aka IAM’s Skill For Life training programme Part 2

If you’d like to know why I’m taking the IAM’s programme please see my earlier blog.

I decided to sign up for the IAM’s Skill For Life course in May this year. It cost £149 (2015 price) and Club members get a 10% discount.

Within the week I’d received my IAM membership details in the post including a free year’s RAC subscription and a glossy handbook to take me through the training programme and process.

My IAM observer

Another few days and I was contacted by my Sussex observer called Sue. I had requested a female thinking this was unlikely but because I knew it would make me feel more relaxed about the process. I recognised I’d have to be totally honest about my many motoring shortcomings and I didn’t relish the thought of a male ‘Advanced Motorist’ making me feel foolish in any way… My apologies to male IAM observers, I’m sure you wouldn’t have done this but that’s how I felt at the time.

Sue has more than lived up to my expectations. A professional driving instructor with the highest qualifications, she is also tolerant, appreciative and highly approachable. She has made me think for myself; rather than tell me what to do she has helped me understand how to become a better driver.

So far I have had five x two hour lessons and Sue thinks I am about half way through the course. I can’t explain how much I have learned to date and whilst I am not prepared to share our intimate and often ‘laugh out loud’ conversations, I now know just how much I didn’t know…

What have I learned to date?​

During the course of my observed lessons I have learned to

+ Change my driving position. I drove far too close to the wheel. Enough to cause me injury in a minor accident I’m told. I have since adjusted my seat a bit but BMW seats seem designed for taller people (like men?) especially compared to the likes of Citroen’s C1 that I test drove last week and which fitted me like a glove. On reflection, I probably need a new car to achieve that perfect and safer seating position…
+ Turn right at a right angle (rather than my banana like turns) to cross quickly in front of oncoming traffic and to avoid clipping an oncoming car.
+ Look ahead to see what’s coming – I now scan the horizon looking for clues; this also keeps me highly alert.
+ Shuffle the driving wheel through my hands and not to cross my hands whilst doing manouevres – I know I have more control now.
+ Assess traffic conditions in advance and to judge what gear I need – I used to turn into a residential area with parked cars on both side without anticipating any need to stop quickly for all sorts of hazards – I need first not 2nd gear here.

So far I’m driving smoother, I’m using my 6 speed gearbox more efficiently, I’m more aware of other motorists overall and I’m using brakes to slow me rather than the gearbox as I used to.

Yes it’s work in progress and yes I think I probably will take the test at the end of the course (what have I got to lose if I fail?) but I shall keep you posted on my progress.

What do I think of the programme so far?

I am bowled over by the value for money of such a helpful programme for any novice and/or nervous driver wanting to refresh their driving skills, save money on fuel and become a better, safer and more confident driver.

All for just £149 less 10% Club discount to include c10-12 x 2 hour lessons in addition to a year’s free breakdown insurance and other IAM membership benefits.

I’m not sure your observer will be as marvellous as mine but you can always ask for a female in your area and keep your fingers crossed you’ll strike lucky too.

You can find out more from the IAM’s website.

To save 10% members should login to the VIP area of this website to find out how.

Watch out for Part 3 later this year…

FOXY