Starting IAM SFL - Any Recommened Prep?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm starting my IAM skill for life at the end of January. AFAIK it's two classroom sessions first then the observed runs start.
The main reason for joining up is to improve my smoothness and perception. I thought about taking the car on trackdays and circuit tuition but I thought it's probably best to start at the basics first.
I want to try to prepare a bit, but when I start to think about things in the car I think my driving gets worse. Am I better off not trying to do anything until I have someone sat beside me that can tell me what I'm doing wrong, or how I should be doing it?
I'm not a brown-noser so I'm not trying to prepare so I can be 'top of the class' or whatever, just so I can make the most out of it.
I think I get a copy of Roadcraft along with my membership (?), so I've not bought it. Any other ideas?
Cheers,
Dave
I'm starting my IAM skill for life at the end of January. AFAIK it's two classroom sessions first then the observed runs start.
The main reason for joining up is to improve my smoothness and perception. I thought about taking the car on trackdays and circuit tuition but I thought it's probably best to start at the basics first.
I want to try to prepare a bit, but when I start to think about things in the car I think my driving gets worse. Am I better off not trying to do anything until I have someone sat beside me that can tell me what I'm doing wrong, or how I should be doing it?
I'm not a brown-noser so I'm not trying to prepare so I can be 'top of the class' or whatever, just so I can make the most out of it.
I think I get a copy of Roadcraft along with my membership (?), so I've not bought it. Any other ideas?
Cheers,
Dave
You won't get a complimentary copy of 'Roadcraft' but you will get 'How To Pass Your Advanced Driving Test'. I'd recommend brushing up on 'The Highway Code'. It is also worth investing in 'Know Your Traffic Signs' too. I personally found 'Roadcraft' very useful and started to read it before I did the course. When I did my Senior's test recently I was advised by my examiner that recommending 'Roadcraft' as supplementary reading wasn't such a good idea as it was possibly too advanced for associate level. I am a very visual person so I personally found it extremely useful.
Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
Edited by EmmaP on Monday 21st January 22:35
EmmaP said:
You won't get a complimentary copy of 'Roadcraft' but you will get 'How To Pass Your Advanced Driving Test'. I'd recommend brushing up on 'The Highway Code'. It is also worth investing in 'Know Your Traffic Signs' too. I personally found 'Roadcraft' very useful and started to read it before I did the course. When I did my Senior's test recently I was advised by my examiner that recommending 'Roadcraft' as supplementary reading wasn't such a good idea as it was possibly too advanced for associate level. I am a very visual person so I personally found it extremely useful.
Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
First thing I would say is don't worry too much - over-analysing is both useful and a detriment. The commentary element is good advice but don't think too much about what you can see vs what you can blurt out - hopefully, you should always see more!Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
Edited by EmmaP on Monday 21st January 22:35
What I would do for the next week or so is drive around and think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Then (preferably afterwards) if there are any bits that seem wrong, try to think why, in a reasonably 'formal' driving style.
Second week I would add the babbling but with the main aim of filtering the information, rather like speed reading. I would also root out the slightly odd elements of IAM and try and improve your use/understanding of those, if needed. Things such as the slightly daft bits at the start of the test, feeding the wheel etc. Finally, get a little used to occasionally, slightly odd adherence to posted speed limits, which at times can be the hardest thing, if you are used to doing otherwise - I'm presuming the IAM are still overly hot on this.
Biggest piece of advice I personally can give is to ignore most of the above
The real things that matter are;The observers will give you good guidance as to what matters
You either have it or you haven't (generally but more importantly, on the day) but you can revisit quite easily and prove the worth. Hey I couldn't pass my DSA test first time but did the IAM quicker than usual and at a younger age than the norm. Luck, an element no doubt, but also belief in ability once I'd got over that initial hurdle.
Be like an up to speed version of granny (with thought) and you will be there or there abouts
Not all Class 1 drivers have all the skills in the locker, regardless of what anyone might tell you. Maybe an unpopular statement, but it's the truth. The aim is not to get overawed, but be respectful.
Be sensible, be safe, be thoughtful of and understand why (and explain, if necessary) why you are doing things - there isn't necessarily a right answer. As long as it is safe (or more importantly is sensible for a reason you can give), then it will be taken onboard.
Finally, good luck
My advice (as an Observer of many years) is
Good luck. You'll be fine.
- Read the material. Its not PYADT any more its summat else but the free book you get from the IAM? Actually read it. Not just once. Several times.
- As Emma said: Read the Highway Code. You *will* need it. Part of passing the Advanced test is demonstrating that, unlike the vast majority of drivers, you actually know what to do with respect to any given road furniture, signage and situation.
- being nervous when your driving is being observed and evaluated
- following directions accurately on roads you do not know in places you have never been
Good luck. You'll be fine.
EmmaP said:
You won't get a complimentary copy of 'Roadcraft' but you will get 'How To Pass Your Advanced Driving Test'. I'd recommend brushing up on 'The Highway Code'. It is also worth investing in 'Know Your Traffic Signs' too. I personally found 'Roadcraft' very useful and started to read it before I did the course. When I did my Senior's test recently I was advised by my examiner that recommending 'Roadcraft' as supplementary reading wasn't such a good idea as it was possibly too advanced for associate level. I am a very visual person so I personally found it extremely useful.
Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
Sounds like some good ideas. I'll go out and get a new copy of the Highway Code, my girlfriend could use it anyway as she's learning to drive soon (can't believe I'm beating her to her normal test with my advanced test... but that's another story!).Practicing a commentary as you are driving around, noting what you see and anticipate might realistically happen could prove useful if only to get used to talking to yourself. I am sure that if you wait until the first session all will be made perfectly clear. The course will no doubt be structured in such a way that a head start won't be necessary.
Over-analysing your driving could actually be the reason why you perceive yourself to be 'going wrong'.
Take it easy and enjoy!
Edited by EmmaP on Monday 21st January 22:35
Not seen the Know Your Traffic Signs book, I'll have a look on Amazon, thanks. I think I'll get a copy of Roadcraft too even if I don't necessarily need it right now.
As for commentary, I think I'll really have to get used to this. I'm definitely going to start that practice on my own as it'll probably be gibberish to passengers at first.
D1MAC said:
Be like an up to speed version of granny (with thought) and you will be there or there abouts
I know what you mean, probably the best way to smooth things is just to slow everything down a bit and not rush. I notice that when I need to overtake, etc any smooth technique just pretty much goes out the window. But I know there's no need for it to.Don said:
My advice (as an Observer of many years) is
That certainly won't be a problem, I'm looking forward to the theory from a trusted source rather than just some random pages on the net. Not this forum so much, but certainly in most driving forums... - Read the material. Its not PYADT any more its summat else but the free book you get from the IAM? Actually read it. Not just once. Several times.
I only got the 'Know Your Road Signs' when I became an Observer. It has some signs that don't appear in the Highway Code. It's only a few quid on Amazon.
Regarding commentary, most people don't enjoy doing this. I'd keep it succinct and relevant. No need to construct perfect sentences, for example saying, "Mirrors clear," rather than, "There is nothing in my rear view mirror" would be fine. Also, don't include irrelevant information such as, "There is a pavement to my left with no pedestrians on it." I had this once and failed to see how it presented a hazard.
As Don said, don't expect to be perfect or give a perfect drive. The perfect drive or driver does not exist. People make mistakes. The important thing is that you recognise them when you make them, analise why they occured and take steps to avoid repeating them in the future. Observers know that you may be a little nervous and take this into account, doing their best to put you at your ease. My examiner at associate level was fantastic. He put me at my ease and made my drive so enjoyable that I was sorry when it came to an end.
Let us know how you get on won't you?
Regarding commentary, most people don't enjoy doing this. I'd keep it succinct and relevant. No need to construct perfect sentences, for example saying, "Mirrors clear," rather than, "There is nothing in my rear view mirror" would be fine. Also, don't include irrelevant information such as, "There is a pavement to my left with no pedestrians on it." I had this once and failed to see how it presented a hazard.
As Don said, don't expect to be perfect or give a perfect drive. The perfect drive or driver does not exist. People make mistakes. The important thing is that you recognise them when you make them, analise why they occured and take steps to avoid repeating them in the future. Observers know that you may be a little nervous and take this into account, doing their best to put you at your ease. My examiner at associate level was fantastic. He put me at my ease and made my drive so enjoyable that I was sorry when it came to an end.
Let us know how you get on won't you?
oggs said:
My OH and myself has our assessment on Sunday, she had no faults and I had a couple. I just need a little training to be test standard the GF is already there!!
We'll be doing the skill for life and i'm thinking of also doing the biking IAM
Fab! We'll be doing the skill for life and i'm thinking of also doing the biking IAM
Edited by EmmaP on Tuesday 22 January 15:47
Dave,
Since there are two of you, you could go halves on the Roadcraft DVD from Bespoke - NOT the High Performance Roadcraft - the other one...my copy is with my current punter.
The Roadcraft DVD is also worth a look - our Group have it to borrow...ask your Group?
BOF
Link for Bespoke...
http://www.bespokedrivertraining.co.uk/
I have NO connection with them!
Since there are two of you, you could go halves on the Roadcraft DVD from Bespoke - NOT the High Performance Roadcraft - the other one...my copy is with my current punter.
The Roadcraft DVD is also worth a look - our Group have it to borrow...ask your Group?
BOF
Link for Bespoke...
http://www.bespokedrivertraining.co.uk/
I have NO connection with them!
Edited by BOF on Tuesday 22 January 17:34
BOF said:
Dave,
Since there are two of you, you could go halves on the Roadcraft DVD from Bespoke - NOT the High Performance Roadcraft - the other one...my copy is with my current punter.
The Roadcraft DVD is also worth a look - our Group have it to borrow...ask your Group?
Yeah my group have a library of DVDs and books, including Roadcraft in both forms. I think I'll just go and buy the book and then borrow the DVD. Since there are two of you, you could go halves on the Roadcraft DVD from Bespoke - NOT the High Performance Roadcraft - the other one...my copy is with my current punter.
The Roadcraft DVD is also worth a look - our Group have it to borrow...ask your Group?
Don said:
* Its not PYADT any more its summat else but the free book you get from the IAM?
I've just found out that the new book is titled, 'How to be an Advanced Driver'. It has the same content as PYADT but a different layout. It is not currently available from bookshops, but from IAM HQ in Chiswick. You should get a free copy when you sign up to do an advanced course.
Edited by EmmaP on Thursday 24th January 18:59
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