Discussion
okay, i've seen a few threads about the IAM on here, had a quick look at the website and I have a few questions for those involved with it...
Firstly, on the website there is that 85 quid 'all inclusive package' - is that the only cost and is that for the actual IAM certification (or whatever you recieve when you pass?) or are there extra costs?
How do I find a place local to me if i want to do this?
and for those that have done it, how much of a difference does it make?
Firstly, on the website there is that 85 quid 'all inclusive package' - is that the only cost and is that for the actual IAM certification (or whatever you recieve when you pass?) or are there extra costs?
How do I find a place local to me if i want to do this?
and for those that have done it, how much of a difference does it make?
fidgits said:
okay, i've seen a few threads about the IAM on here, had a quick look at the website and I have a few questions for those involved with it...
Firstly, on the website there is that 85 quid 'all inclusive package' - is that the only cost and is that for the actual IAM certification (or whatever you recieve when you pass?) or are there extra costs?
How do I find a place local to me if i want to do this?
and for those that have done it, how much of a difference does it make?
£85 pays for everything you need. A year's membership of the IAM. A year's membership of your local IAM Group. The fee for your first go at the test (hopefully only one needed). As much training as your local group can provide (all done by volunteers).
The website has a comprehensive list of local Groups so you can find one near you. Based in Wiltshire I assume the Swindon group will be your closest. I am a member of the Basingstoke Group based in Hants.
This link gets you to a list of groups in the South East...
www.iam.org.uk/IAMGroups/region2.php
and this is the South West - bizarrely this includes Swindon, Salisbury and so on...
www.iam.org.uk/IAMGroups/region1.php
>> Edited by Don on Monday 8th May 10:40
Yup - as Don said above. After the first year's membership is up to retain your membership of the IAM you will need to maintain your membership of both your local group and the IAM too. I can't remember the exact price but it's like £10/yr or something similar - not expensive at all.
Regarding the training itself - you'll see many threads on here discussing it and, as much as I hate to admit it, a lot depends on the observers (remember, they're volunteers) that you get. Some are very good and the skills that you learn, so long as you are prepared to accept them, practise them, and work with them, will DEFINITELY be of benefit to your driving. Don't do like many and simply turn up on 4 sunday mornings, drive a bit slow, and think that will pass you your test! (I say that not with knowing you in mind, I stress Ian!).
I can't stress enough how beneficial it will be (I went on to become an observer) and how much I gained from it's teachings.
I suggest also that you get yourself a copy of Roadcraft; The Police Driver's Handbook. This is the book by which the IAM's teachings are based around - it's a dry read, but worth it.
Regarding the training itself - you'll see many threads on here discussing it and, as much as I hate to admit it, a lot depends on the observers (remember, they're volunteers) that you get. Some are very good and the skills that you learn, so long as you are prepared to accept them, practise them, and work with them, will DEFINITELY be of benefit to your driving. Don't do like many and simply turn up on 4 sunday mornings, drive a bit slow, and think that will pass you your test! (I say that not with knowing you in mind, I stress Ian!).
I can't stress enough how beneficial it will be (I went on to become an observer) and how much I gained from it's teachings.
I suggest also that you get yourself a copy of Roadcraft; The Police Driver's Handbook. This is the book by which the IAM's teachings are based around - it's a dry read, but worth it.
fidgits said:
the closest centre to me seems to talk about weekly meetings, and while i understand the need to get together, with my work schedule I wont be able to be a regular attendee, would this be an issue?
It wouldn't be with my Group...don't know how all the others operate...
We have two teaching methods.
1) 1:1 Observed drives. You get assigned to an Observer whose job it is to get you through the test. You meet as often as you need to. You *practice* in between. You might meet weekly if you're progress rate is very quick. You might meet fortnightly or three weekly.
2) Sunday Drives. Every second Sunday of the month we have a big get together and all the current "Associates" (people preparing for the test) get a drive with someone who isn't their usual Observer. This is to ensure consistency and prevent anyone from graduating from the "Don Hughes School Of Advanced Driving" instead of the IAM!
Most Groups do something similar.
There's two distinctly different parts of your local IAM group. The first is the 'training' part - which many people like you attend which, depending on the group, will be something like 4 x sunday mornings spread 1 month apart each. Once you've passed your test you need never attend your IAM group again, just make sure you maintain being a member though to receive all the benefits.
You THEN have the seperate side, the more social side, which is once you are a member of your local group they hold these weekly meetings (for my group it's monthly) which have talks from police officers, car club visits etc. etc. While not wishing to stereotype too much, it does tend to be the older generation that attend these meetings. I've been to a few (the traffic officer talks for example) and found them interesting...there are far more 'less interesting' topics for me - and so I rarely go.
So, to conclude, it's purely the first few months' courses you need to attend - after that it's just a voluntary social side to the group which has no baring on your test/membership requirements at all.
You THEN have the seperate side, the more social side, which is once you are a member of your local group they hold these weekly meetings (for my group it's monthly) which have talks from police officers, car club visits etc. etc. While not wishing to stereotype too much, it does tend to be the older generation that attend these meetings. I've been to a few (the traffic officer talks for example) and found them interesting...there are far more 'less interesting' topics for me - and so I rarely go.
So, to conclude, it's purely the first few months' courses you need to attend - after that it's just a voluntary social side to the group which has no baring on your test/membership requirements at all.
I only pay £7.00 a year to renew my membership with direct debit. It is a £8 if not by DD.
I would agree with what Don and Tony have said regarding the benefits of the course. It will improve your driving no end and will encourage you to always analyse your driving once you have passed. I too became an Observer and I think that this will undoubtedly keep me on my toes and far more focused. It is also good to know that you are doing your bit to improve road safety.
I found that reading 'Roadcraft' enabled me to reach a better understanding of the principles behind advanced driving.
My group runs a six week intensive courses. Theory on a Tuesday, one one hour drive followed by six two hour drives on each Sunday during the course. You are assigned a different observer each week so you get a good cross section of styles of guidance. The important thing is that you practice in between drives. I would also read up, prior to the theory session, the topics under analysis as it will assist your understanding and give you the opportunity to engage in a considered debate.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Monday 8th May 12:07
I would agree with what Don and Tony have said regarding the benefits of the course. It will improve your driving no end and will encourage you to always analyse your driving once you have passed. I too became an Observer and I think that this will undoubtedly keep me on my toes and far more focused. It is also good to know that you are doing your bit to improve road safety.
I found that reading 'Roadcraft' enabled me to reach a better understanding of the principles behind advanced driving.
My group runs a six week intensive courses. Theory on a Tuesday, one one hour drive followed by six two hour drives on each Sunday during the course. You are assigned a different observer each week so you get a good cross section of styles of guidance. The important thing is that you practice in between drives. I would also read up, prior to the theory session, the topics under analysis as it will assist your understanding and give you the opportunity to engage in a considered debate.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Monday 8th May 12:07
With all due respect (ha!) to those mightier than me (ha ha!) that have gone before, we need to be clear about the time involved. If you read the above, they almost suggest that IAM training is a few weeks (4 x Sunday, etc.).
Firstly, it really does depend on the Group. My local one does weekly Observed runs, lasting about 1 hour. They can be on a weekend or of an evening, agreed between the Associate and the Observer. Most Associates have about 8-10 runs in total i.e. 8-10 weeks.
Secondly (and this is a personal thing) I would be a bit suspicious if your 'average driver' turned up and then passed after 4 observed runs. How good can a system be if it is that easy to learn. I do sometimes wonder if we are making the Advanced Driving too easy.
However, like we've said before, I would do it, 'cos it is almost guaranteed to make a big difference. The only reasons for it not making a difference would be a) the Associate is brain dead b) the Associate doesn't care. In which case they probably wouldn't be taking an interest anyway.
Go for it. You know you want to!
P.S. I fully endorse Emma's comments about Roadcraft (the book).
>> Edited by Big Fat F'er on Monday 8th May 12:20
Firstly, it really does depend on the Group. My local one does weekly Observed runs, lasting about 1 hour. They can be on a weekend or of an evening, agreed between the Associate and the Observer. Most Associates have about 8-10 runs in total i.e. 8-10 weeks.
Secondly (and this is a personal thing) I would be a bit suspicious if your 'average driver' turned up and then passed after 4 observed runs. How good can a system be if it is that easy to learn. I do sometimes wonder if we are making the Advanced Driving too easy.
However, like we've said before, I would do it, 'cos it is almost guaranteed to make a big difference. The only reasons for it not making a difference would be a) the Associate is brain dead b) the Associate doesn't care. In which case they probably wouldn't be taking an interest anyway.
Go for it. You know you want to!
P.S. I fully endorse Emma's comments about Roadcraft (the book).
>> Edited by Big Fat F'er on Monday 8th May 12:20
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