IAM Observer, what do I need to do?

[RumbleBee]

I completed the IAM course a couple of months ago. I have my first observer training session in a few days. What can I expect? I think my own driving has degenerated slighty since I did my test as I have adapted to a different car, is this likely to be a problem? Im obviously practising to improve it.

[BOF]

You can expect to get more experience every session...when you do begin Observing you will continue to learn and gain experience from your Associates and your input to their driving.

BOF

[p1esk]

BOF said:

You can expect to get more experience every session...when you do begin Observing you will continue to learn and gain experience from your Associates and your input to their driving.

BOF

Thank you for mentioning that bit - now in bold. Mostly it will, of course, be the Associate learning from the Observer, but there's always the possibility of picking up new tiny details, even from a lowly Associate.

[944Nick]

I'm sure you will be absolutely fine.

Pretty much everyone's driving declines a little following the peak of being "test-ready", so there's nothing to make you unusual there.

Enjoy your training, and feel good about the fact that helping associates will make you think about and improve your own driving.

regards
Nick

[LaSarthe+Back]

I am enjoying it already, getting used to thinking about things to do etc. I'm a bit anxious about being up to the standard required, but I don't think that's unusual.

Good luck with it. Can only be a good thing!

[Don]

I am about to do my Senior Observer training...

...you never stop learning from others, from experience, from your mistakes, etc...

[RumbleBee]

Thanks all for the posetive comments. Anyone got any tips and guidelines for the technicalities?

[944Nick]

I would simply try to drive with (and be driven by) as many demonstrably good drivers as you can find. For me, at least, seeing how it can be done is the best teacher.

regards
Nick

[ian in lancs]

Obs training is great fun. The transition from being 'able to do' to 'telling how its done' is infuriating and hilarious! Our obs trainer only did what we told him to, nothing more nothing less, (git) in the session on IPSGA/Overlapping. 'Remote' car control is quite hard!... He did it to make a point and it was well made. Chill, have fun, especially with the new associates - they can be as nervous as hell! I reall enjoy observing.

[A - W]

Dont worry about it. Take your time and ask questions.

Everyone here will help if you need anything answering I am sure.

[BOF]

Keep VERY much in mind that a bit of humour relaxes the Associate when you are Observing, and can then get the best out of the session.

Examples - Trying to teach when NOT to signal can be difficult for a few drives...then they get it...then next drive they signal with no one around...I say 'Thanks!'

'What?'

'Oh - I thought that signal was just for ME'...gets a bit of a smile, better than criticism...and more effective!

Another example...role playing for Observer course Test...my fellow Observer goes through the book...

"My name is X but you can call me Y - what can I call you?"

"Dierdre!" (Spelling? - Coronation Street character?)

Sound of muffled laughter from the Class 1 in the back seat...but we both passed...

BOF