IAM Members

[drsingh]

Hi,

I am currently looking at the Institute of Advanced Motoring and their courses/training.

Is anyone on this forum a member of the IAM? If so, is it all it claims to be?

Aside from "becoming a better driver", are there any other benefits e.g. Insurance premiums reduced etc?

What are the total costs involved and is there an annual renewal fee or test?

Thanks

 

[cliveyboy8]

Yes, I am a member of the IAM. Although some people take the pee because they think we are the "steering wheel shuffle brigade" they can go and get f***ed.

I had the course bought for me as a present in 2006. Consisted of 4 sessions over 4 weeks of a lecture at the local branch followed by an hours drive with an observer. After this you are put forward for your test which I passed with an ex Police class 1 driver as the examiner.

I did make changes to my driving, notably keeping to speed limits, observation and road positioning.

You can usually get about 10% off car insurance.

You do have to pay a fee every year to remain a member of the IAM which probably negates any saving on the insurance.

They also do "Skills Days". I did one at Mallory Park in 2010 and we were told at the briefing this was not a "track day" but it was the best track day I have ever been on.

Suggest you hae a good look at their web site Home

 

[Darrell]

My wife is also a member. She took the course as part of a bet from me and some of my pals.

This was because she drove like a maniac, always too fast and got very impatient with other drivers.

She took the course or whatever you have to do, and passed. And man, did she brag about it.

 

[Kamisuma]

Hi,

I am currently looking at the Institute of Advanced Motoring and their courses/training.

Is anyone on this forum a member of the IAM? If so, is it all it claims to be?

Aside from "becoming a better driver", are there any other benefits e.g. Insurance premiums reduced etc?

What are the total costs involved and is there an annual renewal fee or test?

Thanks

It might also be worth looking at what used to be called the ROSPA "Defensive Driving Course" but I believe it is now called "The Original Driver Development Course".

 

[christopherwk]

Yes, I am a member of the IAM. Although some people take the pee because they think we are the "steering wheel shuffle brigade" they can go and get f***ed.

Hmm. Hope I don't open a bad can of worms here, but I'm an ex-IAM car observer, and I'm usually picked up on my steering from other IAM members and observers, because I use fixed-grip (up to a point- I won't let my left hand go past 12 0'clock, and before 6'clock and vice versa for my right hand), which I find a lot smoother than using pull-push all the time.

 

[BTB 500]

My wife is also a member. She took the course as part of a bet from me and some of my pals.

This was because she drove like a maniac, always too fast and got very impatient with other drivers.

She took the course or whatever you have to do, and passed. And man, did she brag about it.

Did it change her driving?

 

[flango]

ROSPA is much better than IAM it will give you skills from top drivers that you will retain for life, not knocking the IAM but it's dated compared to ROSPA for the skills you need in the modern driving world

LINKY

 

[JOB-BLACK-RAT]

I am an trained advanced driver and only last week the Admiral Insurance rep on the phone laughed when I asked if I got a discount for this!!

 

[TDE1]

I bought the lad (18) a course for Christmas. He's enjoying it immensely. Don't know where you are Drsingh, but my local one was about £120 which included as many lessons as it takes to get you test-ready.

As Cliveyboy8 hinted, it did cross my mind that he might find himself with an old fuddy-duddy. But no - he was met with real enthusiasm and understanding. The handbook is great, very informative, and for a typical 18yr old with an alloyed-up, tinted, boomboxed Corsa to look forward to his lessons... well it speaks volumes.

Not many insurers seem to offer a discount though, which is a shame as it shows willing by the insured to improve their skills.

 

[Igurisu]

I've done the ROSPA course, our company sends all company car drivers on it. Was very good, did a couple of IAM lessons 20 years ago. Anything that improves driving is good in my opinion. May not pay for itself in insurance but may just avoid that bad accident, thats worth a lot more.

 

[christopherwk]

ROSPA is much better than IAM it will give you skills from top drivers that you will retain for life, not knocking the IAM but it's dated compared to ROSPA for the skills you need in the modern driving world

I believe the IAM use retired police officers as examiners, while ROSPA uses serving police officers?

(I should really know this being an ex-IAM observer, and done the ROSPA bike test )

 

[This is Pete]

Regardless of which program and whether or not it gives you discounted insurance, if investing in one of these programs gives you more confidence, ability, and safety behind the wheel, then it's money well spent.

 

[effbee584]

I did some IAM 'lessons' then took the test, pleased to say I achieved their standard. I learnt a few things .......

1) I am much more observant
2) I am more pro-active and anticipatory.
3) I make better progress
4) I am more tolerant of other drivers' poor driving.
5) I do not 'shuffle' the wheel.
6) Not maintained membership.
7) I would never display a badge on the car.
8) I would encourage any driver to take an advanced test through IAM or ROSPA.

Have not investigated insurance deals, was told that Zurich make no allowance for it, and content with my premium.

 

[LESTAYLOR]

Just signed up with ROSPA for some training

They said I needed training when I answered their questions by saying my slogan for road safety is: "keep death of the roads, drive on the pavement."

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

"Don't Drink and Drive, pull over, you might spill some" is another !

 

[Danaf]

Hello,
We have a specific scheme for IAM members. Feel free to give us a call for a quotation if you like.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[Darrell]

Did it change her driving?

TBH she still drives a bit quick but when you remind her that she is an advanced driver she then becomes a very good motorist.

In Skiathos we have 3 rh drive cars and 1 lh drive car. She took to the lh drive like a duck to water and has no trouble with the rh drive cars in a European country. We also have many steep hills, tracks and muddy lanes that she drives up without a problem.

So in a nutshell, yes her confidence and driving skills are second to none.

 

[Rory]

I've done the ROSPA course, our company sends all company car drivers on it. ....

..Anything that improves driving is good in my opinion.

We did it at work too. I take pride in my driving and I didn't get a lot out of it - it's perhaps a useful reminder of fairly obvious points.

But we did in groups of 3, and some people really need to do this stuff! Some of the guys didn't like it as they thought some of it (we were mainly trained by ex-Police drivers) was too aggresive!

 

[TDE1]

I'd agree with Darrell, albeit from a different perspective.

Matt (nearly 19) got his full licence a little over a year ago. Went through Pass Plus, and has had own car since then. Always seemed a little reluctant to drive, but loves having a car and keeps it looking great. But it was apparent to me (not an expert), that when he was driving, it was not a comfortable experience for him.

After just two or three evenings with the IAM 'instructor', the difference is amazing. Confidence, awareness, positioning, mirror and gear usage - it's all suddenly clicked. And what's more.. He WANTS to drive now!

Full credit to Worcester IAM, for the patience and experience the are giving him.

 

[@MARK]

The ROSPA course your company sends you on and the ROSPA advanced driver training are 2 different things.

I do hold a ROSPA gold qualification (which is renewed every 3 years)

But I believe that anyone who chooses to embark on advanced driver training is by self selection somebody who is actually putting thought into how they drive so automatically qualify as a potentially better driver in the same way that members of a forum like this have a greater interest in the cars they drive than average.

The choice between the 2 (IAM vs ROSPA) may well come down to where and when your local group meets.

Remember its not about making you a better driver than the next one. It's about making you a better driver than you are today.

So whilst I could give you reasons why one scheme is better than the other (and I do have an opinion on that) it really doesn't matter for now.