IAM?

Solari

Solari

Solari

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Has anyone here done an IAM asessment and training, and even taken the test?

Would you say it's worth doing, and if so, when would be an appropriate time to start... should you wait until you've been driving a few years or so or would it be OK after say 6/7 months?

I've done some reading and bought the Roadcraft book which has been quite interesting reading. Thought this might be good for me..
 
I believe [TW]Fox has completed the IAM.

I also seem to remember he said it didn't affect his insurance costs very much - in fact much less than the Pass Plus does - however I think he said he felt the IAM was much better than the Pass Plus, as it teaches you more advanced things, rather than just having an instructor sit with you for 6 hours.
 
ConfusedTA said:
he said it didn't affect his insurance costs very much .
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I'm looking at doing it more for safer driving techniques and ironing out bad habits early on, rather than the insurance side of it to be honest.

I'll hang about and see what others say :)
 
Solari said:
Has anyone here done an IAM asessment and training, and even taken the test?

Would you say it's worth doing, and if so, when would be an appropriate time to start... should you wait until you've been driving a few years or so or would it be OK after say 6/7 months?

I've done some reading and bought the Roadcraft book which has been quite interesting reading. Thought this might be good for me..
Click to expand...

Yes it is worth doing if you've been driving for that short a time, it's nice to see that you realise that there is more to driving than just passing your test. If you are under 25 it's only £65 to get the skill for life package (details here)

As confusedTA stated, it's not worth it for insurance discounts but if you want to improve your driving skills then it's probably the best way to start.
 
a.hay said:
Everyone who I have spoken to who has done IAM training recommends it. Have you considered RoSPA?
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What's the difference? :)

Unfortunately I'm the wrong side of 25, but not bothered about the cost if it's worth doing. I'm thinking of doing a track day as well (skid pans, manoeuvres/confidence at speed). Not sure where there is in Kent for that though..
 
RoSPA is another advanced motorcycling group but you retake your test every three years (its a one off test with IAM).

Brands Hatch is in Kent, get the Indy circuit trackday. Or do a Ron Haslam race school at Donington, I hear that is fantastic.
 
I have done tie IAM course and test, it helps you improve your driving and is well worth it.
a lot of the info they tell you is obvious when you think about it, but its still good info to know.

I had 5 sessions out with an observer, you meet somewhere, he/she gets in your car, and off you go. They tell you the route, you just drive. The first session the observer doesnt say too much, they just watch how you drive, then in the de-breif at the end they have a list of where you need to improve.
Then each session you improve on different areas, then take a mock test, then your test.

Well worth it :)
 
I've also done it, and would recommend it to anyone.
It has a reputation for pipe and slippers motoring, but I found the course tought things like how to perfect your approach to corners to carry as much speed though it as possible (whilst staying safe!).

It taught me some great techniques that seem obvious now, but until they were raised I wasn't really doing.

It didn't affect me insurance that much - if at all - but it has been very useful.

btw, I did mine on the bike.
 
RoSPA Gold is the one to have, Hard to get, If your really keen try the Cardington special test by the DSA...... Although that is for ADI's :D
 
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Dashik said:
RoSPA Gold is the one to have, Hard to get, If your really keen try the Cardington special test by the DSA...... Although that is for ADI's :D
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Having achieved the level of RoSPA Gold on bikes and in cars, and also having passed the IAM advanced test, and also having taught the Cardington test, I would say they're all much of a muchness.

There is not really to many differences between the styles of test, nor the standard of driving needed to gain a pass in any of them, as Dashik said though the Cardington is only for Approved Driving Instructors who wish to improve their general standards of driving and instruction, and is part of their continuous personal development plan, during this test they do not require you to do any commentry, nor is there any kind of theory testing.

The RoSPA and the IAM are a level or two above the Cardington, and definately give you a much broader base to your driving skills.

If you undertake any of the courses you will learn plenty that will vastly improve your general day to day driving, mainly in the areas of awareness and anticipation of what is going on around you.
 
I've done the IAM Course. Its well worth doing, I'd say hold off for a while; its best to get some real road experience under your belt before you start taking advance driving courses. The IAM Course builds on what you learn AFTER you pass your driving test, you understand more once you've got experience and realised why your doing things in a certain way.

I did the skills for life package back at the end of 2005/begninning of 2006. Well worth doing but wait till you've a year or so experience.

Insurance wise, made a £50 difference to my insurance, but thats not the reason you take the course. You take the course to improve your driving so you see situations before they happen; thus, not needing to use your insurance in the first place!

Hope that helped

Greg
 
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