Institute of Advanced Motorists

[BigDaveUK]

I've been looking at the IAM courses and before i sign on the dotted line wondered if anyone had any experiences of their courses or if they're worth the money?

thanks

Dave.

[Nic Ayre]

Isn't that expensive Cat & Dog Food?

I once looked into doing one of their courses, but was put off by a fellow motor club member, who had done the course and her description of the tuition given varied from what I expected. I never got round to pursuing it any further, due to a lack of time and money.

I think it can vary from different areas (this was in Hampshire) and it is down to your mentors personal take on things.

Any driving course is good and you will always learn something that you didn't know, or a better way of doing things.

Do they still get insurance discounts?

[RichP]

I think ROSPA do advanced driving courses as well - might be worth comparing the two. I looked into it a few years ago but never pursued it. Would be interested in the feedback to your question.

[BigDaveUK]

Haha Nic yes, expensive cat food is teaching me to drive!

and some insurers do give discounts as far as i know.

Thanks Rich i will look into ROSPA.

Any other opinions welcome  

Dave.

[Guest]

I've been looking at the IAM courses and before i sign on the dotted line wondered if anyone had any experiences of their courses or if they're worth the money?

thanks

Dave.

What do you hope to gain from it and what would be your expectations from the course ....

are they worth the money is tricky , they are very good and hone your observation skills well , may break some bad habbits if you have any .

I have done a fair few IAM and private advanced courses with class 1 instructors ,during my years of driving as its part of my job ......

if you thinking of doing it because you think the cheap insurance offered will save you money ,then the answer is almost certainly no .

don't keep my IAM membership up because its not worth the money to me these days .

What you get out of it depends on where your at with your driving now

[lippydave]

what the devil would you want to join any organisation that endorses this sort of crap?

Controlling speed via isa      

[Norman Verona]

I think you'll be far better of spending a day with Hugh at Cadence.

Hugh Noblett

[jeff oakley]

I have done many driving courses and have passed the IAM test. It is interesting that many on here who have not done the test are willing to dismiss it due to a stereotype.

The system that they use is based on the Police roadcraft training. Now some of the instructors are "anoraks" but I am confident that anyone would benefit. The other thing is this, it is the cheapest training you will get as they instructors are volunteers. I have no doubt that you would learn from any of the people who offer training, in fact one of our local Bristol members offers this.

Now as in any organisations you have some who are idiots, and any that would endorse electronic speed limiters is just such an idiot but don't let that put you off.

On the insurance front, you will find all those who offer a discount for membership are usually more expensive.

[Buzz Billsberry]

I have done many driving courses and have passed the IAM test. It is interesting that many on here who have not done the test are willing to dismiss it due to a stereotype.

The system that they use is based on the Police roadcraft training. Now some of the instructors are "anoraks" but I am confident that anyone would benefit. The other thing is this, it is the cheapest training you will get as they instructors are volunteers. I have no doubt that you would learn from any of the people who offer training, in fact one of our local Bristol members offers this.

Now as in any organisations you have some who are idiots, and any that would endorse electronic speed limiters is just such an idiot but don't let that put you off.

On the insurance front, you will find all those who offer a discount for membership are usually more expensive.

I agree with you Geoff ,I passed mine in 1997 (Silver) found it beneficial from a driving point of view. I wanted to pass it to see if I was as good as I thought I was and I wasn't !

Buzz

[KerryS]

I passed the test several years ago and agree with Jeff's and Buzz's posts.

[pistonbroke]

QUOTE

Now as in any organisations you have some who are idiots, and any that would endorse electronic speed limiters is just such an idiot but don't let that put you off.

It would put me off  

Why would an already good driver want to do the ADI course if ultimately the car is going to be controlled by a central computer , presuming the next step would be some sort of "magic eye" which monitors the road and traffic conditions ahead , controlling speed , brakes etc.

The next logical step having electrodes connected to the drivers head to check his concentration levels  

[lippydave]

I have done many driving courses and have passed the IAM test. It is interesting that many on here who have not done the test are willing to dismiss it due to a stereotype.

The system that they use is based on the Police roadcraft training. Now some of the instructors are "anoraks" but I am confident that anyone would benefit. The other thing is this, it is the cheapest training you will get as they instructors are volunteers. I have no doubt that you would learn from any of the people who offer training, in fact one of our local Bristol members offers this.

Now as in any organisations you have some who are idiots, and any that would endorse electronic speed limiters is just such an idiot but don't let that put you off.

On the insurance front, you will find all those who offer a discount for membership are usually more expensive.

Jeff,

not dismissing the advanced training at all.

(Although it's not difficult to buy a copy of roadcraft from WH SMiths and put it into practice!)

But I am anti anybody who wants to implement remote control in personal transportation.....They can not possibly be pro-motoring or motorcycling with an ill thought out public stance like that...        

Having experienced the attitudes of a couple of pals who were IAM indoctrinated on motorcycles, what I found disconcerting was the total lack of subsequent thought processes that they chose to ride by, whilst blindly adhering to "the system"....

I appreciate that most driver training is a help to safer and more enjoyable driving/riding, but the best thing you can have is an attitude and willingness that allows you always to learn whilst thinking for yourself...

Rigidly enforced drills to a set of pre-determined circumstances and situations are not the only way to deal with stuff IMHO..

[BigDaveUK]

I wasnt looking to open a can of worms on the whole future of personal transportation!!  

I am basically looking to improve my driving generally, and would like to see jus how many bad habbits i've picked up!  

thanks norm i'll check out Cadence too  

[SteveH]

I did my advanced but I didn't do the lessons - just read the book, practiced a bit and took the test.  There's some useful stuff in there so long as you view it as a part of your driving skills package rather than as the whole thing.

On the off topic point, if automated controls come in on cars it will presumably be added to new vehicles and the value of older ones will become very buoyant!

[barney]

I passed the test several years ago and agree with Jeff's and Buzz's posts.

same here..