AD Training - is it worth it??
Discussion
Hi all, Good forum to have.
I noticed this was touched on in another thread and as I was thinking about posting I thought it may be appropriate.
I've heard lots of people talking about advanced driving courses of different types that they have been on, however can you tell me what benefit it will have on my driving? i.e. what can you tell me to convince me I should do it?
Don't get me wrong, I'd booked into a ride and drive, however after chasing them twice and being promised they'd call me back that never materialised and to be honest I was only doing to try to answer the question I've posted above. I don't think I'm the best thing on the road, however I am very critical of most peoples driving.
I've not read anything on the web that has convinced me I need to do it. When people talk about these courses I find myself reading with the words "Don't you already do that?? and Someone had to tell you to do that - you mean you haven;t been???"
So I suppose what I'm asking is, can you say "If you do XYZ, then you'll probably benefit from it" etc??
Please do convince me that it's a good thing. I hope this hasn't come across as an attack - it's not, I would like a debate on how Advanced Driving will help what I consider myself to be an already safe and good driver.
I suspect there may be other people out there too who may read this and then (hopefully) from your replies, be more inclined to seek driver training.
I realise most people when asked say "I'm a good driver", however I believe I am, however believe there is alwys room for impreovement - so please guys/girls, convince me.
Thanks,
JC
I noticed this was touched on in another thread and as I was thinking about posting I thought it may be appropriate.
I've heard lots of people talking about advanced driving courses of different types that they have been on, however can you tell me what benefit it will have on my driving? i.e. what can you tell me to convince me I should do it?
Don't get me wrong, I'd booked into a ride and drive, however after chasing them twice and being promised they'd call me back that never materialised and to be honest I was only doing to try to answer the question I've posted above. I don't think I'm the best thing on the road, however I am very critical of most peoples driving.
I've not read anything on the web that has convinced me I need to do it. When people talk about these courses I find myself reading with the words "Don't you already do that?? and Someone had to tell you to do that - you mean you haven;t been???"
So I suppose what I'm asking is, can you say "If you do XYZ, then you'll probably benefit from it" etc??
Please do convince me that it's a good thing. I hope this hasn't come across as an attack - it's not, I would like a debate on how Advanced Driving will help what I consider myself to be an already safe and good driver.
I suspect there may be other people out there too who may read this and then (hopefully) from your replies, be more inclined to seek driver training.
I realise most people when asked say "I'm a good driver", however I believe I am, however believe there is alwys room for impreovement - so please guys/girls, convince me.
Thanks,
JC
I think it very much depends on your starting position. I don't consider myself a "good" or "talented" driver.
I used to be crap. I've done IAM/RoSPA/HPC, a day Ride Drive and other stuff. Result: Not so crap.
I'm not a particularly natural driver. I just want to be as best as I possibly can. That means constant practice and coaching with people who *really* know what they are on about.
If you have never undertaken any advanced driving, then you will be astonished about the things that come into play when you are coached by world class people. I've been there and got the T shirt.
I used to be crap. I've done IAM/RoSPA/HPC, a day Ride Drive and other stuff. Result: Not so crap.
I'm not a particularly natural driver. I just want to be as best as I possibly can. That means constant practice and coaching with people who *really* know what they are on about.
If you have never undertaken any advanced driving, then you will be astonished about the things that come into play when you are coached by world class people. I've been there and got the T shirt.
Thats what I think - I don't profess to know it all by any stretch, but I'm just looking for someone to say "blah blah" and me to go "Arrrhhh, I see, never thought of that..." ( not on here I mean on a course or such like)
Ok, on from that then, is there anyone who offers a driver assesment?? save paying for a whole course? Someone who could go, "Actually sir, I was scared for my life whilest out with you, I now have whiplash and I think an intensive set of additional lessons would help you. Good day."
Thanks,
JC
Ok, on from that then, is there anyone who offers a driver assesment?? save paying for a whole course? Someone who could go, "Actually sir, I was scared for my life whilest out with you, I now have whiplash and I think an intensive set of additional lessons would help you. Good day."
Thanks,
JC
Here's how to view it.
Go on an IAM course. If you are already a good driver you'll pass with a minimum of instruction and practice.
The nice thing, though, is that if you *enjoy* driving its a brilliant opportunity to go and actually DO some. That and you'll also get the benefit of thinking about your driving - which will make it improve, anyway.
No matter what standard you are - there is always room for improvment...and since you'll spend time thinking about it you'll make that improvement...fun!
Most drivers who do IAM/RoSPA become more observant, better at planning what to do, and better at anticipating dangers and creating contingency plans in case they happen (threat assessment and mitigation). Most find that "The System" is useful in building those things into their driving.
Many drivers also gain improved car control skills - smoothness and so on.
When (I hope!) you go on a course, though, you must remember that the focus of the IAM (and RoSPA) is to take ordinary drivers and make them much safer...without just making them ludicrously cautious which can cause its own accidents!
Whilst doing that the enthusiasts want to share a LOT more than that with other enthusiast drivers.
But remember - only a small portion of the drivers who come to the IAM do so because they are driving enthusiasts. Many come because they've had a prang or (sadly) their husband, who used to do all the driving, has died and they need to be able to use the motorway to see the grandkids etc etc
If you want to find out plenty about "Advanced Driving" watch the Roadcraft Video or read "Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Manual". In fact I recommend reading the book before approaching the IAM/RoSPA...it will tell you what will be coverered in the course.
Go on an IAM course. If you are already a good driver you'll pass with a minimum of instruction and practice.
The nice thing, though, is that if you *enjoy* driving its a brilliant opportunity to go and actually DO some. That and you'll also get the benefit of thinking about your driving - which will make it improve, anyway.
No matter what standard you are - there is always room for improvment...and since you'll spend time thinking about it you'll make that improvement...fun!
Most drivers who do IAM/RoSPA become more observant, better at planning what to do, and better at anticipating dangers and creating contingency plans in case they happen (threat assessment and mitigation). Most find that "The System" is useful in building those things into their driving.
Many drivers also gain improved car control skills - smoothness and so on.
When (I hope!) you go on a course, though, you must remember that the focus of the IAM (and RoSPA) is to take ordinary drivers and make them much safer...without just making them ludicrously cautious which can cause its own accidents!
Whilst doing that the enthusiasts want to share a LOT more than that with other enthusiast drivers.
But remember - only a small portion of the drivers who come to the IAM do so because they are driving enthusiasts. Many come because they've had a prang or (sadly) their husband, who used to do all the driving, has died and they need to be able to use the motorway to see the grandkids etc etc
If you want to find out plenty about "Advanced Driving" watch the Roadcraft Video or read "Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Manual". In fact I recommend reading the book before approaching the IAM/RoSPA...it will tell you what will be coverered in the course.
jconsta6 said:
Ok, on from that then, is there anyone who offers a driver assesment?? save paying for a whole course? Someone who could go, "Actually sir, I was scared for my life whilest out with you, I now have whiplash and I think an intensive set of additional lessons would help you. Good day."
Well the course is only £85!
I'm afraid you're not local otherwise I'd offer to give you an assessment informally...which I have done for other PHers before now.
Seldom have I been out with anyone who has genuinely scared me shitless (I have a high tolerance for this anyway!) - so I'm sure you're fine.
Actually there was this one bloke who had the car in a four wheel drift on a roundabout he'd forgotten was there and had to throw it into...now THAT did scare me!
Thanks Don,
Looks like we cross posted, so to sum up - everything to gain and nothing to loose from going on course.
I'll have a read and take it from there.
Thanks for the comments.
JC
Just edited to add, thanks for that Don, I didn't realise it was only £85 - Not really got a huge excuse not to. Thanks again.
>> Edited by jconsta6 on Thursday 1st September 15:15
Looks like we cross posted, so to sum up - everything to gain and nothing to loose from going on course.
I'll have a read and take it from there.
Thanks for the comments.
JC
Just edited to add, thanks for that Don, I didn't realise it was only £85 - Not really got a huge excuse not to. Thanks again.
>> Edited by jconsta6 on Thursday 1st September 15:15
jconsta6 said:
Just edited to add, thanks for that Don, I didn't realise it was only £85 - Not really got a huge excuse not to. Thanks again.
No problem.
As always. If you feel, as you do the course, you are not getting the explanations of why you want feel free to 'mail me through my profile - and I'll try to help.
Or post here and (when I spot the post) I'll try and answer in a way that benefits the Forum.
I am NOT an all-knowing driving guru - but I can help with most common IAM queries.
Thanks for the offers.
Once I've got a spare £85 and a bit of time I shall book up.
I'll report back here as I suspect I may not be the only one who may be wondering what they'll get out of it?
Obviously I'll report on my findings honestly either way.
Thanks again for the positive constructive comments.
Cheers,
JC
Once I've got a spare £85 and a bit of time I shall book up.
I'll report back here as I suspect I may not be the only one who may be wondering what they'll get out of it?
Obviously I'll report on my findings honestly either way.
Thanks again for the positive constructive comments.
Cheers,
JC
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