FAQs
Below is a list of questions we are asked regularly, along with answers.Question: How long will it take?
Answer: Most Associates are ready to take their test after about 6 runs. Some take less, but if you need longer we will accommodate this.
Question: How often will I have an Observed Run?
Answer: Observed runs take place monthly, usually on the third Sunday of the month
Question: What is an Observer?
Answer: An observer is a group member who has passed the IAM test and taken further training to obtain an Observer Qualification. This allows him or her to assist you in attaining the required standard to pass the test.
Question: How soon can I start?
Answer: Once you have purchased your Skill for Life Package and registered with the Group we will endeavour to start you at our next monthly session. However, if all the runs have already been allocated, we may have to ask you to be patient for a month or so.
Question: What if I have penalty points on my licence?
Answer: There is no upper limit of points to prevent you from joining and getting the value of observed runs to help you avoid getting any more. You will be able to take your Advanced Test. However, there is a restriction currently applied which prevents anyone who has a court case for a driving matter pending ( including the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice) taking the test until the court case is completed. This restriction will continue to apply, to avoid the IAM being used as a ploy by some who are simply seeking to manipulate their position, and who may be expelled from the IAM by being disqualified from driving almost immediately after their test.
Question: I understand you have observed drives on Sundays?
Answer: That's correct, usually on the third Sunday of the month. However, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to arrange a limited number of non-Sunday runs.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: Much less than most people would expect. The Skill for Life package includes a year's membership of your local group, observed runs (as required), a copy of How to Become an Advanced Driver (formerly Pass Your Advanced Driving Test), the test itself and the first year's membership of the Institute - all for ONLY £139.00
Question: Is membership of the Group separate from membership of the Institute?
Answer: Yes. The first 12 months subscription for both is included in the cost of the Skill for Life package. Once you have passed your test you qualify to remain a member of the Group so long as your IAM membership remains valid. You will then pay a separate membership fee for each. At present our annual Group membership fee is £7.50
Question: What is the cost for an observed drive?
Answer: Observed drives are included in the cost of the Skill for Life package. As they are undertaken in your own car you just have the normal fuel costs to consider.
Question: Who conducts the test?
Answer: There are about 300 examiners appointed by the IAM who are current and retired Police Advanced Drivers and will have extensive experience from working within the Traffic Division of a Police Force.
Question: How long is the test?
Answer: It usually lasts about 90 minutes and covers 35 to 40 miles.
Question: What types of roads does the test cover?
Answer: The test aims to cover as many types of road as possible. This generally includes town streets, motorways, narrow country lanes, main roads and dual carriageways.
Question: How am I expected to drive on the test?
Answer: You are not expected to give a display of fancy driving. On the contrary, you should handle your car in the steady, workmanlike way in which you should drive every day. The examiners do not, for example, expect exaggeratedly slow speeds or excessive signalling. They do want to see candidates drive with due regard for road, traffic and weather conditions, and all speed limits must be observed. They will want to see you driving briskly and to ensure that you are not afraid to cruise at the legal limit when circumstances permit progress with safety. You will be asked to carry out certain manoeuvres. You may need to reverse round a corner, reverse and park, turn in the road using forward and reverse gears, and make a hill start. There could be one or two spot checks on your powers of observation. There are no trick questions in the test and no attempts to catch you out.
Question: What manoeuvres are required?
Answer: The manoeuvres included are normally reversing round a corner, parallel parking behind another vehicle and turning around in the road.
Question: Am I required to give a commentary on the Test?
Answer: There is no longer a requirement to provide a commentary during the Advanced Driving Test , However commentary driving is a useful discipline and one that our group recommends is undertaken or at least practised.as it can help to show you are reading the road , and reacting appropriately.
Question: What happens after my test?
Answer: If you are successful you will be recommended for membership of the Institute. Your Skill for Life package includes the first year's membership, and you will become a Full Member for the remainder of your subscription. To retain IAM status you have to remain a member of the Institute. We hope you will remain a group member, and you may like to consider becoming one of our observers.
Question: Who is eligible?
Answer: Anyone who has held a full British driving license for at least three months and has not been convicted of a serious traffic offence in the last three years. You must have insurance for your vehicle and your car must be fitted with seat belts.
Question: What if I've only just passed my 'L' test?
Answer: The sooner an inexperienced driver of any age comes along to the group, the safer and better he/she will be. Why not get additional training as soon as possible to offset the lack of knowledge. NB: You cannot take the actual Advanced Test less than 3 months after your L-Test, but you can still join.
Question: Can I take the Advanced Test in an Automatic?
Answer: Yes, everything you learn will be the same as it would be in a manual vehicle. The only exception being that you will learn the skills to make proper use of an automatic gearbox to achieve a smooth and progressive drive.
Question: I am disabled. Is it possible for me to take the Advanced Test?
Answer: Having a specially adapted car is normally no obstacle to taking the Advanced Test
Question: Are women Associates (those preparing for the test) assigned a woman Observer?
Answer: All of our observers are fully trained however if a specific request is made, we will endeavour to accommodate this, however in some instances you may have to wait for a female observer to become available.
Question: What happens if I exceed a speed limit?
Answer: You will be required to drive within the law at all times during Observed Runs and on your test. Speed limits are legal requirements, so you will have to adhere to them. That said, you would not be failed for minor infractions, especially if you catch yourself and tell the examiner you are aware of having gone too fast. Bear in mind, however, that a speed limit is only a limit; it does not mean that it is always safe to go that fast.
Question: Nobody seems to stick to speed limits these days unless there is a camera around. If I follow the IAM driving system, won't my journeys take me a great deal longer?
Answer: Speed limits have become a national obsession, both with drivers wanting to break them, and the government wanting to enforce them. In becoming an advanced driver, you will learn techniques that allow you to improve your progress without speeding. Once you accept driving within or close to limits, you will be surprised how much more relaxed you can be without the worry of being caught by a Speed Camera or Police Patrol.
