Well done mate.

I'm literally starting my observed runs on Sunday. I have, however, had a fair bit of informal tuition from my best mate who is an Observer with the local IAM group. Definitely makes you more alert to hazards though - although I agree that the 'system' seems a bit odd.

Shame I'm getting rid of the S2000 soon though!

 

Dave, now get in touch with RoSPA and do the RoSPA one, see if you get Bronze, Silver or Gold.



Well done btw. I am re-starting my observations this saturday funnily enough. I want to do 540's and 100 down the motorway

 

Well done Dave

 

Thanks folks

You don't have to do a commentary, it's optional, but it is worth doing, it's only for a few minutes.

Crossing hands is a big

Euan - the test was not difficult so long as you can show them you know what you're doing. It is a total driving assessment and you will not fail on any one thing. But if a moving traffic offence is comitted, you will fail!

Get signed up.

I really should sign up for the observer course, but need my Sundays back for a while first.

 

I did this and passed in July 2005 - I would say well worth it tfor the observation side of things alone.

I would say on the whole it made me a better driver even if I don't do the wants on the steering wheel all the time.

 

It's the weekend thing that is difficult for me, as if I get a free one I like to get away up north.

Sounds good though if the test is an overall assessment - ought to do the bike one first I suppose (more likely to keep me in one piece )

 

Euan,

def do the bike one. I've been riding years but still learnt a few tips. still belong to my local IAM group as we have a good social ride outs.

 

They haven't caught up to the new police guidelines then-thought as much.

 

Had a couple of coppers as observers. Maybe they haven't caught up with the new police guidelines either

 

Anybody, particularly a man, who is prepared to admit they may have some shortfalls in their driving expertise AND spend the money and time seeking improvement gets my respect.

That said the IAM does suffer a Rover, caravan towing, old duffer, chrome AIM grille badge, 1960's time warp image. Having passed years, only because my then employer paid for me to take it, I couldn't be bothered to retain my membership. Yes the test does heighten awareness, but I got much more from an extended residential course with the police, as I did when accompanied by an instructor doing many laps of a race track.

The then IAM magazine was a cheaply printed affair & the contributors insufferably smug, as are many AIM drivers who proudly display not only a grille badge but one for the back window to tell all the world what a superior driver they think they are.
Believe me if you ever find yourself behind an old person with an IAM sticker in the back window, be afraid. Your journey will take twice as long as you are treated to a master class in deliberate methodical and usually bloody minded intentionaly slow by the book driving.

The joke is you are only a proven Advanced Driver at the time of & during the test

But maybe the image has changed but I have seen no indication on the road or through the media.