Safe Speed Forums

I am booked to have my IAM test next Sunday. Any last minute advice, please? I've mugged up on my road signs and I am having less unneeded signalling lapses.

Not done it myself so I can't help with advice, but I would like to wish you good luck for Sunday. Hope you pass, mate.

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Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler - Einstein

Just like to wish you all the best too .

The more advanced drivers out there the better .

Yes indeed. I suppose the IAM might just be able to make a small contribution in that respect.

Anyhow very best of luck in your test.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

Try and relax is the best tip I can give. There's nothing like being tense to interrupt that natural flow and rhythm.

(I don't really know what that 'natural flow and rhythm' is, but I sure know what it feels like. It's like running a queue of future actions - it's never too full and never too empty. Does anyone have better terms?)

And, of course, have the best of luck!

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

Best of luck. I'm sure you'll be fine.

It's about 90 minutes and 35 miles and route as you know will include motorway, rural road, urban roads and a side street or two. Hill starts, reversing around a corner and parking will be included too

Not looking for fancy driving displays- just a businesslike style of driving - not exaggeratedly low speeds nor prolific hand signals. There will be spot checks on your observation - so make sure you notice those lollipops and when you saw them! If you decide to give a commentary - this will be proof of observation skills and will be of benefit.

If your route takes you through any roadworks - examiner willl be assessing how well you cope, how well you observe the tempo limits and lane discipline.

They look for:

Smooth, safe, systematic, stylish driving style.

Appreciation of planned system of driving (ie COAST )

Appreciation of IPSGA (Information (COA) Position (ST ) Speed (ST) Gear (ST) Acceleration (COAST)

Mirror use (COA)

Hazard perception (COAST)

But just read through some of the posts and pages on the site to date - especially my Hendon notes and COAST - and you'll be fine.

But remember - driving should be enjoyable - so relax and just regard examiner as a passenger and this should quell any nerves. I hope!

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Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.

Did my Rospa one in june. My advise is to relax, be early so you get time to chill. I'm not much use under test situations. I'd been doing a top job in the observed runs, star pupil, easy gold, consitant driver, second observer said same. Did test, got nervous only got silver. arse. Try again over winter, marathon training permitting

Good Luck

Thanks for your considered advice - I was just re-reading your Hendon notes on Relaxed Concentration and realising it's time to stop worrying about having to change gear whilst turning slightly on a big roundabout or braking round a corner down a hill (getting the technical bits absolutely correct) and consider the wider view of smooth progress and 100% continuous observation.

I'm quite surprised by that... You'd have thought it a bit demeaning to have to repeat something from the basic driving test, especially "reversing round a corner" - as far as I can remember, the last time I did that was on my driving test... In 1966.

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"Politicians are the same the world over... We build bridges where there aren't any rivers." - Nikita Kruschev

Well I've done it - passed I mean.

The examiner said it was one of the best drives he has had for many months and is recommending me to be an observer at once.

Thanks to all of you who have helped me and given me the confidence I needed, especially "In Gear".

When I did the test I gave a full commentary throughout which obviously helped the examiner to see what I was observing and how I was reacting.

I decided to ignore some of the advice given by my observers like not sticking as close to 60 as possible on rural roads and staying exactly 2 secs behind other vehicles. When I asked if I had made progress, the answer was "yes, but you were a bit slow pulling away from some roundabouts and junctions". I said that the air-con took about 10% of the engine's power but didn't mention the full load of diesel in the tank. Over signalling, the advice I had received not to signal unless someone was visibly in receipt of the signal is wrong - I was sometimes leaving it a bit late, he said.
The examiner just couldn't believe that I had been thinking of giving up driving a few months back.

Thanks again, all of you.

Don't mention it. I'm REALLY PROUD to have assisted.

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

Nice one.
Had a really nice observed run this lunchtime so I'm going to book my pre-test run tonight

Well done , glad to hear you passed .

Nice one Cyclist

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Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler - Einstein

Well done! Congratulations! Glad we were able to help you achieve success.

_________________
Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.

Well done!

Only too glad to think we encouraged and helped you here.

Congratulations.

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If you want to get to heaven - you have to raise a little hell!

Smilies are contagious
They are just like the flu
We use our smilies on YOU today
Now Good Causes are smiling too!

KEEP SMILING
It makes folk wonder just what you REALLY got up to last night!

Smily to penny.. penny to pound
safespeed prospers-smiles all round! !
But the real message? SMILE.. GO ON ! DO IT! and the world will smile with you!
Enjoy life! You only have the one bite at it.

Seconded! I just hope his little foray into the "World of Ernest" doesnt have a lasting effect!!

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

what's this IAM driving test about? I'm from Oz and never heard about it...

It stands for Institute of Advanced Motorists. It's an advanced driving test, though not in any sort of official sense. Some insurers give a discount for passing IAM though.

There are Aussie IAMs about as well. I know of at least one in Victoria (or at least there was a few years ago and I presume there still is) and the first item on google.com.au for "Institute of Advanced Motorists" came up with another in Tasmania.

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Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler - Einstein