Advanced Driving Groups - Opinions?
Discussion
Friends
I am considering getting some IAM or ROSPA advanced driver training.
I have previously done a “drive and survive” defensive driving course with work and an advanced road riding course on the motorbike and took a lot away from both of them.
Having browsed around the Advanced Driving forum PH, (they really do discuss the most bizarre things ad-nausium)I am really unsure of what to expect??
I take criticism well and have no illusions about my own driving standard, but I have concerns about (and sorry to generalise) the sort of person who would be into these groups.
I honestly believe that good roadcraft and observation are far more use than BHP, therefore I am wanting to learn real skills, not just to receive a road safety lecture (slow good ….. speed bad… blah blah …. have you considered caravanning?).
I am not wanting to do this for the badge or expecting any insurance discounts, I just want useful pointers and advice
Anyone here got any experience of local groups or the test and what reaction they have had from them? (I don’t have a beard or any chunky knitwear, but I do drive a Rover !!!)
Your thoughts?
I am considering getting some IAM or ROSPA advanced driver training.
I have previously done a “drive and survive” defensive driving course with work and an advanced road riding course on the motorbike and took a lot away from both of them.
Having browsed around the Advanced Driving forum PH, (they really do discuss the most bizarre things ad-nausium)I am really unsure of what to expect??
I take criticism well and have no illusions about my own driving standard, but I have concerns about (and sorry to generalise) the sort of person who would be into these groups.
I honestly believe that good roadcraft and observation are far more use than BHP, therefore I am wanting to learn real skills, not just to receive a road safety lecture (slow good ….. speed bad… blah blah …. have you considered caravanning?).
I am not wanting to do this for the badge or expecting any insurance discounts, I just want useful pointers and advice
Anyone here got any experience of local groups or the test and what reaction they have had from them? (I don’t have a beard or any chunky knitwear, but I do drive a Rover !!!)
Your thoughts?
Hi Stu!
My group is based in the centre of Nottingham. I think I'm the only person in the group that wears a cardigan actually and I am the youngest too
And I do have a jumper with leather elbow patches 
I think that people have many preconceptions about the 'type' of person that might be in the IAM. We are, on the whole, a fairly broad minded bunch of people with a love of driving. You will not be patronised. If you are not happy with anything that is said or disagree with a viewpoint you are encouraged to discuss it openly. Our group is fairly representative of the wider population and we have Associates from aged 17 up to late 60s. We see our role as observers as offering people guidance on how they might become a better, safer driver. We base all our theory on 'Roadcraft' the Police drivers' handbook.
We as an institute cannot condone speeding as it is against the law. What we do want to see though is people driving to the speed limit where conditions dictate that it is safe to do so.
You seem to have the right attitude from what you have said in your post. If you are prepared to take constructive feedback and are looking to improve your driving skills then you will undoubtedly gain much from doing the course. You won't be subject to a road safety lecture but you will take part in discussions and practical driving sessions where subjects such as observation, planning, handling, safety, road positioning, etc will be covered.
If you have a look at the IAM website you will be able to find your nearest group - http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgroups/
The test lasts about 90 mins. You will be assessed by a Class 1 police officer (serving or retired). I really enjoyed mine. You will get plenty of feedback from the examiner too. They aren't looking to fail you and are really down to earth lovely guys - a very different experience from that of the basic driving test.
I have never regretted doing the course and enjoy being an observer very much. It is great to see people improve their driving and it also keeps your observation and driving skills honed.
Please feel free to email me if you want to discuss anything in detail. I'm not sure when I'll be at a local meet again but I am more than happy to discuss any aspect of the IAM with you.
My group is based in the centre of Nottingham. I think I'm the only person in the group that wears a cardigan actually and I am the youngest too
And I do have a jumper with leather elbow patches I think that people have many preconceptions about the 'type' of person that might be in the IAM. We are, on the whole, a fairly broad minded bunch of people with a love of driving. You will not be patronised. If you are not happy with anything that is said or disagree with a viewpoint you are encouraged to discuss it openly. Our group is fairly representative of the wider population and we have Associates from aged 17 up to late 60s. We see our role as observers as offering people guidance on how they might become a better, safer driver. We base all our theory on 'Roadcraft' the Police drivers' handbook.
We as an institute cannot condone speeding as it is against the law. What we do want to see though is people driving to the speed limit where conditions dictate that it is safe to do so.
You seem to have the right attitude from what you have said in your post. If you are prepared to take constructive feedback and are looking to improve your driving skills then you will undoubtedly gain much from doing the course. You won't be subject to a road safety lecture but you will take part in discussions and practical driving sessions where subjects such as observation, planning, handling, safety, road positioning, etc will be covered.
If you have a look at the IAM website you will be able to find your nearest group - http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgroups/
The test lasts about 90 mins. You will be assessed by a Class 1 police officer (serving or retired). I really enjoyed mine. You will get plenty of feedback from the examiner too. They aren't looking to fail you and are really down to earth lovely guys - a very different experience from that of the basic driving test.
I have never regretted doing the course and enjoy being an observer very much. It is great to see people improve their driving and it also keeps your observation and driving skills honed.
Please feel free to email me if you want to discuss anything in detail. I'm not sure when I'll be at a local meet again but I am more than happy to discuss any aspect of the IAM with you.
Agree with Emma completley, IAM is a very worthwhile thing to do, especially if you love driving as the lessons you learn mean that you enjoy it more.
I have been a member of IAM for 10 years now, having had the chance to take my test in Cyprus whilst I was out there with the RAF.
Since then I have kept my membership every year and will continue to do so even when we emigrate to Canada - which will be in the next or so.
One of the best things I ever did.
I have been a member of IAM for 10 years now, having had the chance to take my test in Cyprus whilst I was out there with the RAF.
Since then I have kept my membership every year and will continue to do so even when we emigrate to Canada - which will be in the next or so.
One of the best things I ever did.
I did the IAM lessons and test a few years back, just to prove to myself that I could. Was more or less free (admin charge for the test) so I thought why not.
My observer was a dusty old lady who probably enjoyed knitting in her spare time. A dear old lady, but not what I had expected. She was fairly good though, taught me some interesting new stuff, and certainly taught me a load about observation and general awareness.
Examiner was a different kettle of fish though, rock solid retired police driver, absolutely no sense of humour or character, completely dry and cold. I passed the test, but he didnt give me much feedback as to how I did, what was good, what wasn't as good etc etc, nothing at all, just a yes I'd passed.
Overall I'm not knocking it though, was useful, and on the whole run by volunteers giving up there spare time, so can't complain.
I paid for the test and certificate etc, but didnt keep up my membership. Not really that 'into it' to attend meetings etc. I just did it to prove to myself my driving standard was still adequate, given my original test was about 15 years ago.
HTH
My observer was a dusty old lady who probably enjoyed knitting in her spare time. A dear old lady, but not what I had expected. She was fairly good though, taught me some interesting new stuff, and certainly taught me a load about observation and general awareness.
Examiner was a different kettle of fish though, rock solid retired police driver, absolutely no sense of humour or character, completely dry and cold. I passed the test, but he didnt give me much feedback as to how I did, what was good, what wasn't as good etc etc, nothing at all, just a yes I'd passed.
Overall I'm not knocking it though, was useful, and on the whole run by volunteers giving up there spare time, so can't complain.
I paid for the test and certificate etc, but didnt keep up my membership. Not really that 'into it' to attend meetings etc. I just did it to prove to myself my driving standard was still adequate, given my original test was about 15 years ago.
HTH
Edited by SeanyD on Thursday 6th March 10:41
[quote=EmmaP]
If you have a look at the IAM website you will be able to find your nearest group - http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgroups/
quote]
Stone me that is difficult ... they certainly have an interesting view on english Geography !!! ..... right, from trawling their website, the choice appears to be:
Derby Group (Midlands and Mid Wales)
Chesterfield or Matlock Group (North East England!!!)
Nottingham Group (East of England, inc London North of the Thames!!!!)
Are you sure these people can be trusted to plan a test route ????
Group Deal maybe?? Emma can be teacher
If you have a look at the IAM website you will be able to find your nearest group - http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgroups/
quote]
Stone me that is difficult ... they certainly have an interesting view on english Geography !!! ..... right, from trawling their website, the choice appears to be:
Derby Group (Midlands and Mid Wales)
Chesterfield or Matlock Group (North East England!!!)
Nottingham Group (East of England, inc London North of the Thames!!!!)
Are you sure these people can be trusted to plan a test route ????
Group Deal maybe?? Emma can be teacher
Edited by Hot_Stu on Thursday 6th March 11:34
I can assure you that our group is very well organised and we plan routes very carefully for our one and - mainly - two hour observed drives on a Sunday morning.
Details of my group may be found here - http://www.nottinghamtrentiam.org.uk
We have a very high pass rate - 95+ % and get very good feedback from our associates.
Groups offer an initial drive out - ours is usually with our chief observer - to give you an idea of what advanced driving is all about.
I enjoyed my exam so much that I was disappointed that it seemed to come to an end so early. The officer let me get on with the job of driving and was really good company, telling me all about his job (quite fascinating). He gave me feedback at the end of the drive. Everyone's experience is different though.
Whilst I'm flattered by your suggestion Stu, I'm not in a position to offer training 'on the side' so to speak. I would be very happy to give you a demonstration drive though
Details of my group may be found here - http://www.nottinghamtrentiam.org.uk
We have a very high pass rate - 95+ % and get very good feedback from our associates.
Groups offer an initial drive out - ours is usually with our chief observer - to give you an idea of what advanced driving is all about.
I enjoyed my exam so much that I was disappointed that it seemed to come to an end so early. The officer let me get on with the job of driving and was really good company, telling me all about his job (quite fascinating). He gave me feedback at the end of the drive. Everyone's experience is different though.
Whilst I'm flattered by your suggestion Stu, I'm not in a position to offer training 'on the side' so to speak. I would be very happy to give you a demonstration drive though
Edited by EmmaP on Thursday 6th March 11:44
Hot_Stu said:
I think I am sold on this .... I shall make the appropriate contacts for a "skills for life " course (anyone else interested?)
I feel quite excited... be interested to see how it builds on the Drive and Survive.
Now... which car .......
The Frog, of course! I feel quite excited... be interested to see how it builds on the Drive and Survive.
Now... which car .......
Believe it or not I actually considered doing this ...
Fully recommend the IAM. I did this quite a few years ago and have recently thought about a refresher session. Also suggested to my Mum about putting her through the new senior course to help her cope with modern traffic
Emma, don't suppose you know any of the Northants/Oxon/Bucks IAM people I could contact?
Emma, don't suppose you know any of the Northants/Oxon/Bucks IAM people I could contact?
bigburd said:
Emma, don't suppose you know any of the Northants/Oxon/Bucks IAM people I could contact?
I don't have any contacts in the IAM in those regions, sorry! If you look on the IAM site that should direct you to the available groups. You should hopefully find out more about each group that way. (For example, there are two groups in Nottingham. I opted for the one with most professional and informative site when faced with a choice of two.)I did it many years ago when I worked for Daewoo, it was company policy for anyone that had a company car.
However, I had to swop IAM tutors as the 1st one that I was hooked up with initially was just plain wrong about pretty much anything and everything, I don't mean the usual disagreement over matters of opinion either, but matters of fact, it was just mind blowing. The 2nd bloke was excellent though, as were the local Derby IAM people, especially the late Len Utal, lovely bloke.
The inconsistency I experienced has left me with reservations though.
However, I had to swop IAM tutors as the 1st one that I was hooked up with initially was just plain wrong about pretty much anything and everything, I don't mean the usual disagreement over matters of opinion either, but matters of fact, it was just mind blowing. The 2nd bloke was excellent though, as were the local Derby IAM people, especially the late Len Utal, lovely bloke.
The inconsistency I experienced has left me with reservations though.
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