IAM - what next?

[Bullwinkle]

Ok - who has done their IAM test and what happens next? have you gone on to RoSPA or similar training?

More to the point, do you think there have been situations where doing advanced training has actually saved you from nasty situations?

Am currently doing IAM but looking at the next step once I pass....

[SteveR]

What IAM group are you with ?
Most will have courses beyond the actual IAM test - eg an 'Enhanced Advanced'
Or you could become an Observer, which involves a different sort of training really.
Or you could go to somewhere like www.rapidtraining.co.uk

Other than that it's just a case of practising what you've learnt.

Good luck with the test

[DanAbnormal]

Now you can do some real training. RoSPA or blue Riband are v.good. Sorry but I really don't like IAM. A bunch of self proclaimed experts who (some of them) have no real advanced training at all. Anyhoo........ :roll:

*waits for fallout.

[Bullwinkle]

I am thinking of maybe doing RoSPA next but I do agree with you SV Dan - I have had observers give me conflicting views on how to do things and it has caused some confusion for me.

It does come down to the individual's training and indeed what they consider to be 'safe' and 'progressive'.

[DanAbnormal]

Actually I should have posted something a little more constructive. But those IAM guys gave me the frostiest reception when I first got into biking. Maybe it was a one off experience but 3 'real' bikers (as they put it) basically took the **** out of me and my little 125 for an hour and then told me to bugger off and come back when I'd passed my test. All I wanted was some advice. Anyhoo, I'll be doing RoSPA soon as I aim to become a part time instructor next year.

[Bullwinkle]

Dan - have sent you a pm. :)

[chazzyb]

Now you can do some real training. RoSPA or blue Riband are v.good. Sorry but I really don't like IAM. A bunch of self proclaimed experts who (some of them) have no real advanced training at all. Anyhoo........ :roll:

*waits for fallout.

In the main, I really enjoyed it. Sure, one or two observers I pulled over eight months did seem rather too smug and over-opinionated. But in any group of people there are always going to be one or two you don't hit it off with and others with whom you click and get most out of. I had the benefit of doing it with quite a large, active group, which may have helped.

[Bullwinkle]

yeah I am enjoying it - it's helped me a lot so far to be honest. I just want to keep learning and have fun at the same time.

But I felt a little let down by my last observer and am hoping it was a 'one-off'. :(

[Stu]

Was that this last Sunday, or the time before?
Did you fill out your questionaire on your observer honestly?

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Stu - yeah last Sunday. I didn't fill out the questionnaire honestly.....on reflection I should have taken more time.

I'm hoping this is really a one-off...

[ArtyLady]

I trained with Essex Advanced Motorcyclists Group for just about a year although never took the test due to personal circumstances, Im glad Ive done the training and have learnt a lot which Im sure has got me out of trouble on many occasions 8) .

Maybe one day I'll take the test - but for now Im happy Ive done the training.

Had I have gone my intended route - I would have quite liked to have become an observer. :D

[squirrel_hunter]

Did my test a couple of years back and really enjoyed and learnt alot from it.

I always intended to go on to do odserver training and/ or my RSOPA gold etc, but so far haven't got round to it (Uni got in the way).

But I may take it up again soon. However my only criticisum of the IAM is they are all a little to old for my liking. A bit stuffy.

I know that sounds really bad but from what I found most of them were born agains on cruser and tourers, each to there own but I'm more of a sports bike rider.

But in answer to your other question yes the training has saved me. On more than one occasion.

The only thing to remember is even once youve done it, the learning is not over...

[minifun]

I find them a little old too and get a bit bored once we stop for a break! lol
Hoping to do my test soon, will probably do bikesafe next summer then not sure after that!

[Mark_h]

I recently passed my IAM. My Tutor observer was very consistent and "progressive" but as others have mentioned I did find the odd grey haired pan rider who just wanted to patronise. However in the main all the observers just wanted to get me safer, smoother and faster.

Given that the same test is applied to IAM and ROSPA (Can't see any difference in the test spec) is there really that much difference in the training? I was wondering what to do next. Not sure I have enough time to commit to becoming an observer, but like the idea of progressing further.

Dan, Did you go on to do ROSPA or is it still something you fancy doing?

[Peter Henry]

Whilst many people enjoy the extra training and certificates., plus many do gain a lot from the experience. It is not something I personally felt would fill a gap in my riding ability or enjoyment.

Some might wonder how I ever survived thus far without such accreditation even!

*Huddles in a corner awaiting to get flamed* :?

[SV1000s]

I agree in some of the post re IAM.

I would have a crack at something on track maybe, both skills learnt on the street and the track can be good when conbined.

I've done the Police advanced course and then the instuctors course but still managed to learn a **** load more when I did the Californian Superbike school.

[squirrel_hunter]

Given that the same test is applied to IAM and ROSPA (Can't see any difference in the test spec) is there really that much difference in the training?


From what I've been told the principles and test is basicly the same - the difference between them is you have to do your ROSPA test every 2 years or so to keep the accrediation.

Peter - Its not for everyone and each person rides at there own level for there own enjoyment. Acceditation does not automatically mean that you are a god of the road, we all still make mistakes. When I did mine I was already at test level before instruction, but I still feel that I gained alot from it. Even if you feel that it won't 'fill your gap' I would still recomend it; no one is to old to learn. Give it a go you never know you might like it.

SV1000s - You make a good point I feel that alot can be learned from the track that can be applied to the road. However this is not something that I have done myself. My track experiance stops at A Twist Of The Wrist, but I intend to do this sometime next year.