We hope that what follows will explain how things work, and answer some of your questions.
You can expect to receive a series of one-to-one ‘on road’ sessions with one of our Group Observers, who will be your guide as you prepare for the IAM Test.
If you’ve just joined then you should shortly receive a welcome phone call from our Chief Observer, Tony Parish. Tony will ask you if you have any special requirements (e.g. to be observed in an automatic, any geographical or time constraints, any preference for male or female Observer). He will then try and match you with a suitable Observer.
One of our Senior Observers will then contact you to provide you with details of the Observer who has been allocated to you, and an outline of the training and assessment process.
Your Observer will also contact you to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for your first drive. You will be asked to bring your driving licence, insurance certificate, and, where applicable, an MOT certificate.
Group Observers and Senior Observers of the Newbury Group will provide your training. All Observers have taken and passed the IAM Test, and have received further ‘in-house’ driver training, and training in how to provide guidance to Associates preparing for the Test.
Periodically our Group Observers sit practical retests (demonstration driving and observing skills) and a theory test, which are overseen by our Senior Observers. Our Senior Observers undergo similar retests, and every six years are re-examined by an IAM Staff Examiner.
Our Training Officer holds regular practical and theoretical workshops for all Observers.
All our Observers are volunteers, and carry out their role alongside work and family commitments.
You will learn how to drive:
Safely
Systematically
Smoothly
Progressively (as conditions and the law allows)
We will help you to:
Develop advanced observation and anticipation skills
Plan your driving effectively
Approach and negotiate hazards in a logical and consistent way (following the Roadcraft 'system)
Improve the technical aspects of driving (eg, steering, braking, acceleration, gear-changing)
Take on new techniques, if appropriate
We also cover signalling, vehicle stability and balance, positioning, cornering, overtaking and motorway driving. Night driving is frequently covered by virtue of evening winter drives. If your course takes place during the day, or during summer months, then a night drive can be arranged on request.
Typically, drivers need around 8 ‘observed drives’ before they are ready for Test. Of course there will be some drivers who need less than 8, and others who need more. You can expect each drive to last between 60-90 minutes, and to take in various types of roads and conditions.
On your first drive your Observer will check your documents, carry out an eyesight test, and then sit alongside while you drive to get an overview of your current level of ability. At the end of the drive s/he will chat to you about your drive, and discuss with you the form that future drives will take.
Your Observer may offer you a demonstration drive on your first drive, or later on in the training. If you haven’t been offered a demonstration drive and would like one please ask. Sometimes a demonstration drive can add much clarity to verbal guidance, allowing you to see and feel what is being asked of you.
You can expect to cover the topics set out in the IAM’s manual or Roadcraft. Since every driver is different, and to allow us to respond to the needs of individual drivers, we’re not too prescriptive about order, although generally speaking we tend to cover observation, anticipation, planning and ‘the System’ and address any obvious weaknesses in driving techniques early on, and move on to topics such as cornering, positioning and overtaking later.
Towards the end of your drives, and when your Observer thinks you are either ready or nearly ready for Test, s/he will arrange for you to have a ‘check drive’ with a Senior Observer. The check drive is an opportunity to have another set of eyes on your driving, and to advise whether you are ready for the Test, or whether there are areas that need more work.
If you are ready for Test then the Senior Observer will suggest that you book a date, and either continue with your observed drives in the meantime, or arrange a final drive out shortly before your Test. If your driving needs a little more work, then the Senior Observer will outline what needs to be done, and suggest that you return to your Observer for more guidance prior to having a further cross check.
It’s not like taking the ‘L’ test; most Associates actually enjoy the experience, pass, and get some useful feedback on their driving from the Examiner, and of course feel a great sense of achievement. To read more about the Test visit the IAM test page.
If you pass the Test (and most do!) then congratulations are in order. You qualify to become a Full Member of the IAM, and to receive the benefits that go with it.
We very much hope you will remain a Group Member too -Group Members are very important to us. By remaining a Member of the Newbury Group (for a modest £10 per annum) this worthwhile contribution enables those of us who can spare the time, to continue with the good work and running of the Group. It will also entitle you to periodic reassessments with a Group Observer, to continue to attend meetings and events, and to receive our newsletter. In recent years we have been able to offer skid-pan and 4x4 training days at a reduced rate as an ‘add-on’ for Associates, and also for Full Group Members.
Please:
Bring the relevant documentation along on your drives
You should already have the IAM’s Advanced Driving the essential guide, which came with the Skill for Life package. You will also need the current edition of the Highway code.
Coyne et al, Roadcraft the Police Driver’s Handbook (London: Police Foundation, 2007)
Your Observer, who likes to work from Roadcraft, may ask you to purchase the above if you have not already done so.
Roadcraft is also available as a DVD.
Hayley, S, Mind Driving (Croydon: Safety House Ltd, 2006)
Know your Road Signs
Ultimate Driving Craft by Chris Gilbert (www.driving4tomorrow.com)
Commentary a demonstration by Hugh Noblett (www.cadence.co.uk)
Commentary Driving by Bespoke (www.bespokedrivertraining.co.uk)
If you have a query that isn’t answered on these pages then please ask your Observer, or alternatively contact our Chief Observer, Tony Parish, who will be pleased to help (parishaj@aol.com)