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rglasspool 
Newbie 
Joined: 02-February-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3 |
 Posted: 12-March-2004 at 09:29 |
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Hello Tim I think I was that blasted! Observer. I would also say it is common practice for people on their first drive with an IAM Observer for them to drive below the speed limit, as they may be nervous and wanting to be on their best behaviour. It only takes one comment that they are not making progress for this to change. So long as the conditions allow. For those considering the possibility of taking the advanced course, please keep an open mind and I am sure you will enjoy the experience. We have had people on the course aged 19 to 82. Some drive 50000 miles a year, some drive from home to school only. I wouldn't say I was the best driver in the world despite taking my test, BUT I know a hell of a lot more about what other drivers are doing on the road, I control my car better and I enjoy driving a lot more than I did. Although I have tried to persuade my wife into allowing me to buy a car similar to Tim's (excuse my ignorance about which model it is), with no success. Richard
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Nigel
Moderator Group 
Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941 |
Posted: 12-March-2004 at 00:00 |
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And for the rest of us mere mortals there are advanced driving lessons !!!!!!! |
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Best Wishes
Nigel |
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Nigel
Moderator Group
Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941 |
Posted: 11-March-2004 at 23:58 |
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Try it and let me know !!! |
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Best Wishes
Nigel |
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thepits
Moderator Group
Joined: 09-July-2003 Location: far far away Status: Offline Points: 10000473 |
Posted: 11-March-2004 at 21:15 |
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... But isn't that the crunch? "It's your choice?" It's like taking your driving test, on the day you do what the instructor/examiner says and pass, and then you do your own thing! I've always had the impression that all these courses - police training included - are not always up to date - they are only good in parts. "Must not use gears to slow down?" Why not?? I've always done it, especially at roundabouts, slip into the gap, don't stop, anticipate. Good driving come from experience. I'm sure that these courses can help the new driver, but to us 'oldies' I wonder? 
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Cats know your every thought.
But don't care. |
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skull
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 20-April-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 640 |
Posted: 11-March-2004 at 16:51 |
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i cant believe people need to take advanced anything .
i drive way ahead of where i am on the road and take note of everthing in my field of vision and beyond/ behind. ive been driving cars . lorries since i was 17 and riding motorbikes since i was 16 leagel wise. common sense helps a lot. and to contradict myself , yes people should have to take advanced lessons 
a little story... i was driving a van last november with a 19 year old with me who had been banned for speeding before his 1st year was up, i asked him what he could see while we was driving ,, his answer was a car in front ,,, i said how many and he said 1... there was 3 cars a lorry on our side , 2 cars coming towards us on the other lane , a person on a push bike on the pavement and 2 more walking on the other side . is this why our insurance is so expensive, looks like it to me . 
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just a little crazy.
My drive E46 M3 COUPE [MAN]CARBON BLACK GREY LEATHER H/K 19"s LED REARS S/B. |
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B 7 VP
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 04-November-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1115 |
Posted: 10-March-2004 at 15:08 |
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SAFETYFAST Edited by B 7 VP |
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Nigel
Moderator Group
Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941 |
Posted: 09-March-2004 at 22:27 |
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James, your local coordinators number is in your in box. Tim I doubt you were told off !! advised perhaps. It is a comletely different driving system from the one your normally use, and have become comfortable with. I dont like all of it, and there isnt really any point in arguing it bit by bit, overall its good, although I think some of it is outdated, as per the "overlapping" gear changes we discussed at rockingham ( the old stalwarts dont agree with me though), although non overlapping gear changes do force you to plan ahead more, and it is a good disipline to learn, I dont use it everyday. If you decide to do the course, (and I hope you do), you will "have" to drive to that system to take and pass the test. After that...your choice. Most people seem to take the bits they think are good, and combine them with their own style....me included....but dont tell them I said that !!! I think it has made me more aware, and that cant be a bad thing. All I can suggest is you try it. And to all the young loonies out there, try using the advanced system on a twisty "B" road, then tell me 100 plus down a motorway is more exciting !! |
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Best Wishes
Nigel |
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Sohlman
Really Senior Member II
Coupe Chairman Joined: 19-August-2003 Location: Surrey Status: Offline Points: 1259 |
Posted: 09-March-2004 at 18:41 |
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I agree with the above statement and like to be in the right gear before i need it. Nearly always i will heal and toe through the gears, but that allows for a smoother down change.
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 Sunday 10th July Brooklands Sharkfest and Big Coupe Day. Coupe Events
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M3Moose
Senior Member I 
Joined: 12-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 108 |
Posted: 09-March-2004 at 17:20 |
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Re: Block Changes
I've had a similar conversation with IAM members. I tried pointing out that if you were in say 4th gear and slowing to a stop, that if you should find the need to accelerate quickly you would not. They tried to argue this point asking when & why would I need to accelerate. My answer: When I look in my mirror and see that the car behind has not realised I am slowing and he is approaching me 20mph faster than my current speed. They did not accept this as a valid argument.....I beg to differ. I must point out this was not at Rockingham but at a course a few years ago. |
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Zmurf
Newbie
Joined: 15-January-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 14 |
Posted: 09-March-2004 at 17:03 |
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Whilst at the Rockingham 'Better Driving Day', I took advantage of an offer of a free assessment of my driving offered by the local branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (apparently only eleven attendees at Rockingham took up the challenge). I was mostly marked 'above average' and only 'met the standard' in a few areas--driving position, lane discipline and courtesy. Fortunately I didn't get any 'below average' markings, but I had an interesting discussion with the assessor on some areas. Maintaining progress: I was told off for being TOO SLOW. I was in a 60 zone and only doing about 52 mph. Apparently one should drive to the speed limit of conditions allow. So when we got to a 70 zone I showed him 70mph in second gear to make up for it : Wheel control: Interestingly, allowing the steering wheel to slide through your hands on the return IS acceptable, but only if the examiner is confident that you retain friction control on the wheel. Block changes: I was told off for changing down through the gears approaching a roundabout. Apparently you are supposed to continue in whatever gear (4th in my case), slow down using only the brakes, put your foot on the clutch as you come to a halt, and only then change into the appropriate gear. I told the assessor I thought that was crazy. Elbows on window frame: I asked about this and was told it was a 'no no'. Thinking about if afterwards I now realise I tend to put my right elbow on the frame when I'm changing gear with my left hand. This means the maximum pivot point for my arm has changed from being potentially my shoulder and is now the elbow. By doing this I consider I have better control. Overall an interesting experience, and one I might follow up. Tim Edited by Zmurf |
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Advanced Motoring Assessment
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Zmurf wrote:
If there is one good thing to come out of this topic, and taking an Advanced assessment drive, its making drivers Think about what they do, when they drive.Hardly anyone ever questions Why they do this or that?So you may feel that you are a good driver,and comments made to you by an IAM observer, dont really apply to you, but-- perhaps a couple more points were good enough to make you change your thinking or method and which seems to help you.So a positive result.Nigel said we tend to take the things we like, thats human nature.its also the reason why one wants to be better at something than the next person , and if by passing a test improves our chances of staying alive, and out of trouble on the roads, its got to be the way to go.We dont All agree with the advice given, and slowly changes in attitude and thinking are taking place, both in the IAM, as well as us.WE can learn from each other.