Becoming An IAM Observer
Discussion
Hi
I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
I was an IAM observer at 17.
It was never a problem for me. 99% of the people are there to improve their own driving and will listen to you as you have the knowledge. If their ego has a problem with age then they probably have the wrong mind set to start with.
I just used to have some younger people try and show off by driving too quickly and rather badly. Other than that I would just say its how you conduct yourself.
Neil.D
It was never a problem for me. 99% of the people are there to improve their own driving and will listen to you as you have the knowledge. If their ego has a problem with age then they probably have the wrong mind set to start with.
I just used to have some younger people try and show off by driving too quickly and rather badly. Other than that I would just say its how you conduct yourself.
Neil.D
I was a group's Chief Observer at 25 and the next country up has a Chief at 26. I had a couple of younger observers and did try to match younger Associates with younger Observers where possible.
Many groups approach recent test passes with a request to be an Observer. The skills are fresh and there is enthusiasm to pay a little back to the group. Only your Observer may be aware of your age.
Age is only an issue in pervetion for others. If you can do the job then age should not come into it whether it be the initial test or becoming an Observer.
If you want to do it then give it a go. Ask for a run out with another Observer and sit in the back whilts they do a drive. It looks very different from there and may give a feel for what is expected of you.
Many groups approach recent test passes with a request to be an Observer. The skills are fresh and there is enthusiasm to pay a little back to the group. Only your Observer may be aware of your age.
Age is only an issue in pervetion for others. If you can do the job then age should not come into it whether it be the initial test or becoming an Observer.
If you want to do it then give it a go. Ask for a run out with another Observer and sit in the back whilts they do a drive. It looks very different from there and may give a feel for what is expected of you.
I wouldnt worry about it 26yrs seems ancient to the ages that some other groups have got,my group has got observers at 18 and 19yrs. This is great the IAM need young blood the problem that you /they have is there driving experience,when sat with someone who is just 26yrs old and been driving for say 7yrs.
I dont care what anyone says there is no substitute for experience,I am 49 yrs old and I have worked my way through the ranks of the IAM. A few years ago they couldnt even get anyone below the age of 25yrs let alone 18 and 19yr olds.
My advice to you is to try and encourage other people of your age to join and go through as much training that you can and with that and your actual life driving experiences you will be like one of the old buffers before long !!!!.
What you have to remember is that the IAM is voluntary and there are some great people attached to it throughout the country,but just because they are X yrs old doesnt mean to say that they have the same driving experience as a younger person.
To give you an example I taught my 17yr old son to drive from scratch no ADI apart from 1hr to make sure i had him ready for test,I instilled the basics of roadcraft into him and he passed first time with only two faults in his manoeuvres, I was so proud of him and of my achievment.
He is 18yr old now a couple of months ago I took hi along to my local IAM groups open day and I sent him out to have his driving assessed with a view to him taking his test. So,I asked for one of the better shall we say observers and got a senior one (not Age).
He went out and came back now remember I know my sons weaknesses in his driving,he came back and straight away this observer said what can I say he is good etc etc,so I say how long to test do you think,he replied I would say two sessions,boll**s i thought but never said anything.
So,my point is even though his age was mature he did not have years of advanced experience,which puts you right into the same category as him,but younger and that is why I say learn from your experiences and go for it but try and get to be a good example and practise what you preach not one of these people who talk a good job and when asked to demonstrate what they mean they fall flat on there face.
I hope this makes sense to you I do not cry anyone who wants to make our roads safer,I know what I am talking about I have been with the IAM for over 20yrs now and was one of the first to train for observer training then go onto be a senior and train others.
Stefluc
I dont care what anyone says there is no substitute for experience,I am 49 yrs old and I have worked my way through the ranks of the IAM. A few years ago they couldnt even get anyone below the age of 25yrs let alone 18 and 19yr olds.
My advice to you is to try and encourage other people of your age to join and go through as much training that you can and with that and your actual life driving experiences you will be like one of the old buffers before long !!!!.
What you have to remember is that the IAM is voluntary and there are some great people attached to it throughout the country,but just because they are X yrs old doesnt mean to say that they have the same driving experience as a younger person.
To give you an example I taught my 17yr old son to drive from scratch no ADI apart from 1hr to make sure i had him ready for test,I instilled the basics of roadcraft into him and he passed first time with only two faults in his manoeuvres, I was so proud of him and of my achievment.
He is 18yr old now a couple of months ago I took hi along to my local IAM groups open day and I sent him out to have his driving assessed with a view to him taking his test. So,I asked for one of the better shall we say observers and got a senior one (not Age).
He went out and came back now remember I know my sons weaknesses in his driving,he came back and straight away this observer said what can I say he is good etc etc,so I say how long to test do you think,he replied I would say two sessions,boll**s i thought but never said anything.
So,my point is even though his age was mature he did not have years of advanced experience,which puts you right into the same category as him,but younger and that is why I say learn from your experiences and go for it but try and get to be a good example and practise what you preach not one of these people who talk a good job and when asked to demonstrate what they mean they fall flat on there face.
I hope this makes sense to you I do not cry anyone who wants to make our roads safer,I know what I am talking about I have been with the IAM for over 20yrs now and was one of the first to train for observer training then go onto be a senior and train others.
Stefluc
LuckyNumber72 said:
Hi
I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
Do it.I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
The fact that you have asked here shows that you are a thinking person which bodes well for your future as an Observer.
I am the Chief Observer for the IAM Gloucestershire Group and would be pleased to have you on my team of Observers. I think you should do this, please do not be concerned about your age, you have passed the test, you have lots to give. Please accept my very best wishes and please let us know how you get on.
Peter
Peter
p1esk said:
G_T said:
Age is not a substitute for experience.
Experience alone is not a guarantee of anything useful either. Some people don't learn as much as they ought to from their experiences.The logic of I'm older therefore a better driver is something at odds with the IAMs philosophies in my opinion. It should be put to bed.
In my experience if I am spokent to with respect I will reciprocate. Age, gender and ethic groupings should not come into it. If they do for some indviduals then I dare say that their attitude to driving is not the only thing that is in need of improving.
If someone has issues with someone younger than them teaching them then perhaps they should resolve their personal issues before undertaking the IAM driving course.
LuckyNumber72 said:
Hi
I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
Well done, congratulations on passing. Please do become an Observer. You will be INVALUABLE. The IAM needs young people for balance.I recently passed my IAM advanced driving test and have been asked by my group to become an observer with them but as much as i want to do it i can potentially see my age (being only 22) becoming an issue. I know people say that if you have passed your test and completed the relevant training you should be as good as the next observer but I think that in the real world people will potentially view my age negatively and be less inclined to listen to someone who has less driving experience than them.
So I was just wondering what other peoples views on this were and whether I should do it or not?
Thanks in advance for your replies Luckynumber 72
I have become an observer at the age of 30, a little older but have been warmly welcomed by everyone at the group.
As long as you talk to everyone in a decent manner and conduct yourself accordingly you shouldnt have any issues.
And just think, if you dont give it a go you wont know, if you give it a go and find its not for you then you can always stop or talk to your mentor and get some advice. On the other hand you may really enjoy it, I find it good fun.
Give it a go, what have you got to lose?
As long as you talk to everyone in a decent manner and conduct yourself accordingly you shouldnt have any issues.
And just think, if you dont give it a go you wont know, if you give it a go and find its not for you then you can always stop or talk to your mentor and get some advice. On the other hand you may really enjoy it, I find it good fun.
Give it a go, what have you got to lose?
Start as young as you can - you have a lifetime to polish your skills. I have a few critisms of the IAM but they are the best organisation you could possibly start with. One absolutely critical practice they have is concentration and observation - above all else the best defensive method of driving you will ever observe. Any system must be robust enough to withstand critism.
Edited by JohnMW on Friday 27th November 18:04
I became an Observer at 27 after 10 years of driving. It worked very well and five of my six candidates passed their IAM test first time. A few hours spent reminding them of observation of the road, traffic and signs, anticipation of events and sympathetic car control - correct gears, gentle braking paid off. All but one were professional drivers who were spending time hurrying to appointments or thinking about work rather than their driving. The other candidate was a mum who learned quickly and passed second time.
It was a useful experience and I would recommend this way of not only putting something back but also keeping one's own driving up to standard.
It was a useful experience and I would recommend this way of not only putting something back but also keeping one's own driving up to standard.
I became an Observer in my mid 20s and have never had a problem with older drivers as associates, right up to 80 year olds. The fact that the Associate has chosen to further their skills means that they are open to advice, all my associates (including 4 this year, from 19 years old to 70s) have welcomed me giving my time for free.
I've just been awarded Observer of the Year by my local group and am to take my Senior Observers test early next year so the group are obviously happy having someone younger Observing.
Go for it and enjoy it, I found my driving benefitted more from observing than from passing my own test.
I've just been awarded Observer of the Year by my local group and am to take my Senior Observers test early next year so the group are obviously happy having someone younger Observing.
Go for it and enjoy it, I found my driving benefitted more from observing than from passing my own test.
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