Observed Runs
An explanation from the Chief Observer:
An observed run is simply when an observer (who is a qualified advanced driver) accompanies you, an associate, in your own vehicle whilst you drive for approximately 45 minutes over a series of routes in Guildford and the surrounding area. Observed Runs are conducted one Sunday every month from the Group's base at Bellfields (a map can be found here)During the run, the observer will observe your driving skills in accordance with what you have learned from the "Pass Your Advanced Driving Test" book. For some people, having someone watching how you drive can be quite disconcerting, especially if the last time this happened was when you passed your "L" test!. There's no need for concern, this isn't an examination. The Observer will put you at ease and be chatting to you while you drive.
At the end of the run, the observer will provide you with a short debrief on what they have observed. It should be noted that we don't "teach" - to do so would mean having a degree of control over your vehicle. As an associate, you are in complete control of and responsible for your vehicle at ALL times. Our feedback is merely to point you in the right direction and indicate aspects to work on before the next observed run. This information is all recorded on an "Observed Run Report" form, of which you will receive a copy to keep.
Once your driving reaches a high enough standard, you'll be put forward for a "Senior Observed Run". This is where the final "polishing" of your driving skills will begin. You may find that after your Senior run, the "scores" on your report form for some topics are a little lower than you were achieving on previous observed runs. This is quite normal, as the job of the Senior Observer is to pick up on the finer details of how you are driving and is nothing to worry about.
We would now expect your driving to quickly reach the standard necessary to pass the Advanced Driving Test and we will steer you through the various forms and processes to apply to Head Office for a test date. Then it's down to you!
Perhaps you would like to see some of the comments from Observers and recent Associates about our Observed Runs and what's involved in preparing for the Advanced Driving Test. Just go to Observers' viewpoint or Associates' perspective.
