Discussion
GOOD FOR YOU!
17 and just passed is a perfect age. You haven't yet developed any incurable bad habits and the IAM course will seem a natural extension of what you have learned. You may find that you need a year's driving experience before they'll let you take the test...but that shouldn't be an obstacle as most people take a few months to get ready anyway.
Visit the IAM web site www.iam.org.uk
You can join up by paying a fee for "Skill For Life" program. £85 or so. Not cheap but it includes
a) National Membership
b) Membership of your local Group
c) The Test fee
d) As much instruction as you need in order to pass
e) A copy of "Pass Your Advanced Driving Test" - a book you will need to read
The only thing I will say is that ALL the instruction (we call it "Observing"
is done by volunteers. Some volunteers and groups are really, really organised and efficient. Others are less so. So be a bit tolerant and accept some things may take longer than they need to as people are doing it all in their spare time.
Enjoy.
You will learn how to drive according to the "System Of Car Control". Not the only way to drive well - but a good way that we can teach you.
Once you've learned it you'll never stop using it...
Some Groups/Observers also show you all sorts of additional useful techniques about car control - but mostly its about "Observation" - getting the most out of what you see out the windows of the car to make your driving safer and more progressive.
Some people we speed up. Others we slow down. Everyone learns something.
Good luck. I'm an Observer with the Basingstoke Group. Feel free to ask any questions you like....
17 and just passed is a perfect age. You haven't yet developed any incurable bad habits and the IAM course will seem a natural extension of what you have learned. You may find that you need a year's driving experience before they'll let you take the test...but that shouldn't be an obstacle as most people take a few months to get ready anyway.
Visit the IAM web site www.iam.org.uk
You can join up by paying a fee for "Skill For Life" program. £85 or so. Not cheap but it includes
a) National Membership
b) Membership of your local Group
c) The Test fee
d) As much instruction as you need in order to pass
e) A copy of "Pass Your Advanced Driving Test" - a book you will need to read
The only thing I will say is that ALL the instruction (we call it "Observing"
is done by volunteers. Some volunteers and groups are really, really organised and efficient. Others are less so. So be a bit tolerant and accept some things may take longer than they need to as people are doing it all in their spare time. Enjoy.
You will learn how to drive according to the "System Of Car Control". Not the only way to drive well - but a good way that we can teach you.
Once you've learned it you'll never stop using it...
Some Groups/Observers also show you all sorts of additional useful techniques about car control - but mostly its about "Observation" - getting the most out of what you see out the windows of the car to make your driving safer and more progressive.
Some people we speed up. Others we slow down. Everyone learns something.
Good luck. I'm an Observer with the Basingstoke Group. Feel free to ask any questions you like....
Hi Ricky!
To find more information about the IAM and locate your local group, you may visit: www.iam.org.uk
I joined earlier this year. I have seen a great improvement in my driving, my observational skills and my awareness of other road users. The course I went on lasted seven weeks. It consisted of six classroom discussions focusing on different aspects of driving, working progressively through the IAM book, 'How To Be An Advanced Driver.' Following on from that was a one or two hour drive each week, over seven weeks, putting this theory into practice. This all leads to the test where you will be drive out with a Class 1 driver, usually serving or ex traffic police. This is probably the best part of the course as it is the culmination of your learning. My drive was very relaxed and enjoyable, completely stress free.
It doesn't stop at the test either. You will undoubtedly be striving to improve your driving further and analizing how you could achieve this in your day-to-day driving. Some people decide to go on to become Observers themselves. This is something I shall be doing very soon. It is a good way to keep fresh and your skills honed.
I also read 'Roadcraft. The Police Driver's Handbook' alongside the IAM book and found it to be very comprehensive and well illustrated. It is well worth investing in too.
I hope that you enjoy your training. Best of luck!
To find more information about the IAM and locate your local group, you may visit: www.iam.org.uk
I joined earlier this year. I have seen a great improvement in my driving, my observational skills and my awareness of other road users. The course I went on lasted seven weeks. It consisted of six classroom discussions focusing on different aspects of driving, working progressively through the IAM book, 'How To Be An Advanced Driver.' Following on from that was a one or two hour drive each week, over seven weeks, putting this theory into practice. This all leads to the test where you will be drive out with a Class 1 driver, usually serving or ex traffic police. This is probably the best part of the course as it is the culmination of your learning. My drive was very relaxed and enjoyable, completely stress free.
It doesn't stop at the test either. You will undoubtedly be striving to improve your driving further and analizing how you could achieve this in your day-to-day driving. Some people decide to go on to become Observers themselves. This is something I shall be doing very soon. It is a good way to keep fresh and your skills honed.
I also read 'Roadcraft. The Police Driver's Handbook' alongside the IAM book and found it to be very comprehensive and well illustrated. It is well worth investing in too.
I hope that you enjoy your training. Best of luck!
Thanks people. Its something I'm seriously considering, but as you said, I may wait until I have some more driving experience before I apply. £85 doesn't sound too bad to be honest, my pass plus course cost me £90.
Another question...Do they provide a vehicle to do a test in, or do you use your own car?
Another question...Do they provide a vehicle to do a test in, or do you use your own car?
Ricky_M said:
Thanks people. Its something I'm seriously considering, but as you said, I may wait until I have some more driving experience before I apply. £85 doesn't sound too bad to be honest, my pass plus course cost me £90.
Another question...Do they provide a vehicle to do a test in, or do you use your own car?
Don't wait Ricky, go for it now. You won't regret it.
If you want to give yourself a head start?
Name out loud EVERY road sign you see, as of your next drive... anything that might cause you to alter course or speed, - including paint on the roads, bus stops, wheelie bins, water on the road surface, School signs (Is it 3.30, are the kids coming out?).
This gets your eyes up a wee bit higher, AND is the start of a commentary when you take the Test - commentary is not required on Test, but tells the Examiner that you are looking at the right things - if you get your 'Speed to Vision' right you will pick out all the relevant hazards.
If you do not - you are going too quickly - takes a bit of practise though.
Think about getting the Roadcraft DVD - you will get the PYADT book when you join...but,have a look at Roadcraft, DVD or book.
BOF
>> Edited by BOF on Monday 2nd January 17:50
Name out loud EVERY road sign you see, as of your next drive... anything that might cause you to alter course or speed, - including paint on the roads, bus stops, wheelie bins, water on the road surface, School signs (Is it 3.30, are the kids coming out?).
This gets your eyes up a wee bit higher, AND is the start of a commentary when you take the Test - commentary is not required on Test, but tells the Examiner that you are looking at the right things - if you get your 'Speed to Vision' right you will pick out all the relevant hazards.
If you do not - you are going too quickly - takes a bit of practise though.
Think about getting the Roadcraft DVD - you will get the PYADT book when you join...but,have a look at Roadcraft, DVD or book.
BOF
>> Edited by BOF on Monday 2nd January 17:50
Hi Ricky,
I agree with all here and hope you can afford your IAM course soon. It's a great thing to do. Incidentally, you only need 3 months driving experience to take an IAM Skills for Life programme.
As for books, Roadcraft is generally considered the bible of the IAM and advanced driving generally. The Roadcraft DVD is valuable too, especially as you get to hear a lot of "commentary" driving, which can be extremely helpful. The Roadcraft book is available on Amazon or in larger Waterstones and WH Smiths. You can buy the DVD here:
www.tso.co.uk/cbi/bookstore.asp?FO=1159997&DI (DVD)
www.spservices.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id (combined book and DVD set)
After Roadcraft, books of interest could include:
- Advanced Driver's Handbook by Margaret Stacey (well reviewed here:
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0749415010/qid=
- How to Be an Expert Driver: The Practical Guide to Better Driving by Jane Gregory. This is a follow-up book for those who have recently passed their tests and are moving onto advanced driving:
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0749531568/qid%
If you can find one second hand, the Porsche Driving Book by John Lyon & Martin Beck-Burridge is excellent (ISBN 0-9513737-1-4).
I agree with all here and hope you can afford your IAM course soon. It's a great thing to do. Incidentally, you only need 3 months driving experience to take an IAM Skills for Life programme.
As for books, Roadcraft is generally considered the bible of the IAM and advanced driving generally. The Roadcraft DVD is valuable too, especially as you get to hear a lot of "commentary" driving, which can be extremely helpful. The Roadcraft book is available on Amazon or in larger Waterstones and WH Smiths. You can buy the DVD here:
www.tso.co.uk/cbi/bookstore.asp?FO=1159997&DI (DVD)
www.spservices.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id (combined book and DVD set)
After Roadcraft, books of interest could include:
- Advanced Driver's Handbook by Margaret Stacey (well reviewed here:
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0749415010/qid=
- How to Be an Expert Driver: The Practical Guide to Better Driving by Jane Gregory. This is a follow-up book for those who have recently passed their tests and are moving onto advanced driving:
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0749531568/qid%
If you can find one second hand, the Porsche Driving Book by John Lyon & Martin Beck-Burridge is excellent (ISBN 0-9513737-1-4).
Ricky, might be worth reading this if you haven't done so already: www.donpalmer.co.uk/handbook/index.htm
Good luck fella.
Good luck fella.
i did the IAM when i was 18 and thought that it was very helpful, although i found a few of there methods werent for me
3rd@ 30
4th@ 40
not a fan of these ones, i know that you are more in control but i would prefer to choose my own gear
and i didnt like doing a commentry, i dont know why, i just didnt
3rd@ 30
4th@ 40
not a fan of these ones, i know that you are more in control but i would prefer to choose my own gear
and i didnt like doing a commentry, i dont know why, i just didnt
polarbert said:
i did the IAM when i was 18 and thought that it was very helpful, although i found a few of there methods werent for me
3rd@ 30
4th@ 40
The IAM, or any other advanced driving organisation for that matter, DO NOT teach that. They will teach you that you should use an appropriate gear for the speed and circumstances. Whilst that may well be 3rd@30 or 4th@40 some of the time and in some cars, it most certainly is not a hard and fast rule. Perhaps that wasn't explained well enough at the time? ;-)
mefoster said:
i did the IAM when i was 18 and thought that it was very helpful, although i found a few of there methods werent for me
3rd@ 30
4th@ 40
The IAM, or any other advanced driving organisation for that matter, DO NOT teach that. They will teach you that you should use an appropriate gear for the speed and circumstances. Whilst that may well be 3rd@30 or 4th@40 some of the time and in some cars, it most certainly is not a hard and fast rule. Perhaps that wasn't explained well enough at the time? ;-)
when i was doing my lessons, i asked my teacher if i would fail the test for being in 4th at 30mph, she was unsure so said that she would go and ask somebody else and let me know the week after.
the next week came, and she said that if i used the gear above for either 30 or 40mph limits, then i would be failed, or the examiner would put it down as a fault at the least
from what you have said it doesnt seem as if this is correct, but it was what i was told at the time of doing it
polarbert said:
when i was doing my lessons, i asked my teacher if i would fail the test for being in 4th at 30mph, she was unsure so said that she would go and ask somebody else and let me know the week after.
the next week came, and she said that if i used the gear above for either 30 or 40mph limits, then i would be failed, or the examiner would put it down as a fault at the least
from what you have said it doesnt seem as if this is correct, but it was what i was told at the time of doing it
And therein lies my biggest problem with the IAM.
"One should learn before one teaches". IME, there are far too many blind leading the blind. Have things really changed... or is it still the same?
mefoster said:
And therein lies my biggest problem with the IAM.
"One should learn before one teaches". IME, there are far too many blind leading the blind. Have things really changed... or is it still the same?
Well - Observers are supposed to get regular re-training to make sure they are up to date with the latest advice and that thier knowledge is still sharp. Not all Groups manage to keep that up...these are, of course, all volunteers. Some of us are total driving nutters and are constantly reading up. Others just do a little Observing now and then. Since Groups are always short of Observers I'm afraid that it will happen from time to time that a less experienced Observer needs to check on advice.
Now 3rd=30, 4th=40. This is NOT IAM advice. Its the attempt of an Observer to give a guideline to a a driver as to the kind of gear that might be appropriate in normal road conditions in their particular car. To do these speeds/gears in my six-gear Porsche would be ludicrous - whereas they might work reasonably well in my Vectra. Even in my Vectra I might leave the car in second in a 30mph limit if I needed flexibility - and that I would determine from the road conditions.
Now - if an Associate is constantly choosing an inappropriate gear I might try issuing some guidelines. What I want them to do is assess the road conditions and speed and select the appropriate gear by thinking about it themselves - but that doesn't always happen. When it does - its usually a sign of someone who will do very well in the test.
To answer your question: has it changed? Well - not everywhere and not all the time. But there are plenty of Observers who do know what they're on about...and the good groups work hard at motivating them and retaining them and trying to keep up their skills.
No! No! No! I've been involved at IAM Regional level and can tell you that this is not IAM policy. Don's 100% right. You should be in the right gear for your particular speed in your particular vehicle. This is going to vary enormously from car to car. It's also going to vary by circumstances. E.g. sometimes you might want a higher gear for economy, whereas other times you might need a lower gear for flexibility. In both cases, you might be at the same speed on the same road, but with differing traffic around you. The IAM Observer who advised you this needs some serious retraining at his or her next Observer check test. Whilst principles and guidelines can be very valuable, there are generally no hard and fast rules in driving and riding. 3rd gear in a diesel is going to be quite different from 3rd gear in a Ferrari, let alone on a 'bike.
If it was your sole fault, normally you wouldn't fail for being a gear out during a small part of the drive. However, your IAM Examiner could well ask you why you chose a particular gear. Provided you can give a good reason, that would reassure the Examiner that you were thinking about what you were doing. However poor your Observer was, rest assured that IAM Examiners are highly knowledgeable and full of common sense.
I hope this helps.
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