Observed Runs

What's an Observed Run?
An Observed Run consists of the Associate (someone who has not yet passed the IAM Test) driving his or her car accompanied by one of our Observers (see below). Guidance and advice is given during the Observed Run to help the Associate better understand and put into practice the principles of Advanced Driving. Each run lasts about an hour and includes a feedback discussion at the end of the run and advice to the Associate on how to improve aspects of their driving which are not up to the IAM test standard.

Sounds intimidating!
We try not to be! All Warrington Group Observers have been Associates themselves and remember what it's like, so they do their best to put the Associate at their ease. If you are not enjoying it or finding it useful, then we must be doing something wrong, so please tell us - we really do want to know.

How many runs will I need?
We work to a flexible system based on a series of modules which break the required skills down into eight easy to manage and logical blocks. Note that our Observers do not "teach" or "instruct" but give advice, counsel and sometimes suggest ideas and techniques that will help. This eight-module course is essentially a combination of practical driving sessions (the Observed Runs) in combination with a little bit of your own self-study of the relevant portions of the book called "How to Be a Better Driver" issued as part of the course.

I can't make it on Sundays. What about other days?
If our normal Sunday meets are not convenient (shift work, other commitments, etc.), then we can assign an Observer who is available at other times and days of the week so that mutually convenient times for the Observed Run can be arranged. In practice we find most Associates are up to the IAM Test standard within 10 runs, and go on to pass the Advanced Test after about 3 further Observed Runs. However, we can be flexible and Associates are offered as many Observed Runs as they feel they need (within reason) before going for the IAM Advanced Test.

So, who are these "Observers"?
"Observers" are people who have already passed the IAM Advanced Test and have undertaken further training and Observed Runs under supervision within the Group to ensure they have the required skills to pass on the relevant advice and suggestions. They are then examined and tested against an IAM National Observer qualification scheme before becoming a formally "Qualified" Observer. There is also a higher grade than Qualified Observers in the IAM National Observer Qualification Scheme. These are called "Senior Observer" and their role is to help train and qualify new Observers as well as being the more "experienced" Observers in the Group. All Qualified and Senior Observers are subject to a re-qualification scheme so you can have complete confidence in the Observer who is sitting next to you giving advice and guidance.

Where do we meet for Observed Runs?
We meet every Sunday (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year's Day) near the Aldi supermarket car park, Crosfield Street, Warrington WA1 1UP at 10:15am. Look for the IAM caravan.

More about Observers, by Roy Nelson

Observer Qualification
It is important that Associates should have confidence in the person sitting alongside them on an Observed Run. It is with this in mind that I have put together this summary of the process of Observer Qualification.

Initially when the I.A.M. was formed there was no formal qualification process, simply a reliance on observed good sense with Class 1 Police Drivers playing a major role. Gradually individual Groups developed their own systems as the I.A.M. grew. Warrington developed its own formal scheme, shortly after the Group's formation and this is still the basis of our scheme today, though it has been subject to regular scrutiny and refinement.

Since 1 Jan 2002, IAM Head Office has required all Observers to formally qualify through a 3 part process:

An approved observation of an Associate,
A written test (3 parts: RoadCraft, the Highway Code & Admin.),
A formal Demonstration Drive.

The Warrington Group of Advanced Motorists has implemented this requirement as follows:

The trainee Observer is expected to complete 6 months of observer training, involving a minimum of 10 hours of observed runs with Associates. The training includes:

Stage 1

2 observations of experienced observers,
A self appraisal,
2 or 3 shared observations
1 or more supervised observations, until the candidate feels ready to undertake a formal appraisal.
A formal Appraisal by a Senior Observer.

Stage 2

A 3-part multiple choice test paper, 10 questions on each of the 3 elements referred to above, with an 80% required pass rate on each and all.

Stage 3

A formal Demonstration, comprising:

A short exposition of what Advanced Driving is about, with heavy emphasis on System Driving;
A 15-20 minute drive, demonstrating the same with an initial 10-minute intensive commentary;
An oral response to 2 common driving situations, answered by reference to the SYSTEM.

Yes, that's pretty demanding.

So, who conducts this process? A Senior Observer! What, or who, are they?

Senior Observers
A Senior Observer is a Qualified Observer (i.e. done all of the above) with a minimum of 6 months of regular Associate observation, who then puts themselves forward with Group support and recommendation. Further coaching, advice and training is provided by the Training Officer and other Seniors. The Group then funds an application to H.Q. and an IAM Staff Examiner (the same guy who checks out our local Examiners) is assigned to test the applicant.

The Senior Observer test takes the form of an observed Observation of an Associate (forewarned, of course) followed by a formal Demonstration of Advanced Driving Technique.

Each Qualified Observer is reassessed by the Group every 3 years, with Seniors being re-examined additionally at each 6-year interval by a Staff Examiner.

Happy with the Observer alongside you?

I sincerely hope so. It's not quite as daunting in practice as it may read. If you are committed and enjoy driving you will enjoy it! Honest!

Roy Nelson