WAshburner wrote:
I've looked at the IAM skills for life and the ROSPA RoADAR; which would you say is better value? Obviously the ROSPA one is more thorough but it's also more expensive...
Overall they are based on roughly the same standard, there are some minor procedural differences, but not really much between them these days. The main difference is that the RoADAR has a 3 yearly retest while the IAM is for life (though you can rebook a test in the future if you choose).
IAM membership gives access to Surety via their tied insurance broker (Cornmarket) which can give good premiums for some drivers (though this is by no means guaranteed).
The biggest source of differences is down to the practices of individual groups, it is fair to say that some are better organised than others (though the IAM especially is working to improve consistency in this regard) and it may be worth reaching out to both groups, checking out what their waiting times how they organize the training and and if you can meet up with someone from each to see if their "style" suits you more.
If you are willing to share the area you are looking at someone may be able to give you some pointers in this regard (quite a lot of our members are involved in local groups).