Driving course

[Buckman]

Has anyone done a Mature Driving Course assessment with IAMs? See https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/mature-driver-review/ I am considering do the course out of interest and so see if my driving skills perhaps need improvement in certain areas. I think it will be interesting for me as I have done done a IAMs test since doing the more stricter equivalent way back in the sixties.

 

[RogerL]

Has anyone done a Mature Driving Course assessment with IAMs? See https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/mature-driver-review/ I am considering do the course out of interest and so see if my driving skills perhaps need improvement in certain areas. I think it will be interesting for me as I have done done a IAMs test since doing the more stricter equivalent way back in the sixties.

I rejoined my local IAM group and did an informal test review with an aim to achieve the Fellow status by taking thest advanced test again - I was shocked how poorly I did, compared to the advanced standard, so dropped the idea but still strive to improve my standard.

 

[IanB1485]

I did a 'naughty course' once where in the afternoon you went out with a driving instructor for an hour - very informative , I did get told off for not going fast enough in a 50 limit ( i was doing 45) and for signalling when in a turn right lane only - obviously the IAM don't take account of fast motorbikes catching you up really quickly and sneaking past in the same lane!

 

[Buckman]

I did a 'naughty course' once where in the afternoon you went out with a driving instructor for an hour - very informative , I did get told off for not going fast enough in a 50 limit ( i was doing 45) and for signalling when in a turn right lane only - obviously the IAM don't take account of fast motorbikes catching you up really quickly and sneaking past in the same lane!

Was it an IAM driving instructor? Regarding the signalling issue, in my opinion that is incorrect. You are signalling your intention to turn for traffic to the rear and also any oncoming traffic plus pedestrians that may be about to cross the road. In my opinion the correct procedure is to indicate that you are moving into a right turn lane by using the indicator and when in the right hand turn lane, why cancel the indicator.

 

[Beachball]

The only course i have done when i had asssessment for my driving rdac at Hull and it had to go to DVLA for my service history .
That when i was told i needed hand controls and had to change my car with them fitted.
They checked my eyes read a car reg some distance away pass that with flying colours .
So all i can say and wish you good luck .

 

[Buckman]

The only course i have done when i had asssessment for my driving rdac at Hull and it had to go to DVLA for my service history .
That when i was told i needed hand controls and had to change my car with them fitted.
They checked my eyes read a car reg some distance away pass that with flying colours .
So all i can say and wish you good luck .

I would be very concerned if someone is relying on luck to get through any driving test? 🤣

 

[Beachball]

I would be very concerned if someone is relying on luck to get through any driving test? 🤣

in that case let us know how you do ?

 

[Mr Plodd]

Has anyone done a Mature Driving Course assessment with IAMs? See https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/mature-driver-review/ I am considering do the course out of interest and so see if my driving skills perhaps need improvement in certain areas. I think it will be interesting for me as I have done done a IAMs test since doing the more stricter equivalent way back in the sixties.

I think its an excellent idea. Due to my previous training I get asked by quite a few people I know to "assess" their driving as they feel as you do. I have been more than a little concerned by just how bad, bordering on truly awful some of them have been I think everyone should be regularly tested, say every 10 years until 70, and then every 3 prior to licence renewal.

On one occasion I had to scream BRAKE ! because the person I was assessing simply hadn't seen a car approaching from his right as he (started) to pull out of a side junction into its path (60mph road) It was VERY close. If I hadn't been there it would have been a very serious crash.
So I would implore everyone to have their driving assessed on a regular basis as many have had no assessment since passing their driving test 40 or 50 years ago!

Bad habits sneak up on you. I have a fellow ex traffic cop assess mine yearly, and me his. Seems our training was excellent as we each comment on how the other is still very good.

 

[Buckman]

I think its an excellent idea. Due to my previous training I get asked by quite a few people I know to "assess" their driving as they feel as you do. I have been more than a little concerned by just how bad, bordering on truly awful some of them have been I think everyone should be regularly tested, say every 10 years until 70, and then every 3 prior to licence renewal.

On one occasion I had to scream BRAKE ! because the person I was assessing simply hadn't seen a car approaching from his right as he (started) to pull out of a side junction into its path (60mph road) It was VERY close. If I hadn't been there it would have been a very serious crash.
So I would implore everyone to have their driving assessed on a regular basis as many have had no assessment since passing their driving test 40 or 50 years ago!

Bad habits sneak up on you. I have a fellow ex traffic cop assess mine yearly, and me his. Seems our training was excellent as we each comment on how the other is still very good.

I did my original test back in 1967 when I turned 18. At that point I had been driving for 3 years. Next test was for police rapid response In 1969. Again a normal test in 1985 and lastly in 1996 in the UK.

 

[borderbilly]

Has anyone done a Mature Driving Course assessment with IAMs? See https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/mature-driver-review/ I am considering do the course out of interest and so see if my driving skills perhaps need improvement in certain areas. I think it will be interesting for me as I have done done a IAMs test since doing the more stricter equivalent way back in the sixties.

It doesnt say anything on website where courses are held.

 

[RogerL]

It doesnt say anything on website where courses are held.

Most local groups of IAM do them.

 

[GUMPY]

Trying to decide if I want to do this or not.
One thing that has been decided is if I do it will be in the Yeti and not the Abarth as my driving styles in the two cars are very different 😱

 

[Dustydog]

I’ve kept my IAM Membership active since 1978.
Never bothered with the Fellowship although did go out with an Observer ( NOT an Instructor) three years ago.
Still go to some of the local monthly group meetings and continue both the National and local membership.
If everyone drove to the IAM standard I suspect the roads would be a far safer place. The whole concept is still based around the Police Forces Roadcraft .

Ian
Every local group has a team of volunteer observers who will take you out and assess your skills. Usually you are expected to join the IAM first. That may be different for local groups.

 

[PTA]

I did the IAM for over 65s last June at the age of 79 (ahem. judged "excellent" overall).
Highly recommended with an excellent friendly assessor (Police driver trainer). Entirely unthreatening. I must admit I was a tad nervous beforehand but was soon put at ease.
Room for improvement included using proper steering wheel grip when turning by "feeding" wheel through hands, unnecessarily indicating back in after overtaking ( a habit I picked up in Spain and towing).
It reassured me to the extent that I have just part-exxed our caravan for a new one on my 80th birthday on the basis of "never give up until you have to"
DO IT!