I am a memeber of The IAM for the car (and was an Observer for them too, until work took over my life and I travel too much to be able to dedicate the time). I also did Bikesafe, then I did RoSPA Advanced Course (getting Gold)
I have the following observations to make (pun intended)on Bikesafe, IAM and RoSPA - I'm a member of both IAM and ROSPA (RoADA)
All 3 are based on Roadcraft and will teach similar methodology
1. Bikesafe is okay as pointer, but one ride out, is not the same as doing as many ride outs you need to perfect your roadcraft. To me the biggest problem with Bikesafe is that people do it feeling "they have done an advanced course" and maybe have 20-40 minutes with an advanced rider...it ain't the same by a long long way as either IAM or RoSPA. In fact in some respects I believe it could even have a negative effect of people thinking they're okay, when in fact mostly bikesafe cops will say yes your standard on THIS ride was "x", now go and do an advanced course. It's an assessment rather than tuition and should be accepted as such...but it is not a complete waste of time PROVIDED you listen to what's being said and not what you want to hear.
2. IAM is good, but they don't grade the pass, you either pass or fail. Also once you pass you pass. I've been with a taxi driver, proudly displaying his IAM badge, and frankly his driving was Crap with a capital "K". the advantage is the insurance companies will reduce premiums for you if you pass (but not by much).
The IAM use an alternative book to Roadcraft, but based on it
I was lucky in the car to get the former chief of the Essex Police Driving School as my observer - I learnt loads from him. Truly eye opening. I had about 20 hours of tuition for £35. Cool
3. However, RoSPA is even better for these reasons. They grade the test so you fail, bronze, silver or gold. That tells you something extra. Now there is some debate about this, but I have heard it said that a pass at IAM is the same as a pass at RoSPA. BUT the insurance companies will only discount if you have a Gold at RoSPA - despite bronze being as good as a pass at IAM....read on...
The other really good thing, if you are serious about the safety side (and not the save a bit of money side) is that you have to do a retest every three years. (there is no extra charge for this, it comes with the standard annual membership fee anyway). This ensures you stay up to scratch and don't become like that taxi driver.
Again the insurance companies will discount by a few quid - but frankly, it will take years to recoupe the expense of taking the test (not mention the fuel etc you use practicing). So if all you are interested in is saving insurance fees. Forget it. If on the other hand you are serious about increasing your riding skills and enjoyment, £150 or whatever is cheaper than private hospital treatment after you got hit because you failed to spot something.
a lot has to do with the quality of your observer - some are really experienced guys (see my IAM experience above) and some seem to be sticklers on whether you've cleaned your shoes before going out, because it shows you care for your equipment. First time I did IAM (car) I gave up because the female observer had some weird ideas of looking down side roads, even as you passed (stupid - too late to do anything by then even if a car was approaching). I mean you should look, but there comes a commitment point..anyway.. SO if you do do it and you get a cret observer, ask to have someone else help you...most are okay enough for you to learn an awful lot.
A downside to all Advanced CoursesI have met too many(far too many) that have done the course and think they know everything, and they are superior and stuck up because of it. You can follow them and pick holes left right and centre. If YOU do the course. Don't become one of those. There are plenty of people who have never done a course that ride better than those that have.
Passing the course is no guarantee of not having an accident. It is an accident reduction scheme, and yes you may be 9 times less likely to have a prang, because there are no surprises and you have anticipated everything. But lose concentration once, misread something once, have a little blast once...and that could be your lot mate. Goodbye, nice knowing you. Do not fall into that trap.
I've had a few "moments" and I can guarantee that every single time I was not doing what I should (riding too fast (knowingly), or seeing how fast I can get round a bend...not leaving anything much in reserve)
That said I've been driving riding since I was 18 (45 now) and driving 45000 miles a year for some jobs, and succeeded in zero points, zero accidents (Well, I've taken a headlight out once, and once rearended (a slight tap) a car that pulled in out in front of me as I was already doing an emergency stop for the car in front of it). But that is it. I have never fallen off a bike (except when the speedo was at zero, and Ive slipped on gravel)...I consider I must be doing something right....or just lucky?
