Is an IAM (advanced motorist) course worth doing?

[John LE]

As above, I have just changed insurers to Adrian Flux and I am paranoid that I am gonna have an accident (yes I am going to the doctors as I am getting alot of paranoia just now)

I only have 2yrs no claims and have had two accidents in the past five years, one was loss on control on diesel....Nov 05
The second was in Oct 2008...was towing a caravan with a faulty stabiliser and was thrown off the road.

Am I just unlucky or should I go on this course to improve my driving?

[jlock]

Ive been toying with the idea of doing one for a while now... Just never been man enough to take the plunge.

[bigmac]

Think you have just been unlucky John however don't you get a cheaper car insurance if you sit it ?

[RobW]

How much does it cost?

I always get the impression that it is just a 'common sense' course, making you more aware of your surroundings and driving conditions but I am probably wrong.

If it included skid pan training and advanced techniques and guaranteed a good discount on insurance then so long as its not going to cost eleventy million pounds, I would say its worth it.

Not being funny but have you got towing on your licence? I knw they stopped it on a certain year and made it compulsory to take a seperate test to allow towing? Or are you older than you look?!

[John LE]

The best bit is it's not overly expensive and you could save money with insurance, fuel, wear and tear etc. just by driving properly

[Deztroyer]

you have to weigh the pros and cons
cost of course based against insurance saving
although the course is very very good - but you beed to take refresehers to maintain it

[hoochydady]

john imo it just hard luck there fella from what ur saying it was just your hard luck thers situations in driving life that just aint your fault some times as of ins cheaper? sup it all depends on the company i dont see it making that big a diff unless your 18 and going to insure a porky or a top end sports car to be honest but i sure some 1 on here will tell us all lol

[jlock]

For £139 you get: (Taken from their site)
# An initial assessment with an IAM voluntary observer from a local IAM Group
# Six-on-road sessions conducted with a qualified advanced driver (more can be added at no extra cost if required)
# The definitive guide to advanced driving techniques 'How to be a better driver'
# Membership of your local IAM group, with invitations to group events
# Full preparation for your Advanced Driving Test
# Your Advanced Test with a qualified examiner
# An IAM Advanced Driving Certificate on passing the test
# 12-month membership of the national IAM, which includes:
- Our award winning membership magazine 'Advanced Driving'
- Access to a host of membership benefits, privileges and discounts
- Special insurance discounts and policy cover once you have passed - Click HERE for more details
- Access to the Members-only area of this website (for special events, services and member offers)

[John LE]

How much does it cost?

I always get the impression that it is just a 'common sense' course, making you more aware of your surroundings and driving conditions but I am probably wrong.

If it included skid pan training and advanced techniques and guaranteed a good discount on insurance then so long as its not going to cost eleventy million pounds, I would say its worth it.

Not being funny but have you got towing on your licence? I knw they stopped it on a certain year and made it compulsory to take a seperate test to allow towing? Or are you older than you look?!

There are some funny rules with towing mate, the police were involved with my accident and I had done nothing wrong (just want to get that bit out of the way)

You are only allowed to tow up to 750kg on any license gained after 1997, but... as long as the trailer weighs no more than the unladen weight of the vehicle, weighs no more than the towing capacity of the car (obviously) and the combined weight (total laden weight of the car+laden weight of the trailer) is no more than 3500kgs you can still tow. Does that make sense?

My Vec unladen weighs 1400kg (Roughly) and has a towing capacity of 1600kg
Laden it will be maybe 1700kg (again roughly)
My caravan weighs 950kg
Total weight of Van+Car would be 2650kg (well under 3.5tons)


This means I can tow a caravan up to 1400kg

[John LE]

For £139 you get: (Taken from their site)
# An initial assessment with an IAM voluntary observer from a local IAM Group
# Six-on-road sessions conducted with a qualified advanced driver (more can be added at no extra cost if required)
# The definitive guide to advanced driving techniques 'How to be a better driver'
# Membership of your local IAM group, with invitations to group events
# Full preparation for your Advanced Driving Test
# Your Advanced Test with a qualified examiner
# An IAM Advanced Driving Certificate on passing the test
# 12-month membership of the national IAM, which includes:
- Our award winning membership magazine 'Advanced Driving'
- Access to a host of membership benefits, privileges and discounts
- Special insurance discounts and policy cover once you have passed - Click HERE for more details
- Access to the Members-only area of this website (for special events, services and member offers)

Special events....IAM meets? lol