Update 12/10/2020. I've just received this statement from IAM RoadSmart on this matter. "The IAM RoadSmart member who submitted clips to Ashley Neal has now offered his resignation, which has been accepted. The driving in the clips on which Ashley has commented do not uphold the Advanced Driving standards we coach people to achieve. All our observers hold a formal qualification, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). This member did not hold that qualification and was not entitled to claim to be an observer for IAM RoadSmart."
@@carnivorousjesus6085 I don't think he was an observer assuming observer means some form of IAM competency and specific IAM qualification. Maybe just a member who passed a course to reduce insurance premiums. Clearly he had no motivation to do IAM for self improvement or helping to improve driving standards within society.
Something doesn't add up right. You said you'd checked the name and found him to be listed with a local group. Obviously there was no guarantee the person emailing was actually that person (could be impersonating) but as that part seems to have checked out, how was he listed and in what capacity? And was he actually observing (without the qualification) or just somehow got himself listed? I'm a member (not an observer!) and I'd be horrified if they were publicly publishing the names of every member (GDPR anyone?), rather than just the leaders and observers of local groups who have agreed to be listed.
I honestly thought you were being trolled, I can't believe anyone would submit clips like that and then say they are superior by being apart of IAM. It's a shame for IAM but I'm glad you have been in talks with the company and helped them out of that hole by that one silly driver.
Those dashcam channels where people send in clips, _most_ of the time it's the cammer being a right twonk, they just don't get it. It is surprising yeah.
I really thought he was being trolled too. I can't understand how someone would send in those clips and be proud of the way they were driving. It just doesn't make sense.
@Google pixel. hehe, yeah. In those clips it seems the dash cammers mantra is something like _"thou shalt accelerate in to a situation and sound the horn for as long as possible whilst sharply and as close to the last moment possible, applying the brakes. Thou shalt, at this moment, gesticulate wildly, and to the best of one's ability liberally apply as much foul language as possible."_ 😂
Ignore his bad driving and look at the positive which is going to come out of this! I.A.M are going to take this matter seriously and with the professional work Ashley puts into his videos it going to make thousands of people aware that there’s courses out there which you can do to help you become a safer driver. Also when he does the course and makes a video it might make more people do the course and make the roads a hell of a lot safer. Well done Ashley 👍🏻
Nice one Ashley. Your remarks remind me of my dad's advice when dealing with bad drivers. He said "you may be in the right but that's no use when you're dead"
Hi Ashley. I am an IAM Member, and took my advanced driving test with them at the age of 79. I must admit, I thought I knew how to drive safely, but after only 2 lessons (of 12) I realised I did not come up to their expectations. I did persist, and now consider myself a safe, assured driver.
Like the updated intro title Ashley! I passed the IAM course 9 years ago and I can vouch for just how committed they are to improving road safety and driving standards. Tbh Ashley I thought you were already IAM trained with your attitude and skills you demonstrate.
jcardboard Egads. Just follow a few around town in miami Florida. I inadvertently ended up following one for about three miles and had to dodge a string of accidents all caused by him. Towards the end I was amazed he managed it unscathed. Just the sole driver, no student in the car.
Fair play. I did the advanced driving with the IAM just over a year ago. I loved it, makes me much safer and tought me stuff i did not learn during my normal driving lessons (especially around country roads with position, speed and limit points). As a 21 year old this does also help with insurance cost. There is a great RUclips Chanel called RegLocal who is an IAM examiner. He does videos about what you cover on the course.
@@nowiplay2 I think it was around £100, you get as many sessions as possible until you are exam ready. And i got the money back because i passed with a First and i am under 30 (its an offer they were doing don't know if they are still doing it)
@@nowiplay2 I paid £80 for 10 hours with observer and the test plus 2 hours in the classroom . that was about 12 years ago . it was an offer they were doing .
Great comments Ashley, I did my first I.A.M test in 1974. Did a Rospa test in 1986. Still learning! Unfortunately I've found over the years, that some observers are so far up their own backsides that I just used to "switch off". Being an A.D.I. certainly helps because it gives you more "empathy "!
I wouldn’t worry about getting him into any trouble. He clearly didn’t worry about dropping himself right in it by sending those clips in. Ergo, he knows enough to to become approved on whatever level by IAM but clearly ignores and disregards everything when it suits him. A clear case of Do as I say, not as I do. Highly dangerous, because he isn’t ignorant of the better way.
Most excellent communication, Ashley, and IAM Roadsmart! Thank you for being professional and honest and having the "right" goal - better drivers and riders - firmly in mind! Cheers from Canada!
I'm in the process of doing the IAM advanced course now, and if you're questioning yourself whether to do it, do it! I've been driving for 4 years, no accidents, claims, fines or points against my name, and I went into it with an open mind that I believe I'm a safe driver, but I want to improve and don't know where to start. Even after the first lesson I felt more in control of the vehicle, and after a few more I felt like getting your first pair of glasses and realising just how bad your eyesight actually was. It's worth it.
Hi Ashley, I'm 38 and have been on the road since I was 17, never had an accident, never had a point on my licence, however, I've been watching your videos, one just popped up randomly last week and I've watched loads since and subscribed. Watching your vids is like having a refresher course, very informative educational, keep up the good work bro 👌🏻
Thanks for the update, glad to see IAM looking into the issue, I did a course with them years ago after having a 10 year break from riding a motorbike, was fun and informative course :)
I like the new intro! I've been driving for 4 years now and I really enjoy watching these videos, you always give such a good perspective and learning insight, theres always something new to learn and I always take things away from your videos and implement them into my driving style, thanks !
Just seen this even though its from 2 years ago ,now did you do the IAM course and is there a video of it, completely agree with you not reporting the poor driving and hope the driver has seen this done the right thing and upped his standards
I've said for a while that we need a channel that has clips of poor driving by 'professionals' where the company is clearly identifiable so that a quick link can be fired off to them. I would do it myself but simply don't have the time.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD The company I work for only has self employed drivers, but if we get any complaints, we investigate them. We are at an advantage of having live tracking and front and rear facing dash cams, we even get a flag on the tracking if they break too hard. Most complaints turn out to be where our drivers are not at fault, but we will hold our hands up even with a 50/50 incident, we put all our drivers through an extended driving test before they can get into one of our cars as well. I do however understand the frustration of other road users, some of the standards of driving by cab drivers is atrocious. Being self employed is no excuse for bad driving.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD As all our drivers are in cars liveried in our colours, they represent us, it is in our own best interests that they are seen to be professional in everything they do.
Excellent, Ashley, very glad you're going to do the course and look forward to seeing how you do. Would it be possible to give a mention in a video to the other advanced driving organisation, RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (RoADAR)? I'm a member of both the IAM and RoADAR and they both do great work promoting road safety and improving driving standards.
@Lancashirelad I think it probably comes down to whoever is doing the training. I did all my training with the IAM in the late 80s. The local group had an incredibly high standard, which came from the Chairman who was a Police Driving Instructor. I did their Observer's Course (30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical). The opening statement from the Chairman was, 'I don't expect you to be Police Class 1 standard - I expect much better than that'. Which I guess set the tone! Assessment of my Observer Test was 'fair to middling' (but a pass). This was before the IAM introduced a standardised Observer test. I then did the RoSPA test soon afterwards and the RoSPA examiner's assessment was one of the best tests he'd ever conducted. He knew exactly who had trained me, by the way on the basis that 'no-one else trains to that kind of standard'. I've done something like 9 or 10 tests with RoSPA, all Gold, and all down to IAM training.
Thanks for the update Ashley, very interesting and heartening that you got such a positive response. Very much looking forward to seeing what you make of the IAM course, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The new opening sequence is great by the way!
One person wouldn’t put me off of IAM. This is the individuals error and not IAM. I don’t slag off all of you driving instructors when one of your learners turns into an absolute idiot after they pass the test, anymore than I’d be put off of IAM because of one idiots driving.
A positive outcome. Will be interested to see your future videos on the subject. I've done both bike and car and have been a bike Observer for the past 20 years. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Better to get into trouble than dead or kill someone. I’ve been driving for 49 years and watching you clips has improved my driving already and I’ve never had an accident. Keep it cool Ashley
I was a member of the IAM (car and commercial) for over 30 years. They changed so much over the years that I felt I had to leave. It became too much money based for my liking.
I did the same and felt the IAM was not for me any more. However, the training they gave me, especially regarding observation (accentuated by the commentary), is still invaluable to me today and I will always be grateful to the lady who mentored me.
I passed my advanced test nearly 9 years ago and know I’ve slipped into some bad habits still. If I reviewed my dash cam footage and saw that I’d be mortified and getting on the phone to book some more training. I’m going to book onto the Masters course IAM does to refresh my skills and hopefully keep doing that every few years. Great video and can’t wait for IAM content!
Would love to hear your feedback on the IAM course, as I'm considering doing it too. I did a taster drive with my local group which seemed good but a 2nd opinion is always good.
What was good about it? I really want to do an advanced course and given this pandemic, it might be quicker to just book it rather than waiting for a taster session first. What are your thoughts?
Did my IAM advanced motorbike 10 years ago 😳, thoroughly enjoyed it. Being tested by a copper was a little intimidating but he was a top bloke and the methods he used to test my observation were very clever 🙂 Like any group I've read mixed reports about different areas so a bit of online research might not be a bad idea. I've considered getting my advanced car but not sure what I'd learn over and above the bike training...
I’m afraid educating drivers like that just goes over their head. It’s the fact that drivers like that just do not care about other drivers/pedestrians .it’s not rocket science that driving like that will cause a potential collision /fatality . People like that just don’t have a conscience
I'm glad to see the IAM are taking the matter seriously (I did actually think the cammer was not connected to the IAM but, hey) and I look forward to seeing your views on the training you receive through them.
Well done Ashley. A good balanced feedback. You will enjoy the IAM sessions and am sure it will be a good two street of information. The IAM is a first rate organisation working to make our roads a safer place.
Great to hear that you are going to do something with the IAM. I was going to suggest this and then a few minutes later you said you would. Looking forward to the videos. 😎😎😎
Fair dues to the person who submitted the clip for scrutiny, their driving standard may have declined but this should show where they need to improve. We could all do with a reminder occasionally of where we are falling short.
IAM is a great organisation and certainly improved my driving after 30+ years of getting into bad habits. I would recommend it to all. Good on you Ashley for doing the course. I really hope you find it useful. When I volunteered after passing my Advanced test we had associates of all ages and abilities. The common thread was to provide tutoring in advanced roadcraft and improve the standard of driving on our roads. It was great to get youngsters who had recently passed their test wanting to go to that next level. All the best and I look forward to your future videos.
I think the issue a lot of us had is not his personal driving (although that was bad), but the fact that he might be teaching other people to drive and think that way. I also think that I and a lot of others didn't have a bad thought about the IAM in general, but about one bad actor within that organisation. This is exactly what I expected from the IAM, kudos to them for addressing it openly and honestly. Let's hope the driver sees the error of his ways.
I did an IAM course 12 years ago in Wolverhampton, past easily, driven with my old DUTCH WOODEN CLOGS IN A MANUAL DIESEL DEFENDER 90.. was good training . But I feel I learnt more from your videos.
There was never any doubt IAM would both hear about this and take it very seriously. I’m looking forward to any videos you do of your IAM training as I hope to resume mine soon after lockdown stopped it. Just reading through Roadcraft I feel has improved my own driving but also my attitude, which is why I’m in a state of disbelief that the guy in the previous video may actually be genuinely an observer.
Well done Ashley and well done IAM. I think you’ll enjoy the course and find it interesting and I think IAM will get some positive publicity from all this. I hope the individual concerned can learn the error of his ways.
I did my course at 17 it probably saved my life I was a really bad driver and would have had a bad crash by 18 am so lucky I found and did the course am 26 now and still do my driving commentary It really helps keep me focused on long drives to anyone who as just started driving or even an older driver I would 100% recommend IAM training
Isn't this the same guy in an earlier video? The one where he loses his cool when the lorry driver cuts into the lane exiting the motorway and he screams and blows the horn a lot? Looks like the same car and dashcam. The video is viewer clips #3 and clip in question is about 5:30 if you care to have a look and see. Seems he didn't learn from that one, if it is the same guy.
I joined the IAM back in 2014. I had 5 sessions with an IAM Observer and passed my Advanced Test in a matter of months. The whole experience was brilliant and I would recommend it anyone.I did this because I wanted to become a better driver and the IAM are all about safety. It increases your awareness of what’s happening around you whilst driving and reacting so you can prevent accidents.This level of driver training should be encouraged.
I'm an IAM qualified driver and honestly was shocked at the video . but my observer was excellent , I passed first time and loved the experience . I'd recommend anyone to do it . it is amazing how much more it can teach even a qualified driving instructor ( yes I was one at the time )
I have been riding for 50 + years , since i was 10 years old in my back garden with my dad who rebuilt and sold bikes . IAM is a bit of a joke to me , i rode in rain ,snow and heatwaves .The only way to get experience is to ride your bike all year round .Too many sunday sunny day bikers aint got a clue how to ride go on an IAM course , learn nothing and pay through the nose . So you come off , then just get back on and learn from your mistake .
Excellent video Ashley, as always. Hats off to you for this and 'setting the record straight', more over hats off to IAM as the original video should by no means cast a shadow over their work/code of conduct etc. There will always be a certain someone who thinks they are 'it', it's just the way it goes. Keep up the great work! Credit to you!
Thankyou for this video. Liked it. I was, before retirement, a long term member of IAM, and took both car and coach tests with them. Coincidentally, I was a RoADA member in a coach, silver grade on first test and gold on successive retests. The only area where RoADA scores over IAM is the fact that IAM, though encouraging voluntary periodic retest, do not make such tests mandatory, whereas RoADA do, every three years. One additional comment: never, at any level, have I had a 100% perfect drive. A coach without passengers comes close mind..... . Good luck with the IAM experience.
I think he really did shoot himself in the foot by sending those dash cam clips in. But thankfully as you said there was a positive outcome from all of this. I enjoy watching these clips as I think that no matter what age/ experience we have on the roads we can still learn something. Thanks. Jan Mots.
My granddad was an IAM member, but I never really thought about it myself. This video has made me think that it would be a good idea to do some courses - I'm an on-site IT support engineer so I do a lot of driving, and there's always something to learn or improve on.
The other big group is Rospa - both can help reduce your insurance costs so are well worth considering especialy for those with high insurance payments.
unfortunately we have gone from a society where we would raise an eyebrow or give someone friendly advice etc, to immediately making formal complaints to some kind of authority (posting on social media is often enough). I would encourage all those so called experts who are without sin, to think about the ramifications of complaining about others indiscretions or mistakes. Someone losing their livelihood and therefore possibly their house, or the effect on their partners and children etc. No one gets it right all the time and for those of you who think you do I would like to meet up, I've never met a real saint before. Stay safe.
Oh, how naive. Our society was sadly never like that. Individuals were, much like Ashley is now, but in my experience jumping straight to formal complaints and making threats of reprisal has been common practice on and off the roads for as long as I can remember. These stereotypical "dashcam drivers" weren't suddenly birthed under the influence of these devices, these people were all already like this, boring their friends and relatives with stories about how terrible everyone else on the road is. My late grandpa was one and my auntie is another. And I could go on for ages with stories of the petty stuff people used to lodge formal complaints to advertising authorities that I'd come across, but that's a bit out of the scope of the "driving" topic 😂 I sort feel a lot of people have a tendency to pine for this "free, just and relaxed" society that simply never existed. Technology hasn't changed people so much as its shown them for who they always were. These dashcammers are IMO the perfect example of this.
"This member did not hold that qualification and was not entitled to claim to be an observer for IAM RoadSmart" but yet they accepted his resignation? how can a person resign from something they are not part of?
There are different types of members and being and observer is beyond the "entry level" training/exam which makes you an IAM member. This driver once was quite good, you have to at one point to pass your IAM test, but over time time they have become a bad driver. As far as I'm aware IAM have no recurrent testing/training so once this happens it progressively gets worse. I would like to add that I'm not an IAM member and never have been. I just looked into IAM many years ago but went to a different organisation to my further my driver training.
Wow, I’ve only just seen this after watching many of your videos. I’ll be on the lookout for the IAM specific videos. Maybe you have a playlist of them?
This totally highlights that everyone, even in the IAM members, need to have refresher courses regularly, like a vehicle needs an MOT to check it’s standard of safety is satisfactory for use on our roads.
I wonder how often IAM monitor their instructors/observers? Will be very interested to hear the feedback from Ashley on the IAM experience as in the past it was always perceived as "The Great I AM" - there was an air of superiority assumed by some IAM members. I hope that this has changed as I am sure that it would be interesting and beneficial to have an IAM assessment
It was a very clever piece of marketing by IAM. Get someone to send clips in to a channel of 50k driving like a lunatic in their name, everyone kicks off, IAM dissociates themselves from said viewer, everyone checks them out and channel owner takes their course. Genius
I did an IAM course in 2010 after being stopped for speeding, the police officer who stopped me suggested it, it was the same police officer who did my IAM test a few months later. It was the best thing I did for my driving.
I highly recommend IAM'S advanced course. I passed the advanced course after passing my L test about a year ago and i loved every minute of it and gained some good driver education from it. It certainly opens your eyes to things and helps to make you a much safer driver ahead.
I passed an IAM test 2 years ago. My gripe with them is that you can be an IAM member and pass a test without having to drove at night, in adverse weather, on a skid pan, in rain, on snow etc. So no aquaplane risk, no overtaking HGV on a motorway with excessive spray etc. So you can pass a test one a warm, dry, clean, sunny daytime and never had to drive in rain, poor light etc
I was once given a demonstration by an IAM instructor, who, incidentally, was a serving police officer at the time. He gave a running commentary as he was driving, alerting me to possible situations on the road ahead which made me think about my own standard of driving and which I have tried to emulate in all my driving since then. The difference between the obvious competence of this officer and the person in your video was so vast that I am amazed that he gets away with it!
It seems to me in the first clip he is following the path of the driver in front to show how that driver continued to drive after undertaking at speed in the left turn lane just before the roundabout and cutting in front.
Ashley.... that was a very worthwhile update and, as you rightly say, there is a potentially positive outcome. Any organisation or group is likely to have a "rotten apple in the basket", so to speak....... That is how stereotyping occurs - no point listing them as most of us are already aware of who/what they are. It would certainly be useful for us to see what the IAM training is about. A thumbs up for their statement along with your positive outlook. I think the 👎 was from Mr Naughty. Stay safe everyone 👍👍.
Well guess like with any certificate of qualification anyone can get one with work, but not everyone keeps to the standard afterwards, i mean just look at people driving after they passed the driving test.
@@ashley_neal why thankyou, i mean look at these "expert" drivers like the taxi drivers or even the 999 services sometimes. You know all about poor taxi drivers as your videos have shown.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD That is a good point regarding the IAM - with RoSPA you have to do a refresher test every 3 years so it keeps you on your toes. Both organisations do great work though promoting road safety and improving driving standards.
Been vaguely looking at IAM and the advance course they do. It will be great to see what this entails and your views on it 👍 Looking foreward to future Vlogs on this.
I am taking the IAM Motorcycle course at the moment - test is on Tuesday 😖 Would definitely recommend it though as I am a vastly superior rider now than before my course. It's amazing the gulf between 'Passed your test' and 'Skilled motorist'...
A council had a safety policy, which required staff who drove on council business be issued with a card authorising them. To obtain the card they had to present their licence for checking to ensure they did not exceed the permissible penalty points etc. A couple of staff who were IAM members both had several speeding penalties. One of them actually commented "I wouldn't mind but I'm an advanced driver".
The fewer people on the road like that the better to be honest, I hope the viewer gets better. I'm quite meticulous about my route planning but I don't always know exactly which lane to be in absolutely all of the time and appreciate drivers not spazzing out at me making small mistakes! 🙄😀 I got in the correct lane a junction to early on my test (it wasn't clear) but didn't get marked down because I corrected it safely 😁 guess that's why I mention lanes.
@James Stewart yeah, sometimes they make no sense! I try to scope out main turnings and any junctions that look hairy on Google earth, but, hecked if I can remember 3 hours in to driving where I want to go where to be 😀
I'm well into middle age and never found a reason to drive cars, and every time I watch one of Ashley's videos, I feel more and more secure in that decision.
@Lancashirelad It's true, I do, and if you live out in the sticks (or America) you're stuffed without a car. Still, I'm very pleased to stay far, far away from it. The car ads make it seem like fun. Ashley makes it look like total torture.
Just want to say, the over al messages in these videos are the best. Promoting safe driving by taking responsibility not only for how to drive technically, but remembering that there is a human being inside each one of those four wheeled boxes (and 2 wheeled rockets) Imagine if we all spent our days pushing people over in the street because they came out of a shop and walked infront of us more slowly than we'd like...
Glad you're doing the course Ashley; you should do well. You like driving it's your passion and I think you will enjoy it. Basically it's a series of lessons culminating in going out with an examiner; usually a Class 1 Police driver who volunteers for the task for the IAM. I did mine back in '87 and should really get in touch and go for a refresher. I know I'm not the best driver on the road; but I also know I'm reasonably good (I think 11 years with no accidents speaks for itself despite being a 'white van driver'). I'm not conceited enough not to know however I can improve a lot; and always admonish myself when I think I could've done something better. This is a part of what the IAM seek to do; it's about observation and safety more than progress (a sore point with me when it came to doing RoSPA as they seemed too interested in the 'progress' part over the safety).
05/8 22 Request to Algorithm- Please put the vid' being discussed up for viewing. As a subscriber l don't understand why the cart arrived before the equine.
I can thoroughly recommend the IAM courses and qualifications, having taken the Advanced Driver course. I felt my driving had room for improvement and it certainly has, after passing the Advanced Driver test with a First Class score. I believe I’m much safer and more considerate as a result - just two of several benefits. The IAM Observers were really kind, helpful and made the whole process engaging and fun. its a challenge, but I recommend it to everyone.
I went to IAM locally about 8 years after passing my test. I started with an observation ride. I just wanted to see how many bad habits I had picked up and how many good ones. As is often the case, as a motorcyclist my observation and checks where spot on, even a few more extra checks not expected. It was quite casual. About 6 or 7 of the group were meeting up at a local sea park. We chatted and then observers paired up with students and off we went for a drive around 45mins. Turns out I had a few bad habits. Got pulled on carrying speed towards roundabouts, like descending from 40 through the 30 sign, "Speed! You need to be doing 30mph AT the sign. Treat it as giving you more time to sequence into the flowing roundabout instead of hurtling up to the line and stopping to get a gap. Trundle along watching the flow for a gap you can just carry on into. If you are moving, even still in 2nd, you can flow into much smaller gaps and continue making progress." I got complimented for expanding my following distance greatly. We discussed there isn't really any point following closely on a section of road. If you aren't overtaking them and you can close the 50 yard gap in a few seconds on the throttle anyway, why bother sitting that close and having to adapt your speed to them constantly. Just drop way back and either put the cruise control on or just do your own speed. Saves fuel too because of that. I mentioned I only started doing this when I got a car that 'could' catch back up in seconds. I think I followed people a lot closer in a clio. But I learn. Got pulled for not returning to the left lane on dual carriageways often enough, but we had a long talk about that when it comes to rush hour, when we agreed it's probably safer to just stay in one lane and go with the flow. Over all worth doing, lots of hints and tips. I suppose the only dogmatic thing about them is their "system". They treat it like a bible. Personally I don't like inflexibility like that. Different systems exist. Different situations call for different tactics. On the bike for example, I often find myself "SWOT" analysing. Although not in that order. Threats? Weaknesses? Strengths and Opportunities. The later two, when you have time to get to them before the situation changes are where you make your progress. Being small, agile and way up high of view gives 'strengths' and yeilds opportunities. Not just to make progress, but to help other road users and to be seen.
The update was very much appreciated and am glad that IAM are taking notice and will if needed go forward with it . I again state that if you put a video out there and your name, expect to be pulled apart . Especially if you state an advancement of any kind . This on its own was just silly .👍
It is my opinion that driving licenses should have to be renewed periodically and part of the renewal process should be that we take some kind of driving test. Rules, traffic, cars and our abilities all change as the years pass and some people don't keep up with the changes.
Great idea in theory, till you realise then most people would not pass the driving test again, and to keep charging people all the time for a theory test and driving test would not go down well at all. it would make driving possibly to expensive for the lesser off folks out their, the poor would suffer the hardest from that. I mean the driving test itself i think wants you to drive in a manner that is not really long term realistic on the everyday roads. I don't mean the safety wise or the manoeuvres or signals they are of course needed and should be done as instructed, but i do think the test does not work well in the real world it seems to be more based in a perfect lab like area rather than the streets. I mean my brother failed one of his tests just because some other driver speeded or pull out wrong out of nowhere it was one of them streets where the council has let the bushes overgrow so much that you have literally no sight on the oncoming road till it is to late, my brother did the right thing and avoided the guy but he failed because he had to action. But their was nothing you could do to see and he was crawling towards that bit of the road due to the lack of visibility. I think it was a bit harsh to punish the test taker just because the council could not keep the road corners clear or because some driver thought he was in a fast and furious film.
@@bulwinkle Kind of, means less people can get to work, job losses in the car industry and those connected to it. And well the cars would be replaced by public transport which would have to increase massively in number to replace it that also just becomes the same troubles but now just with buses and taxi's as such. I Believe people should have chance to if they want to get their own personnel vehicles as long as they drive safely of course and legally. Trust me the ability to have the freedom to go when and where you want in a car is a freedom one misses and realises they take for granted. also it would punish most likely not the bad drivers themselves but those who are already on a shoe string budget or are poor.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD you seem to think that I'm not a driver. I am and have been for 50 years on both two and four wheels and I can tell you, from personal observations, that driving standards have deteriorated markedly in that time.
@@bulwinkle No i assumed your a driver. driving standards have been declining i agree, I'm just saying why i think your suggest though sounds good in theory might not work in practice. And who would suffer most likely from it, it never ends up being the ones you want to remove for being poor drivers. but the good drivers who are on a low budget. I'm just saying losing the ability to not drive when and where you want is a big shock. and something we take for granted. the refresher test could work as long as it is just to see you drive to a safe standard, not as strict as a driving test but expect you not to be a hazard on the road.
I have done the IAM course. Its important you get a good group. My initial advisor/observer was good. But he went on long term sick and i didn't get on with the replacement. This left me on my own basically and i failed my first test on commentary and use of gears. I got training from an ex police officer and passed second time. Not great experience as you pay £150 to join up. It would be interesting to know which parts of IAM would mean a fail in a driving test, such as cutting corners on country roads when its clear, or finding the quickest possible route over a roundabout.
i cant believe the guy that sent these clips in actually thinks his driving is superior when in actual fact its his driving that needs attention, i hope in a way he is an IAM observer just so he can be contacted and he can have the opportunity to reflect and review what he has done!....as an ADI myself i really like your channel Ashley and i also teach professionally for the IAM , this guy who sent these clips in is absolutely not a representative of the IAM and their standards. i also think you should be commended on how you've handled these clips and the communications you had with the IAM.
I went to pet shop the other day. Observed some IAMS. Right there on the shelf. Great big sacks of the stuff. Does that entitle me to drive around like a tit swearing at everyone now? Me Joko! To be serious, I've heard of IAM they've been around forever and are most definitely the real thing. I know some people who've taken the advanced driving course and it's all about safety, awareness, anticipation and all that good stuff. I'm thinking of doing it myself actually
I did drivers course based on road craft (Police) when first joined ambulance service. Student paramedics etc have to do the driving course first because it`s the hardest thing to pass so if they fail they are not far into training. Its very strict and you have to learn a hell of a lot. My course was 3 weeks at 37 hours a week. Now I am older I hate speed and drive with a great sense of manners towards others. What made me laugh a bit watching the video of the IAM guy was he was driving in the style we were taught on road craft, going out to be seen past road mid-line and making your presence felt . That's good for emergency vehicles but not sure the general public should drive like that 😁😁
I appreciate what you are saying about not necessarily wanting to report somebody, but what crossed the line for me what they claimed to be an observer, not just a member. It's not about reporting them, it's to prevent the continued damage they can do if they are instructed people. And this element wasn't really addressed in this video or in the statement by the IAM.
If you own a BMW or possibly similar, the key records the maximum speed you have driven the car. I know this because a IAM instructor being checked out, took his car in for service and the dealer said, who's been a naughty boy, 95mph. He said was probably on the IAM run.
Hi Ashley, I have been an IAM member for 4 yrs and the reason for taking the IAM course was; I work for a national delivery service that has / had started to use a system called 'trackingIcourteously, economically, and in time and under the eye of big-brother, not going to happen. Anyway dose not work as too many conflicts. I have now been tested by the organisation many times (at least 4 times and different observers, including the AA) all who say I am not at wrong, just pushing limits. By that I don't mean speed limits, just driving limits. I personally feel the IAM have helped me so much in now riding a cycle on the highway and also driven my fun vehicle(s) (very slow moving) on the highway. In sort you have to look WAY ahead and at other road users moves and misjudgements. Any Q's get back.....your vid's are a pleasure to watch, they may be long but I stay focused.
Oh boy, a real member! I'm completely flabbergasted 🤯🤯🤯 Thinking it over again: I noticed it before, a lot of people do change behind the steering wheel. Driving stimulates in some way the competition "genes". You feel almighty and invulnarable and lose touch with reality. In traffic self-control is at least as important as traffic insight. Without them there is no such thing as good driving
I did my IAM after fully qualifying as an ADI & I wish I’d have done it before my Part 2. Obviously Roadcraft & the DVSA standards don’t match 100 % all the time but the course was brilliant. Only issue I had was with one observer who took a dislike to me being an ADI. Turned out he had failed his part 3 and made the best of a bad situation by becoming an observer. Apart from that one person, all the other were brilliant and I learned a lot.
I would be very interested in a short video series on IAM, as you described. I've been toying with the idea of doing an IAM or ROSPA course for a long time, after doing lots of reading into stuff like roadcraft etc, but I've never actually known whats involved and so whether or not its worth the financial investment.
eh i can not possibly going to a course with IAM because im literary on the other side of the world, but what i kind do is appreciate and applause IAM because instead sweeping everything under rug and let bygone begone they reach to you and to make collaboration so more people can be exposed into safer driving, that is the cause i could stand for.
I completed my Advanced Driving Certificate through IAM RoadSmart in Liverpool and I have nothing but stellar things to say about it. The coaching is very high quality and I can not only enjoy my car more but it lowered my insurance costs and made my driving smoother. All in all, its worth it!
@@freshtoast3879 it cost £138 and once I passed it reduced my next insurance premium by a further £110. Year after it came down by £75 so its made its money back for me straight away and I'm a well better driver than I was and I have the skills to enjoy my manual 2015 VW Scirocco R! Do it do it do it!
I am quite interested in IAM, I always drive well of course we all make the occasional mistake as we all are not perfect but I think doing further training is a great idea.
If I was iam I would take disciplinary action for bringing the organisation name into disrepute Naming and shaming can be a good effective punishment rather than suspending and expelling And all credit to Ashley for showcasing the iam in a positive light
I'm pleased with this outcome, IAM road smart really do help people become better drivers but of course they have to have the right attitude and be willing to change and continue to improve. I hope that this one individual hasn't put anyone off who was considering doing an IAM course
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Update 12/10/2020. I've just received this statement from IAM RoadSmart on this matter.
"The IAM RoadSmart member who submitted clips to Ashley Neal has now offered his resignation, which has been accepted. The driving in the clips on which Ashley has commented do not uphold the Advanced Driving standards we coach people to achieve. All our observers hold a formal qualification, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). This member did not hold that qualification and was not entitled to claim to be an observer for IAM RoadSmart."
Well, I hope he learns from it and gets mental health treatment.
An ego that beaten and bruised surely can't be sat at home in a good mind set. 😐
If he wasn't holding the qualification required, how did he became an observer registered to IAM in the first place? Just asking to clarify.
@@carnivorousjesus6085 I don't think he was an observer assuming observer means some form of IAM competency and specific IAM qualification. Maybe just a member who passed a course to reduce insurance premiums. Clearly he had no motivation to do IAM for self improvement or helping to improve driving standards within society.
He wasn't even an IAM Observer??
🤣🤣 oh my days!
Something doesn't add up right. You said you'd checked the name and found him to be listed with a local group. Obviously there was no guarantee the person emailing was actually that person (could be impersonating) but as that part seems to have checked out, how was he listed and in what capacity? And was he actually observing (without the qualification) or just somehow got himself listed? I'm a member (not an observer!) and I'd be horrified if they were publicly publishing the names of every member (GDPR anyone?), rather than just the leaders and observers of local groups who have agreed to be listed.
I honestly thought you were being trolled, I can't believe anyone would submit clips like that and then say they are superior by being apart of IAM. It's a shame for IAM but I'm glad you have been in talks with the company and helped them out of that hole by that one silly driver.
Those dashcam channels where people send in clips, _most_ of the time it's the cammer being a right twonk, they just don't get it. It is surprising yeah.
@@ollieb9875 I've noticed that too.
I really thought he was being trolled too. I can't understand how someone would send in those clips and be proud of the way they were driving. It just doesn't make sense.
@Google pixel. hehe, yeah. In those clips it seems the dash cammers mantra is something like _"thou shalt accelerate in to a situation and sound the horn for as long as possible whilst sharply and as close to the last moment possible, applying the brakes. Thou shalt, at this moment, gesticulate wildly, and to the best of one's ability liberally apply as much foul language as possible."_ 😂
Ollie B
Sounds like the American Way in olde english.
Ignore his bad driving and look at the positive which is going to come out of this!
I.A.M are going to take this matter seriously and with the professional work Ashley puts into his videos it going to make thousands of people aware that there’s courses out there which you can do to help you become a safer driver. Also when he does the course and makes a video it might make more people do the course and make the roads a hell of a lot safer. Well done Ashley 👍🏻
Optimal results. Hope you’re correct.
Nice one Ashley. Your remarks remind me of my dad's advice when dealing with bad drivers. He said "you may be in the right but that's no use when you're dead"
Hi Ashley. I am an IAM Member, and took my advanced driving test with them at the age of 79. I must admit, I thought I knew how to drive safely, but after only 2 lessons (of 12) I realised I did not come up to their expectations. I did persist, and now consider myself a safe, assured driver.
Send some clips then, you will be removed quickly too
Like the updated intro title Ashley! I passed the IAM course 9 years ago and I can vouch for just how committed they are to improving road safety and driving standards. Tbh Ashley I thought you were already IAM trained with your attitude and skills you demonstrate.
I thought so too.
Lol he is a driving instructor, in other news, a fireman happens to be good at putting out fires
@@Feedthegoat you'd think, I've definitely seen driving instructors who aren't very good.
jcardboard
Egads. Just follow a few around town in miami Florida.
I inadvertently ended up following one for about three miles and had to dodge a string of accidents all caused by him. Towards the end I was amazed he managed it unscathed.
Just the sole driver, no student in the car.
@@Feedthegoat I’ve definitely seen some driving instructors who drive like they don’t have a license
Fair play. I did the advanced driving with the IAM just over a year ago. I loved it, makes me much safer and tought me stuff i did not learn during my normal driving lessons (especially around country roads with position, speed and limit points). As a 21 year old this does also help with insurance cost. There is a great RUclips Chanel called RegLocal who is an IAM examiner. He does videos about what you cover on the course.
I'm one of RegLocals subscribers 👍🏼
I'll check RegLocal out
@@nowiplay2 I think it was around £100, you get as many sessions as possible until you are exam ready. And i got the money back because i passed with a First and i am under 30 (its an offer they were doing don't know if they are still doing it)
@@nowiplay2 I paid £80 for 10 hours with observer and the test plus 2 hours in the classroom . that was about 12 years ago . it was an offer they were doing .
Great comments Ashley, I did my first I.A.M test in 1974. Did a Rospa test in 1986. Still learning! Unfortunately I've found over the years, that some observers are so far up their own backsides that I just used to "switch off". Being an A.D.I. certainly helps because it gives you more "empathy "!
Great to hear you’re going to do the course! I did it a number of years ago. Looking forward to hearing how you get on and your thoughts about it.
Awesome! Thank you!
I wouldn’t worry about getting him into any trouble. He clearly didn’t worry about dropping himself right in it by sending those clips in. Ergo, he knows enough to to become approved on whatever level by IAM but clearly ignores and disregards everything when it suits him. A clear case of Do as I say, not as I do. Highly dangerous, because he isn’t ignorant of the better way.
@James Stewart cough cough
What’s worse, getting someone in trouble or killing someone due to arrogant reckless driving?
Essentially same with "I'll do whatever I need to be doing in order to pass my licence exams, after that I can drive however I wish!"
it's spelled heirgough
@@RockSleeper
Thanks for the education.
Ashley you have helped me more than you know, you've helped me look more closely at my driving I think more and see things in a different light
Nice of you to do this video Ashley. I passed almost a year ago and still watch. keep up the good work.
Most excellent communication, Ashley, and IAM Roadsmart! Thank you for being professional and honest and having the "right" goal - better drivers and riders - firmly in mind! Cheers from Canada!
I'm in the process of doing the IAM advanced course now, and if you're questioning yourself whether to do it, do it! I've been driving for 4 years, no accidents, claims, fines or points against my name, and I went into it with an open mind that I believe I'm a safe driver, but I want to improve and don't know where to start. Even after the first lesson I felt more in control of the vehicle, and after a few more I felt like getting your first pair of glasses and realising just how bad your eyesight actually was. It's worth it.
Hi Ashley, I'm 38 and have been on the road since I was 17, never had an accident, never had a point on my licence, however, I've been watching your videos, one just popped up randomly last week and I've watched loads since and subscribed. Watching your vids is like having a refresher course, very informative educational, keep up the good work bro 👌🏻
This is brilliant! Will you be vlogging parts of the course?
That's the plan!
Ashley Neal looking forward to that then!
Thanks for the update, glad to see IAM looking into the issue, I did a course with them years ago after having a 10 year break from riding a motorbike, was fun and informative course :)
I like the new intro! I've been driving for 4 years now and I really enjoy watching these videos, you always give such a good perspective and learning insight, theres always something new to learn and I always take things away from your videos and implement them into my driving style, thanks !
I appreciate that!
@@ashley_neal waiting to see if you think it's worthwhile if it is i will go for it
Just seen this even though its from 2 years ago ,now did you do the IAM course and is there a video of it, completely agree with you not reporting the poor driving and hope the driver has seen this done the right thing and upped his standards
Some cab companies can learn from this, this is how you deal with poor/dangerous drivers who represent you.
Yeah every time one of them employees in one of their cabs misbehaviour suddenly their "agency or self employed".
I've said for a while that we need a channel that has clips of poor driving by 'professionals' where the company is clearly identifiable so that a quick link can be fired off to them. I would do it myself but simply don't have the time.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD The company I work for only has self employed drivers, but if we get any complaints, we investigate them. We are at an advantage of having live tracking and front and rear facing dash cams, we even get a flag on the tracking if they break too hard. Most complaints turn out to be where our drivers are not at fault, but we will hold our hands up even with a 50/50 incident, we put all our drivers through an extended driving test before they can get into one of our cars as well. I do however understand the frustration of other road users, some of the standards of driving by cab drivers is atrocious.
Being self employed is no excuse for bad driving.
@@Jimages_uk That is nice to hear about. But it irritates me when companies use the not are employee excuse.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD As all our drivers are in cars liveried in our colours, they represent us, it is in our own best interests that they are seen to be professional in everything they do.
Excellent, Ashley, very glad you're going to do the course and look forward to seeing how you do. Would it be possible to give a mention in a video to the other advanced driving organisation, RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (RoADAR)? I'm a member of both the IAM and RoADAR and they both do great work promoting road safety and improving driving standards.
@Lancashirelad I think it probably comes down to whoever is doing the training. I did all my training with the IAM in the late 80s. The local group had an incredibly high standard, which came from the Chairman who was a Police Driving Instructor. I did their Observer's Course (30 hours of theory and 30 hours of practical). The opening statement from the Chairman was, 'I don't expect you to be Police Class 1 standard - I expect much better than that'. Which I guess set the tone! Assessment of my Observer Test was 'fair to middling' (but a pass). This was before the IAM introduced a standardised Observer test. I then did the RoSPA test soon afterwards and the RoSPA examiner's assessment was one of the best tests he'd ever conducted. He knew exactly who had trained me, by the way on the basis that 'no-one else trains to that kind of standard'. I've done something like 9 or 10 tests with RoSPA, all Gold, and all down to IAM training.
Thanks for the update Ashley, very interesting and heartening that you got such a positive response. Very much looking forward to seeing what you make of the IAM course, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The new opening sequence is great by the way!
One person wouldn’t put me off of IAM. This is the individuals error and not IAM. I don’t slag off all of you driving instructors when one of your learners turns into an absolute idiot after they pass the test, anymore than I’d be put off of IAM because of one idiots driving.
Love your videos and analysis of things. I’ve been driving for 6 years and I still tune in to see your views on things
A positive outcome. Will be interested to see your future videos on the subject. I've done both bike and car and have been a bike Observer for the past 20 years. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Better to get into trouble than dead or kill someone. I’ve been driving for 49 years and watching you clips has improved my driving already and I’ve never had an accident. Keep it cool Ashley
I was a member of the IAM (car and commercial) for over 30
years. They changed so much over the years that I felt I had to leave. It
became too much money based for my liking.
I did the same and felt the IAM was not for me any more. However, the training they gave me, especially regarding observation (accentuated by the commentary), is still invaluable to me today and I will always be grateful to the lady who mentored me.
@@ianwallis7703 So pleased you got somthing out of the IAM, I did as well. As i said b4 they have just got too much in it for the money.
I passed my advanced test nearly 9 years ago and know I’ve slipped into some bad habits still. If I reviewed my dash cam footage and saw that I’d be mortified and getting on the phone to book some more training. I’m going to book onto the Masters course IAM does to refresh my skills and hopefully keep doing that every few years. Great video and can’t wait for IAM content!
Would love to hear your feedback on the IAM course, as I'm considering doing it too. I did a taster drive with my local group which seemed good but a 2nd opinion is always good.
honestly its a great course . makes you think more . I loved doing mine .
What was good about it? I really want to do an advanced course and given this pandemic, it might be quicker to just book it rather than waiting for a taster session first. What are your thoughts?
Did my IAM advanced motorbike 10 years ago 😳, thoroughly enjoyed it. Being tested by a copper was a little intimidating but he was a top bloke and the methods he used to test my observation were very clever 🙂
Like any group I've read mixed reports about different areas so a bit of online research might not be a bad idea.
I've considered getting my advanced car but not sure what I'd learn over and above the bike training...
I've done the IAM motorcycle test , its got my out of trouble so many times I have lost count
I’m afraid educating drivers like that just goes over their head. It’s the fact that drivers like that just do not care about other drivers/pedestrians .it’s not rocket science that driving like that will cause a potential collision /fatality . People like that just don’t have a conscience
Maz .. I agree.
I'm glad to see the IAM are taking the matter seriously (I did actually think the cammer was not connected to the IAM but, hey) and I look forward to seeing your views on the training you receive through them.
Well done Ashley. A good balanced feedback. You will enjoy the IAM sessions and am sure it will be a good two street of information. The IAM is a first rate organisation working to make our roads a safer place.
Great to hear that you are going to do something with the IAM. I was going to suggest this and then a few minutes later you said you would. Looking forward to the videos. 😎😎😎
Fair dues to the person who submitted the clip for scrutiny, their driving standard may have declined but this should show where they need to improve. We could all do with a reminder occasionally of where we are falling short.
@James Stewart Thanks to you they are now aware and can calm down or they will come to harm driving like this.
@@peterball8241 LOL, yeah, right...
IAM is a great organisation and certainly improved my driving after 30+ years of getting into bad habits. I would recommend it to all. Good on you Ashley for doing the course. I really hope you find it useful. When I volunteered after passing my Advanced test we had associates of all ages and abilities. The common thread was to provide tutoring in advanced roadcraft and improve the standard of driving on our roads. It was great to get youngsters who had recently passed their test wanting to go to that next level.
All the best and I look forward to your future videos.
Great outcome! I'd love to see some internal videos of the IAM courses, been considering doing some myself for some time now 👍🏻
That's a great response, and you'll enjoy the coaching. Will be good publicity for IAMRoadsmart too, more people need to know about them.
I think the issue a lot of us had is not his personal driving (although that was bad), but the fact that he might be teaching other people to drive and think that way. I also think that I and a lot of others didn't have a bad thought about the IAM in general, but about one bad actor within that organisation. This is exactly what I expected from the IAM, kudos to them for addressing it openly and honestly. Let's hope the driver sees the error of his ways.
I did an IAM course 12 years ago in Wolverhampton, past easily, driven with my old DUTCH WOODEN CLOGS IN A MANUAL DIESEL DEFENDER 90.. was good training . But I feel I learnt more from your videos.
There was never any doubt IAM would both hear about this and take it very seriously. I’m looking forward to any videos you do of your IAM training as I hope to resume mine soon after lockdown stopped it. Just reading through Roadcraft I feel has improved my own driving but also my attitude, which is why I’m in a state of disbelief that the guy in the previous video may actually be genuinely an observer.
Good on IAM for standing by their courses by inviting you to see! Please do make a video about them.
Well done Ashley and well done IAM. I think you’ll enjoy the course and find it interesting and I think IAM will get some positive publicity from all this. I hope the individual concerned can learn the error of his ways.
I did my course at 17 it probably saved my life I was a really bad driver and would have had a bad crash by 18 am so lucky I found and did the course am 26 now and still do my driving commentary It really helps keep me focused on long drives to anyone who as just started driving or even an older driver I would 100% recommend IAM training
Isn't this the same guy in an earlier video? The one where he loses his cool when the lorry driver cuts into the lane exiting the motorway and he screams and blows the horn a lot? Looks like the same car and dashcam. The video is viewer clips #3 and clip in question is about 5:30 if you care to have a look and see. Seems he didn't learn from that one, if it is the same guy.
I joined the IAM back in 2014. I had 5 sessions with an IAM Observer and passed my Advanced Test in a matter of months. The whole experience was brilliant and I would recommend it anyone.I did this because I wanted to become a better driver and the IAM are all about safety. It increases your awareness of what’s happening around you whilst driving and reacting so you can prevent accidents.This level of driver training should be encouraged.
I'm an IAM qualified driver and honestly was shocked at the video . but my observer was excellent , I passed first time and loved the experience . I'd recommend anyone to do it . it is amazing how much more it can teach even a qualified driving instructor ( yes I was one at the time )
I have been riding for 50 + years , since i was 10 years old in my back garden with my dad who rebuilt and sold bikes .
IAM is a bit of a joke to me , i rode in rain ,snow and heatwaves .The only way to get experience is to ride your bike all year round .Too many sunday sunny day bikers aint got a clue how to ride go on an IAM course , learn nothing and pay through the nose .
So you come off , then just get back on and learn from your mistake .
Excellent video Ashley, as always. Hats off to you for this and 'setting the record straight', more over hats off to IAM as the original video should by no means cast a shadow over their work/code of conduct etc. There will always be a certain someone who thinks they are 'it', it's just the way it goes. Keep up the great work! Credit to you!
Thankyou for this video. Liked it. I was, before retirement, a long term member of IAM, and took both car and coach tests with them. Coincidentally, I was a RoADA member in a coach, silver grade on first test and gold on successive retests. The only area where RoADA scores over IAM is the fact that IAM, though encouraging voluntary periodic retest, do not make such tests mandatory, whereas RoADA do, every three years. One additional comment: never, at any level, have I had a 100% perfect drive. A coach without passengers comes close mind..... . Good luck with the IAM experience.
I think he really did shoot himself in the foot by sending those dash cam clips in. But thankfully as you said there was a positive outcome from all of this. I enjoy watching these clips as I think that no matter what age/ experience we have on the roads we can still learn something. Thanks. Jan Mots.
My granddad was an IAM member, but I never really thought about it myself. This video has made me think that it would be a good idea to do some courses - I'm an on-site IT support engineer so I do a lot of driving, and there's always something to learn or improve on.
i've taken a couple of advanced motorcycle riding days with an IAM instructor and found the lessons to be Fantastic! learnt alot.
The other big group is Rospa - both can help reduce your insurance costs so are well worth considering especialy for those with high insurance payments.
unfortunately we have gone from a society where we would raise an eyebrow or give someone friendly advice etc, to immediately making formal complaints to some kind of authority (posting on social media is often enough). I would encourage all those so called experts who are without sin, to think about the ramifications of complaining about others indiscretions or mistakes. Someone losing their livelihood and therefore possibly their house, or the effect on their partners and children etc. No one gets it right all the time and for those of you who think you do I would like to meet up, I've never met a real saint before. Stay safe.
Oh, how naive. Our society was sadly never like that. Individuals were, much like Ashley is now, but in my experience jumping straight to formal complaints and making threats of reprisal has been common practice on and off the roads for as long as I can remember.
These stereotypical "dashcam drivers" weren't suddenly birthed under the influence of these devices, these people were all already like this, boring their friends and relatives with stories about how terrible everyone else on the road is. My late grandpa was one and my auntie is another.
And I could go on for ages with stories of the petty stuff people used to lodge formal complaints to advertising authorities that I'd come across, but that's a bit out of the scope of the "driving" topic 😂
I sort feel a lot of people have a tendency to pine for this "free, just and relaxed" society that simply never existed. Technology hasn't changed people so much as its shown them for who they always were. These dashcammers are IMO the perfect example of this.
Did you do a video of the course?
"This member did not hold that qualification and was not entitled to claim to be an observer for IAM RoadSmart" but yet they accepted his resignation? how can a person resign from something they are not part of?
There are different types of members and being and observer is beyond the "entry level" training/exam which makes you an IAM member. This driver once was quite good, you have to at one point to pass your IAM test, but over time time they have become a bad driver. As far as I'm aware IAM have no recurrent testing/training so once this happens it progressively gets worse.
I would like to add that I'm not an IAM member and never have been. I just looked into IAM many years ago but went to a different organisation to my further my driver training.
Wow, I’ve only just seen this after watching many of your videos. I’ll be on the lookout for the IAM specific videos. Maybe you have a playlist of them?
This totally highlights that everyone, even in the IAM members, need to have refresher courses regularly, like a vehicle needs an MOT to check it’s standard of safety is satisfactory for use on our roads.
I wonder how often IAM monitor their instructors/observers? Will be very interested to hear the feedback from Ashley on the IAM experience as in the past it was always perceived as "The Great I AM" - there was an air of superiority assumed by some IAM members. I hope that this has changed as I am sure that it would be interesting and beneficial to have an IAM assessment
It was a very clever piece of marketing by IAM. Get someone to send clips in to a channel of 50k driving like a lunatic in their name, everyone kicks off, IAM dissociates themselves from said viewer, everyone checks them out and channel owner takes their course. Genius
Ditto
That's just devious thinking ( or is it ?)
I did an IAM course in 2010 after being stopped for speeding, the police officer who stopped me suggested it, it was the same police officer who did my IAM test a few months later. It was the best thing I did for my driving.
I highly recommend IAM'S advanced course. I passed the advanced course after passing my L test about a year ago and i loved every minute of it and gained some good driver education from it. It certainly opens your eyes to things and helps to make you a much safer driver ahead.
I passed an IAM test 2 years ago. My gripe with them is that you can be an IAM member and pass a test without having to drove at night, in adverse weather, on a skid pan, in rain, on snow etc. So no aquaplane risk, no overtaking HGV on a motorway with excessive spray etc. So you can pass a test one a warm, dry, clean, sunny daytime and never had to drive in rain, poor light etc
I was once given a demonstration by an IAM instructor, who, incidentally, was a serving police officer at the time. He gave a running commentary as he was driving, alerting me to possible situations on the road ahead which made me think about my own standard of driving and which I have tried to emulate in all my driving since then. The difference between the obvious competence of this officer and the person in your video was so vast that I am amazed that he gets away with it!
It seems to me in the first clip he is following the path of the driver in front to show how that driver continued to drive after undertaking at speed in the left turn lane just before the roundabout and cutting in front.
Ashley.... that was a very worthwhile update and, as you rightly say, there is a potentially positive outcome.
Any organisation or group is likely to have a "rotten apple in the basket", so to speak.......
That is how stereotyping occurs - no point listing them as most of us are already aware of who/what they are.
It would certainly be useful for us to see what the IAM training is about. A thumbs up for their statement along with your positive outlook. I think the 👎 was from Mr Naughty.
Stay safe everyone 👍👍.
Well guess like with any certificate of qualification anyone can get one with work, but not everyone keeps to the standard afterwards, i mean just look at people driving after they passed the driving test.
That's a very good point!
@@ashley_neal why thankyou, i mean look at these "expert" drivers like the taxi drivers or even the 999 services sometimes.
You know all about poor taxi drivers as your videos have shown.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD That is a good point regarding the IAM - with RoSPA you have to do a refresher test every 3 years so it keeps you on your toes. Both organisations do great work though promoting road safety and improving driving standards.
I never thought the individual in question was typical of IAM members. Thank you for the update Ashley
Been vaguely looking at IAM and the advance course they do. It will be great to see what this entails and your views on it 👍
Looking foreward to future Vlogs on this.
I am taking the IAM Motorcycle course at the moment - test is on Tuesday 😖 Would definitely recommend it though as I am a vastly superior rider now than before my course. It's amazing the gulf between 'Passed your test' and 'Skilled motorist'...
Update: I Passed! 😁
A council had a safety policy, which required staff who drove on council business be issued with a card authorising them. To obtain the card they had to present their licence for checking to ensure they did not exceed the permissible penalty points etc. A couple of staff who were IAM members both had several speeding penalties. One of them actually commented "I wouldn't mind but I'm an advanced driver".
The fewer people on the road like that the better to be honest, I hope the viewer gets better. I'm quite meticulous about my route planning but I don't always know exactly which lane to be in absolutely all of the time and appreciate drivers not spazzing out at me making small mistakes! 🙄😀 I got in the correct lane a junction to early on my test (it wasn't clear) but didn't get marked down because I corrected it safely 😁 guess that's why I mention lanes.
@James Stewart yeah, sometimes they make no sense! I try to scope out main turnings and any junctions that look hairy on Google earth, but, hecked if I can remember 3 hours in to driving where I want to go where to be 😀
I'm well into middle age and never found a reason to drive cars, and every time I watch one of Ashley's videos, I feel more and more secure in that decision.
@Lancashirelad It's true, I do, and if you live out in the sticks (or America) you're stuffed without a car. Still, I'm very pleased to stay far, far away from it. The car ads make it seem like fun. Ashley makes it look like total torture.
Just want to say, the over al messages in these videos are the best. Promoting safe driving by taking responsibility not only for how to drive technically, but remembering that there is a human being inside each one of those four wheeled boxes (and 2 wheeled rockets)
Imagine if we all spent our days pushing people over in the street because they came out of a shop and walked infront of us more slowly than we'd like...
Glad you're doing the course Ashley; you should do well. You like driving it's your passion and I think you will enjoy it. Basically it's a series of lessons culminating in going out with an examiner; usually a Class 1 Police driver who volunteers for the task for the IAM.
I did mine back in '87 and should really get in touch and go for a refresher. I know I'm not the best driver on the road; but I also know I'm reasonably good (I think 11 years with no accidents speaks for itself despite being a 'white van driver'). I'm not conceited enough not to know however I can improve a lot; and always admonish myself when I think I could've done something better.
This is a part of what the IAM seek to do; it's about observation and safety more than progress (a sore point with me when it came to doing RoSPA as they seemed too interested in the 'progress' part over the safety).
05/8 22 Request to Algorithm- Please put the vid' being discussed up for viewing. As a subscriber l don't understand why the cart arrived before the equine.
I can thoroughly recommend the IAM courses and qualifications, having taken the Advanced Driver course. I felt my driving had room for improvement and it certainly has, after passing the Advanced Driver test with a First Class score. I believe I’m much safer and more considerate as a result - just two of several benefits. The IAM Observers were really kind, helpful and made the whole process engaging and fun. its a challenge, but I recommend it to everyone.
| hope you'll be making videos of your experience on the IAM course, can't help wondering who'll learn more though...
Always something to learn from others.
I went to IAM locally about 8 years after passing my test. I started with an observation ride. I just wanted to see how many bad habits I had picked up and how many good ones. As is often the case, as a motorcyclist my observation and checks where spot on, even a few more extra checks not expected.
It was quite casual. About 6 or 7 of the group were meeting up at a local sea park. We chatted and then observers paired up with students and off we went for a drive around 45mins.
Turns out I had a few bad habits. Got pulled on carrying speed towards roundabouts, like descending from 40 through the 30 sign, "Speed! You need to be doing 30mph AT the sign. Treat it as giving you more time to sequence into the flowing roundabout instead of hurtling up to the line and stopping to get a gap. Trundle along watching the flow for a gap you can just carry on into. If you are moving, even still in 2nd, you can flow into much smaller gaps and continue making progress."
I got complimented for expanding my following distance greatly. We discussed there isn't really any point following closely on a section of road. If you aren't overtaking them and you can close the 50 yard gap in a few seconds on the throttle anyway, why bother sitting that close and having to adapt your speed to them constantly. Just drop way back and either put the cruise control on or just do your own speed. Saves fuel too because of that. I mentioned I only started doing this when I got a car that 'could' catch back up in seconds. I think I followed people a lot closer in a clio. But I learn.
Got pulled for not returning to the left lane on dual carriageways often enough, but we had a long talk about that when it comes to rush hour, when we agreed it's probably safer to just stay in one lane and go with the flow.
Over all worth doing, lots of hints and tips. I suppose the only dogmatic thing about them is their "system". They treat it like a bible. Personally I don't like inflexibility like that. Different systems exist. Different situations call for different tactics. On the bike for example, I often find myself "SWOT" analysing. Although not in that order. Threats? Weaknesses? Strengths and Opportunities. The later two, when you have time to get to them before the situation changes are where you make your progress. Being small, agile and way up high of view gives 'strengths' and yeilds opportunities. Not just to make progress, but to help other road users and to be seen.
The update was very much appreciated and am glad that IAM are taking notice and will if needed go forward with it . I again state that if you put a video out there and your name, expect to be pulled apart . Especially if you state an advancement of any kind . This on its own was just silly .👍
Now I know about them, and thanks to your video and feedback, I'm interested in doing one or more of their courses.
It is my opinion that driving licenses should have to be renewed periodically and part of the renewal process should be that we take some kind of driving test. Rules, traffic, cars and our abilities all change as the years pass and some people don't keep up with the changes.
Great idea in theory, till you realise then most people would not pass the driving test again, and to keep charging people all the time for a theory test and driving test would not go down well at all. it would make driving possibly to expensive for the lesser off folks out their, the poor would suffer the hardest from that. I mean the driving test itself i think wants you to drive in a manner that is not really long term realistic on the everyday roads. I don't mean the safety wise or the manoeuvres or signals they are of course needed and should be done as instructed, but i do think the test does not work well in the real world it seems to be more based in a perfect lab like area rather than the streets.
I mean my brother failed one of his tests just because some other driver speeded or pull out wrong out of nowhere it was one of them streets where the council has let the bushes overgrow so much that you have literally no sight on the oncoming road till it is to late, my brother did the right thing and avoided the guy but he failed because he had to action. But their was nothing you could do to see and he was crawling towards that bit of the road due to the lack of visibility. I think it was a bit harsh to punish the test taker just because the council could not keep the road corners clear or because some driver thought he was in a fast and furious film.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD fewer cars on the road would be a bad thing?
@@bulwinkle Kind of, means less people can get to work, job losses in the car industry and those connected to it. And well the cars would be replaced by public transport which would have to increase massively in number to replace it that also just becomes the same troubles but now just with buses and taxi's as such. I Believe people should have chance to if they want to get their own personnel vehicles as long as they drive safely of course and legally. Trust me the ability to have the freedom to go when and where you want in a car is a freedom one misses and realises they take for granted.
also it would punish most likely not the bad drivers themselves but those who are already on a shoe string budget or are poor.
@@RomanHistoryFan476AD you seem to think that I'm not a driver. I am and have been for 50 years on both two and four wheels and I can tell you, from personal observations, that driving standards have deteriorated markedly in that time.
@@bulwinkle No i assumed your a driver. driving standards have been declining i agree, I'm just saying why i think your suggest though sounds good in theory might not work in practice.
And who would suffer most likely from it, it never ends up being the ones you want to remove for being poor drivers. but the good drivers who are on a low budget.
I'm just saying losing the ability to not drive when and where you want is a big shock. and something we take for granted.
the refresher test could work as long as it is just to see you drive to a safe standard, not as strict as a driving test but expect you not to be a hazard on the road.
I have done the IAM course. Its important you get a good group. My initial advisor/observer was good. But he went on long term sick and i didn't get on with the replacement. This left me on my own basically and i failed my first test on commentary and use of gears. I got training from an ex police officer and passed second time. Not great experience as you pay £150 to join up.
It would be interesting to know which parts of IAM would mean a fail in a driving test, such as cutting corners on country roads when its clear, or finding the quickest possible route over a roundabout.
I think the initials IAM sum it up when you put a space between the "I" and the "AM"?
i cant believe the guy that sent these clips in actually thinks his driving is superior when in actual fact its his driving that needs attention, i hope in a way he is an IAM observer just so he can be contacted and he can have the opportunity to reflect and review what he has done!....as an ADI myself i really like your channel Ashley and i also teach professionally for the IAM , this guy who sent these clips in is absolutely not a representative of the IAM and their standards. i also think you should be commended on how you've handled these clips and the communications you had with the IAM.
I went to pet shop the other day. Observed some IAMS. Right there on the shelf. Great big sacks of the stuff. Does that entitle me to drive around like a tit swearing at everyone now?
Me Joko! To be serious, I've heard of IAM they've been around forever and are most definitely the real thing. I know some people who've taken the advanced driving course and it's all about safety, awareness, anticipation and all that good stuff. I'm thinking of doing it myself actually
I did drivers course based on road craft (Police) when first joined ambulance service. Student paramedics etc have to do the driving course first because it`s the hardest thing to pass so if they fail they are not far into training. Its very strict and you have to learn a hell of a lot. My course was 3 weeks at 37 hours a week. Now I am older I hate speed and drive with a great sense of manners towards others. What made me laugh a bit watching the video of the IAM guy was he was driving in the style we were taught on road craft, going out to be seen past road mid-line and making your presence felt . That's good for emergency vehicles but not sure the general public should drive like that 😁😁
I appreciate what you are saying about not necessarily wanting to report somebody, but what crossed the line for me what they claimed to be an observer, not just a member. It's not about reporting them, it's to prevent the continued damage they can do if they are instructed people. And this element wasn't really addressed in this video or in the statement by the IAM.
If you own a BMW or possibly similar, the key records the maximum speed you have driven the car.
I know this because a IAM instructor being checked out, took his car in for service and the dealer said, who's been a naughty boy, 95mph. He said was probably on the IAM run.
In case anyone is wondering, he said I.A.M 19 times in this video. Sorry Ash, I couldn’t help but notice.
Hi Ashley, I have been an IAM member for 4 yrs and the reason for taking the IAM course was; I work for a national delivery service that has / had started to use a system called 'trackingIcourteously, economically, and in time and under the eye of big-brother, not going to happen. Anyway dose not work as too many conflicts.
I have now been tested by the organisation many times (at least 4 times and different observers, including the AA) all who say I am not at wrong, just pushing limits. By that I don't mean speed limits, just driving limits.
I personally feel the IAM have helped me so much in now riding a cycle on the highway and also driven my fun vehicle(s) (very slow moving) on the highway. In sort you have to look WAY ahead and at other road users moves and misjudgements. Any Q's get back.....your vid's are a pleasure to watch, they may be long but I stay focused.
Oh boy, a real member! I'm completely flabbergasted 🤯🤯🤯 Thinking it over again: I noticed it before, a lot of people do change behind the steering wheel. Driving stimulates in some way the competition "genes". You feel almighty and invulnarable and lose touch with reality. In traffic self-control is at least as important as traffic insight. Without them there is no such thing as good driving
I did my IAM after fully qualifying as an ADI & I wish I’d have done it before my Part 2. Obviously Roadcraft & the DVSA standards don’t match 100 % all the time but the course was brilliant.
Only issue I had was with one observer who took a dislike to me being an ADI. Turned out he had failed his part 3 and made the best of a bad situation by becoming an observer.
Apart from that one person, all the other were brilliant and I learned a lot.
Road safety is primary concern for everyone, we learn everyday and there is always something new. I was not aware of IAM but we will look into it.
The Advanced Drivers Course is a steal at £149, sorry for the advertising but I thought this was a lot more expensive.
I would be very interested in a short video series on IAM, as you described. I've been toying with the idea of doing an IAM or ROSPA course for a long time, after doing lots of reading into stuff like roadcraft etc, but I've never actually known whats involved and so whether or not its worth the financial investment.
Ashley, what was the outcome of your planned sessions with IAM? I was looking to see if you had any videos of it but counldn't find anything.
They never got back to me with their offering. I haven’t put this to bed yet!
eh i can not possibly going to a course with IAM because im literary on the other side of the world, but what i kind do is appreciate and applause IAM because instead sweeping everything under rug and let bygone begone they reach to you and to make collaboration so more people can be exposed into safer driving, that is the cause i could stand for.
I completed my Advanced Driving Certificate through IAM RoadSmart in Liverpool and I have nothing but stellar things to say about it. The coaching is very high quality and I can not only enjoy my car more but it lowered my insurance costs and made my driving smoother. All in all, its worth it!
Did it cost you much money?
@@freshtoast3879 it cost £138 and once I passed it reduced my next insurance premium by a further £110. Year after it came down by £75 so its made its money back for me straight away and I'm a well better driver than I was and I have the skills to enjoy my manual 2015 VW Scirocco R! Do it do it do it!
@@pauldavies7469 how many lessons did you need before the exam? Is the course quite intensive?
@@freshtoast3879 I must have had 30+ hours and a few practice tests. Definitely do it mate its well worth it
@@pauldavies7469 do you have to pay for lessons?
I am quite interested in IAM, I always drive well of course we all make the occasional mistake as we all are not perfect but I think doing further training is a great idea.
If I was iam I would take disciplinary action for bringing the organisation name into disrepute
Naming and shaming can be a good effective punishment rather than suspending and expelling
And all credit to Ashley for showcasing the iam in a positive light
I'm pleased with this outcome, IAM road smart really do help people become better drivers but of course they have to have the right attitude and be willing to change and continue to improve. I hope that this one individual hasn't put anyone off who was considering doing an IAM course