About 2 months after starting this course, I'm pleased to say that this week I passed my test and am now a member of the Advanced Motorists.
The question is, Was it worthwhile ?
I'd like to consider myself as a reasonable, good observant driver and I only took about 10 weeks to pass the test fairly easily (Most take 6-9 months apparently), but as myself and the Zed boys like to crack on a bit on Sundays, I was also looking to pick up any other tips that may make just that little bit of difference between a near miss and a serious do-do one day. A lot of the course was common sense but there are a things that I did learn and without going into major detail, I'd list a few examples as:-
1)
Not everyone is like you and me. There were people in that IAM Group who you wouldn't allow on a push bike, let alone in a car and these people have voluntarily put themselves up for 'Advanced Driving"? I'd guess they would think nothing of pulling out on you at 60mph just because they drive at everywhere at 20mph , so assume you must be too. Very worrying !
2) Observational Links
During my test I noticed and commented that everybodys Dustbins were out on the pavements and still full. Two bends later, in the middle of the road was a Bin Lorry. During one of the earlier drives, I spotted a Tractor pulling a Hay Trailer, so called the possibility of mud on the road soon. Instead as we rounded a 60mph bend, there was a huge branch lying across the road, brought down from an overhanging tree by the trailer being stacked higher than the average lorry. That visual link and being off the speed slightly, allowed me that extra second or two to stop safely, when I could have still been pushing on.
3) Road Positioning
Most of us take the 'racing line' around a bend when travelling on bit, especially on a left-hander (i.e. out wide, clip the apex and drift back out again), but taking a wide line all the way round it gives a far greater line of sight and also keeps the car more stable once set up for the bend. Moving out also makes you more visible earlier to any cars waiting to emerge from a junction on the left. It's small things but it all makes sense when you think about it in greater detail
4) Signs
We were hacking a long a nice country A road at 60(-ish!) when we came across one of these signs and the Observer asked me, if I would treat the sign any differently if it were the opposite way round ? I just said they are both staggered junction signs.
He then pointed out that the first sign is far more dangerous to me than the second, on the basis that whilst I'm pressing on, another motorist looking to cross my path, could well pull out on me, then sit in the middle of the road, waiting for on-coming traffic to pass before being able to turn right again. Therefore, meaning me, having originally had priority would suddenly need to go from 60 to 0 mph fairly quickly, where as the second sign indicated that I am less likely to need to stop, as the other car would be waiting on the opposite side of the road for me to pass ( hopefully!)
I know these are all little things, but they are actually quite interesting when considered a little deeper than normal !
Apart from enjoying the course, at the end of the day, I have gained a recognised qualification, further discounted insurance and some possible life saving skills. And I would have been doing nothing else useful on my summer evenings !
So, Would I recommend it to others... ? Probably Yes
I may progress onward with it as ultimately I'd like to get to 'Blue light' driving but the next local IAM course isn't until May 2017, so I've plenty of time to think about it
Our group does about an hour, then a demo then you're on
