area? There are a few groups scattered around Yorkshire (not all cars though). Have a look if you haven't already mate, and if you can't find anything suitable there's always the IAM. I do prefer RoSPA though...

Uther said:
Well done! I've thought about doing the IAM test a few times, I'm sure I've picked up some terrible driving habits in the last 30 years!

Thank you. You really should, in fact everyone should. It's amazing what you realise you've been doing to make life harder/worse for yourself on the road. You'll never drive the same again, and tend to get places far faster and less stressed or tired.

Burnsy2023 · 29 Sep 2016 at 15:23

Rainmaker said:
You must have already had a good grounding in the system then? For RoSPA (certainly Gold) you're expected to know chapter and verse and apply it to your drive and commentary throughout. For example physics of driving, human factors, positioning, choice of gear and speed, forces and slip angles etc etc. No way you could walk in and do it without comprehensive prior study and training.

By system, I assume it's similar to position, speed, gear, manoeuvre process? I always thought calling it a system was a bit grand tbh.

chroniclard · 29 Sep 2016 at 15:27

Well done.

I did my IAM test years ago to get my confidence back after a bad accident. Had to do a commentary on that as well. I never found any difference with insurance but that wasnt why I did it.

Is RoSPA different?

unrealrocks · 29 Sep 2016 at 15:44

I started with RoSPA before I left Birmingham however haven't carried it on since moving. Once the house is finished I will continue as I found it fascinating.

Just out of interest - how many lessons did you have before you passed?

Gaygle · 29 Sep 2016 at 18:57

Is the RoSPA based on Roadcraft?

Additional training is really good and can help you spot things before they happen (commentary really helps with this), however there are still some things in Roadcraft that are outdated now.

Things like braking up to a clear roundabout, making sure it's clear, then changing into gear, when you see it is, followed by accelerating is just a complete faff and it doesn't flow. It goes back to the 80s/90s when they had horrible gearboxes/synchos/clutches made of cheese and feels completely wrong, clunky and slow compared to simply doing a rev match on the gear change as you're approaching the roundabout and then simply accelerating when you see it's clear.

Of course, saying anything against Roadcraft in the presence of old sweat ex-traffic officers is akin to insulting their mothers.

Dr Who · 29 Sep 2016 at 19:14

I am ding smith system driving myself, paid for by work

Being in a bus you really get to see how shocking other peoples driving truly is, so mine is mainly accident avoidance and building on forward planning.

I already apply a lot of the principles in my hypermiling.

Rainmaker · 29 Sep 2016 at 20:52

Gaygle said:
Is the RoSPA based on Roadcraft?

Additional training is really good and can help you spot things before they happen (commentary really helps with this), however there are still some things in Roadcraft that are outdated now.

Things like braking up to a clear roundabout, making sure it's clear, then changing into gear, when you see it is, followed by accelerating is just a complete faff and it doesn't flow. It goes back to the 80s/90s when they had horrible gearboxes/synchos/clutches made of cheese and feels completely wrong, clunky and slow compared to simply doing a rev match on the gear change as you're approaching the roundabout and then simply accelerating when you see it's clear.

Of course, saying anything against Roadcraft in the presence of old sweat ex-traffic officers is akin to insulting their mothers.

Too many replies to multi-quote cleanly, but thanks to you all.

Yes 'System' is the system of car control outlined in Roadcraft; IPSGA. (Taking, Using and Giving) Information, to ensure you are in the correct Position, at the right speed Speed, in an appropriate gear Gear to use Acceleration through the hazard. It's quite basic in essence, but it was formulated a very long time ago (by a racing driver) and it still works well thanks to ongoing changes. There were a lot of revisions between the older 'blue book' and the new one, which seem to have improved things a lot for more modern driving.

System isn't claiming to be the fastest way to do things (eg cornering) but it is the safest overall. You can argue some of it can be outdated (eg brake/gear overlap) but in practice it is still applicable. For example by keeping the phases separate you can't rush things and ensure everything is planned in advance. People who end up compressing system (eg bgol at junctions/turns) tend to be the ones who are rushing into hazards and causing themselves grief they could avoid.

The IAM v RoSPA argument goes around and around, with proponents on both sides. It's generally (note, generally) accepted that an IAM pass is about equivalent to a middling RoSPA Silver. The new IAM F1rst can be seen around the Gold level. Personally I prefer RoSPA (I had the choice locally of both), as they not only have more stringent levels of testing but they require a 3-yearly retest. That means you can't get a qualification and hang it on the wall for 50 years, telling everyone how advanced you are. You maintain and improve, or you lose your award in 3 years' time. Simples.

ETA: For those who are interested (or already learning or teaching System), my friend 'Reg Local' - a nom de plume if you didn't guess - has a great YouTube channel. He's a former police class 1 advanced, police driving instructor and police driving examiner. He's a former civvy ADI and a current RoSPA examiner also. His vids explain System well and have some fantastic clips on various things (gear changing, cornering, overtaking etc). He's no nonsense, no fluff and isn't 'dry' in his delivery. Great teaching tool imho and best of all it's free.

Cookeh · 29 Sep 2016 at 23:24

His books are also sublime - helped me immensely.

mrk · 30 Sep 2016 at 00:41

Considered IAM/RoSPA a few times over the years but always end up being caught up in other things. But in the new year I may do it. I knew you could go onto the off side of the road to take the largest arc when cornering if you had a full and clear view of the road ahead, but didn't know you could drive around a lit road at night with just sidelights on

I hope nobody tells the aftermarket angel eye crew about this.

Watching a few of the above videos linked, a lot of what's shown is stuff you tend to adapt to after many years of driving experience anyway as it just feels either most natural, or logical.

I take it the courses are still done in your own car?

danlightbulb · 30 Sep 2016 at 01:16

Congrats to OP. For me it would have to payback in 3 years of insurance premium savings to be worth the outlay. The scamming insurance companies probably don't care about it though.

Skalaberg · 30 Sep 2016 at 15:44

Rainmaker said:
...and bagged a Gold. The most stressful 90 minutes I've had in a long while, but a nice run out nonetheless. I had some very complimentary remarks from the examiner, and a clean sheet at the end of it. I'd done full commentary from the off, which seemed to help. This isn't a brag post or anything daft like that, but more the fact that there's nowhere else to really tell someone. At least you guys will (probably) know what it is lol. It was hard work, but good fun and I am a much better driver for it. Highly recommended to anyone who has a full licence!

If anyone interested has any questions, feel free to fire away.

welcome to the gold club Rain!!

Img_0567 by Skalaberg, on Flickr

Rainmaker · 30 Sep 2016 at 16:20

Thanks again guys. Yes the course is done in your own car, and it's a lot cheaper than you might think. Our local group is £20 for the year then £60 for the test (paid to HQ). That test fee includes your yearly membership to RoSPA also, and gives you a free three yearly re-test inclusive. Local group prices vary, for example Manchester (being bigger) only charge a tenner per member.

Skalaberg said:
welcome to the gold club Rain!!

Img_0567 by Skalaberg, on Flickr

Ha, nice one! Is this the part where we take off our shoes and socks, and roll up one trouser leg before winking knowingly at each other?