IAM RoadSmart Anmeldelser 750

very informative and eye opening experience

such an amazing experience, i was very nervous thought it might be just lectures on my mistakes
i was so wrong, i was with bunch of amazing people in similar situation like me, everyone was so respectful, honest and non judgemental.

Rebecca helped use on day 1 and next two were with andrew, they are both amazing and lovely, so insightful and helpful, just amazing lovely people

Andrew and Rebecca were brilliant. So accommodating and very patient. Honestly, the information provided was in depth and they listen to your experiences well and genuinely help you. I strongly recommend these guys

Before I even get into my own experience, go and read the reviews—not the marketing fluff, the real comments from people who’ve actually paid for this and lived it.

A pattern jumps out immediately: the price keeps climbing while the value and support keep dropping.

Year after year, riders raise the same complaints about IAM RoadSmart. It’s overpriced for what it delivers. The benefits don’t justify the cost. The insurance “discounts” rarely stack up. And the organisation feels increasingly disconnected from the very members and volunteers who keep it running.

This isn’t a one-off. It’s a long-term trend.

And the responses are just as predictable: a polite thank you, a vague promise to “take feedback on board,” and then nothing changes. The same issues resurface again and again, which tells you everything you need to know.

Now for my experience.

I started riding in 2019, passed my Direct Access, and joined IAM RoadSmart because I wanted to genuinely improve.

Within two months, I achieved a First.

I didn’t stop there. I became a Local Observer, took time away, returned, and passed my National Observer test in 2025. I’ve supported two excellent associates who both achieved Firsts. I’m proud of that.

So I’ve seen this from both sides—as someone paying into the system and as someone giving my time to help others.

And this is where the cracks become impossible to ignore.

When problems arise, the support simply isn’t there. I reached out to the field team when I needed help. Their response? It was “a local group issue,” not IAM’s responsibility. As a volunteer, that left me completely on my own.

So when IAM publicly claim their field team supports volunteers, that has not been my reality. When it mattered, they pushed responsibility downward instead of stepping up.

The issue is still unresolved, which only reinforces the point: nothing meaningful has been done despite it being raised.

That sums up the wider problem. IAM talk a lot about values, culture, and support, but the practice doesn’t match the PR. Problems get bounced back to local groups instead of being properly dealt with.

Then there’s the cost.

You pay a hefty amount just to get started. Then the annual membership fee. Then the local group fee. Then the expectation of a small payment to your observer. It stacks up quickly.

And what do you actually get for all that?

Take the insurance. Cornmarket is pushed hard, but I never once received a competitive quote. Not once. So the “savings” are basically imaginary.

The general discounts aren’t any better. I can get equal or better deals through a Blue Light Card without paying IAM anything.

The structure itself is part of the problem. IAM take the money, but the actual experience is delivered by volunteers in local groups. That creates inconsistency and zero accountability, because when something goes wrong, it gets passed around instead of fixed.

Even the training material raises questions. IAM use their own observer book, but it’s clearly based on Police Roadcraft. ROSPA use Roadcraft directly—and charge less.

So what exactly are you paying for?

It’s not better training.

It’s not better value.

And it’s not an organisation that listens or improves. If it were, the same complaints wouldn’t be resurfacing every single year.

After everything I’ve put in—as a rider and as an observer—I can’t justify staying with IAM RoadSmart anymore.

If you’re considering advanced riding, look properly. Read the reviews. Look at the bigger picture.

Then compare it with alternatives like ROSPA.

For me, ROSPA offers better value. It costs less, it’s more straightforward, and you’re not locked into ongoing fees for something that gives very little back.

IAM RoadSmart, in my view, has lost touch with its members and its volunteers. The costs keep rising, the value doesn’t, and the same issues keep being raised without being addressed.

This isn’t just my experience.

It’s a pattern.

And it’s one worth paying attention to before you hand over your money.

It was a good course and lent a lot off the Andrew and his team

Andrew made the experience enjoyable and made me feel like a wasn't judged for what I did.

Liz was a great teacher. i have learnt a lot and have already made changes to help better myself. it was a relaxed environment, different from what i would've thought and i got a 25% reduction in my ban and information that will help me in the future!

Our tutor Sarah was very accomodating, non judgemental, and created nice but also a productive learning environment. People in the group were open and everyone contributed.
Highly recommended.

Amazing course with the lovely Sarah. She has changed my views on drink driving. This was my 3rd chance and this time round i have learnt so much more, with having the consistent support from Sarah and an amazing bunch a girls and guys.
Thanks again x

I have done a 3 day course with IAM after being referred to by the Courts after drink driving....Sarah was an outstanding trainer with exceptional knowledge and has really helped not just me but the whole group i was with on mindfulness and knowing the laws and statistics.

really informative, life changing course sarah the trainer looked after us all very well and i have walked away with anew found respect for not drinking and driving.

Great experience. Helpful for life improvement. Trainer is very professional and friendly.

This was a very helpful and supportive 3 days. A group of 14 attendees all participated honestly with good conduct. A very professional and experienced trainer made it an education and a massive lesson in life.

I found the instructor for this course very helpful and the course very knowledgable

Completed the course today. Very knowledgeable and interesting! The trainer was engaging and encouraging. Glad this course was available to lessen my ban. Obviously glad it’s finished now.

Brilliant run course. Very useful and have gained knowledge.
Selena is a great course teacher

Anyone whomhas recieved a ban dont bother doing this course. The gentleman running the course in Cardiff South Wales is clearley a self confessed Alcoholic. They take your money stay in the same holel with their wives at your expense the rush the end of the course with little or no follow up to attain a reduced driving ban. Dont waste youre time its money for old rope! The only advice is dont take your car keys when drinking that costs £300 plus your traveling expenses.

Sarah was an amazing tutor would definitely recommend Iam for anyone needing to take this course

I didnt expect this course to be so informative. Our tutor sarah was very nice and covered all aspects of drink driving, even the darker places where people just wont think about. Was an amazing experience, the best thing was, i didnt even need to leave home, was all done via zoom. Would definately reccomend! 👍👍👍