Advanced Driving Courses

[emzino]

Hi. I think i'm a pretty aware driver in terms of seeing what's happening ahead of me and adjusting the car to it but in terms of what to do if the car started to slide or skid... I wouldn't have a clue!

So would these "Advanced Driving Courses" aid me in anyway in how to handle such a situation on the road? Would it actually benefit me in everyday driving situations or is it something i'm only likely to come across in a track because that's not what I want...

I know of 2 main organisations that do such a thing:

1) Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - http://www.iam.org.uk/
2) RoADAR (RoSPA Advanced Drivers And Riders) - http://www.roadar.org/index.htm

Just wanted to hear from a personal point of view from others what they actually think about such courses... is it worth it?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[voorhees]

go on a skidpan course

 

[Isoproturon]

IAM never bothered to reply to my emails. Bunch of boring cardigan wearers.

RoSPA is the way to go - there are different grades attainable.

 

[mavala]

:thumbsup: I did a driving course with these people in my TVR:thumbsup:
You can include whatever you want, including when things go wrong.
They do courses in different part of the country.
Give them a call and see what they have to offer!
http://www.ridedrive.co.uk/

 

[fallmonk]

go on a skidpan course

Got this for last xmas, great fun and a good learning experiance,
altho nothing i havent done in tescos car parks in my youth lol

 

[tractorman]

Done the skid pan thing years ago too, theres one roughly near Whitburn if I mind right?

 

[emzino]

Hmm i'll defo give them a call. Many thanks for everyones input =)

 

[TDI-line]

Got this for last xmas, great fun and a good learning experiance,
altho nothing i havent done in tescos car parks in my youth lol

Same here, except for the Tesco bit.

 

[LaSarthe&Back]

Hi. I think i'm a pretty aware driver in terms of seeing what's happening ahead of me and adjusting the car to it but in terms of what to do if the car started to slide or skid... I wouldn't have a clue!

So would these "Advanced Driving Courses" aid me in anyway in how to handle such a situation on the road? Would it actually benefit me in everyday driving situations or is it something i'm only likely to come across in a track because that's not what I want...

I know of 2 main organisations that do such a thing:

1) Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - http://www.iam.org.uk/
2) RoADAR (RoSPA Advanced Drivers And Riders) - http://www.roadar.org/index.htm

Just wanted to hear from a personal point of view from others what they actually think about such courses... is it worth it?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi,

It's great that you are able to take a view on board that you are not the greatest driver in the world and can therefore improve.

I can recommend the IAM wholeheartedly. I have not done a skip pan course yet, but plan to. It is supposed to be huge fun as well as educational.

The thing with the IAM is, that everyone's got a view of them that they are 65+ cardigan wearing old farts with nothing to do all day "so I'll take up advanced driving", and yes, there are a lot like that.

There is also a growing younger element. My local group has 5 members 26 or under. Don't think that you will not get anything out of it, because for the money, it is FANTASTIC value. When I think how much I paid to be taught to OPERATE a car, compared to the money for this, which teaches you how to get the best enjoyment out of it, the IAM wins hands down.

So there's a few old guys who still rant on about the old days. So what, listen cut him off when he's rambling, and move on.

I signed up to get a lesser punishment for the offence I commited, and even though I was let off, decided to do it anyway, and what I've got out of it is immense. It helps you everywhere.

Now, a skid pan course will be a great day out, but it will only teach you what to do in the event of a skid, which unless you're Walter Rorhl, you can not guarantee 100% you are able to control every time. The Skill for Life will teach you how to stop yourself from getting into those situations, how to manage other road users better, better control, cornering, braking gear changing, steering - you name it.

Some things may seem "uncool" like push-pull steering, but there are reasons for it, and I agree with most of them. Of course once you pass, you don't have to keep it, but it's another string to the bow, and a tool in you box at your disposal - just like everything else you will learn.

Oh and you qualify for discounts with certain organisers for skid days! How's that for a clincher!

Sorry for the long post, I just had to get across that it's not all old boys anymore.

Thanks for reading!
Andy