IAM Teat & Automatics.
Discussion
I have started to embark on passing my IAM car test, last year I passed my motorcycle test. I started out practicing using my manual Subaru Impreza but its just not that smooth and have since also purchased a Mercedes E320 estate which is so smooth and better suited to the test. My question is the Merc has more toys like cruise, speed limiter, electronic hand brake, paddle shift, automatic lights, wipers ect. How do these fit into the test and should they be used, also should the manual hand brake be used when stopped at traffic light ect instead of the electronic version. Thanks in advance.
Talk to an observer Probably not a good idea to use speed limiter and/or cruise control on test. The examiners are tasked with seeing if you can drive up to the speed limit, if safe to do so, and are able to maintain that speed. If you are using cruise control or speed limiter it's more difficult for the examiner to make that assessment as the car is effectively doing the job for you. It might cause the examiner to wonder why you need those particular aids.
The other aids you mentioned are all fine for the test.
The other aids you mentioned are all fine for the test.
carreauchompeur said:
How does the IAM feel about setting the cruise control at a suitably athletic speed on a favourite twisty road and using it as a fun driving challenge?
On a favourite twisty road, or any twisty road for that matter, how do you apply that subtle on/off acceleration sense when approaching/transitioning those twisty bends, if you have cruise control switched on?Ooops, sorry, I now realise you were just suggesting that we wind-up the examiner on our test!
I don't have a speed limiter, but I like using cruise control in e.g. straight sections of 30, as it means I can concentrate on hazards instead of watching my speed.
I asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
I asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
trashbat said:
I don't have a speed limiter, but I like using cruise control in e.g. straight sections of 30, as it means I can concentrate on hazards instead of watching my speed.
I asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
The problem especially in the 30s is that loads of braking gets done instead of using lightly applied accelerator controlI asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
Using brakes a lot when not necessary is regarded in all AD groups as not a sign of a good driver as it compromises smooth control
R0G said:
The problem especially in the 30s is that loads of braking gets done instead of using lightly applied accelerator control
Using brakes a lot when not necessary is regarded in all AD groups as not a sign of a good driver as it compromises smooth control
Context is everything here.Using brakes a lot when not necessary is regarded in all AD groups as not a sign of a good driver as it compromises smooth control
Here is a good example of where I use it: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=a272&hl=en&...
trashbat said:
R0G said:
The problem especially in the 30s is that loads of braking gets done instead of using lightly applied accelerator control
Using brakes a lot when not necessary is regarded in all AD groups as not a sign of a good driver as it compromises smooth control
Context is everything here.Using brakes a lot when not necessary is regarded in all AD groups as not a sign of a good driver as it compromises smooth control
Here is a good example of where I use it: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=a272&hl=en&...
Those are rare cases though - most 30s need flexibility
markys said:
I have started to embark on passing my IAM car test, last year I passed my motorcycle test. I started out practicing using my manual Subaru Impreza but its just not that smooth and have since also purchased a Mercedes E320 estate which is so smooth and better suited to the test. My question is the Merc has more toys like cruise, speed limiter, electronic hand brake, paddle shift, automatic lights, wipers ect. How do these fit into the test and should they be used, also should the manual hand brake be used when stopped at traffic light ect instead of the electronic version. Thanks in advance.
I wonder why you think the Merc is more suitable for the test than the Impreza? In general, I would suggest that the Impreza is the more suitable car for the test in that it allows you to demonstrate more skills.So far as use of either the cruise control or the speed limiter is concerned - the examiner could well be impressed by demonstrating a good understanding of the features of the car. On an advanced test I once commented: 'If I was not on test, in this situation I would use the cruise control'. The examiner replied: 'By all means use the features of the car'. But if you do use either, make sure you do so well, not compromising the spacing between your car and others, applying it and cancelling it smoothly, and perhaps taking advantage of the opportunity to have your right foot hover over the brake pedal.
So far as the brakes are concerned, if you are talking about the Mercedes brake hold feature, I certainly suggest that you take advantage of that, but demonstrate by your comments that you understand the issues, mentioning for example that the brake lights continue to show to drivers behind, but that in daylight this should not dazzle. If your Mercedes has a foot applied parking brake released with your right hand, in my opinion such systems are not designed for short stops (and it is annoying that they cannot be applied and released silently).
No reason not to leave the lights and wipers on auto, only overriding if you are not happy with what the automatic systems does.
trashbat said:
I don't have a speed limiter, but I like using cruise control in e.g. straight sections of 30, as it means I can concentrate on hazards instead of watching my speed.
I asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
I was told by my Observer that this was the right thing to do- rather than constantly checking the speedo you can scan ahead and look for potential hazards. I used cruise control in my test and was told I had 'accurately utilised appropriate driving aids' I asked observers about this, and the reaction was mixed. Some approved in a general sense (as it means you can cover the brakes) but almost all said you shouldn't do it on test, because you should be demonstrably able to control your speed without such driver aids.
It shouldn't really matter what car you do your IAM test in. After all, it is YOU as the driver who is being examined, and not the car.
At a recent IAM meeting, the Chief Observer mentioned that examiners are now keen to see that you can demonstrate using the 'extra equipment' fitted to your car, providing it is appropriate to do so. You may not feel the need to use cruise control or the speed limiter, however examiners are now beginning to expect the associate taking the test to show that they are able and confident in using the extra driver aids, as fitted to many modern cars.
And on that note, best of luck with the test, whichever car you choose to use!
At a recent IAM meeting, the Chief Observer mentioned that examiners are now keen to see that you can demonstrate using the 'extra equipment' fitted to your car, providing it is appropriate to do so. You may not feel the need to use cruise control or the speed limiter, however examiners are now beginning to expect the associate taking the test to show that they are able and confident in using the extra driver aids, as fitted to many modern cars.
And on that note, best of luck with the test, whichever car you choose to use!
Gassing Station | Advanced Driving | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff