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Dumfries and Galloway IAM

Institute of Advanced Motorists And Motorcyclists

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Richard

Well I have always been interested in driving and eventually passed my test in 2007. I looked into doing pass plus but it just didn’t seem very good. When I heard about IAM I jumped at the chance. Naturally once it came nearer to the time of my first drive, I started getting a little worried ……… silly me because it was really interesting.

The good thing about only driving for a year is that I didn’t really have a chance to build up bad habits. I guess like a lot of younger drivers though you do start to think well I’ve passed my test so I must be pretty good at this driving malarky. After a few drives, it became clear that I had a lot to learn and my observer did an excellent job of setting the pace.

One thing I did notice that kept creeping up was my driving was just far too hurried. Gear changes and clutch control were an absolute nightmare and now with a little tlc my car loves me for not being quite so brutal. Smooth and fluid have replaced jerky and rushed. Another thing to note is that with practise and a little time my reversing is so much more confident that I can do it all the time. Fantastic.

In a nutshell the IAM got me more interested in driving. It has shown me how to be a better and safer driver. I also have more knowledge about the world of driving which i can retain for the future. The people that give up their time for this are brilliant and want to make a difference. I can but try and do the same. You would be mad to pass this kind of opportunity up.

IAM I salute you! – Richard

The demonstration drive was interesting, and I have to admit I thought, “but I drive like this anyway, more or less”. Then came the first observed drive, and the feedback, and the uncomfortable revelation that my driving wasn’t perfect
after all!

Over the next few weeks, with infinite patience and great skill, my Observer observed, commented, guided and praised until “The System” slowly dawned, came together, made sense. Right speed, right position, right gear, right frame
of mind. Careful observation worn like a seat belt. Searching for the perfect gear change, the precise steering movement, finesse in everything. Learning to predict traffic behaviour like a motoring psychic.

When I successfully completed the test, I was really pleased, and knew I had achieved something important. But of course this was still near the bottom of the learning curve.

This is without doubt one of the best decisions I have made, and has not only improved my driving, but also my attitude in the driving seat. In a paradoxical way, greater awareness of the sometimes strange and irrational behaviour of others can actually result in a more tolerant attitude. And certainly greater insight into one’s own driving makes for a safer and more relaxed experience. – David


- Interesting - David
 
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