A further update ..for those that are rivetted by this journey..
I passed my IAM Roadsmart test at the end of July 2024 with a "F1rst"..that is the highest mark you can achieve for the standard IAM 'advanced driver'..there is a higher course called the 'Masters' which I'm not yet ready to tackle..
I decided to offer my services to my local group in the Scottish Borders..they asked me to go for the 'National Observer' qualification, this is a Motor Industry formal qualification that allows you to coach would be advanced drivers up to test standard.
Folks have made acerbic comments about teachers versus do-ers..
I have to say I massively underestimated the transistion from advanced driver to coaching would be advanced drivers..far more difficult to be a coach rather than simply a driver.
The expected standards with the attendant methodologies were way more demanding than I thought.
The change from instructing which I've done a fair bit off to coaching was the biggest challenge.
As part of my training plan I've been out with several 'mature' drivers doing senior assessments...
Anyway, last week I passed my nearly 3 hour assessment with one of IAM's senior examiners..
Now I've got two 21 year olds with zero / very limited driving experience.
Still to do my ROSPA test..will do it, just to box it away.
The ROSPA guys look very hick compared to the IAM in so many ways, now I've got really into it. Both working to the same syllabus..different emphasis..
