Procedure for becoming an IAM observer?

by **stephenperry** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:17 am

I had expressed an interest in becoming an observer for my local IAM group before passing my standard test in October last year. The new course (two courses a year) starts next week and I'd like to get an idea of what to expect on "the other side of the fence" as it were

Apart from sitting in on the theory lectures and getting a distinct feeling of deja vu, I've no idea what the procedure is with regard to observer training - is there an official training programme with tests or does it differ from group to group? Do I still attend the practical lessons on a watch and learn basis?

by **Nigel** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:19 am

by **stephenperry** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:37 am

that would be ideal but glasgow is about a 4 hour drive south of here so mentoring would probably not be as frequent as required

what does the mentoring usually entail?

will i still get a chance to be observed while driving as well as teaching?

by **Nigel** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:46 am

by **stephenperry** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:52 am

ac? what's that?

by **Porker** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:59 am

"AC" is probably Associates Coordinator.

P.

by **Nigel** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 9:28 am

by **crr003** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:11 pm

Nigel wrote:..... but some of the old stalwarts aren't keen.

If it's not broken, why fix it?

Could be an argument.

by **Nigel** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:42 pm

by **stephenperry** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:47 pm

"my" group was lukewarm to the new observer training programme so i've been given two booklets... an iam observer training manual and an iam observer qualification guide... interesting reading

by **Nigel** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:50 am

by **ROG** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:21 am

The IAM National Observer Training Scheme (NOTS) was trialled with some IAM groups.
It is more formal and a bit DSA type formatted. This MAY be a prelude to getting DSA recognition, but dont hold your breath!
Like anything new, it has its pros & cons.
The best use of this would be to use it alongside the current methods, therefore giving a CHOICE.
It is the end result that matters - getting drivers to improve and, where possible, passing the advanced test.
A lot of advanced driving is about "attitude". If drivers', advanced or not, are not generally open to new ideas & critisism, how can they be expected to improve?
Hands up all those who are perfect.

by **stephenperry** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:07 pm

talk about sink or swim.... first practical session - "would you like to have a go at observing this new candidate?, senior observer will sit in the back" <gulp>

excellent first attempt... natural rappore with the driver... hang on, is this someone elses sheet? :lol:

by **SammyTheSnake** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:28 pm

stephenperry wrote:talk about sink or swim.... first practical session - "would you like to have a go at observing this new candidate?, senior observer will sit in the back" <gulp>

excellent first attempt... natural rappore with the driver... hang on, is this someone elses sheet?

Sounds like you had a good start. Certainly a good point to build on, well done

Cheers & God bless
Sam "SammyTheSnake" Penny

by **stephenperry** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 1:39 pm

let loose on my own today without supervision... does this now mean i'm qualified?

Procedure for becoming an IAM observer?

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