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Dumfries and Galloway IAM

Institute of Advanced Motorists And Motorcyclists

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Stuart

She took me down a variety of quiet back roads to nip my insufficient progress in the bud. Unfortunately, in taking side turnings it would appear my friend the clutch foot was up to its tricks again. It was still holding on to the left pedal while I started to take the turn. Not good. If that wasn’t bad enough, I also had to learn how to separate my braking and gear change before reaching any corner or turning. Keeping the foot off the clutch when turning is a matter of timing, but this using 3 pedals but only having 2 feet problem took a fair bit of ironing out. It’s becoming second nature now and boy has my driving improved because of it.

On the day of my test I feared the worst when I saw the Examiner scribbling away as I headed back to the car park, but I needn’t have worried. It was more relief than joy at first, but it’s started to sink in now. So has the responsibility of being a member. It’s now my duty to promote the Institute by upholding my driving standards at all times. Gulp! “

Stuart

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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