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Dumfries and Galloway IAM

Institute of Advanced Motorists And Motorcyclists

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Lawrence

A number of reasons led to me signing up to the course. I think anyone would be crazy to rest on their laurels and say they know everything. I also hadn’t driven solidly while I was at university and found that I was not as confident in a vehicle as I should, or would like to, have been. My thoughts were “nothing ventured nothing gained”. The absolute worst that could happen would be I came out with a few new skills. Seemed like a ‘no-brainer’.

At the beginning I thought it may turn out to be a bit of a waste and that ‘oh well I’d just get my certificate and everybody would be happy’. I had the impression that the course would simply iron out bad habits such as crossing hands rather than teaching anything.

My first observed drive was obviously quite nerve-racking. No commentary necessary and no major talking from Charles made me fairly comfortable and confident thinking I was sailing through. Until we came to a stop and Charles started going through my drive with a fine tooth comb. What a shambles!

I soon realised I had a lot of work to do. The one thing with driving is it becomes second nature and we start becoming blasé about the decisions we make, changing gear, clutch etc. So now when you have to change the way you’ve been subconsciously functioning it becomes so difficult and almost unnatural. This is coming from me who is still a relative youngster so I can’t even imagine what it would be like for an older person.

Eventually things did start to kick into place, this System teaches you that the more prepared you are, the more information you can take in advance, the better you will deal with the actual event and similar events to follow.

I absolutely would recommend this course to anyone and actually everyone. It does give you that little extra bit of confidence. Not many people admit or believe they are a bad driver, but if the only thing they could improve was their observation skills they would soon identify more hazards including the risks other people take, and this in turn would lead to they themselves starting to drive in a very different way.” – Lawrence

I initially became interested in Advanced Driving as I thought it would be a good achievement to have “under your belt”. I then heard that a friend had recently become an observer and it all spiralled from there. The first drive was slightly daunting and I had a lot to take. It also highlighted a few habits I had picked up that we would have to remedy.

After the initial drive it just got better and better along with the enjoyment and safety of my driving. I could basically see my driving style changing after each session with my Observer. It is after all quite exciting driving to the same system adopted by the Police. People need to understand that it’s not about driving slowly and going out for nice Sunday drives, it really can bring enjoyment to your driving and totally opens your eyes.

On the day of my test I was understandably nervous, but the tester, who I may add, was a pleasant down to earth chap put me at ease from the very beginning. I just applied all my newly found driving skills and incorporated them as per my usual sessions with my Observer. Understandably I was elated when I had found out I had past, a real achievement.

Since passing the test I have gone on to become an Observer myself and now have my own Associates. I have also enjoyed trips to Tulliallan Police College which has been a grand experience. I would advise any driver who enjoys there driving to take up the Skill for Life course as it will certainly increase your enjoyment and make you altogether a safer driver”. – Noel


- Noel
 
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