RoSPA or IAM?

Ximian

Hi all,

I'm looking at enrolling in an advanced driving course as well as an advanced motorcycle course. The benefit being lower insurance costs.
I have noticed that there are two organisations that offer advanced courses: IAM and RoSPA. Between the two, which is better? I'm looking at factors such as costs for training and testing and recognition, is one preferrable or more recognised than the other?

I'd also appreciate any comments from anyone that has done IAM or RoSPA training regarduing their personal experience.

TIA

Networkguy

Ximian wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking at enrolling in an advanced driving course as well as an advanced motorcycle course. The benefit being lower insurance costs.
I have noticed that there are two organisations that offer advanced courses: IAM and RoSPA. Between the two, which is better? I'm looking at factors such as costs for training and testing and recognition, is one preferrable or more recognised than the other?

I'd also appreciate any comments from anyone that has done IAM or RoSPA training regarduing their personal experience.

TIA

I hold a Gold RoADA (RoSPA) pass and have done for a few years now.

I have also been a member of the IAM in the past as well.

I am a big believer that members or these organisations are not safer drivers or better drivers because of what they learn from joining (although there is some learning of course) but just by the fact you care enough about your driving to sign up sets you over and above the drivers that don't care about themselves or others when behind the year?

Does that make sense?

Now each local group will differ but I did find that the "attitude" within the IAM was disgraceful in many cases with most members taking a "I am better than everybody else" stance with too much ego stroking.

I took up advanced driving to make me a better driver and make me a safer driver. I did not do it so that I could look down on other drivers.

Now there are some who will claim that an IAM pass is the same as a bronze RoADA pass. This is unfair as the IAM is a pass of fail so you could drive to a gold standard and still only get a pass.

So go visit your local groups and see which you feel more comfortable with. I know the IAM will be keener to get cash out of you sooner but take a look but in any case, no matter which one you join, you will benefit.

And finally. You may be surprised on the insurance front. MOST insurers don't care if you are an advanced driver or not and the ones that do give discounts tend to be quite expensive to start with.

Have fun and enjoy

anewman

Just buy "Roadcraft: the police driver's handbook" that pretty much covers everything in IAM and is about driving safely (it is not about pursuit driving). It's a good book, when you read it you may think most of it is common sense but when it's imprinted on your brain in black and white and you practice it, it should improve your driving.

As last poster said I doubt you get any worthwhile saving on insurance so doing it is for your own benefit more than anything.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

The most valuable part of the IAM course is the final test with a traffic officer.

Rospa is probably the better choice, but you're well down the road to being a safer driver already just by wanting to improve yourself.

Whatever you decide, please do it - I think you'll be quite amazed at what you can learn, and how much you can improve your driving.

Inactive

Ximian wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking at enrolling in an advanced driving course as well as an advanced motorcycle course. The benefit being lower insurance costs.
I have noticed that there are two organisations that offer advanced courses: IAM and RoSPA. Between the two, which is better? I'm looking at factors such as costs for training and testing and recognition, is one preferrable or more recognised than the other?

I'd also appreciate any comments from anyone that has done IAM or RoSPA training regarduing their personal experience.

TIA

Which companies give a discount to IAM / RoSPA members?

I have held an IAM Certificate for years, but I have never managed to get a real discount anywhere.

DaveMacD

I'm thinking along the same lines as the OP, but was thinking of first getting a drive assessment from RoSPA (I think it was). Then I found out that one of our new first responders is also a Class 1 driving examiner... so I'll be getting him to go on an assessment drive with me. Not bothered about an insurance discount since it isn't too high at present, just want to make sure my driving is still up to scratch.

missile

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

The most valuable part of the IAM course is the final test with a traffic officer..

Please be advised> Many but not all IAM examiners are traffic officers.:beer:

missile

Inactive wrote: »

Which companies give a discount to IAM / RoSPA members?

I have held an IAM Certificate for years, but I have never managed to get a real discount anywhere.

Same here. Many of the companies advertising cheaper insurance to members in IAM mag look decidedly second rate to me :rotfl:

Crabman

missile wrote: »

Please be advised> Many but not all IAM examiners are traffic officers.:beer:

I'm pretty sure they are either currently serving traffic officers or retired/past traffic officers.

A tip for anyone joining - ask the local group secretary if they wouldn't mind allotting you to a retired/serving traffic cop instead of a civilian, even if it means a longer wait. I had a civilian but the test was easily the drive where I learnt the most.

Quentin

The annual sub is now £30, and you'll find it hard to get that back each year via a "special IAM" discount (compared with shopping around/getting cashback etc)

burnsguitarman

My OH managed to get quite good discounts on both car and bike ins last year, through IAM Adelaide insurance,
Previously they were never competetive, but I believe they have changed their underwriters?
I agree with the comments about some of the IAM observers, there are quite a few who are "up their own backsides" but as already said if you are interested enough to look into advanced driving, you are part way there already.