Question For John Robson / Anyone Else?
Discussion
John.
I was reading "Roadcraft" and some IAM stuff recently. It referred to a Police Advanced Driving Certificate - the "highest driving qualification in Britain".
So. What is it?
What are the Police Driving qualifications and can 'civilians' try for them?
I have a suspicion that 'Pursuit Driving' might not be open to the public.
I was reading "Roadcraft" and some IAM stuff recently. It referred to a Police Advanced Driving Certificate - the "highest driving qualification in Britain".
So. What is it?
What are the Police Driving qualifications and can 'civilians' try for them?
I have a suspicion that 'Pursuit Driving' might not be open to the public.
Its the Police Class 1 drivers license, I believe, which is a requirement before you can be a Police Driver (as opposed to a policeman who holds a UK license). These guys are the gods of driving.
I've heard that the IAM is introducing further training above their standard IAM test that will bring a civilian closer to the Class 1 (although presumably not incorporating pursuit driving!) and that is probably the closest you'll get.
Incidentally, to be an examiner in the IAM you have to be a serving police driver and the holder of a current Class 1 license.
(John or anyone: Please feel free to correct me if any of the above is inaccurate).
I've heard that the IAM is introducing further training above their standard IAM test that will bring a civilian closer to the Class 1 (although presumably not incorporating pursuit driving!) and that is probably the closest you'll get.
Incidentally, to be an examiner in the IAM you have to be a serving police driver and the holder of a current Class 1 license.
(John or anyone: Please feel free to correct me if any of the above is inaccurate).
I'm beginning to feel that what is considered 'normal' driving by the average punter and what is considered as 'by the book' driving is being distanced by an ever increasing gap. If someone were to pass one of these tests and become a member of the chosen few would his driving style be too far removed from reality. This morning on the M11 I tried driving as close to the speed limit as was safe and found myself being constantly put in an undertaking situation by middle lane cruisers and cut up after indicating to pull out. Also attempting to use a roundabout in the correct manner, i.e using the white direction arrows to select where you are going, results in abuse from other cars. Bombing around with your arse on fire seems the safest way out
Pete (Apache),
its not a question of being one of the chosen few, what the test does look for (amongst other things), is observation,
the ability to read the road, look ahead, and plan. The IAM's motto is "skill with responsibility".
I agree it's much more difficult today to adapt to all the rules in "Roadcraft", but if it makes you question the way you approach things regarding driving, then that can't be a bad thing. I too drive down the M11 every day, and the main trait of what you call "normal" motorists is that they don't look beyond the end of their bonnets, observe them pass you, and then brake when they reach the back of the next car, no planning or observation, of course it could just be impatience, and then you have to look to yourself to address that.
The IAM's advantages outweigh the disadvantages in my opinion.
Bombing around with my arse on fire is my favourite passtime, but only when the conditions dictate (of course)
Happy motoring
Edited by big rumbly on Thursday 18th October 14:22
its not a question of being one of the chosen few, what the test does look for (amongst other things), is observation,
the ability to read the road, look ahead, and plan. The IAM's motto is "skill with responsibility".
I agree it's much more difficult today to adapt to all the rules in "Roadcraft", but if it makes you question the way you approach things regarding driving, then that can't be a bad thing. I too drive down the M11 every day, and the main trait of what you call "normal" motorists is that they don't look beyond the end of their bonnets, observe them pass you, and then brake when they reach the back of the next car, no planning or observation, of course it could just be impatience, and then you have to look to yourself to address that.
The IAM's advantages outweigh the disadvantages in my opinion.
Bombing around with my arse on fire is my favourite passtime, but only when the conditions dictate (of course)
Happy motoring
Edited by big rumbly on Thursday 18th October 14:22
quote:
having passed the IAM test some time ago, I was always under the impression that an IAM examiner could be a former, or retired class 1 driver.
You're probably right. I passed about 4 years ago and I've probably remembered the information incorrectly.
Anyway, point is that the examiner holds / has held a Class 1 license.
I'd agree with your other comments too.
I think the thing that came home to me the most from the training is that we all get into close situations where we say "I thought he was going to do that, the stupid b****rd" as we take avoiding action. The Advanced Driver says "I think the stupid b****rd is going to do that" and makes sure they're nowhere near them.
'Prevention is better than cure' and all that.
Interesting views. I think the IAM stuff has been/is being well worthwhile at the moment. Although...I think I will (at the end of the day) take on board everything I'm taught and still bend a few rules..e.g. Motorway speed limits on clear, dry days etc.
But the observation thing applies no matter what. Very useful.
But the observation thing applies no matter what. Very useful.
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