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.

Have a look at

http://www.iam.org.uk/do_you_want_to_be_a_better_car_driver_/doyouwanttobeabettercardriver.html

Sadly, VBH isn't included.

Edited 28 September, 201114 yr by Paul007

If you are an existing member of the IAM rather than re-take the IAM test you can 'upgrade' to a F1rst by taking a Members Assessment and achieving the necessary grades. To obtain a F1rst you will also have to correctly answer a question on the Highway Code. I believe that a short commentary during the drive is also required.

More details here - http://www.iam.org.uk/drivers/f1rst

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

 

Do both    

....First...... I believe that a short commentary during the drive is also required.

More details here - http://www.iam.org.uk/drivers/f1rst

 

Yes but when I took my test - I was one of the first to get a F1rst, I was marked down to a 3.

 

I had not been told that a commentary was required. It wasn't, but it is on the marking sheet, but it didn't fail me. Not sure if things have changed in the lat 2 1/2 years since F1rst was started.

I have to say having read back through this thread that I'm amazed you can get an IAM F1rst without even doing a cockpit drill. Commentary is a very useful skill that I encourage with my associates, but is not compulsory on either test as far as I am aware. (the link above does not give details of the test categories).

Really? I'm shocked. Think the cockpit was the first thing I was ever introduced to at my first IAM group. In fact it was the second. First was to check around the car.

I have to say having read back through this thread that I'm amazed you can get an IAM F1rst without even doing a cockpit drill. Commentary is a very useful skill that I encourage with my associates, but is not compulsory on either test as far as I am aware. (the link above does not give details of the test categories).

You do the cockpit drill yes, and I agree that commentary is a very useful skill. I have improved since then!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The biggest issue with commentary driving is surely that both driver and observer have to be taught the same method and to the same standard (eg oncoming traffic is more important than change of surface)?

Edited 4 November, 201312 yr by KenONeill

According to our local IAM examiner in order to obtain a F1rst pass in the IAM Advanced Driving test it is necessary to do a commentary and also to correctly answer a question on the Highway code.  A standard of 1 must be obtained in  most categories although a 2 may be allowed in a few categories at the examiner's discretion.  However, less than 1 is not allowed in 'manoeuvring' and 'legality'. 

 

Marks are from 1 to 5 where :

1 = excellent

2 = good

3 = satisfactory

4 = unsatisfactory

5 = poor

 

'My' IAM group is averaging 20% of passes at F1rst level (4 out of 20) so far this year.

 

If an existing member took the test in the last 2 years and obtained qualifying grades then they can be added to the F1rst register.

 

Any member can apply to re-take the test or undergo an assessment at any time.  Obtaining the qualifying grades will then earn a F1rst.

Edited 13 November, 201312 yr by philbes

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

Never did hear back.....

Trying again to join.

Still heard nowt from East Riding section of RoSPA. Can't be too keen for new members to join.