Discussion
Thanks for the advice Don, think it is definetely something I'll look into once I'm based back at home (don't have the car at uni).
As for passplus, I don't know if I can do it as I have been driving as a named driver for close to 3 years now, I seem to recall something about it being within 12 months of passing. Also I don't think it would be worthwhile because I've driven on most types of road that are covered eg. motorway, countryside etc, and in bad weather and at night, so I think I've acquired the basic competences that would be given by pass plus.
As for passplus, I don't know if I can do it as I have been driving as a named driver for close to 3 years now, I seem to recall something about it being within 12 months of passing. Also I don't think it would be worthwhile because I've driven on most types of road that are covered eg. motorway, countryside etc, and in bad weather and at night, so I think I've acquired the basic competences that would be given by pass plus.
H_Kan said:
Thanks for the advice Don, think it is definetely something I'll look into once I'm based back at home (don't have the car at uni).
As for passplus, I don't know if I can do it as I have been driving as a named driver for close to 3 years now, I seem to recall something about it being within 12 months of passing. Also I don't think it would be worthwhile because I've driven on most types of road that are covered eg. motorway, countryside etc, and in bad weather and at night, so I think I've acquired the basic competences that would be given by pass plus.
If you are still at Uni you will likely qualify for a discount on the IAM "Skill For Life" membership. I think you get it ten quid cheaper. Best of luck - feel free to ask me any questions..As for passplus, I don't know if I can do it as I have been driving as a named driver for close to 3 years now, I seem to recall something about it being within 12 months of passing. Also I don't think it would be worthwhile because I've driven on most types of road that are covered eg. motorway, countryside etc, and in bad weather and at night, so I think I've acquired the basic competences that would be given by pass plus.
Strangely Brown said:
Essex9 said:
Waste of space, you can either drive safely or you cannot!!!
And naturally you're in the "can" camp. 
Tell me, were you born able to drive safely or did someone have to teach you?
Edited by Strangely Brown on Tuesday 15th January 10:53
There seems to be a body of opinion around (small but beautifully formed
) that suggests the self-taught principle can give quite decent results, but I wouldn't know whether it's right or not.Regarding insurance; I'm 27 now, passed the IAM when I was 22 I think it was. At that time it was no benefit. The only people that would give a discount were so high to start with that they still remained high in comparison to the better insurers. And now, I have an Exige so go with specialist insurers rather than the high street ones. BUT, when I say that I'm in the IAM it does help for them to accept me (rather than just saying "no"
So, the conclusion; don't do it for the insurance, but sometimes, in some circumstances, it can help
So, the conclusion; don't do it for the insurance, but sometimes, in some circumstances, it can help
So often threads like this degenerate into 'will i get money off my insuance'. Shame as that's not the point. How much is your excess or NCB? As Don has said it's about improving your ability and thus avoiding accidents in the first place. It's akin to sports coaching. If you want to get better at golf you ask for tuition from the club pro and improve your game. It cost £85 for 6 two hour coaching sessions and a one hour 'test' with a police examiner. If it improves your skill even a little bit, car handling or more importantly observation and risk assessment then you owe it to yourself and your fellow passengers! Even pro footballers are not arrogant enough to say 'you either can play football or you can't!'
The course is based on the road driving system the police have developed over many years on all conditions up to and well in excess of the speed limits. An ex police driver took me for a drive once - awesome ability... Good enough for me!
I too an an observer with the local group and have worked with a wide variety with people preparing them for the test. I really like the car nuts, pistonhead types who often equate good driving to fast driving and take bewildering risks. As the training progresses they often drive smoother, faster and with less of a flap on, relaxed and in control; with much less risk. They enjoy driving more and want to become observers themselves. And the learning continue. What's £85?
The course is based on the road driving system the police have developed over many years on all conditions up to and well in excess of the speed limits. An ex police driver took me for a drive once - awesome ability... Good enough for me!
I too an an observer with the local group and have worked with a wide variety with people preparing them for the test. I really like the car nuts, pistonhead types who often equate good driving to fast driving and take bewildering risks. As the training progresses they often drive smoother, faster and with less of a flap on, relaxed and in control; with much less risk. They enjoy driving more and want to become observers themselves. And the learning continue. What's £85?
ian in lancs said:
So often threads like this degenerate into 'will i get money off my insuance'. Shame as that's not the point. How much is your excess or NCB? As Don has said it's about improving your ability and thus avoiding accidents in the first place. It's akin to sports coaching. If you want to get better at golf you ask for tuition from the club pro and improve your game. It cost £85 for 6 two hour coaching sessions and a one hour 'test' with a police examiner. If it improves your skill even a little bit, car handling or more importantly observation and risk assessment then you owe it to yourself and your fellow passengers! Even pro footballers are not arrogant enough to say 'you either can play football or you can't!'
The course is based on the road driving system the police have developed over many years on all conditions up to and well in excess of the speed limits. An ex police driver took me for a drive once - awesome ability... Good enough for me!
I too an an observer with the local group and have worked with a wide variety with people preparing them for the test. I really like the car nuts, pistonhead types who often equate good driving to fast driving and take bewildering risks. As the training progresses they often drive smoother, faster and with less of a flap on, relaxed and in control; with much less risk. They enjoy driving more and want to become observers themselves. And the learning continue. What's £85?
I asked about the insurance because it is something I wanted to know. I am thinking of doing the course and obviously it'll seem more attractive if I can save on insurance as well. However I'll probably do it in Spring/Summer when I'm at home either. I didn't say I can drive brilliantly, hence why I am considering the course.The course is based on the road driving system the police have developed over many years on all conditions up to and well in excess of the speed limits. An ex police driver took me for a drive once - awesome ability... Good enough for me!
I too an an observer with the local group and have worked with a wide variety with people preparing them for the test. I really like the car nuts, pistonhead types who often equate good driving to fast driving and take bewildering risks. As the training progresses they often drive smoother, faster and with less of a flap on, relaxed and in control; with much less risk. They enjoy driving more and want to become observers themselves. And the learning continue. What's £85?
Sorry didn't mean to offend! In fact ihe IAM have brought this insurance thing on themselves by marketing there's a premium reduction with passing the test. I've never found this to be the case and I'm not alone in this experience as Don has said too. Frankly using on-line searches usually get better insurance quotes than IAM select. Sometimes I'm asked about adv driving sometimes not. Either way it makes negligable difference. Other factors have far more impact on the premium. Do it for fun rather than investment return.
To answer an earlier question, the demographic varies from course to course at my group. Last course we almost had a 50/50 ration of male to female members, but usually the men outnumber the women 2:1. About a third were under 25 (in a group of about 12 people). There are usually a mixture of professional drivers, people who have not long passed their basic test and those who feel the need to iron out some old habits that they have adopted. All are united in their over-riding aim to improve their driving and desire to be a safer driver.
Whilst a reduction in insurance is great, the real impetus for doing the course for me was to become a better, safer driver by learning a whole range of new skills and learning about vehicle handling and dynamics. My enjoyment of driving has improved more than I could possibly have imagined. Knowing that I am doing my bit to improve road safety through my observer duties really is the cherry on the cake.
Whilst a reduction in insurance is great, the real impetus for doing the course for me was to become a better, safer driver by learning a whole range of new skills and learning about vehicle handling and dynamics. My enjoyment of driving has improved more than I could possibly have imagined. Knowing that I am doing my bit to improve road safety through my observer duties really is the cherry on the cake.
i had never thought of doing an IAM course untill about 2 hours ago when i realised i actually have a lot less talent and awareness than i thought i had on the road as i span my car. and i thank my lucky stars i didn't stuff it into the ditch or the bin lorry because i was going at a stupidly fast speed. i'm not bothered about the possible drop in insurance, i just know that i know nothing about car control now.
Glad to hear nothing more than a raised heartbeat came of it at the time.
Occasions like that are a learning experience if you let them be. While it's still fresh in your mind sign up for that IAM or RoADAR course now! There's an IAM group in Norwich who will no doubt have an observer or two near to you.
regards
Nick
Occasions like that are a learning experience if you let them be. While it's still fresh in your mind sign up for that IAM or RoADAR course now! There's an IAM group in Norwich who will no doubt have an observer or two near to you.
regards
Nick
StressedDave said:
I'm not sure IAM will help with car control. It's much more about helping you not to get in the same situation again by reading the road properly. If you only want help with getting the car to cash cheques you've written you'll want someone like Andy Walsh or Don Palmer.
i think it is a mixture of the two, some of it is down to the fact that i was going to fast for the conditions of the road (i'll hold my hands up to driving like a tool.) although i came out unscathed, i don't think i was driving properly in the skid and it was luck and not skill that kept me away from the pearly gates.i thought i knew these roads well
i thought i was a very competant "above average" driver.
i never thought i could do something so stupid and i have taken away a valuable lesson from today, because i really thought i was in for a biggy.
regardless, i am going to do an IAM, and i'll also look into what Andy and Don can offer.
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