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Dumfries and Galloway IAM

Institute of Advanced Motorists And Motorcyclists

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Kevin

As for the test, I was informed in advance that there would be more than one other person in the car with me; the Examiner was to be observed by no less a person then IAM’s Chief Examiner for Scotland. No pressure, then!

On the day itself the weather could not have been worse. It had already been raining on and off for weeks, but on this particular day I could have taken the test in a canoe.

I met the test Examiner and the Chief Examiner in a car park in Dumfries with the rain still hammering down. It remained pretty much like that throughout the test. Nevertheless, I kept my cool and just made the best of it. To my surprise, I felt remarkably relaxed, despite the weather conditions and the presence of the ‘Chief’ in the back seat; to be honest, I forgot he was there!

By the end of the test we were back at the car park where the Examiner wasted no time in informing me that I had passed. He briefly discussed the errors I had made during the drive and I was surprised how few there seemed to be.

Now that I am a member of IAM I am determined not only to maintain my standard of driving but to improve upon it. The opportunity to develop my driving skills in this way has been great for me; I would thoroughly recommend the IAM Skills For Life programme to anyone considering doing it. – Kevin

Gradually as the weeks have passed I have subconsciously adopted the techniques, which come from being an advanced driver. Some of these techniques I have to admit I have not enjoyed or seen the necessity in adopting, for instance the continual commentary which accompanies a drive. I have struggled with this technique as my Observer will testify and came home regularly to complain about it, but in this case I seem to be wrong. I now see the benefits of commentating, as it helps keep your concentration whilst driving, which is of course essential. It may take time as I am sure you all understand since it is a difficult technique to pick up and adopt easily, but I know it will be beneficial to my driving in the long term.

Another technique essential to being an advanced driver is the planned system of driving, which once understood and memorised becomes an automatic response in dealing with any hazard. This five point system: information, position, speed, gear and acceleration, when applied, come as close as possible to a fool proof system at avoiding hazards. However, yet again I admit this system of driving has not come as naturally or as quickly to me as I had hoped, but I know it is crucial and I will continue to persevere.”

Lucy


- Lucy
 
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