My IAM Experience
Discussion
SVS said:
Hi Craikeybaby,
You're in good company! I took a couple of goes to pass.
However, my frustration at failing was useful, because it spurred me on to develop my riding. Sometimes failure and annoyance can provide useful energy. I've got a F1RST now.
It sounds like you've got a good plan. Don't worry what your local IAM group is like. Do worry what your individual Observer is like. Remember that you can always change Observer to ensure you get a good one; I did.
Thanks for the positive advice!You're in good company! I took a couple of goes to pass.
However, my frustration at failing was useful, because it spurred me on to develop my riding. Sometimes failure and annoyance can provide useful energy. I've got a F1RST now.
It sounds like you've got a good plan. Don't worry what your local IAM group is like. Do worry what your individual Observer is like. Remember that you can always change Observer to ensure you get a good one; I did.
Sorry to hear you failed, but, on the debrief did he point out where your shoulder checks were lacking? and if so can you remember not doing them?
Many learners fail their driving tests for not doing a full 360Deg check prior to moving off from the side of the road. They are asked to pull over and move off sometimes as many as half a doz times to make sure they do it correctly EVERY time. Many do it say 5 times out of 6 correctly, but for some reason the one time they don't is the time that something is coming they have not seen. Was this you in your IAM test?
Go back to "road craft" it covers overtaking and changing lanes well, and a quick "sideways glance" to reduce blind spots whilst on the move is a major help. Did you ask for a full explanation of what was wrong? or were you only half listening becasue of disappointment?
Getting used to a new car will help with the smoothness of your driving, but, habits are really hard to shake. whilst out in your car commentary drive in sections of a couple of minutes, and when you find yourself waffling to your self, stop for a while as you will find yourself distracting yourself from driving safely, then pick it up again when you have less "distractions" to comment on. Some Police commentaries whilst on a blue light run are fantastic, the ones where they sound bord are often the best, The ones where they get high pitched / shouting /excited are where they are not really under control and more likely to make driver error themselves
keep up the good work, for every driver out there trying to improve their driving makes it safer for every one of us
Many learners fail their driving tests for not doing a full 360Deg check prior to moving off from the side of the road. They are asked to pull over and move off sometimes as many as half a doz times to make sure they do it correctly EVERY time. Many do it say 5 times out of 6 correctly, but for some reason the one time they don't is the time that something is coming they have not seen. Was this you in your IAM test?
Go back to "road craft" it covers overtaking and changing lanes well, and a quick "sideways glance" to reduce blind spots whilst on the move is a major help. Did you ask for a full explanation of what was wrong? or were you only half listening becasue of disappointment?
Getting used to a new car will help with the smoothness of your driving, but, habits are really hard to shake. whilst out in your car commentary drive in sections of a couple of minutes, and when you find yourself waffling to your self, stop for a while as you will find yourself distracting yourself from driving safely, then pick it up again when you have less "distractions" to comment on. Some Police commentaries whilst on a blue light run are fantastic, the ones where they sound bord are often the best, The ones where they get high pitched / shouting /excited are where they are not really under control and more likely to make driver error themselves
keep up the good work, for every driver out there trying to improve their driving makes it safer for every one of us
Thanks for the advice - it's very useful.
The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation? Maybe if I was doing commentary this would have been clearer
One of the other things picked up was not checking mirrors when I spot a hazard, the example he used I'd been checking my mirrors more than normal as there was an XC90 right on my tail - during the test should I have been more blatant in checking the mirrors?
I'm going to order the new roadcraft when that comes out, I'm particularly interested in what it says about checking mirrors, as I tend to check all the time, but got told I should be checking as I spot a hazard.
The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation? Maybe if I was doing commentary this would have been clearer
One of the other things picked up was not checking mirrors when I spot a hazard, the example he used I'd been checking my mirrors more than normal as there was an XC90 right on my tail - during the test should I have been more blatant in checking the mirrors?
I'm going to order the new roadcraft when that comes out, I'm particularly interested in what it says about checking mirrors, as I tend to check all the time, but got told I should be checking as I spot a hazard.
Craikeybaby said:
Thanks for the advice - it's very useful.
The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation? Maybe if I was doing commentary this would have been clearer
One of the other things picked up was not checking mirrors when I spot a hazard, the example he used I'd been checking my mirrors more than normal as there was an XC90 right on my tail - during the test should I have been more blatant in checking the mirrors?
I'm going to order the new roadcraft when that comes out, I'm particularly interested in what it says about checking mirrors, as I tend to check all the time, but got told I should be checking as I spot a hazard.
One of our examiners KNOWS if a driver is aware of what is around then and do not insist on specific checks but the other does DSA testing and looks for those specific checks .... guess which I direct my associates to for testing .... The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation? Maybe if I was doing commentary this would have been clearer
One of the other things picked up was not checking mirrors when I spot a hazard, the example he used I'd been checking my mirrors more than normal as there was an XC90 right on my tail - during the test should I have been more blatant in checking the mirrors?
I'm going to order the new roadcraft when that comes out, I'm particularly interested in what it says about checking mirrors, as I tend to check all the time, but got told I should be checking as I spot a hazard.
Craikeybaby said:
Thanks for the advice - it's very useful.
The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation?
In my view, presumably the IAM's, yes.The shoulder checks I missed were on the dual carriage way, rather than before moving off. I'd done them on the busier motorway, but on the dual carriageway I knew it was clear to pull out from multiple mirror checks on the approach to the hazard - should I still be shoulder checking in this situation?
My HGV instructor told me to wear a baseball cap for the test as it exaggerates head movements. He also told me not to make glances, but to look. You are trying to pass a test and the examiner needs to see what you are doing.
Good thread for tips. Several things I obviously do wrong. I change down through the gears when approaching traffic lights and engine brake. I try to time the lights so I can hit them as they change. I will start to show a bit of red light from now on
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Good thread for tips. Several things I obviously do wrong. I change down through the gears when approaching traffic lights and engine brake. I try to time the lights so I can hit them as they change. I will start to show a bit of red light from now on
.pingu393 said:
You are trying to pass a test and the examiner needs to see what you are doing.
If an assessor cannot figure out if the driver they are assessing is aware of what's going on around them without seeing some nodding dog routine then I'd question the ability of that assessor to assess.If the intention is to pass a test then its not what the examiner wants to see
The examiner wants to see normal everyday driving which is why the drive is 90 mins long
Not many can keep up a false level of driving for that long so why bother trying to do so in the first place?
A LGV DSA test is different because the DSA has a different test criteria
The examiner wants to see normal everyday driving which is why the drive is 90 mins long
Not many can keep up a false level of driving for that long so why bother trying to do so in the first place?
A LGV DSA test is different because the DSA has a different test criteria
pingu393 said:
My HGV instructor told me to wear a baseball cap for the test
I wonder what the Police chap examining IAM would think if the associate turned up in a baseball cap? They'd probably make them wait at the side of the road whilst they checked the tyres and did a search fro illegal drugs 
MC Bodge said:
pingu393 said:
My HGV instructor told me to wear a baseball cap for the test
I wonder what the Police chap examining IAM would think if the associate turned up in a baseball cap? They'd probably make them wait at the side of the road whilst they checked the tyres and did a search fro illegal drugs .Keep it up Craig,
I did this the other year as a gift from the 'Rents. Not due to any driving habits I'll hasten to add, but as I had an interest in driving and they hoped it would help with insurance (sadly a myth in my case - at least way outweighed by the annual cost of keeping your cert - you need to be a member for the qualification to be valid, stop paying, not quali
)
Don't get too upset at not making the grade first time. I didn't and I'd had about 50k miles of driving experience! and it was after about 6 months of weekly drives. I probably the only person that has failed for driving too slowly! - I was nervous and I missed a speed limit change on a roundabout. I also inconvenienced another road user when my little corsa fell out of the powerband when trying to pull out of a notorious local roundabout.
Your experience will vary greatly depending on your observer, and I agree with ROG, I think having an observer and some regular sessions helps greatly, they can focus on one area so you don't feel overwhelmed.
As an example of the difference between interpretations, my observer was being observed on one of my sessions, and his observers queried why I changed down to an intermediate gear from 4th when approaching a traffic light - Instead of keeping in 4th like I had been advised by my observer. I stated that my car (a 1.3 cdti corsa at the time) would not allow me smoothly slow down to a halt in fourth without me riding the clutch for an extended period before the lights. His response to my great surprise was "You know your car better than I, good, Carry on".
What car do you have Op? I strongly think that it is much easier if you have a powerful car, some of the groups can seem to be dominated with middle aged men with powerful cars! fortunately my observer also had experience and could appreciate that on the local A roads overtaking, unless I was lucky was really out of the option in my vehicle. This was one of the conflicts I found with the process, the book constantly talks about asking the question to yourself "is overtaking necessary?", Yet in my case the instructor was constantly looking for you to be overtaking a slower car to 'make progress' (obviously where and when it is safe to do so). A tip that worked very well for me - Even if an overtake is unlikely due to your cars power / the roads, when you are on the b road portion of your test, make an obvious move to the center line on occasion to deliberately show you are contemplating an overtake and then choosing not to, rather than giving the impression you are playing safe and happy waiting behind a slower driver.
There are still things I find really really uncomfortable with to be 'correct' only braking OR clutching it one that really gets me, I've not been able to get either of my cars I've had since to do it smoothly - especially for slower gears, I always ride the brake a little for going down to 2nd for some corners, but I did have a bad habit of changing gear whilst still being in the process of making a turn.
If you want to ask anything about my experience, what my (very good) observer advised on scenarios etc just let me know.
RE 4th in a 30, this is very common advise today (I'm not sure I agree with it but have had it drummed into me so is difficult to alter), IME its down to 'eco' driving which is also a requirement for the IAM. From my police driver related investigation, they are much more about being in the gear which provides the greatest flexibility for both slowing down and speeding up. In most modern cars this is 3rd provided it has enough torque if you are doing around 20 to accelerate briskly to overcome a hazard.
The biggest point should be that Advanced driving is a continual process, and as an advanced motorist you should always be looking to self assess your driving. I'm probably going to ask my local group if I can have a couple of observed runs in the new year to 'freshen up'
I did this the other year as a gift from the 'Rents. Not due to any driving habits I'll hasten to add, but as I had an interest in driving and they hoped it would help with insurance (sadly a myth in my case - at least way outweighed by the annual cost of keeping your cert - you need to be a member for the qualification to be valid, stop paying, not quali
)Don't get too upset at not making the grade first time. I didn't and I'd had about 50k miles of driving experience! and it was after about 6 months of weekly drives. I probably the only person that has failed for driving too slowly! - I was nervous and I missed a speed limit change on a roundabout. I also inconvenienced another road user when my little corsa fell out of the powerband when trying to pull out of a notorious local roundabout.
Your experience will vary greatly depending on your observer, and I agree with ROG, I think having an observer and some regular sessions helps greatly, they can focus on one area so you don't feel overwhelmed.
As an example of the difference between interpretations, my observer was being observed on one of my sessions, and his observers queried why I changed down to an intermediate gear from 4th when approaching a traffic light - Instead of keeping in 4th like I had been advised by my observer. I stated that my car (a 1.3 cdti corsa at the time) would not allow me smoothly slow down to a halt in fourth without me riding the clutch for an extended period before the lights. His response to my great surprise was "You know your car better than I, good, Carry on".
What car do you have Op? I strongly think that it is much easier if you have a powerful car, some of the groups can seem to be dominated with middle aged men with powerful cars! fortunately my observer also had experience and could appreciate that on the local A roads overtaking, unless I was lucky was really out of the option in my vehicle. This was one of the conflicts I found with the process, the book constantly talks about asking the question to yourself "is overtaking necessary?", Yet in my case the instructor was constantly looking for you to be overtaking a slower car to 'make progress' (obviously where and when it is safe to do so). A tip that worked very well for me - Even if an overtake is unlikely due to your cars power / the roads, when you are on the b road portion of your test, make an obvious move to the center line on occasion to deliberately show you are contemplating an overtake and then choosing not to, rather than giving the impression you are playing safe and happy waiting behind a slower driver.
There are still things I find really really uncomfortable with to be 'correct' only braking OR clutching it one that really gets me, I've not been able to get either of my cars I've had since to do it smoothly - especially for slower gears, I always ride the brake a little for going down to 2nd for some corners, but I did have a bad habit of changing gear whilst still being in the process of making a turn.
If you want to ask anything about my experience, what my (very good) observer advised on scenarios etc just let me know.
RE 4th in a 30, this is very common advise today (I'm not sure I agree with it but have had it drummed into me so is difficult to alter), IME its down to 'eco' driving which is also a requirement for the IAM. From my police driver related investigation, they are much more about being in the gear which provides the greatest flexibility for both slowing down and speeding up. In most modern cars this is 3rd provided it has enough torque if you are doing around 20 to accelerate briskly to overcome a hazard.
The biggest point should be that Advanced driving is a continual process, and as an advanced motorist you should always be looking to self assess your driving. I'm probably going to ask my local group if I can have a couple of observed runs in the new year to 'freshen up'
Thanks for sharing your experience. When I did the training/test I had an MX-5, but that has now been replaced by an MR2.
Throughout the training/test nothing was mentioned about brake/gear overlap, I used heel & toe as normal. You're right though, a lot of it does feel unnatural after 13 years of driving, but I'm getting more used to it.
I was told by my insurer that passing the IAM test wouldn't affect the cost of my policy, so after I redo the training/test I doubt I will renew my membership.
Throughout the training/test nothing was mentioned about brake/gear overlap, I used heel & toe as normal. You're right though, a lot of it does feel unnatural after 13 years of driving, but I'm getting more used to it.
I was told by my insurer that passing the IAM test wouldn't affect the cost of my policy, so after I redo the training/test I doubt I will renew my membership.
fitz1985 said:
As an example of the difference between interpretations, my observer was being observed on one of my sessions, and his observers queried why I changed down to an intermediate gear from 4th when approaching a traffic light - Instead of keeping in 4th like I had been advised by my observer. I stated that my car (a 1.3 cdti corsa at the time) would not allow me smoothly slow down to a halt in fourth without me riding the clutch for an extended period before the lights. His response to my great surprise was "You know your car better than I, good, Carry on".
Had I been the observer I would have suggested that you try dipping the clutch a little to keep it smooth even if for a longish period towards a stop or a very low speed That is not regarded as coasting but as keeping the vehicle form stalling or juddering
I do that all the time in every vehicle be it car or artic without any issues
What you were doing perfectly acceptably is using a 'covering gear' but providing it did not end up as sequencially dropping down through the gears then its fine
R0G said:
vonhosen said:
What would so bad/problematic with that?
In normal driving conditions in a modern vehicle why would that be necessary?I do not flash or honk at every other road user to let them know I am there because it is not necessary
It's not necessary to always take the car for a journey when you do.
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