Thinking of taking up advanced driving again. Did some lessons with RoSPA about 12 years ago, so have had some experience there.

Is there anything to choose between the two? Any reason to do one as opposed to the other?

Cheers,

Martin

Just starting out lessons with RoSPA local group in the aim of getting gold pass. We shall see. Can't really comment with any real experience. The Exeter group is real friendly though.

I've done both in the past, and found the RoSPA system better and the Groups more friendly, but I suppose it varies from area to area.

When I last did RoSPA in 1999/2000, observed rides/training sessions were free. Is this still the case?

Thanks,

Martin

When I last did RoSPA in 1999/2000, observed rides/training sessions were free. Is this still the case?

Thanks,

Martin

yeah, but you collect the instructor from their own home / wherever they are, and obviously you incur all your own personal costs running your own car.

Having done IAM, I'd recommended RoSPA

But as said, it all depends on your area really - makes all the difference. I hope to take up RoSPA locally, when I get a bit more time.

Good luck, with whichever you choose.

Thinking of taking up advanced driving again. Did some lessons with RoSPA about 12 years ago, so have had some experience there.

Is there anything to choose between the two? Any reason to do one as opposed to the other?

Cheers,

Martin

http://www.iam.org.uk/details/hull_east_riding.html Get in touch and find out !

Observed drives are "free" with both organisations.

Costs:

IAM Skill for Life, £139, including test. Small sub to local group in subsequent years, £30 sub to IAM centrally in subsequent years.
RoADAR test £51. Join local group to obtain observer, sub varies (ours is £25 in the first year including a copy of Roadcraft). Small sub to local group (ours is £14) in subsequent years, £22.50 annual sub to RoADAR centrally in subsequent years, includes triennial retest.

IAM larger, more groups, bigger groups, may be more local. RoADAR smaller, allegedly more friendly.

RoADAR test is graded Bronze, Silver, Gold. IAM test is a one-time pass or fail. Concensus is that RoADAR Gold is higher than an IAM pass, but opinion is divided as to where the IAM pass falls in the RoADAR grading scheme.

For a RoADAR group in your area look at http://www.roadar.org.uk/groups/northeast/index.htm

Good luck, whichever you choose.

I've tried to join the local Roadar group, waiting for the administrator to process my joining request.

I have just taken my IAM test.....today in fact. As mentioned above, I though IAM only had a pass or fail.

No so. It has changed very recently.

They now have an 'elite' group, who are people who have scored a '1' in every section that they are graded on. If you achieve that you are called a F1rst member with additional benefits, mentioned by name on the IAM website list of F1rst members, have a different membership card and get a certificate.

I am proud to say that I am now a member of that exclusive club...... Equivalent to Gold RoSPA.

IAM F1rst

I will also take the RoSPA test. My examiner also examines for RoSPA, and said that if he had a preference it was for RoSPA because they have to retake their test every 3 years and they have gold, silver and bronze levels. Whereas IAM is a skill for life with no compulsory retest to keep the award.

The only difference is that RoSPA test includes a cockpit drill and commentary is compulsory, whereas there is not a cockpit drill for IAM and even though I was asked for a commentary, it is not actually part of the test.

Mike

Didn't realise they updated the test. How much is it for a retest?

Thinking about it, I don't remember seeing a scoring sheet for my test. Was back in 2008z.

Well done by the way. Are you a member on Aduk?

Didn't realise they updated the test. How much is it for a retest?

Thinking about it, I don't remember seeing a scoring sheet for my test. Was back in 2008z.

Well done by the way. Are you a member on Aduk?

Thanks

Not sure on the cost of the retests. I have only taken the 1 test....

They are expecting members to apply for a retest so they can try and get F1rst membership....

By my answer, what is Aduk? I think you will have your answer to that one

Mike

http://www.advanced-driving.co.uk/

http://www.advanced-driving.co.uk/

Thanks. I did a search after posting above an worked that out. I can't register though....have sent email to admins.

I think the re-test is around £35 for IAM, but if you're after becoming a F1rst, you won't need one.

Thanks. I did a search after posting above an worked that out. I can't register though....have sent email to admins.

Their having a few issues at the moment with spam accounts. Worth a browse. Some good discussions come up. Also the driving days are good fun.

I think the re-test is around £35 for IAM, but if you're after becoming a F1rst, you won't need one.

So how do current members become a f1rst?

So how do current members become a f1rst?

I think it depends when you took your test. If you had a scoresheet and were then marked between 1 & 5. If you get all '1's, then you are a F1rst....

So if you didn't get all '1's you will need to do a new test to attempt to see if you can become a 'first'.

Ask the IAM.....

Sent them a mail last night. My test was 4 years ago so no test sheet :(

Sent them a mail last night. My test was 4 years ago so no test sheet :(

In which case you will have to retake if you want to have a go at getting a f1rst....

Sent them a mail last night. My test was 4 years ago so no test sheet :(

Sent you a PM

Well done on passing so comprehensively.

Commentary is not compulsory on either test. Neither is there any correlation between grades from each organisation. This is a hotly disputed issue on most forums where advanced driving is discussed, but the organisations themselves don't issue any cross-reference between tests. If you want to test yourself for both, that's your prerogative, but you don't get Rospa Gold just by passing an IAM test, or vice-versa.

Look forward to seeing you on AD-UK when you get through the registration process.

What are the advantages of becoming a member of RoADAR?

Tuition in preparation for the RoADAR Advanced driving test, and regular retests every 3 years to keep you on your toes. Nobody (a bold statement, but I believe it) goes away without learning something, even if they don't accept all the teaching, or even go all the way to taking a test.

http://www.roadar.org.uk/

I'm qualified to join either organisation without having to do the test but which is the better organisation for benefits like reduced insurance etc? My wife is currently learning how to drive and has put to cost of my car insurance up quite a bit to say the least! I'm hoping to claw a little of that back by joining one of these groups.