Our Skill for Life Programme

Different Groups operate different training strategies but for many years we have allocated a single Observer to an Associate who will take that Associate through to Advanced standard.

 

An Associate having purchased a Skill for Life programme would be contacted by an Observer from their chosen Group who would arrange a mutually convenient time and place for an initial assessment drive.  This and all the guidance is done in your own car with the Observer sat in the passenger seat.

 

After the initial introductions and some minor formalities, you would drive for half an hour or so to allow your Observer to make a simple assessment of your present driving competence.  Based on his observations, you would discuss the drive and then be presented with a brief written report on your abilities.

 

Following runs, again arranged at a mutually convenient time and place, would last between one and a half and two hours and the Observer would offer advice and guidance as to how driving standards could be improved to Advanced level.

 

All drivers pick up bad habits and adopt poor or lazy techniques over time.  We all do it.  A typical driver would probably take eight or so such sessions to reach the required standard although this is quite flexible.

 

When an Observer feels that his Associate has achieved a suitable level of competence, a Senior Observer would be asked to conduct a pre-test run.  This is simply to confirm the Observer’s assessment and that the Associate is indeed prepared for the Advanced Test.

 

The test itself is carried out by a Police Class 1 driver who, again, has been assessed externally by IAM Staff Examiners.

 

The test takes about one and a half hours with a driving content of perhaps one hour covering all aspects of driving, again taken in your own car.  The results are given immediately at the end of a comprehensive, analytical de-brief.

 

It all sounds a bit stressful but no one ever drives for an hour on a variety of roads, encountering various levels of traffic and hazards without making some mistakes!  The examiner is looking for a systematic approach to driving with a good level of competence and skill.  The drive should be safe, legal and smooth.

 

Most drivers have the ability to pass the Advanced Test providing their attitude to driving is right and anyone following the course is likely to turn out a better, safer driver as a result.