Becoming a ROSPA observer?
Discussion
My life is finally begining to settle down, or will have within the next 6 months.
Since passing my IAM, ive always wanted to observe, partly because i enjoy explaining the theory behind AD and it would help me keep my driving up to scratch.
Whats involved with becoming an observer?
Im not overly fond of IAM politics so would rather do ROSPA.
Im 23 years old, whether it makes a difference or not, who knows? (wouldnt be taken seriously maybe?)
Cheers
Ben
Since passing my IAM, ive always wanted to observe, partly because i enjoy explaining the theory behind AD and it would help me keep my driving up to scratch.
Whats involved with becoming an observer?
Im not overly fond of IAM politics so would rather do ROSPA.
Im 23 years old, whether it makes a difference or not, who knows? (wouldnt be taken seriously maybe?)
Cheers
Ben
Having observed for both, there is little difference, (RoSPA use Roadcraft, IAM use HTBAAD) however the path to now becoming an observer for each organisation differs.
RoSPA/RoADAR initially asks that you are Gold standard and additional training seems to be informal within the group.
IAM now have a structured path to becoming an observer which was introduced since I last observed for the IAM so don't know the full details. (when I wanted to be an IAM observer 20 odd years ago, I was told to do RoSPA and if I got Gold I could be an observer)
It may, like the test itself, boil down to which organisation is more convenient for you.
RoSPA/RoADAR initially asks that you are Gold standard and additional training seems to be informal within the group.
IAM now have a structured path to becoming an observer which was introduced since I last observed for the IAM so don't know the full details. (when I wanted to be an IAM observer 20 odd years ago, I was told to do RoSPA and if I got Gold I could be an observer)
It may, like the test itself, boil down to which organisation is more convenient for you.
Firstly find the right group to join. It may well be that your local IAM or RoADAR group is a good choice but I have found that groups vary dependent upon who is in control of them and this will also reflect in the standards of training given and your overall experience. Just because someone has passed a test, doesn't mean they'll make a good observer. Groups all seem to recruit from recently passed members and though this evidently isn't always detrimental to standards, I have found the best observers to be those people who have other driver training and experience.
The IAM have brought in IMI accredited training in order to further standardise observers (local and national) across the country. Some groups will have some very highly experienced eg. HPC drivers volunteering as observers, with the rest of the group being comprised of people who have done it for years (often very dogmatic but now having to conform to IMI standards) and others who have recently passed with a F1rst. The IAM did this not only to raise standards but also, I believe, to get rid of the irritatingly dogmatic observers who spoil the fun. I guess the only way you'll know is to give it a go and see but keep in mind that training, length of service or 'qualification' does not alone equal a good observer. If you want my advice, I'd get a few years of advanced driving behind you and RoADAR, HPC etc training and then observe the group, before committing to any training with them, just for a wider perspective and for a variety of training.
I began IAM observer training and stopped soon after, because I fundamentally disagreed with the underlying principle that unless a driver has passed an IAM test, they aren't driving safely or correctly. RoADAR were very similar. I found my groups were attracting associates through changing their well established and safe practices, for no other reason than because the observers had been misinformed about what examiners expected and because they had been taught from parts of Roadcraft but not the whole. This lead them to all sorts of misjudged conclusions but mostly because few of them had anything more than an IAM test pass/F1rst and not a lot of good driving or coaching experience behind them. Training a good coach is very different from telling a new member that after a few days training, they can be an observer.
The IAM and RoADAR are changing for the better as we speak with output taking precedence over input. There's talk of not interfering with steering or BGOL unless it causes a problem and this is an improvement as it's another step away from Police driver training, which it never was despite claims to the contrary and the over use of a book.
Good luck.
The IAM have brought in IMI accredited training in order to further standardise observers (local and national) across the country. Some groups will have some very highly experienced eg. HPC drivers volunteering as observers, with the rest of the group being comprised of people who have done it for years (often very dogmatic but now having to conform to IMI standards) and others who have recently passed with a F1rst. The IAM did this not only to raise standards but also, I believe, to get rid of the irritatingly dogmatic observers who spoil the fun. I guess the only way you'll know is to give it a go and see but keep in mind that training, length of service or 'qualification' does not alone equal a good observer. If you want my advice, I'd get a few years of advanced driving behind you and RoADAR, HPC etc training and then observe the group, before committing to any training with them, just for a wider perspective and for a variety of training.
I began IAM observer training and stopped soon after, because I fundamentally disagreed with the underlying principle that unless a driver has passed an IAM test, they aren't driving safely or correctly. RoADAR were very similar. I found my groups were attracting associates through changing their well established and safe practices, for no other reason than because the observers had been misinformed about what examiners expected and because they had been taught from parts of Roadcraft but not the whole. This lead them to all sorts of misjudged conclusions but mostly because few of them had anything more than an IAM test pass/F1rst and not a lot of good driving or coaching experience behind them. Training a good coach is very different from telling a new member that after a few days training, they can be an observer.
The IAM and RoADAR are changing for the better as we speak with output taking precedence over input. There's talk of not interfering with steering or BGOL unless it causes a problem and this is an improvement as it's another step away from Police driver training, which it never was despite claims to the contrary and the over use of a book.
Good luck.
I've been an IAM Observer and agree with ZedLeppelin, especially this advice:
Do the IAM Masters programme. Then become an observer.
I think breadth and depth of AD training are more important than your age.
ZedLeppelin said:
If you want my advice, I'd get a few years of advanced driving behind you and RoADAR, HPC etc training and then observe the group, before committing to any training with them, just for a wider perspective and for a variety of training.
+1. Go enjoy a day with RideDrive or even better an HPC instructor Do the IAM Masters programme. Then become an observer.I think breadth and depth of AD training are more important than your age.
Edited by SVS on Thursday 17th September 22:01
Benbay001 said:
Sorry i didnt reply before.
But for the record, i have IAM pass, rospa gold and a BTEC in security driving and a BTEC in chauffering.
I would say i have more than average AD experience, no?
I passed my IAM more than 5 years ago.
You could always retake your test, without going for observed drives, as that would give you an idea of what might have changed with regards to your driving, the IAM/RoADAR in general and the local group over the last five years. The result would be more current. Then, if you feel the test result is a good reflection of your driving abilities, you'll probably be invited to join the next observer training cadre. But for the record, i have IAM pass, rospa gold and a BTEC in security driving and a BTEC in chauffering.
I would say i have more than average AD experience, no?
I passed my IAM more than 5 years ago.
Then you can attend a couple of observer training days and depending on whether or not you feel it suits you, you can sign up or not. I'd advise caution, as groups vary as widely as personalities.
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