IAM regional cross-overs / exchange?

[goneape]

Greetings

I'm 2 observed drives into my IAM training. It's going well, is fun and I'm learning a lot, all of which is the point.

However I'm based in London and while the local group gets out onto some semi-rural roads the next built up area is never very far away and I'm expecting a strong bias towards urban situations. There's only so far you can go in an hour and IME you have to go at least 20 miles beyond the M25 before anything interesting happens.

So is there a mechanism by which I can get some observer input in more rural situations? And to apply the reverse, is it possible for someone from a rural area to get a flavour of congested/busy town driving?

[johnao]

Where in London are you based? Which "rural" area outside of the M25 will be the easiest for you to access?

[Glosphil]

goneape said:

Greetings

I'm 2 observed drives into my IAM training. It's going well, is fun and I'm learning a lot, all of which is the point.

However I'm based in London and while the local group gets out onto some semi-rural roads the next built up area is never very far away and I'm expecting a strong bias towards urban situations. There's only so far you can go in an hour and IME you have to go at least 20 miles beyond the M25 before anything interesting happens.

So is there a mechanism by which I can get some observer input in more rural situations? And to apply the reverse, is it possible for someone from a rural area to get a flavour of congested/busy town driving?

An hour is rather short for an observed drive particularly as you will be expected to drive for an hour and a half when you take the IAM Advanced test. The group to which I belong aims for observed drives to be around 1-1/2 hours. With keen Associates I have been out on an observed drive for over 2 hours with a stop for a cup of coffee in the middle.

[BOF]

goneape said:

Greetings

I'm 2 observed drives into my IAM training. It's going well, is fun and I'm learning a lot, all of which is the point.

However I'm based in London and while the local group gets out onto some semi-rural roads the next built up area is never very far away and I'm expecting a strong bias towards urban situations. There's only so far you can go in an hour and IME you have to go at least 20 miles beyond the M25 before anything interesting happens.

So is there a mechanism by which I can get some observer input in more rural situations? And to apply the reverse, is it possible for someone from a rural area to get a flavour of congested/busy town driving?

My advice would be to have a discussion with your Observer and express your thoughts and concerns above.

I had a few conversations with my Associates on the subject in 9 years in Essex - I told them that what we were doing would apply at Hyde Park Corner or Tesco Chelmsford.

IPSGA - SIMPLES?

Good luck - stick with it...

BOF

[SVS]

I sympathise with the OP. It's interesting to go somewhere different. And rural driving's more fun

I recommend the OP looks out for an Advanced Driving UK day. Does anyone know when the next one's coming up?

[waremark]

If the OP responds to Johnao and tells us which direction he would like to go I expect he will be offered a drive with an experienced observer. If he does not get an offer here he/you should look at an aduk thread on mentors.

[martine]

SVS said:

I sympathise with the OP. It's interesting to go somewhere different. And rural driving's more fun

I recommend the OP looks out for an Advanced Driving UK day. Does anyone know when the next one's coming up?

Shaftesbury Saturday 10th August.

[goneape]

Hi, thanks for the comments - I'm based around Twickenham, so anywhere Hants/Surrey/Berks.

I also visit family around Chichester pretty often so that's a goer too.

[jamesallport]

I'm based in Chichester. IAM observer and one or two other bits. Very happy to drive if you'd like. Message me if you want to fix something up.

James

[waremark]

jamesallport said:

I'm based in Chichester. IAM observer and one or two other bits. Very happy to drive if you'd like. Message me if you want to fix something up.

James

OP, you should definitely take up this offer.

[SVS]

waremark said:

jamesallport said:

I'm based in Chichester. IAM observer and one or two other bits. Very happy to drive if you'd like. Message me if you want to fix something up.

James

OP, you should definitely take up this offer.

+2. Don't miss this opportunity for a drive with James.

[goneape]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I'll definitely get in touch with James next time I'm heading that way - it will most likely be around the middle of august. In the meantime I will bring it up with my local group too.