A change of heart.
Discussion
Right then brace yourselves, it’s a new year, fresh approach etc. and TripleS has been thinking, aided by a drop of nice sherry, a good lunch and some rather nice wine, so anything can happen!
[CJ mode] “I’ve been thinking. I don’t like it. I didn’t get where I am today by thinking.” [/CJ mode]
Actually, this thinking business is something I try to avoid as far as possible, as it puts too much strain on the equipment available (before somebody points this out) but one has to make the effort occasionally when faced with a good cause.
OK here’s the deal then: <Big drum roll>:
I’ve decided to initiate steps with a view to joining the Institute of Advanced Motorists. There, I knew that would shock some of you, given that I’ve been saying some quite unkind things about them for a while now. Anyhow they are a long established - and in some quarters reasonably respected - organisation that deserves some support, so I’ve decided to join (if they’ll have me) and see what I can do to help.
I therefore propose to see about joining the Scarborough group, have a few trips out with their Observer bods, and see what emerges. There is no certainty that I would pass their test, as that seems to require one to be a good driver who, according to some sources, is one who always obeys all the rules, and I am already well and truly disqualified on that account. Even so it should be interesting while it lasts, and we might be able to help each other, which would be nice.
Naturally I shall be approaching this with a completely open (no, not quite vacant) mind and I shall expect them to do the same. I’m quite prepared to work on an even handed, 50-50 basis, but I will not work on the basis that every time there is a difference of opinion they are always right and I am always wrong. Things might have been different if I were 35-40 years younger, but not now, so if this present a problem for them it’ll all come to nought.
Apart from my own involvement with them I would very much like to see the IAM, and other advanced driving organisations, doing something to address the particular problem of the high accident rates among young drivers. This is something in which I have a special interest, as about six youngsters from my own area have died in serious accidents during the past year.
Right, that’s basically it, so I’ll let you know what happens in due course, meanwhile take care.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
[CJ mode] “I’ve been thinking. I don’t like it. I didn’t get where I am today by thinking.” [/CJ mode]
Actually, this thinking business is something I try to avoid as far as possible, as it puts too much strain on the equipment available (before somebody points this out) but one has to make the effort occasionally when faced with a good cause.
OK here’s the deal then: <Big drum roll>:
I’ve decided to initiate steps with a view to joining the Institute of Advanced Motorists. There, I knew that would shock some of you, given that I’ve been saying some quite unkind things about them for a while now. Anyhow they are a long established - and in some quarters reasonably respected - organisation that deserves some support, so I’ve decided to join (if they’ll have me) and see what I can do to help.
I therefore propose to see about joining the Scarborough group, have a few trips out with their Observer bods, and see what emerges. There is no certainty that I would pass their test, as that seems to require one to be a good driver who, according to some sources, is one who always obeys all the rules, and I am already well and truly disqualified on that account. Even so it should be interesting while it lasts, and we might be able to help each other, which would be nice.
Naturally I shall be approaching this with a completely open (no, not quite vacant) mind and I shall expect them to do the same. I’m quite prepared to work on an even handed, 50-50 basis, but I will not work on the basis that every time there is a difference of opinion they are always right and I am always wrong. Things might have been different if I were 35-40 years younger, but not now, so if this present a problem for them it’ll all come to nought.
Apart from my own involvement with them I would very much like to see the IAM, and other advanced driving organisations, doing something to address the particular problem of the high accident rates among young drivers. This is something in which I have a special interest, as about six youngsters from my own area have died in serious accidents during the past year.
Right, that’s basically it, so I’ll let you know what happens in due course, meanwhile take care.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Best of luck, mate.
Try and enjoy it.
I hope your local Group are as a good a bunch as my lot - who are, actually, a very pleasant set of people to spend some time with doing something that is both enjoyable and, hopefully, worthwhile in saving some lives.
Keep an open mind, accept that some things must simply be learned and applied - even if, after test day, you decide to adapt them to better meet your own driving needs (it is what I have done).
Knowing all the rules and obeying them, on test day, is a demonstration of finesse - not pernickity mindless adherence. As I often say - an Advanced Driver does not break the speed limit by accident - they do it knowingly and malice aforethought.
During Observed drives and your test, though, you will need to be able to demonstrate the necessary finesse - no problem to an experienced driver, such as yourself, once the trick has been practiced a bit.
If you go on to do some Observation - or even volunteer time to go talk, on behalf of the IAM, to Schools and so on...then you will be making a difference. Its a small one. But its a difference nonetheless.
Good for you to say you'll have a go.
Try and enjoy it.
I hope your local Group are as a good a bunch as my lot - who are, actually, a very pleasant set of people to spend some time with doing something that is both enjoyable and, hopefully, worthwhile in saving some lives.
Keep an open mind, accept that some things must simply be learned and applied - even if, after test day, you decide to adapt them to better meet your own driving needs (it is what I have done).
Knowing all the rules and obeying them, on test day, is a demonstration of finesse - not pernickity mindless adherence. As I often say - an Advanced Driver does not break the speed limit by accident - they do it knowingly and malice aforethought.
During Observed drives and your test, though, you will need to be able to demonstrate the necessary finesse - no problem to an experienced driver, such as yourself, once the trick has been practiced a bit. If you go on to do some Observation - or even volunteer time to go talk, on behalf of the IAM, to Schools and so on...then you will be making a difference. Its a small one. But its a difference nonetheless.
Good for you to say you'll have a go.
AquilaEagle said:
Good move 
Consider RoaDA too - I wish I had done that before just joining the IAM scheme, but I didnt do any homework. Ah well, I might just do both
You'll find RoADA straightforward after the IAM. I did the IAM test, then RoADA - and got Gold at a first attempt. I was pretty happy about it - but it was the hard work and preparation for the IAM test that did the trick - and its easier the next time around as it were...
I intend to the HPC test this year. From what I can glean a RoADA Gold should see a basic pass at HPC level....and they do Silver and Gold levels above that too...
But all that stuff is just so much proving to oneself that one can still do it. Its "the work" after that helps to raise standards - and, hopefully thereby, save a few lives.
TripleS, your attitude sounds a lot like mine when I joined the IAM and I guess that quite a few people feel the same way. As Don says, its a case of learning the technique for the test, thereby demonstrating that you can. Thereafter, I've found that I've continued to focus on the parts that I consider really important, such as observation and anticipation, but don't often worry about such things as changing down while braking, especially when heel and toeing. I've just started observing, however, so I'm having to re-educate myself in order to ensure that my associates can pass the test!
I suspect that most local groups contain a mix of people, some of whom appear to believe that all rules must be obeyed at all times, including a blanket adherence to speed limits. Other members, however, have a more flexible attitude. I was discouraged when, at the first meeting I went to, I suggested that the 70 limit was too low for motorways and was shot down in flames. Since then, however, I've discovered other members who share my views and I now feel much more comfortable with my membership. So my message would be: don't be put off if you find at first that you don't relate to some of the members you meet; there will be others who are more likely to be on your wavelength!
(PS I used to live in Whitby and still visit regularly to see my Dad. Those North Yourkshire roads are such a joy after the crowded South East!)
I suspect that most local groups contain a mix of people, some of whom appear to believe that all rules must be obeyed at all times, including a blanket adherence to speed limits. Other members, however, have a more flexible attitude. I was discouraged when, at the first meeting I went to, I suggested that the 70 limit was too low for motorways and was shot down in flames. Since then, however, I've discovered other members who share my views and I now feel much more comfortable with my membership. So my message would be: don't be put off if you find at first that you don't relate to some of the members you meet; there will be others who are more likely to be on your wavelength!
(PS I used to live in Whitby and still visit regularly to see my Dad. Those North Yourkshire roads are such a joy after the crowded South East!)
I am an Observer for the Scarborough group, give me a shout and I'll put you in touch!
They are a good group of people, there are some older wheel shuffler types but there are also a lot of people who are keen to get better with a flexible approach.
YHM with my mobile number, give me a shout and I'll take you out for a drive and show you what they expect and how I adapt it.
>> Edited by markmullen on Monday 2nd January 19:53
They are a good group of people, there are some older wheel shuffler types but there are also a lot of people who are keen to get better with a flexible approach.
YHM with my mobile number, give me a shout and I'll take you out for a drive and show you what they expect and how I adapt it.
>> Edited by markmullen on Monday 2nd January 19:53
Triple S
""Apart from my own involvement with them I would very much like to see the IAM, and other advanced driving organisations, doing something to address the particular problem of the high accident rates among young drivers. This is something in which I have a special interest, as about six youngsters from my own area have died in serious accidents during the past year.""
Here are a couple of things being done by Chelmsford Group for young drivers, with great help from Essex Police - some other Groups have similar schemes...
THE CHELMSFORD and district GROUP of ADVANCED MOTORISTS
Registered Charity No. 1059372
Group Number 7223
Affiliated to: The Institute of Advanced Motorists 3rd November 2004
young driver initiative !
The Chelmsford Group of Advanced Motorists sells ‘Skill for Life’ Advanced Driving Courses for £85.00 but offers a special package to drivers who are under 26 years of age.
The package offered by the Group provides the full ‘Skill for Life’ scheme for £75.00
This includes –
12 months membership of the Group,
all the books that are required,
the Advanced Test itself, and
12 months membership of the IAM after passing the Advanced Driving Test.
Once they have signed up to this package the Group will prepare them for the Test at no extra cost and, once they have passed the Test, will refund the full £75 to drivers who are aged 17 to 21 (inclusive), and refund £40 to those who are aged 22 to 25 (inclusive).
The Group meets on a social basis each month at the Essex Police Sports & Social Club in Chelmsford, and offer ‘one to one’ Observed Drives at times that are mutually convenient. The Group also run ‘Fixed Length Advanced Driving Courses’ several times each year.
Contact Tony Little (07020 935090) for further joining details.
or e-mail chelmsford@groups.iam.org.uk or
visit the Group’s website www.iamchelmsford.org.uk
AND
www.youngdriverscheme.org/
BOF.
>> Edited by BOF on Tuesday 3rd January 14:29
""Apart from my own involvement with them I would very much like to see the IAM, and other advanced driving organisations, doing something to address the particular problem of the high accident rates among young drivers. This is something in which I have a special interest, as about six youngsters from my own area have died in serious accidents during the past year.""
Here are a couple of things being done by Chelmsford Group for young drivers, with great help from Essex Police - some other Groups have similar schemes...
THE CHELMSFORD and district GROUP of ADVANCED MOTORISTS
Registered Charity No. 1059372
Group Number 7223
Affiliated to: The Institute of Advanced Motorists 3rd November 2004
young driver initiative !
The Chelmsford Group of Advanced Motorists sells ‘Skill for Life’ Advanced Driving Courses for £85.00 but offers a special package to drivers who are under 26 years of age.
The package offered by the Group provides the full ‘Skill for Life’ scheme for £75.00
This includes –
12 months membership of the Group,
all the books that are required,
the Advanced Test itself, and
12 months membership of the IAM after passing the Advanced Driving Test.
Once they have signed up to this package the Group will prepare them for the Test at no extra cost and, once they have passed the Test, will refund the full £75 to drivers who are aged 17 to 21 (inclusive), and refund £40 to those who are aged 22 to 25 (inclusive).
The Group meets on a social basis each month at the Essex Police Sports & Social Club in Chelmsford, and offer ‘one to one’ Observed Drives at times that are mutually convenient. The Group also run ‘Fixed Length Advanced Driving Courses’ several times each year.
Contact Tony Little (07020 935090) for further joining details.
or e-mail chelmsford@groups.iam.org.uk or
visit the Group’s website www.iamchelmsford.org.uk
AND
www.youngdriverscheme.org/
BOF.
>> Edited by BOF on Tuesday 3rd January 14:29
Help Young/New Drivers?
How about -
A tougher Driving Test. More comprehensive training which should cover at least winter and spring time driving conditions; and motorway driving. Put an end to 'intensive courses'
Restrict new drivers to 80bhp cars for 24 months after passing their test; and not allow them to moddify them for manufacturers spec.
Retesting every 5 years (tbh this would benifit everyone).
If you fail your test 4 times that's it for 5 years.
Introduce Insurance discs.
A few little suggestions. After all, as good as and well meaning the voluntary schemes are, they don't get the beligerent and stupid who think they know it all.
How about -
A tougher Driving Test. More comprehensive training which should cover at least winter and spring time driving conditions; and motorway driving. Put an end to 'intensive courses'
Restrict new drivers to 80bhp cars for 24 months after passing their test; and not allow them to moddify them for manufacturers spec.
Retesting every 5 years (tbh this would benifit everyone).
If you fail your test 4 times that's it for 5 years.
Introduce Insurance discs.
A few little suggestions. After all, as good as and well meaning the voluntary schemes are, they don't get the beligerent and stupid who think they know it all.
mk1fan said:
Help Young/New Drivers?
How about -
A tougher Driving Test. More comprehensive training which should cover at least winter and spring time driving conditions; and motorway driving. Put an end to 'intensive courses'
Restrict new drivers to 80bhp cars for 24 months after passing their test; and not allow them to moddify them for manufacturers spec.
Retesting every 5 years (tbh this would benifit everyone).
If you fail your test 4 times that's it for 5 years.
Introduce Insurance discs.
A few little suggestions. After all, as good as and well meaning the voluntary schemes are, they don't get the beligerent and stupid who think they know it all.
Actually, I favour an "experience point" system.
You start with 0 XP. You get 1 XP for each month you pass while you're the registered keeper of a non-SORNed vehicle. You gain extra XP (say, 10 points a pop) for passing advanced driving or car control courses. You lose XP for driving offences (this would be as well as getting your points) and, maybe to a lesser extent, for being at-fault in insurance claims. You get another point for each year's NCB you have.
Up to, say, 20 XP you're only licenced to drive cars up to, say, 90HP or bikes up to, say, 50HP, and in the case of petrol cars, you're not licenced to drive super/turbocharged vehicles.
At 20XP, you can drive cars up to 150HP, and at 30XP you can drive anything up to 300HP. 40+XP required for 300HP upwards.
In reality, this would mean that new drivers would have to find their feet (wheels?) in small, low-powered cars, and that drivers would have to earn their wings (wheels?) in order to drive The Fun Stuff.
I'm not thinking about "specialist" licences here - HGV, PSV licences and so on would still be dealt with in the usual way.
>> Edited by CommanderJameson on Thursday 5th January 06:32
mk1fan said:
A few little suggestions. After all, as good as and well meaning the voluntary schemes are, they don't get the beligerent and stupid who think they know it all.
The voluntary schemes can only help the well-meaning who wish to improve. If training can fix the problems a driver is experiencing and they recognise and *want* to fix any such problems then great!
As you say - this is not going to help the belligerent or stupid.
But I don't think much will help against those other than lots of Trafpol out patrolling, spotting the stupidity and making sure it doesn't go unpunished.
GATSOs are virtually irrelevant - they are easily avoided with decent observation and/or GPS technology. Mobile speed traps punish quick but safe drivers and its pure chance if they get someone being a tool. Nope - the only mechanism that will get dangerous loons of our roads is active traffic policing.
But it would appear that even the "Road Safety Experts" now acknowledge that the biggest slice of road-deaths is now caused by "walk-outs" - unpredictable events caused by otherwise normal looking unsuspicious pedestrians simply stepping into the road.
I've done something close myself - at a pedestrian crossing I was dim enough to look at the green man and step out instead of checking right and left as well!
Perhaps its time for some "Advanced Pedestrian" training...
Hi David/Bruce,
Police "System" is very flexible, so you shouldn't have to drive too differently on test from daily driving. However, some IAM Observers are inflexible, because they are human and don't know everything. IAM Examiners are rather more flexible, because they know everything
A good example is heel&toe. System generally separates braking and gear changing (for various advantages on road*). Leading some Observers to "forbid" heel&toe. Sometimes it's better to brake/gear overlap, e.g. when tailgated or going downhill. Then heel&toe is ideal.
Another good example is steering. Pull-push isn't the sole method. It's often best, e.g. many junctions in town. Observers aren't taught fixed grip, so might only "allow" pull-push. However, fixed grip is good for gentle bends at speed. Projected steering is good for tighter bends at speed, where you want the benefits of fixed grip without losing the ability to use the steering column controls.
It's well worth asking your IAM Examiner what's actually OK. You may find it's more flexible than you have been led to believe.
I hope this is helpful. Cheers
* It disciplines you to plan early, giving you time and space to deal with hazards, and encourages you to look ahead. Separating braking and gear changing is easy enough, but getting the timing right takes considerable practice to flow and for you to feel the benefit.
Police "System" is very flexible, so you shouldn't have to drive too differently on test from daily driving. However, some IAM Observers are inflexible, because they are human and don't know everything. IAM Examiners are rather more flexible, because they know everything
A good example is heel&toe. System generally separates braking and gear changing (for various advantages on road*). Leading some Observers to "forbid" heel&toe. Sometimes it's better to brake/gear overlap, e.g. when tailgated or going downhill. Then heel&toe is ideal.
Another good example is steering. Pull-push isn't the sole method. It's often best, e.g. many junctions in town. Observers aren't taught fixed grip, so might only "allow" pull-push. However, fixed grip is good for gentle bends at speed. Projected steering is good for tighter bends at speed, where you want the benefits of fixed grip without losing the ability to use the steering column controls.
It's well worth asking your IAM Examiner what's actually OK. You may find it's more flexible than you have been led to believe.
I hope this is helpful. Cheers
* It disciplines you to plan early, giving you time and space to deal with hazards, and encourages you to look ahead. Separating braking and gear changing is easy enough, but getting the timing right takes considerable practice to flow and for you to feel the benefit.
Mark_SV said:
Projected steering is good for tighter bends at speed, where you want the benefits of fixed grip without losing the ability to use the steering column controls.
Mark
Could you clarify what you mean by "projected steering"? It's not a term I've heard before. If I had to guess I would imagine this is the technique where one steers using fixed grip but one's hands are positioned on the wheel in advance of the corner so that in the middle of the turn they are at quarter to three, thus facilitating use of the steering column controls.
Thanks
Steve
CommanderJameson - Sounds like a sensible approach and a system that could be easily implimented. I'd vote for it! Still think there should be a minimum period of time envolved so that learners can be taught how to control there car in different conditions.
When I learnt to drive I had a fantastic instructor who used a Suzuki Swift GTi to teach in - duel controls and an ajustable rev limiter were fitted. She taught me how to drive safely in snow, rain etc.. And, more importantly, how a powerful(ish) car responds and can be driven on the road (100bhp in a lightweight car it wasgood fun to drive!).
Interestingly, or not, a driving instructor can legally teach skid control on the public roads if the roads are covered in snow or ice or both.
Don - My suggestions were meant for learner drivers (although the re-testing could easily be retrospective). I whole heartedly agree that we need more, well qualified, trafpol out on the roads to inform the gen public that they have appalling driving skills.
Your point about pedestrians is spot on. I commute to London by bike and everyday I have to swerve or perform an emergency stop to avoid some wally who thinks the green cross code is 'take two steps into the road and then look'. My record is hitting five in one trip (16 miles)!
Just before Christmas I was standing at a crossing and the guy next to me launched himself accross the crossing the millisecond the green man appeared. There was a dd bus beering down on the crossing - I assume optimistically that the driver lost concentration for a second - and only just stopped in time. If the bus had hit some oil, locked a brake or they failed he would have been squashed! But I am sure his last words would have been that the light was green!
When I learnt to drive I had a fantastic instructor who used a Suzuki Swift GTi to teach in - duel controls and an ajustable rev limiter were fitted. She taught me how to drive safely in snow, rain etc.. And, more importantly, how a powerful(ish) car responds and can be driven on the road (100bhp in a lightweight car it wasgood fun to drive!).
Interestingly, or not, a driving instructor can legally teach skid control on the public roads if the roads are covered in snow or ice or both.
Don - My suggestions were meant for learner drivers (although the re-testing could easily be retrospective). I whole heartedly agree that we need more, well qualified, trafpol out on the roads to inform the gen public that they have appalling driving skills.
Your point about pedestrians is spot on. I commute to London by bike and everyday I have to swerve or perform an emergency stop to avoid some wally who thinks the green cross code is 'take two steps into the road and then look'. My record is hitting five in one trip (16 miles)!
Just before Christmas I was standing at a crossing and the guy next to me launched himself accross the crossing the millisecond the green man appeared. There was a dd bus beering down on the crossing - I assume optimistically that the driver lost concentration for a second - and only just stopped in time. If the bus had hit some oil, locked a brake or they failed he would have been squashed! But I am sure his last words would have been that the light was green!
Hi Steve,
Yes, that's exactly what I meant by projected steering. It was taught to me by a police driving school instructor and sometime IAM Examiner. Hence it's definitely Kosher, IAM-wise.
If you've ever found it difficult to resolve track experience with pull-push, or simply found pull-push cumbersome on occasion, then projected steering is a very valuable tool in the bag for road driving.
It's a shame that many IAM Senior Observers only get to see a police Class 1 every three years. If the Seniors had more training from plod, there would be far less issues with people thinking the IAM is inflexible. In reality, IAM Examiners (and hence the IAM) are generally flexible and full of sound common sense. Provided a technique is safe, smooth and systematic, then it's normally OK by the Examiner/IAM.
Cheers
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Thursday 5th January 12:25
Yes, that's exactly what I meant by projected steering. It was taught to me by a police driving school instructor and sometime IAM Examiner. Hence it's definitely Kosher, IAM-wise.
If you've ever found it difficult to resolve track experience with pull-push, or simply found pull-push cumbersome on occasion, then projected steering is a very valuable tool in the bag for road driving.
It's a shame that many IAM Senior Observers only get to see a police Class 1 every three years. If the Seniors had more training from plod, there would be far less issues with people thinking the IAM is inflexible. In reality, IAM Examiners (and hence the IAM) are generally flexible and full of sound common sense. Provided a technique is safe, smooth and systematic, then it's normally OK by the Examiner/IAM.
Cheers
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Thursday 5th January 12:25
Mark
Thanks - I agree it's a good technique.
Ref. flexibility, I have to agree. I did my IAM Special Assessment a couple of years back with the deputy examiner and he was happy with fixed grip, H&T - all as long as they done as part of a well planned, systematic drive, and not used to cover up failings in observation or system.
Steve
Thanks - I agree it's a good technique.
Ref. flexibility, I have to agree. I did my IAM Special Assessment a couple of years back with the deputy examiner and he was happy with fixed grip, H&T - all as long as they done as part of a well planned, systematic drive, and not used to cover up failings in observation or system.
Steve
Mark_SV said:
Hi David/Bruce,
Police "System" is very flexible, so you shouldn't have to drive too differently on test from daily driving. However, some IAM Observers are inflexible, because they are human and don't know everything. IAM Examiners are rather more flexible, because they know everything
A good example is heel&toe. System generally separates braking and gear changing (for various advantages on road*). Leading some Observers to "forbid" heel&toe. Sometimes it's better to brake/gear overlap, e.g. when tailgated or going downhill. Then heel&toe is ideal.
Another good example is steering. Pull-push isn't the sole method. It's often best, e.g. many junctions in town. Observers aren't taught fixed grip, so might only "allow" pull-push. However, fixed grip is good for gentle bends at speed. Projected steering is good for tighter bends at speed, where you want the benefits of fixed grip without losing the ability to use the steering column controls.
It's well worth asking your IAM Examiner what's actually OK. You may find it's more flexible than you have been led to believe.
I hope this is helpful. Cheers
* It disciplines you to plan early, giving you time and space to deal with hazards, and encourages you to look ahead. Separating braking and gear changing is easy enough, but getting the timing right takes considerable practice to flow and for you to feel the benefit.
Thanks Mark, I find this both reassuring and a bit frustrating! Reassuring because it gives me confidence that my "normal" driving style is, in fact, compatible with the IAM/police system of advanced driving but frustrating because my own experience of being observered was that brake gear overlap and any variation from push/pull steering (except when manoeuvreing) was verboten.
I'll have to see how much flexibility I can introduce into what I pass on to my associates as I develop my own style as an observer.
Hi Bruce,
Delighted to reassure you As long as you are safe, smooth and systematic, then your driving should be fine by the IAM.
As for your frustrations, I had the same thing in my car group. So I arranged for the Regional Examiner to come and do a talk about what is and isn't required on test. This was quite salutary for some Senior Observers and Committee Members!
Steve highlighted the main thing:
Normally I don't brake/gear overlap, because the disadvantages of overlapping outweight the advantages. However, occasionally it's valuable to overlap (e.g. downhill or being tailgated).
See p.64-65 of Roadcraft about overlapping.
In general, I steer using pull-push. However, I also use fixed grip and projected steering too, in the circumstances I mentioned below.
I was invovlved at IAM Regional level, not to mention having had a number of days training from police driving school instructors. So feel confident in reassuring you.
However, especially if you observe others, I'd strongly encourage you to develop your knowledge through a day or so with the likes of RideDrive, Cadence, etc 
Stay flexible, have fun and enjoy any observing
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Friday 6th January 19:38
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Friday 6th January 19:43
Delighted to reassure you
As long as you are safe, smooth and systematic, then your driving should be fine by the IAM. As for your frustrations, I had the same thing in my car group. So I arranged for the Regional Examiner to come and do a talk about what is and isn't required on test. This was quite salutary for some Senior Observers and Committee Members!
Steve highlighted the main thing: stefan1 said:
the deputy [chief] examiner ... was happy with fixed grip, H&T - all as long as they done as part of a well planned, systematic drive, and not used to cover up failings in observation or system.
Normally I don't brake/gear overlap, because the disadvantages of overlapping outweight the advantages. However, occasionally it's valuable to overlap (e.g. downhill or being tailgated).
See p.64-65 of Roadcraft about overlapping. In general, I steer using pull-push. However, I also use fixed grip and projected steering too, in the circumstances I mentioned below.
I was invovlved at IAM Regional level, not to mention having had a number of days training from police driving school instructors. So feel confident in reassuring you.
However, especially if you observe others, I'd strongly encourage you to develop your knowledge through a day or so with the likes of RideDrive, Cadence, etc
Stay flexible, have fun and enjoy any observing
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Friday 6th January 19:38
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Friday 6th January 19:43
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