Suitable car for IAM lessons/test?
Discussion
Used to be an ADI many years ago (just checked and it's 1988 when I packed it in) 
That makes me feel old
Anyway, knowing that my driving is not what it could/should be, I thought about popping down to my local group for an informal chat with a view to booking a few test drives. Have been before many years ago, but due to work commitments and other things, never got round to completing the course.
My problem is that my car (I've only got one, E55 AMG) *may* not be classed as sensible/suitable enough for sedate driving.
Semi-Auto box (with steering wheel buttons which I very seldom use) is the main concern. I've searched on here and found a previous thread which states these *should* be OK, but the ability to fully use the controls may be required. This is pretty impractical for normal town driving in mine, as it's difficult to get it out of 1st or 2nd for more than a few seconds. Would I be able to use the box in normal (auto) mode?
Might it be preferable to hire/borrow a small manual instead? I would sooner use my own, but don't want to start off on the wrong foot or anything by being seen as a pratt with a fast car. (not that it gets driven fast, especially in the winter)
Any suggestions appreciated. Oh, local group would be Bury (Lancs)
That makes me feel old
Anyway, knowing that my driving is not what it could/should be, I thought about popping down to my local group for an informal chat with a view to booking a few test drives. Have been before many years ago, but due to work commitments and other things, never got round to completing the course.
My problem is that my car (I've only got one, E55 AMG) *may* not be classed as sensible/suitable enough for sedate driving.
Semi-Auto box (with steering wheel buttons which I very seldom use) is the main concern. I've searched on here and found a previous thread which states these *should* be OK, but the ability to fully use the controls may be required. This is pretty impractical for normal town driving in mine, as it's difficult to get it out of 1st or 2nd for more than a few seconds. Would I be able to use the box in normal (auto) mode?
Might it be preferable to hire/borrow a small manual instead? I would sooner use my own, but don't want to start off on the wrong foot or anything by being seen as a pratt with a fast car. (not that it gets driven fast, especially in the winter)
Any suggestions appreciated. Oh, local group would be Bury (Lancs)
daveenty said:
My problem is that my car (I've only got one, E55 AMG) *may* not be classed as sensible/suitable enough for sedate driving.
Won't be an issue. My group's just had a chap in auto 911 pass.Autos are OK to take the test in - you still need to have an appreciation of when manually selecting/holding a gear would be beneficial.
I see what you did there. Car doeesn't matter; we've had Tuscans, Caterhams, you name it!
It's probably worth mentioning when you sign in though that your car is a bit "special"....some of the older generation of IAM instructors are quite set in their ways, so the senior observer is more than likely gonig to put you with a younger observer.
It's probably worth mentioning when you sign in though that your car is a bit "special"....some of the older generation of IAM instructors are quite set in their ways, so the senior observer is more than likely gonig to put you with a younger observer.
Gavstar said:
Sorry for hijack, but this caught my eye as have been considering this myself but didn't think they would be happy with my cherry bomb exhaust TVR Chimaera spoiling their peaceful country jaunts. Am I right?
No you are wrong. Most groups would see Observers fighting each other for an Associate in a car like this.A few years ago one of our local examiners told the following story.
Doing a test and the Associate turns up in a boggo-standard 2.0L 4x4. In the pre-test chat it transpired that the Associate had a Ferrari at home.
Examiner: You've got a Ferrari at home and you came in this.
Associate: Yes, I was worried that you might think I was a bit flash and it would count against me.
Examiner: Where do you live. Is it local so we can go and change cars.
I think you get the idea.
Doing a test and the Associate turns up in a boggo-standard 2.0L 4x4. In the pre-test chat it transpired that the Associate had a Ferrari at home.
Examiner: You've got a Ferrari at home and you came in this.
Associate: Yes, I was worried that you might think I was a bit flash and it would count against me.
Examiner: Where do you live. Is it local so we can go and change cars.
I think you get the idea.
over_the_hill said:
Gavstar said:
Sorry for hijack, but this caught my eye as have been considering this myself but didn't think they would be happy with my cherry bomb exhaust TVR Chimaera spoiling their peaceful country jaunts. Am I right?
No you are wrong. Most groups would see Observers fighting each other for an Associate in a car like this.It would appeal to me though.
philbes said:
Major Bloodnok said:
Sedate driving? What's that? I spend altogether too much time trying to get associates to put some zing into their driving.
Wish you had been my observer. I was told to use 'less brutal' acceleration - in a 2-litre Accord from 40mph in 3rd!!!Mind you, having said that, there is a difference between firm but progressive acceleration and kicking it down to the floor...
Maybe I'll get the Evo next run. He's supposed to be quite good.
Edited by Major Bloodnok on Monday 12th November 23:05
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