IAM...VFM ?

[Rasher]

I stand corrected on what you can observe

Still think some examiners may give a 2 where another may give a 1 so still prefer ROSPA method where a damn fine pass will at least get you a silver (and recognition that it was a damn fine pass)

 

[Littledumptruck]

Why does the IAM use the term 'Observer'...it sounds so passive.

'Associate' sounds as if they are already members but without having taken any form of test/exam, how can that be?

Surely it should be Instructor and Student...

Other organisations seem to....

Plain English works for me, then again, I am but a Simply Soul....

Because in simple legal terms we don't instruct as we aren't qualified to instruct or teach. We 'Observe' and give 'Guidance', in legal speak we can do that as unqualified voluntary charity workers.

 

[Norm]

Just about the best thing I've seen written about advanced riding in ages, spot on.

You want to hear him talking about stuff he really knows something about.....

 

[Micky]

......... Damn, I've been nice to Micky. How did that happen?

There's always a first time for everything

You want to hear him talking about stuff he really knows something about.....

What's those tablets that you're on Kev? Are they available on prescription?

Can you get me some please

 

[DollyRocket]

I have been a member of the IAM for about 4 years now and I have cancelled the membership this renewal. My passion has moved on from riding on-road to riding off-road so I am now actively involved with the TRF.

I remember my observed rides and how shockingly bad I was when I started and only 6 rides later I passed my IAM test. (It could be that I had a good instructor or the test was easy..). I forgot a lot of the IPSGA stuff and translated the parrot fashion of learning stuff to 'WHY' do it this way ..

We do need to teach people to think for themselves, to ask is it necessary, how can I get hurt here?

This was the best and most important bit of information I was taught and it transformed my riding significantly, It showed up where my key weaknesses are and that you don't need to learn rules and follow them rigidly to pass the test.

Overall, my riding probably is still shocking (compared to most instructors) and I still take risks when riding - but - I now see a hell of a lot more and am significantly faster because of it.

IAM taught me one real lesson (in a bunch of other stuff) and the rewards will hopefully be an incident free lifetime of biking. Now, when it comes to riding off-road that is a completely un-attainable goal

I feel a bit bad for no longer supporting a group that is finding it difficult to attract new members (Solent Advanced Motorcyclists), but I never went on any organised trips or ride-outs. I think the IAM needs to reposition itself a little as the goals and targets of the organisation and the groups are a little blurred.