Passed IAM today!
Discussion
Synchromesh said:
Good news! I'm onto the Observer Course for my local group. Have the Roadcraft and Highway Code test on Thursday week so I better start swatting...
Nice oneRemember that your objective is to try and get the associate to the same level as what you were prior to test by way of advising them and discussions
Let them practice in their time - no point in doing a run every week or so if they have not had the time to practice - all you will do is waste their time and yours
For the past 12+ years and over 100 associates I can say that 4 weeks between runs and a total of 6 runs is the AVERAGE prior to test
If all else fails then inform them of what the examiner will expect on the test
Try NEVER to TELL an associate what to do - that is for paid instructors
I might just do that!
Another mini update:
I passed the Highway Code and Roadcraft test with 37/40 (pass mark was 32) and was pleased with that given the awkwardness of the questions. Also took my FAD practical test today - I think the driving aspect went quite smoothly but my commentary wasn't the best, and I was given a few points to work on further, but thankfully I still passed. NB: 'FAD' stands for Further Advanced Driving, and involves a written test and more stringent practical test with a mandatory commentary. One must complete this before taking the Qualified Observer test in my (Bristol IAM) group.
I've also completed six sessions of watching Observers' 'lessons'. I've now got to complete six 'role-play' observing sessions with another trainee Observer and a senior Observer advising. Only then can I go on to take the QO test...
That aside I'm going to my first ADUK day on Sunday, so I'll report back (possibly with pics) in due course.
I passed the Highway Code and Roadcraft test with 37/40 (pass mark was 32) and was pleased with that given the awkwardness of the questions. Also took my FAD practical test today - I think the driving aspect went quite smoothly but my commentary wasn't the best, and I was given a few points to work on further, but thankfully I still passed. NB: 'FAD' stands for Further Advanced Driving, and involves a written test and more stringent practical test with a mandatory commentary. One must complete this before taking the Qualified Observer test in my (Bristol IAM) group.
I've also completed six sessions of watching Observers' 'lessons'. I've now got to complete six 'role-play' observing sessions with another trainee Observer and a senior Observer advising. Only then can I go on to take the QO test...
That aside I'm going to my first ADUK day on Sunday, so I'll report back (possibly with pics) in due course.
Really enjoyed the ADUK day on Sunday. The roads were fantastic (including Zig-Zag hill all three times!), the weather was perfect and it was good to get some criticism on my driving from a different perspective to IAM. Will certainly be signing up for the next local one. Anyhow, here's a pic of our motley selection of motors outside the pub lunch stop.
ADUK GTOW pub stop by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
and a snap of my car I took along the way (yes a little OT I know, but what the heck).
Polo amongst trees by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
ADUK GTOW pub stop by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
and a snap of my car I took along the way (yes a little OT I know, but what the heck).
Polo amongst trees by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
Forgot to update here, but I passed my observer test last week, and met my first associate today at the group's first Skill for Life seminar for the January course. Seemed like a nice enough bloke with no predisposition about my age, which, incidentally, makes me the group's youngest observer (and, from my unscientific observations, by quite some margin).
In other news, I'm attending a track day at Brands on the 11th of next month which should be useful for my driver development in a broader sense, if not directly to ADing in it's truest form. Hopefully a new car as well in the forthcoming weeks so it's all go!
In other news, I'm attending a track day at Brands on the 11th of next month which should be useful for my driver development in a broader sense, if not directly to ADing in it's truest form. Hopefully a new car as well in the forthcoming weeks so it's all go!
Again, it's been a while since the last update here's where I'm at.
IAM-wise, my first associate dropped out after one session to due health and work constraints, but gave the group positive feedback on me, which was encouraging. Have now had 8 sessions with my second associate, and she's getting to the stage where she could go in for test.
I've also been to ADUK days in Maidenhead, the Brecon Beacons, Monmouth, Shaftesbury, and the Cotswolds, as well as some self arranged drives with other ADUK people. I've lost count of the number of HPC members I've now driven with (at a guess around 20) and I hope this is rubbing off on my own style. I think I've done well in terms of getting as much tuition as I can, for as little money as I can!
In April I put my money where my mouth is and booked half a day (which turned into most of a day) with Clive Jones. Turned out to be very insightful and although I felt I drove poorly (as is often the case the first time I drive with someone), I came away with a lot to work on.
I also went to the YDD again this year, which was just as good as last, and I got some good feedback on my own driving.
In terms of my general progress, I feel my observation and bend assessment are coming on, and I'm getting smoother on the controls. I know this sounds so basic, but I'm still not happy with the smoothness of my gear changing , especially down changing at higher revs. I'll be seeking help with this at some point.
IAM-wise, my first associate dropped out after one session to due health and work constraints, but gave the group positive feedback on me, which was encouraging. Have now had 8 sessions with my second associate, and she's getting to the stage where she could go in for test.
I've also been to ADUK days in Maidenhead, the Brecon Beacons, Monmouth, Shaftesbury, and the Cotswolds, as well as some self arranged drives with other ADUK people. I've lost count of the number of HPC members I've now driven with (at a guess around 20) and I hope this is rubbing off on my own style. I think I've done well in terms of getting as much tuition as I can, for as little money as I can!
In April I put my money where my mouth is and booked half a day (which turned into most of a day) with Clive Jones. Turned out to be very insightful and although I felt I drove poorly (as is often the case the first time I drive with someone), I came away with a lot to work on.
I also went to the YDD again this year, which was just as good as last, and I got some good feedback on my own driving.
In terms of my general progress, I feel my observation and bend assessment are coming on, and I'm getting smoother on the controls. I know this sounds so basic, but I'm still not happy with the smoothness of my gear changing , especially down changing at higher revs. I'll be seeking help with this at some point.
Slow the downchanges and be forceful with the throttle blip
Make sure the lower gear is being engaged whilst the revs are still high
you could also try double-de-clutching and then doing the above
I found a long straight quiet road to practice the above and it did not take too long to get quite proficient at it
Make sure the lower gear is being engaged whilst the revs are still high
you could also try double-de-clutching and then doing the above
I found a long straight quiet road to practice the above and it did not take too long to get quite proficient at it
Synchromesh said:
I'm still not happy with the smoothness of my gear changing , especially down changing at higher revs. I'll be seeking help with this at some point.
Higher speeds, rather than higher revs? Or are you trying to change down to very high revs?Three ideas that have helped me with gearwork (without reference to you actual style):-
- change earlier
- change faster (not snatched, but not a long-lingering death, either)
- use a higher gear more often and use your anticipation to avoid needing the gear change
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