IAM Testing

[richbeales]

http://www.iam.org.uk/Skill4life/index.php

Just a quick question for all of you - how many of you have done the IAM advanced motorcycle test (i'm under 25 and £75 doesn't sound bad for membership, books, and test).

How did you find it? useful? How much does it affect insurance quotes?

I've had my A license for 4 months, and am (hopefully) getting an SV this week...


Rich.

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

Joined a few months back though not taken test yet... probably this summer.

It's been good so far - lots to work on. Main thing is that it makes you think about your riding and they want you to be making decisions for yourself, rather than having someone tell you you're doing things wrong and what you should do instead.

Well worth the money - you'll see loads of improvements if you put in the effort.

[skidmarx]

I joined last year. It's only £80. Well worth the money in my opinion, meet up twice a month and loads of other activities and organised trips if that's what you want. Very informal just turn up and they'll sort you out. If your busy that day just don't go as there are loads of others involved so you wont let anyone down. I'm not convinced there are great savings insurance wise but you can't put a price on your health and safety. JOIN NOW.

[PBx]

Passed last year :D

Was it worth it? - Yes. I learned quite a bit, and improved my self confidence a lot!

It's worth it just for the improvement in your observation.

DO IT NOW

[Mogs]

I'm an associate (not taken test yet), well worth it.

[squirrel_hunter]

I did it when I was 19 or 20. Great fun and I learnt alot, improved my cornering and observation (not that I needed any improvement :wink: )

I really did it for the insurance but haven't had any discounts for it cause of my age (22). Will prob help when I'm a little older and and get the R1...

But if I had done it when I started out riding I doubt I would have made as many mistakes. I do like the discovery but hate the repair bill :oops:

[Patch]

I joined as an associate last November and passed my test at the start of February. I am currently working on the next phase of becoming a group observer.

See my diary here (http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=40229)

[$i]

i passed my iam just before my 18th birthday on may the 9th 2004. Helped me a lot and the rideouts are brilliant fun too. not as much pipes and slippers as i thought there would be. most of them have still got grey hair though :lol: . definately worth £75!

At 17 it knocked my insurance down one hell of a lot. bout £500

[northwind]

My experience isn't so good yet... I joined last year, it took them 2 months to get the info and manual out to me, and since then pretty much nothing. I'm on the waiting list to start the observed rides etc, but it's going to cost me a year's membership before I even get that far. Not too impressed, if I'd had any idea it'd be like that I'd have looked into a RoSPA certification.

Still, fair play to them, it'snot that they're not trying- just that they're seriously oversubscribed... And there were a couple of events that I've missed (some when I was still off the bike, a couple that I just couldn't make)

I'm sure it'll be good once I actually get going with it, it just irritates me that they were taking new members on when they're so backed up, it's really money for nothing.

[jim@55]

yep ,all northys comments sound familiar :lol: the glasgow group seem to be a lot btr organized (but thats east coasters for you) :wink:

[chazzyb]

My experience isn't so good yet... I joined last year, it took them 2 months to get the info and manual out to me, and since then pretty much nothing. I'm on the waiting list to start the observed rides etc, but it's going to cost me a year's membership before I even get that far.

Blimey, that's a bummer. I joined my local group - LAM - last November. No waiting, just turn up and go. They have two 'pot luck' observed ride sessions a month - you just turn up to the meeting and get allocated an observer for your run. Alternatively, you can make your own arrangements with one of the group's observers.

[triumph5ta]

I joined the East London one a few years back. Went on one observed ride where I observed one instructor almost kill himself with a stupid overtaking manouever in the pouring rain. :shock: My instructor pointed out a few things about my road positioning which, had I agreed with him, would have had me riding in the gutter. So, no I dont think its worth it.
Adam.

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

My experience isn't so good yet... I joined last year, it took them 2 months to get the info and manual out to me, and since then pretty much nothing. I'm on the waiting list to start the observed rides etc, but it's going to cost me a year's membership before I even get that far. Not too impressed, if I'd had any idea it'd be like that I'd have looked into a RoSPA certification.

Still, fair play to them, it'snot that they're not trying- just that they're seriously oversubscribed... And there were a couple of events that I've missed (some when I was still off the bike, a couple that I just couldn't make)

Mine were a bit like that - joined around September and had one initial training day and one observed ride last year. Going on my second observed ride this Saturday. There's a lot of reliance on members becoming observers and for every one who doesn't go down that route, the waiting list gets longer for the newcomers.

Give them a call and chase them - they advised me to do that in order to get pushed to the top of the queue - if you're calling and asking then they'll give you priority - especially this time of year as many people won't ride in cold/wet weather. I don't do any of the group stuff (not so far anyway) just the observed rides twice a month then my own practising in between.