Advanced Driving (IAM) training

First IAM drive out

So my first drive out with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) went well.
On return to start point the observer I went out with gave me a debrief with feedback and explained the scoring system.

Working on a system of 1-5, where 1 is best, he scored me 1-2 pretty much across the board, so I'm satisfied with that. Of course I want to get them all up to ones, particularly the one that was 2-3 (OK, but not advanced level).

Now I've a better understanding what IAM are looking for in the observed drives I can start to implement their advice in my day to day driving.

Observation

An exercise I tried while on my first IAM drive was to vocalise all my observations and decision making as I drive, so literally speaking about everything : "30pm zone, school sign, junction right, car waiting at bus stop " etc. 

It really highlighted how much information is coming in and forces you to really think about what you see, rather than just watching the road. So as I'm driving I'm now doing the same internally to practice.

Gears when slowing down

When I can see stopped traffic or red lights ahead, I've always used my gears to slow down. Dropping to 4th, 3rd, 2nd etc as my speed drops off. 

Why? 

a. I like to know the engine is engaged to pull away again if things start moving

b. the engine can provide a gentle braking effect

Apparently the advanced driving way to do things is to use the brakes at first, then dip the clutch (still on brakes) until you reach a stop. Apply handbrake then come out of gear.

Essentially, remove the gear dropping procedure.

This felt quote alien to me, leaving the gears along until stopped. I feels like I have less control with no power going to the wheels. Hopefully I'll get used to it but I think I will have to discuss the merits of that system vs using gears to slow down with my regular observer.

My observer

So I've now been in touch with a chap called Gary who will be 'my' observer / instructor for the duration of my training. My first drive out with him will be at the weekend, hopefully it will go as well as last drive and I'll continue to learn a lot from him as I progress towards my IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) full membership.

More driving lessons

So something I've been meaning to do for time is get some extra driving training.

More training can't be bad, right?  And it should help reveal any bad habits I've got into since passing my driving test 20 years ago.

Well my partner kindly bought me associate membership to the Institute of Advanced Motorists for Christmas. Tomorrow is to be my first drive out with them.

This could be quite a pressured drive as my driving is assessed as we go I believe.

I'll try and post updates about my advanced driver training here as I progress.

In the mean time, I'd better go get some sleep!

Still alive

Yeah, so I'm not so good at this blogging game. Maybe because not much happens in my life?!

Looking back it seems my last was about leaving orange /Ee through redundancy.

Moved on a bit since then. Contracting didn't work out, in no small part to people not paying bills meaning I had to go find a perm job.

Worked at Hermes for a few years on various websites.

Since moved on again.

I will still pick up occasional small pieces of extra work, such as small business websites.

I bought myself a new car 18 months ago, a 184 bhp diesel Leon. Which I've been mostly pleased with.  Paint seems very easy to chip / scratch which is disappointing.

We're *still* talking of selling the flat to buy a house. Just need to find motivation to get the flat fixed up ready to sell.