Retest/Refesher Course

[a2z]

Have any of the members here bothered to do any refresher courses or even a retest with the IAM? I passed about 10 years ago and whilst I do try to keep on top of bad habits etc and flick through Roadcraft every so often, recently I have felt that my standard of driving has slipped and is not as good as it could be (or as good as it used to be?) I have recently taken a job that involves lots of driving and have caught myself falling into habits that are quite often bemoaned.

So, has anyone done this? Is the best course of action to get involved with my local group and go out for a few drives? Due to moving around a bit I let my local membership lapse. Would I be able to get something direct from the IAM? Would I be better off starting to train for ROSPA etc?

[Mark_SV]

Hi there,

Great that you're looking a refresher. I'd recommend the following options:

1. If you can afford it, do a 4h 'half-day advanced driving experience' with RideDrive or a 2h 'taster session' with Cadence. Either of these would definitely be top choice and very rewarding:
www.ridedrive.co.uk/do-safer.htm
www.cadence.co.uk/driving.html

2. If you have a local group nearby, RoSPA training is a great second option. Check out www.roada.org.uk

3. If it's all you want, a quick fix would be an IAM Driver Assessment, which the IAM offers to existing members as a refresher. Application forms available from IAM Head Office www.iam.org.uk

Hope this helps.

>> Edited by Mark_SV on Thursday 5th January 17:35

[Kinky]

Martin,

When is your Ride Drive session? I'd be curious to know how you found it and how you got on.

K

[mph999]

Excllent - go for it

Martin

>> Edited by mph999 on Tuesday 17th January 20:40

[Mustang Baz]

A response to an old thread, but I completed a 4hr refresher today with Ride Drive (original 8hr full day done in Nov 2005). Found the program very beneficial (again), most notably in putting together the prior learnings coupled with the past year of additional experience. Recommended to anyone, especially if you are in need of some external appraisal on your driving and also simply want to refresh jaded skills.

[WhoseGeneration]

So, one of those who reached the required standard for IAM membership some time ago wonders about whether they are still up to standard?
This from someone who obviously cares about their driving skills.
Yet, still no mandatory retests for the majority on our roads.
Government is a waste of space in truly raising driving standards.
"Oh, WhoseGeneration, we have all those Safety Cameras, fixed and mobile".
Said a Spokesperson.