Passed my IAM...What's next?

[Combover]

I passed my IAM test yesterday ( ) but am now after moving it on a stage.

What is my next course of action? I like driving, but I want to be able to REALLY drive.

Advice would be gratefully receieved.

[p1esk]

Combover said:

I passed my IAM test yesterday ( ) but am now after moving it on a stage.

What is my next course of action? I like driving, but I want to be able to REALLY drive.

Advice would be gratefully received.

Many congratulations.

You maybe ought to have a word with StressedDave. I'm sure he'll sort you out splendidly.

Don't let us have anybody doing anything to upset Dave though. I need him to be in a good mood for the next few months.

[BOF]

I would suggest you have a go at getting Gold with...

http://www.roada.org.uk/

You will then be better prepared for individual training with Dave or any other coach.

BOF.

PS - Well Done!

Edited by BOF on Sunday 27th January 12:11

[waremark]

Combover said:

I like driving, but I want to be able to REALLY drive.

What does that mean to you?

And well done - both for taking and passing IAM, and for realising that is not the end of the road.

Edited by waremark on Sunday 27th January 12:47

[p1esk]

BOF said:

I would suggest you have a go at getting Gold with...

http://www.roada.org.uk/

You will then be better prepared for individual training with Dave or any other coach.

BOF.

PS - Well Done!

Edited by BOF on Sunday 27th January 12:11

I accept that RoSPA Gold is somewhat better than a normal IAM pass, but is it sufficiently more advanced to be worth bothering with, given that the OP is setting his sights much higher. I don't know the right answer, I'm just wondering; but in his situation I would be inclined to miss it out.

[petermansell]

Yes - I have done both IAM and ROSPA's adviced driving association test and while both are similar (ie 1.30 mins + needing comentary) I would say the standard of the ROSPA test is worth doing both for consolidating what you have learned with IAM and moving on in skills and awareness incrementally.

After that you could try some limit handling - Don Palmer or Andy Walsh are both good (and really enjoyable).

[BOF]

p1esk,

"I don't know the right answer, I'm just wondering; but in his situation I would be inclined to miss it out."

I don't know the 'right answer' for any individual driver, but the progression from IAM to RoSPA was for me the 'next step up'... getting only Silver on my first test was a disappointment...doing a day and a half with John Lyon got me to Gold...maybe I am a slow learner...

The requirement of a 3 year re-test with RoSPA, for me, avoids complacency... Three Golds later, the WRITTEN report from RoSPA, with the Examiners' comments, is a challenge in everday driving.

Diff'rnt strokes for diff'rnt folks I guess...the main thing is the interest in the poster in taking further driving education...and what seems to be a recent increase in enquiries on the subject on PH..as an IAM Observer this pleases me...beats the sh1t out of noticing flowers at the sides of roads?

BOF

[Combover]

I need the next step up, ideally. I'm really not that good a driver to be concerned about going too high...i'll save that for a few years' time.

Something that gets me even remotely near the abilities of my test examiner would be great!

[slowinfastout]

I go with BOF on this one. Plus you need to do mile and mile and miles of self practice. With the occational check to see how you are doing. It takes lots and lots of time with little bits of help here and there. Anjoy your leanring, it never ends. Well done..

[StressedDave]

OK, although there is the difference between IAM and RoADA in that the IAM is a one-off and for life, while RoADA have triennial retests, there may not be all that much difference between the standards required and may not be 'REALLY driving' as you perceive it. You may have breezed through IAM and as a result may not find RoADA much of a challenge.

My suggestion would be to seek out a professional advanced coach (there's been plenty of recommendations on here) for a half day on road and during that half day, ask for a demonstration drive. If you get something inspirational that you haven't got from your IAM observers, then you'll probably have your answer as to where to go next.

Oh, and BoF - you about on the 16th Feb - that day I'm running is not to far from you (at least as the crow flies).

[Combover]

So a good step would be to ask someone like R_U_LOCAL to help me? I'm not hugely interested in winning badges, more improving my barely adequate driving standard.

[ipsg.glf]

Make sure you THOROUGHLY research anyone who you go to for advanced tuition. Some people make claims they are not entitled to make.

[BOF]

Dave,

"Oh, and BoF - you about on the 16th Feb - that day I'm running is not to far from you (at least as the crow flies)."

Thanks, but we have friends down from Scotland then...

BOF

PS -
"It'd be really nice to see some fresh faces, especially some who aren't dyed-in-the-wool IAM or RoADAR members - it's about sharing experiences."

Maybe just as well...

Edited by BOF on Monday 28th January 11:30

[BOF]

Combover said:

So a good step would be to ask someone like R_U_LOCAL to help me? I'm not hugely interested in winning badges, more improving my barely adequate driving standard.

We have a couple of Trafpols...serving and retired...who have given me a few hours of coaching...you are playing with the BIG boys if you get the chance to do this.

Go for it if you get the chance...

BOF