My IAM Experience
Discussion
Nice weather for it.
Improvement comes from conscious awareness and repetition (to make permanent). The awareness is required as even bad habits become permanent with enough practice. Tutors and co-drivers help provide and external validation check on awareness and can even set expectations and ambition (I want to drive like that!)
However, the prime driver still come from within and be there lurking in every solo drive. Put simply: I manage a day a year with a coach. I manage perhaps 10-20 more days with a variety of co-drivers. The remaining hundreds of days I am on my own or with a non-critical passenger.
It's clear the biggest quality day is the one with the coach and the only way in which I can externally benchmark certain internal decisions and judgments I make, but there are hundreds on my own that add a massive ability to hone the skills if I choose to use them all as training drives.
Improvement comes from conscious awareness and repetition (to make permanent). The awareness is required as even bad habits become permanent with enough practice. Tutors and co-drivers help provide and external validation check on awareness and can even set expectations and ambition (I want to drive like that!)
However, the prime driver still come from within and be there lurking in every solo drive. Put simply: I manage a day a year with a coach. I manage perhaps 10-20 more days with a variety of co-drivers. The remaining hundreds of days I am on my own or with a non-critical passenger.
It's clear the biggest quality day is the one with the coach and the only way in which I can externally benchmark certain internal decisions and judgments I make, but there are hundreds on my own that add a massive ability to hone the skills if I choose to use them all as training drives.
So I had my first lesson yesterday. The first part was admin, and a presentation about the IAM and the course. The presentation then changed into a mini quiz, with the instructor asking me questions about what I would do/hazards I could see in various situations. I assume this was to give her a better idea of to pitch her training. Then it was outside, to check the car; which was fine, as I regularly check oil/tyres etc.
It was a good 45 minutes before we actually driving and before I'd even got to the end of my road the instructor had already pulled me up on having my thumbs through the spokes of the steering wheel, rather than on the front of the wheel - hopefully an easy habit to get out of. The first part of the drive was a mixture of roads, leading to the centre of Leamington, then after a few loops around town we stopped for some feedback. The things I needed to work on were slowing down late at junctions and overall smoothness, mainly on gear changes and roundabouts.
The instructor then did a demonstration drive and when I got back in the car we did a few more laps of town, including a reverse round a corner, which after some pointers I was able to improve on the second attempt. Leaving town we focussed on road positioning on NSL roads, whilst also working on smoothing out gear changes and cornering on roundabouts. At one point a chav in a Fiesta shouted some abuse at me, suggesting I should learn to drive :lol:, because I didn't overtake some cyclists on a blind bend and eased off to give extra room to the car in front as they were hanging on my bumper. The drive finished with a motorway section, the only thing that was picked up was that I didn't leave quite enough time between signalling and pulling out.
I've got my next session on the 25th, so I have a lot to work on before then. The one thing I'll need to double check with the instructor is slowing down before junctions, normally I'll lift off then brake, aiming to stop at the line, but I was told that I was both braking too late and should have been lifting off, but also that I should show brake lights and not use engine braking.
I came out feeling like the instructor had picked up a lot of problems with my driving, but was told that overall I was a good driver, but that there was room for improvement. It was a lot to take in, so I can see that maybe a longer course would help, but as that wouldn't fit in with me, I'll have to practice, and maybe book my test after the PH driving day so I can squeeze in some extra practice.
It was a good 45 minutes before we actually driving and before I'd even got to the end of my road the instructor had already pulled me up on having my thumbs through the spokes of the steering wheel, rather than on the front of the wheel - hopefully an easy habit to get out of. The first part of the drive was a mixture of roads, leading to the centre of Leamington, then after a few loops around town we stopped for some feedback. The things I needed to work on were slowing down late at junctions and overall smoothness, mainly on gear changes and roundabouts.
The instructor then did a demonstration drive and when I got back in the car we did a few more laps of town, including a reverse round a corner, which after some pointers I was able to improve on the second attempt. Leaving town we focussed on road positioning on NSL roads, whilst also working on smoothing out gear changes and cornering on roundabouts. At one point a chav in a Fiesta shouted some abuse at me, suggesting I should learn to drive :lol:, because I didn't overtake some cyclists on a blind bend and eased off to give extra room to the car in front as they were hanging on my bumper. The drive finished with a motorway section, the only thing that was picked up was that I didn't leave quite enough time between signalling and pulling out.
I've got my next session on the 25th, so I have a lot to work on before then. The one thing I'll need to double check with the instructor is slowing down before junctions, normally I'll lift off then brake, aiming to stop at the line, but I was told that I was both braking too late and should have been lifting off, but also that I should show brake lights and not use engine braking.
I came out feeling like the instructor had picked up a lot of problems with my driving, but was told that overall I was a good driver, but that there was room for improvement. It was a lot to take in, so I can see that maybe a longer course would help, but as that wouldn't fit in with me, I'll have to practice, and maybe book my test after the PH driving day so I can squeeze in some extra practice.
Thanks.
I've just driven down to Watford, trying to put as much into practice as I can. I've found that on a busy motorway the signalling for 4 seconds before moving out is harder than it sounds, but does make you plan manoeuvre further bin advance.
I forgot to add yesterday, that on the mixed run I was about 8mpg better than a normal mixed run, mainly due to changing up early (1500rpm in 4th for 30mph still doesn't feel right in my car though).
I've just driven down to Watford, trying to put as much into practice as I can. I've found that on a busy motorway the signalling for 4 seconds before moving out is harder than it sounds, but does make you plan manoeuvre further bin advance.
I forgot to add yesterday, that on the mixed run I was about 8mpg better than a normal mixed run, mainly due to changing up early (1500rpm in 4th for 30mph still doesn't feel right in my car though).
LordGrover said:
I really ought to make more time to get assessed - it's been a while. 
Bristol IAM will do you a 60-minute assessment for a small fee. Alternatively, it's possible that one of the people that does the assessments might be a contributor here, and might do it gratis if you ask 
Craikeybaby said:
I forgot to add yesterday, that on the mixed run I was about 8mpg better than a normal mixed run, mainly due to changing up early (1500rpm in 4th for 30mph still doesn't feel right in my car though).
Very rare to use 4th for 30 limits in my experience as it reduces options - that would be using a standard 5 speed gearboxCraikeybaby said:
That is exactly what I thought, MX-5 is pretty gutless under 2000rpm, so third is safer if you need to accelerate.
Assuming 4th works at 30 mph with a light touch on the throttle, the idea of observing well and planning ahead means you should always be in the position to change into 3rd, (or 2nd), if you decide you'll be needing more acceleration than 4th can supply.It's not very 'advanced' to be staying in a lower gear just because you may need the extra acceleration at some undetermined point in the future.
R0G said:
The idea is to be a flexible gear which allows both acceleration and engine braking to ease off
But we can look ahead and decide whether flexibility is likely to be needed in the near future, and if not elect to use a less flexible period for the duration.Advanced driving has a slight oddity in this - optimising gear selection in the upwards direction is fine yet changing down in response to a desire for greater in-gear flexibility and then using it to slow down slightly (by lifting off) is often seen as not so desirable.
The only way out of this bind I've found is to change down in response to the feeling that it would be a good idea, rather than (and earlier than) being a response to circumstances that require slight slowing.
R0G said:
I was not think of acceleration but of easing off to slow down without having to use the brakes every time or having to change down gear
The idea is to be a flexible gear which allows both acceleration and engine braking to ease off
I agree with that, but some would criticise you for slowing on acceleration sense only, on the grounds that you would not be showing brake lights to a following driver. If your rate of speed reduction is only slight (as it usually will be on engine braking only) I don't think it's a problem, but some do make a fuss about it.The idea is to be a flexible gear which allows both acceleration and engine braking to ease off
Edit: I also agree with AG's comments: the desire to be seen as 'advanced' does indeed get some odd ideas fixed in certain minds. I've known some drivers who would immediately engage 2nd gear and go buzzing through a 30 mph limit, when IMHO it served no useful purpose at all.
Edited by p1esk on Sunday 21st July 19:17
S. Gonzales Esq. said:
LordGrover said:
I really ought to make more time to get assessed - it's been a while.
Bristol IAM will do you a 60-minute assessment for a small fee. Alternatively, it's possible that one of the people that does the assessments might be a contributor here, and might do it gratis if you ask AnotherGareth said:
Craikeybaby said:
That is exactly what I thought, MX-5 is pretty gutless under 2000rpm, so third is safer if you need to accelerate.
Assuming 4th works at 30 mph with a light touch on the throttle, the idea of observing well and planning ahead means you should always be in the position to change into 3rd, (or 2nd), if you decide you'll be needing more acceleration than 4th can supply.It's not very 'advanced' to be staying in a lower gear just because you may need the extra acceleration at some undetermined point in the future.
I've got my second lesson tomorrow, so have been out practicing. The main thing from last week I'm struggling to get my head around is slowing down/braking for a junction.
Before I would lift off or brake lightly, stopping at the line, unless it is safe to go. However, on my lesson last week this was one of the main things the instructor picked up on. I was told I should lift off the accelerator early and roll up to the junction, whilst showing brake lights to cars behind. Other than the conflicting instructions, lifting off the throttle in a higher gear in town doesn't really slow me down. So I've been out practicing this and feeling pretty downhearted about it as just getting myself more and more confused. Reading the "How to be a better driver book" all it really says is brake progressively and smoothly.
To take a break from that I also practiced manoeuvring, last week I was told that to improve reversing round a corner I should aim to keep the kerb in the middle of my nearside wing mirror, but dip the clutch and pause to look around as I start the turn, mid turn and as I straighten up. I tried this a few times at different places, but couldn't get the hang of it, my nearside rear wheel kept connecting with the kerb. I tried again, looking out the back window as I would normally do, but adding the extra pauses to look around. I assume that will be OK for the test?
In all my drive home today with a few detours to practice from last week was the first time I'd been out in my MX-5 and not enjoyed it. Hopefully tomorrow can sort a few things out.
Before I would lift off or brake lightly, stopping at the line, unless it is safe to go. However, on my lesson last week this was one of the main things the instructor picked up on. I was told I should lift off the accelerator early and roll up to the junction, whilst showing brake lights to cars behind. Other than the conflicting instructions, lifting off the throttle in a higher gear in town doesn't really slow me down. So I've been out practicing this and feeling pretty downhearted about it as just getting myself more and more confused. Reading the "How to be a better driver book" all it really says is brake progressively and smoothly.
To take a break from that I also practiced manoeuvring, last week I was told that to improve reversing round a corner I should aim to keep the kerb in the middle of my nearside wing mirror, but dip the clutch and pause to look around as I start the turn, mid turn and as I straighten up. I tried this a few times at different places, but couldn't get the hang of it, my nearside rear wheel kept connecting with the kerb. I tried again, looking out the back window as I would normally do, but adding the extra pauses to look around. I assume that will be OK for the test?
In all my drive home today with a few detours to practice from last week was the first time I'd been out in my MX-5 and not enjoyed it. Hopefully tomorrow can sort a few things out.
If possible ease off early but apply brakes as necessary
Early observation will give more chance of using less brakes
Apart from selecting 1st gear try to be off the brakes before changing gear as the vehicle will be more balanced
After practice you can do a steep down hill left hand turn in 1st gear without being on the brakes when changing into 1st - it takes good planning and early braking especially if another is behind
Early observation will give more chance of using less brakes
Apart from selecting 1st gear try to be off the brakes before changing gear as the vehicle will be more balanced
After practice you can do a steep down hill left hand turn in 1st gear without being on the brakes when changing into 1st - it takes good planning and early braking especially if another is behind
BertBert said:
I'm pretty confused about where you guys are going here. Are you seeking to minimise the use of brakes when coming to a stop at a junction?
Bert
What we are saying is to reduce the amount of braking by observing and planning early enough to use engine braking by staying in the current gearBert
We can all rush up and slam on the brakes but that does not make for a nice drive and wastes fuel
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