Institute of Advanced Motorists . . . . . . hands up you lot . . . is it worth the dosh and is the test easy to pass?!

 

Yes and depends on what mindset you have. One of the best upgrades you can buy.

 

APJ,

Yep, definitely worth it. The initial assesment's a bit off-putting. You drive around 'as normal' whilst the instructor makes notes, then he goes on to tell you all the things you did wrong

I'll second Nicks point though, they do teach you some good stuff about observation.

Justin.

 

Moray

I think the subtitle is as you say, but I think its produced by the home office using a panel of various experts....

BTW have you seen it recently lots more info and they've changed the system.

 

APJ

Yes it's worth the tiny amount of money to take. If you are a reasonable driver - you will pass after making slight adjustments to your driving. They teach some good observation points also. I passed last year, feel free to ask any more questions.

 

I did it and then went on to be an observer for a year or so (to put something back).

You ought to take a look at ROSPA too. They insist you retake the test at intervals and also grade your performance.

Go out and buy Roadcraft (the Home Office Driving Handbook) anyway it'll do you good!

bol Jason

 

Jason,

Have they changed Roadcraft's subtitle since I did the IAM bit five years ago? It used to be "Roadcraft: The Police Drivers Handbook" they worked from, or was this just the Thames Valley Group's text?

Moray

 

Sorry, used a single greater than symbol and lost the rest of the post as some sort of tag.

[This message has been edited by MorayMackenzie (edited 09-06-2000).]

 

Ditto. Shame I can't delete my own posts to tidy it up.

[This message has been edited by MorayMackenzie (edited 09-06-2000).]

 

Jason,

I've lent my (less than two year old) copy out... (mental note, time to reel it back in), has the handbook been revised more recently? The version I have was greatly revised over the first version I looked at... better put together with lots of colour diagrams and the better quality, larger format... but it still doesn't cover pursuit driving techniques.

Moray

 

Do it. Very very useful. Helps a lot. When you ask for an observer, make sure you tell them you have a powerful car and want someone with that experience.

 

Go to your local bookstore & get "Pass your Advanced Driving Test" £7.99. ISBN 1-870979-64-8. Excellent, easy to read book which is also required reading for the IAM course.

 

Hi,

Just to back up the positive comments. The IAM course and test is definitely worth doing - it has to be the cheapest way to gain real advanced skills.

There are two vital elements that make the 'advanced driver' - car control and observation. As an Impreza Turbo driver the chances are you're already good with the former. However, the IAM will teach you more than you thought possible about 'roadcraft' - reading the road, forward observation, perception of hazards.

Some groups are more 'progressive' than others, so it's always worth checking that at least one of the observers has experience with and enthusiasm for performance cars.

I suspect, like me, your intention is to be as safe as you can be while still being 'quick'. In which case, you'll be wise to follow up the standard IAM course with a skid pan course to polish your car control skills at or above the vehicle's limits.

The ultimate step forward from the IAM is the High Performance Course, headed these days by John Lyon. A graduate from this course will be able to drive at a standard 'beyond reproach'. That is, to be able to make maximum, safe, legal progress throughout. Tuition includes track time at much higher speeds, thus ensuring 'skill in reserve' on the road. The course is far from cheap, which is why I haven't done it yet, but it's worth it, which is why I shall...

Cheers,
Mike

 

>Mike
So have you been on the John Lyon HPC course?

 

Nick,

Not yet, though I picked up quite a bit of info/opinion on it on the IAM-list Forum. I'm saving up!

There's a website about the course at

 

Mike

I've been on the "First Drive". It's an er.. experience. Check the archives for a big thread on it.

 

Cheers folks - seems like the thing to do then!

Bought the 'How To' book today - some pretty good stuff in it from first glance.

Anyone in the IAM Bristol group?

Andrew

 

Bought a copy of Roadcraft last week from Waterstones.

Full title "Roadcraft, The Police Driver's Handbook"... fourth Impression 1999, cost £12.99 published by The Stationary Office.

A real eye opener I have to confess. The observation bit is WOW. Like how to spot a roundabout because of the cluster of street lamps, or a single lamp on a road probably means there's a junction. Basically stuff that when you know it seems so obvious, but when you don't.... could be so dangerous.

Dave

 

Just to let you/others know that SIDC organise a condensed course over a couple of Saturdays, which is also based on Roadcraft, and is included in the price of membership. It's not IAM, but is another method of driver improvement. I've just finished it and have the highest praise - many thanks to Dick Grimes and the rest of SIDC for making it possible.

BJH

 

Brendon - yeah but its in Essex?