thinking of doing my advanced but .....
Discussion
ok, i want to do my advanced licence because i love driving and would like to learn more and know it will help my insurance in the future as i wish to purchase a MK1 MR2 or mx5 and then also looking to buy an old TVR along the lines of a 3000M, but this is not going to happen before winter!! so would like to do the licence over summer, but i only have a smart For2 which is semi auto would it still b possible to do the licenc in this and also gain all the benefits or would i be better to get insured on on of the familys manual cars?
regards matt
regards matt
becca_viola said:
I'll be taking the IAM course in an automatic. Nobody's suggested that it could be a problem so far. I'm starting in May. Good luck!
It appears to be quite normal, but I am surprised that the IAM course (and presumably their test) can be done in an automatic car. Obviously there is much more to advanced driving than the skilled use of a clutch and manual gearbox, but in effect it does seem to be leaving out a significant area of expertise.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
I'll be taking the IAM course in an automatic. Nobody's suggested that it could be a problem so far. I'm starting in May. Good luck!
It appears to be quite normal, but I am surprised that the IAM course (and presumably their test) can be done in an automatic car. Obviously there is much more to advanced driving than the skilled use of a clutch and manual gearbox, but in effect it does seem to be leaving out a significant area of expertise.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Well, I'm only ever going to be driving automatics so it'd seem pretty senseless for them to go "nope, you're only allowed to learn to drive better if you can work a clutch and gears yourself"...
becca_viola said:
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
I'll be taking the IAM course in an automatic. Nobody's suggested that it could be a problem so far. I'm starting in May. Good luck!
It appears to be quite normal, but I am surprised that the IAM course (and presumably their test) can be done in an automatic car. Obviously there is much more to advanced driving than the skilled use of a clutch and manual gearbox, but in effect it does seem to be leaving out a significant area of expertise.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Well, I'm only ever going to be driving automatics so it'd seem pretty senseless for them to go "nope, you're only allowed to learn to drive better if you can work a clutch and gears yourself"...
OK, fair enough, but 'only ever going to be driving automatics' does sound to be a bit of an unusual situation. Good luck anyhow.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
You can do it in any car you like! If it's an auto/semi-auto you'll be expected to demonstrate full use of the gear hold functions.
I’ve not found much difference (if any) in quotes since passing so don’t pin too much hope on it lowering premiums. What it should do is help you avoid accidents and therefore insurance claims. NCB is still the best way to lower insurance, that and running a classic or kit car.
I’ve not found much difference (if any) in quotes since passing so don’t pin too much hope on it lowering premiums. What it should do is help you avoid accidents and therefore insurance claims. NCB is still the best way to lower insurance, that and running a classic or kit car.
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
I'll be taking the IAM course in an automatic. Nobody's suggested that it could be a problem so far. I'm starting in May. Good luck!
It appears to be quite normal, but I am surprised that the IAM course (and presumably their test) can be done in an automatic car. Obviously there is much more to advanced driving than the skilled use of a clutch and manual gearbox, but in effect it does seem to be leaving out a significant area of expertise.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Well, I'm only ever going to be driving automatics so it'd seem pretty senseless for them to go "nope, you're only allowed to learn to drive better if you can work a clutch and gears yourself"...
OK, fair enough, but 'only ever going to be driving automatics' does sound to be a bit of an unusual situation. Good luck anyhow.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
It is less common (I drive with hand controls) but someone who'd only got an automatic license for any other reason would essentially be in the same boat, except that they'd have the possibility of taking a manual test and 'upgrading' their IAM skills similarly, presumably.
becca_viola said:
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
TripleS said:
becca_viola said:
I'll be taking the IAM course in an automatic. Nobody's suggested that it could be a problem so far. I'm starting in May. Good luck!
It appears to be quite normal, but I am surprised that the IAM course (and presumably their test) can be done in an automatic car. Obviously there is much more to advanced driving than the skilled use of a clutch and manual gearbox, but in effect it does seem to be leaving out a significant area of expertise.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Well, I'm only ever going to be driving automatics so it'd seem pretty senseless for them to go "nope, you're only allowed to learn to drive better if you can work a clutch and gears yourself"...
OK, fair enough, but 'only ever going to be driving automatics' does sound to be a bit of an unusual situation. Good luck anyhow.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
It is less common (I drive with hand controls) but someone who'd only got an automatic license for any other reason would essentially be in the same boat, except that they'd have the possibility of taking a manual test and 'upgrading' their IAM skills similarly, presumably.
Oh I see now. Beg pardon.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
becca_viola said:
It is less common (I drive with hand controls) but someone who'd only got an automatic license for any other reason would essentially be in the same boat, except that they'd have the possibility of taking a manual test and 'upgrading' their IAM skills similarly, presumably.
DSA gives you an automatic only or manual (allows driving auto) licence.
IAM car test is one test, and does not differentiate between what gearbox you use. It's not "advanced for autos only". If someone starts driving a manual car later on, they're still "IAM Advanced".
PS - It's hard to drive an auto well (to the system) IMHO.
The Nottingham Trent Group are about to start their last course before September next Tuesday. And there are still places available. (I'll take you out for a drive before hand if you want, to give you an idea of what the course involves, though it is getting a bit late in the day, unless you are free for an hour or so on Saturday).
Theory classes are held at the Holiday Inn, Castle Marina, at 7.30-9.00pm on the following Tuesdays -
17 Apr 24 Apr 1 May 8 May 15 May
The Sunday morning observed drives commence on 22nd April at 9.30am at Sainsbury's car park at Castle Marina. These are a combination of one and two hour drives, with a different Observer each week, starting at either 9.30am or 10.30am -
22 Apr 29 Apr 6 May 13 May 20 May 3 Jun 10 Jun
(Note: No drives on Sunday 27th May due to it being a Bank Holiday weekend)
For further information visit: www.nottinghamtrentiam.org.uk OR email me or call me for a chat. We had 100% success rate on the last course we ran. In fact, I only think one, possibly two, in the last two years did not pass first time. If that is too short notice then the next one after this will begin mid September.
To answer your other question regarding taking the test in an automatic, this is fine. You will, however, need to demonstrate full use of the various options it offers. We have had a number of Associates successfully follow the course and pass their test in automatics. As becca_viola said, if that's the car you are going to drive, then that's the car you should take the test in. I think that you will be able to transfer a great deal of the knowledge and skills that you will acquire to a manual gearbox when you find yourself behind the wheel of one.
I saved about £85 or £90 on my insurance last year, so that covered the fee for the course and test.
Theory classes are held at the Holiday Inn, Castle Marina, at 7.30-9.00pm on the following Tuesdays -
17 Apr 24 Apr 1 May 8 May 15 May
The Sunday morning observed drives commence on 22nd April at 9.30am at Sainsbury's car park at Castle Marina. These are a combination of one and two hour drives, with a different Observer each week, starting at either 9.30am or 10.30am -
22 Apr 29 Apr 6 May 13 May 20 May 3 Jun 10 Jun
(Note: No drives on Sunday 27th May due to it being a Bank Holiday weekend)
For further information visit: www.nottinghamtrentiam.org.uk OR email me or call me for a chat. We had 100% success rate on the last course we ran. In fact, I only think one, possibly two, in the last two years did not pass first time. If that is too short notice then the next one after this will begin mid September.
To answer your other question regarding taking the test in an automatic, this is fine. You will, however, need to demonstrate full use of the various options it offers. We have had a number of Associates successfully follow the course and pass their test in automatics. As becca_viola said, if that's the car you are going to drive, then that's the car you should take the test in. I think that you will be able to transfer a great deal of the knowledge and skills that you will acquire to a manual gearbox when you find yourself behind the wheel of one.
I saved about £85 or £90 on my insurance last year, so that covered the fee for the course and test.
Edited by EmmaP on Thursday 12th April 23:41
There's no reason at all that you shouldn't do some advanced training in an automatic or semi-automatic car.
There is a huge amount to learn about observations, planning, posiitioning, systematic approaches to hazards, cornering, etc, etc, which are just as relevent to the drivers of automatics as they are to those who drive manuals. System can be applied just as well in an automatic or semi-automatic car (I should know, my car is a semi-auto), and often requires more skill to apply correctly than in a manual car.
Good luck with your training, and keep an eye on this forum - I'm planning a post specifically about the correct use of semi-automatic gearboxes in the near future.
There is a huge amount to learn about observations, planning, posiitioning, systematic approaches to hazards, cornering, etc, etc, which are just as relevent to the drivers of automatics as they are to those who drive manuals. System can be applied just as well in an automatic or semi-automatic car (I should know, my car is a semi-auto), and often requires more skill to apply correctly than in a manual car.
Good luck with your training, and keep an eye on this forum - I'm planning a post specifically about the correct use of semi-automatic gearboxes in the near future.
becca_viola said:
Well, I'm only ever going to be driving automatics so it'd seem pretty senseless for them to go "nope, you're only allowed to learn to drive better if you can work a clutch and gears yourself"...
My view is that advanced driving is more about observation, planning and thinking than it is about mechanical car control (although can prevent the other from being implemented). I seen no reason not to learn and use its principles whether driving a single seat car or a shopping trolley.
No problem doing IAM or RoSPA in an auto...I got this comment in Feb and retained RoSPA Gold...
""The candidate is an Observer with a local group and is a very keen driver to perfect his own driving skills. This was a very good professional drive over a very 'fussy' test route that needs total concentration for its entire route. The candidate has a superb knowledge and understanding of his automatic gearbox and gave one of the best demonstration drives using the auto box I have ever had.
An excellent, high standard drive.
RESULT: GOLD""
My Group give mainly auto Associates to me, but have a manual lady right now and have to be checked out on manual and auto periodically.
BOF
TEST DATE: Feb 12 2007 TIME: 10.00
PS - Go for it Becca!
""The candidate is an Observer with a local group and is a very keen driver to perfect his own driving skills. This was a very good professional drive over a very 'fussy' test route that needs total concentration for its entire route. The candidate has a superb knowledge and understanding of his automatic gearbox and gave one of the best demonstration drives using the auto box I have ever had.
An excellent, high standard drive.
RESULT: GOLD""
My Group give mainly auto Associates to me, but have a manual lady right now and have to be checked out on manual and auto periodically.
BOF
TEST DATE: Feb 12 2007 TIME: 10.00
PS - Go for it Becca!
Edited by BOF on Friday 13th April 09:32
Yep go for it. I passed my IAM test in a manual but now drive a semi / auto Audi DSG. Passed as an observer in a manual as well. Our group, Sheffield, encourages a "demo drive" by the observer after 2-3 lessons. I try to drive in semi auto mode to demostrate use of correct gear for each situation. I agree with the above comments that an auto is not as "easy" option. I've had 3 associates so far with auto's and the biggest problem is re educating them from just sticking it in drive and leaving it there for the entire journey. Looking forward to R U's lesson on the auto boxes, I have suggested to our group we should get the all the observers various "autos" together since different boxes have different charateristics. So far I've come up with "normal" auto's with torque converters, CVT such as audi's and some fiats. Semi auto, normal clutch and gearbox such as alfa selespeed and BMW SMG I and II and other Audis DSG dual wet clutch and dual gearbox.
medicineman said:
Our group, Sheffield, encourages a "demo drive" by the observer after 2-3 lessons.
Our group - the one that I recommended to Matt as he is local to it - does too, on week 3 I think. Our Chief Observer drives an auto as do a few Observers so Matt should get plenty of input in that department.
medicineman said:
So anyone else like me worry that your going to make some huge mistake on your demo drive?
When I was doing the drive to demonstrate my suitability for Observer status I made a potentially massive f*ck up at the first junction. I didn't cause an accident or cause the other vehicle to alter his course, but boy did I feel stupid. It just goes to show that we all make mistakes when we feel under pressure.
hi everyone thanx for ur replys, some great info! the problem i have with the smart is its semi auto and it changes gear on its own if u don't at certain speeds! eg; 1st=30mph 2nd=45mph 3rd=60mph and so on! so say for instance if i go to make an overtake in a NSL and the car i plan to overtake is doing 40mph, i down shift to 3rd but the car will change gear on its own half way through the manover as i hit 60 and put it into 4th!! this is y i hate this car wish i had a manual!!! emma yes u are local to me, i live in gedling village, if we could meet and u could give me some ideas of whats involved!
matt
matt
scissorhands83 said:
i live in gedling village, if we could meet and u could give me some ideas of whats involved!
matt
matt
Posh git!
I could meet you in town on Tuesday at lunch time if you are free. The IAM meet is on Tuesday night, so it won't give us time really for a proper run out, unless you have an understanding boss 
Failing that, could squeeze you in for an 45/60mins run out at 5.30/6pm on Monday evening. Email me through my profile or give me a bell (details on my website) if you're free.
Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 15th April 23:22
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