IAM Observer?

[arryb]

I completed my IAM last year in Chichester whilst on a placement from uni (I'm 21) and am now back at uni for my final 2 years. Unfortunately, I don't have my car with me because Bath isn't overly car friendly and I don't think it's worth the cost/hassle.

However, I'd like to give something back to the IAM (I know it will be a different group but I can't help that) by becoming an observer, but I think you can see my issue here.....is it possible to become an observer without having your own car and without practising the IAM way regularly? What is involved in becoming an observer?

Any help gratefully appreciated, Arry.

P.S - I know it will be easier to ask the local group but I haven't joined that yet so thought I'd ask here first and see what the consensus is, thanks

[1950trevorP]

Just a small comment before someone posts something more useful -

I like your attitude.

[Don]

You will find being an Observer without a car somewhat difficult. The problem is you need one to do demonstration drives. The sitting in with Associates thing, of course, you could do easily. So it will really come down to if your group can make use of you without a car.

Get in touch with them! They may operate Sunday drives or similar and be grateful for your help at those. To be honest - any help you can offer a group they will be grateful for. And, being 21, your assistance with young Associates would be very welcome I'm sure.

Good for you.

[Vaux]

Don said:

The problem is you need one to do demonstration drives.

It would be interesting to see the percentage of Observers that give a demonstration drive to every Associate. I don't think it's high nationally?

Anyway - it's a great idea to want to help any group.

[BOF]

Our Group insist on us doing a demo drive around the second or third run with the associate.

I agree with Don - have a word with the Group local to you - 21 and keen to help?

If you are near us - start on Monday!

BOF :-)

[Don]

In my group you get a demo drive on joining just after your assessment and induction lecture.

With my 1:1 Associates I usually do at least one demo drive two or three drives in...and again if there is any specific problem they need to see how to overcome.

Often the first demo drive is wasted IMO as since new Associates don't know what driving to the System IS they don't really notice anything special other than the smoothness. People notice bad driving. Not good driving.

Once they know what to look for, though, the demo becomes really useful - as about four drives in it's easy to believe that no-one can actually keep "all that" up! Then a demo drive looks like magic - seen through more knowledgeable eyes.

[Vaux]

Don said:

With my 1:1 Associates I usually do at least one demo drive two or three drives in...and again if there is any specific problem they need to see how to overcome.

Would you demo in their car?

[Don]

Vaux said:

Don said:

With my 1:1 Associates I usually do at least one demo drive two or three drives in...and again if there is any specific problem they need to see how to overcome.

Would you demo in their car?

Only if they requested it and supplied the necessary insurance. I usually demo in my own car.

[Vaux]

Don said:

Vaux said:

Don said:

With my 1:1 Associates I usually do at least one demo drive two or three drives in...and again if there is any specific problem they need to see how to overcome.

Would you demo in their car?

Only if they requested it and supplied the necessary insurance. I usually demo in my own car.

What's the "necessary insurance"? Getting put on as named driver?
You're covered TP anyway?

[Don]

Vaux said:

Don said:

Vaux said:

Don said:

With my 1:1 Associates I usually do at least one demo drive two or three drives in...and again if there is any specific problem they need to see how to overcome.

Would you demo in their car?

Only if they requested it and supplied the necessary insurance. I usually demo in my own car.

What's the "necessary insurance"? Getting put on as named driver?
You're covered TP anyway?

I would only drive someone else's car if I was fully comprehensively insured...by whatever means required. Whilst a prang is monumentally unlikely (and I'd be doing everything to ensure that!) a lot of prangs involve the insurance companies deciding it's a 50/50 (even if it isn't - they just don't care and don't want the argument) whereupon real crap ensues if you are only covered 3rd Party. DayInsure can be used for such things - but most people don't want to pay £10 just so their Observer can drive their car...

[BOF]

I have never driven an Associates car on demo...though there have been a few I would have loved to drive.

My understanding of the demo drive is to maybe emphasise an element of the System that I feel, after two or three drives, the Associate has either not completely understood, or that I have not succeeded in explaining.

I always mention that I do NOT expect them to be impressed by my demo - otherwise the previous drives have gone over their heads...it works...none of them impressed yet!

BOF.

[p1esk]

BOF said:

I have never driven an Associates car on demo...though there have been a few I would have loved to drive.

My understanding of the demo drive is to maybe emphasise an element of the System that I feel, after two or three drives, the Associate has either not completely understood, or that I have not succeeded in explaining.

I always mention that I do NOT expect them to be impressed by my demo - otherwise the previous drives have gone over their heads...it works...none of them impressed yet!

BOF.

I didn't get a demonstration drive, so I had no opportunity to be impressed.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[BOF]

With your oft expressed comments on the IAM and speed control...I recommend to you the words of the Bard...paraphrased...

'If at first you don't succeed...sit on your arse and never heed'

( Posted while doing prep for third drive in Mazda at 10.30 tomorrow morning).

BOF

[arryb]

I had an observed drive in a mini cooper and it was quite fun My car is no way near the standards of a mini cooper though (I'm a student ) but I think the general consensus is to see what the local group think which I will do....

[BOF]

Harry,

" My car is no way near the standards of a mini cooper though"

As in your studies...it is not the pen or the paper you are using...in driving, it is not the car you are using...it is in your interest in further eduction?

Good Luck in both...

BOF.

[p1esk]

BOF said:

With your oft expressed comments on the IAM and speed control...I recommend to you the words of the Bard...paraphrased...

'If at first you don't succeed...sit on your arse and never heed'

( Posted while doing prep for third drive in Mazda at 10.30 tomorrow morning).

BOF

I'm not sure what your view (valid or otherwise) of my comments on the IAM and speed control have to do with this. In any case, it rather depends on how one judges success. I would say my brief flirtation with the IAM was a failure from all viewpoints, unfortunately.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

Edited to add: Harry - I should have said this earlier, but what you're trying to do is commendable, and I wish you every success with it. It looks as if the IAM would benefit from the involvement of more enthusiastic and open minded youngsters to offset the damage being done by some of the pompous old buffers. Good luck

Edited by p1esk on Tuesday 30th September 09:02

[arryb]

For refernce - my name is Arry

[Vaux]

p1esk said:

I would say my brief flirtation with the IAM was a failure from all viewpoints, unfortunately.

That's a shame. If you could have just held on till drive three or four you might have got the demo drive!

[BOF]

arryb said:

For refernce - my name is Arry

Sorry Arry,

Being a "pompous old buffer" takes my eye off the ball sometimes.

But, looking at it from the inside, my Mazda driver yesterday gave a big SIGH at the end of the drive...I asked why?

'I feel knackered...been concentrating, naming signs, watching my speed for an hour'.

'How did you feel about the drive though? - Progress?'

'Yes - even my wife has remarked on the difference!"

'Same time next week?'...Yes, Thanks for your time ...'

Thats how it feels from the inside...the driver is older than me and has one eye less than I have...I have learned a bit from the way he holds his head to position the car...

Go for it.

BOF.

[kennym999]

Id recommend contacting them first to see if they need any observers in that area. I got a class 1 advanced police drivers certificate in may from the Scottish Police College and im now waiting for a police instructors course. Id considered assisting the IAM as a way of passing on my skills/developing my teaching skills however when I wrote to them they told me due to the lack of interest in my area they didnt require anyone else just now. Just a thought.