Bought The Book

[whythem]

I purchased the Roadcraft book yesterday and had a quick look through. Went out today and tried a bit of commentary, then gave up as I found that while trying to commentate I was not concentrating on driving and felt uncomfortable, missing hazards I would usually notice.

I've decided this is not a "teach yourself" thing, so am now going to contact my local group in Plymouth and see what happens. From what I have read here and elsewhere is appears that full membership is the way to go.

Having driven extensively in Thailand, Spain and South America, I think my hazard awareness is probably above average. However, I have become very hazard adverse and a bit of a nervous ninny, in that I am maybe overly cautious and slow. I just watched a few of R U Locals overtake tubes, and found myself rocking side to side in my chair, swearing alot. I'd give my right nut to be able to overtake like that and feel confident.

The thing is, I think your average IAM trainee is likely to be an above average driver, just by the virtue that they even seek extra driver training. So am I breaking off more than I can chew, is there some driver training I should be undertaking before contacting IAM, or am I just being a blouse

[ScoobyChris]

IAM is the first rung of the ladder and I'd hazard that most people who have an interest and enthusiasm for driving can pass it with a few observed sessions. Don't expect to be driving like R U Local by the end of it though - that's a few rungs further up, but it still builds on the same basic foundations which will be covered on the IAM course

Chris

[anonymous-user]

Try RoADAR as well as IAM

You might prefer one over the other

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

whythem said:

...this is not a "teach yourself" thing...

I'd agree with you there - I've yet to meet anyone really good who's done it all by themselves.

whythem said:

I'd give my right nut to be able to overtake like that and feel confident.

Reg's Police training isn't available to the likes of us, but lots of ex-plod instructors are out there - they may request a different form of payment though.

whythem said:

The thing is, I think your average IAM trainee is likely to be an above average driver, just by the virtue that they even seek extra driver training.

Probably a better attitude than average, but not neccesarily a better driver. Our group gets all sorts, including many who've attended driver improvement courses in lieu of conviction.

whythem said:

...am I just being a blouse

Perhaps just a bit.

[WhoseGeneration]

whythem said:

I purchased the Roadcraft book yesterday and had a quick look through. Went out today and tried a bit of commentary, then gave up as I found that while trying to commentate I was not concentrating on driving and felt uncomfortable, missing hazards I would usually notice.

I've decided this is not a "teach yourself" thing, so am now going to contact my local group in Plymouth and see what happens. From what I have read here and elsewhere is appears that full membership is the way to go.

Having driven extensively in Thailand, Spain and South America, I think my hazard awareness is probably above average. However, I have become very hazard adverse and a bit of a nervous ninny, in that I am maybe overly cautious and slow. I just watched a few of R U Locals overtake tubes, and found myself rocking side to side in my chair, swearing alot. I'd give my right nut to be able to overtake like that and feel confident.

The thing is, I think your average IAM trainee is likely to be an above average driver, just by the virtue that they even seek extra driver training. So am I breaking off more than I can chew, is there some driver training I should be undertaking before contacting IAM, or am I just being a blouse

You have to remember that RU Local said he would never reveal any speed he achieved in an overtake.
The commentary stuff is just to demonstrate to an observer that you are able to observe and anticipate and that you can formulate a driving plan based upon your observation.
It really isn't hard, so yes, undertake the IAM course.
Afterall, the NSL speed limits in the UK are so low.

[Don]

JPJPJP said:

Try RoADAR as well as IAM

You might prefer one over the other

They are virtually identical.

There is more of a difference between Observers (tutors) and Groups (clubs). If you don't like your local Group try the next geographical one along. If you have a problem with your Observer ask for a different one from your Group. It's all OK.