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WHAT THE EXAMINER EXPECTS
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SAFE
Safety always overrides any other aspects of driving.
Without the safety aspect, there would be no need for the
IAM Test. Advanced driving is about improving driver safety
and education. Even where optimum progress may be desirable,
position and speed must always be put aside and sacrificed
for safety. Examiners have a policy of, "If you put
the car in danger, you fail". Safety is the most important
aspect for any road user to achieve and is the real reason
why the IAM Test should be undertaken.
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SYSTEMATIC
Advanced drivers use a way of driving
called "The
System" which is derived from the Police "Roadcraft" system
of car control. The System of Car Control is a way of
driving that allows the driver to approach all situations
and negotiate
all hazards in a methodical and flexible way that leaves
nothing to luck or chance, therefore it will be safe.
The driver throughout their guidance will be shown and
guided
using the System of Car Control which the IAM has used
successfully since 1956. Using this system allows them
to use all their skills to deal with any environment
or situation, in enough time to decide on the best position,
speed and gear of the vehicle to negotiate hazards safely.
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SMOOTHNESS
If the driver uses the System of Car Control
efficiently then their handling skills can be properly
coordinated,
along with observation. The drive should also be smooth,
as well as safe and systematic. Every move the driver makes
should be in good time, allowing them to make best use
their skills. The vehicle should be stable with little
bounce or roll on the road and any passengers should be
comfortable in the vehicle and have the utmost confidence
in the driver's ability. Nothing the driver does should
look or feel rushed or hurried, resulting in an economical
use of fuel as well.
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PROGRESS
Frequently incorrectly translated to mean Speed, this
is the ability to make good progress when safe to do so
and is an important skill that an advanced driver should
possess. Remember , SAFETY should NEVER be compromised,
even though progress may be used to give a brisk drive,
it may only be used when safe and appropriate to do so.
Any excessive speed above the statutory speed limit, or
the use of speed inappropriate for the circumstances regardless
of any limit is dangerous and unacceptable. It must be
remembered that speed limits are exactly that. Limits -
not targets. Advanced drivers use their skill and awareness
to decide when they should impose their own restraints,
below the statutory speed limits depending on the circumstances.
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RESTRAINT
The ability to recognise when to holdback from particular
hazards to ensure the safety and reassurance of passengers
and other road users, or to avoid causing others concern,
even if this concern may be unjustified. Advanced drivers
learn this skill through practice improving their ability
to foresee the outcome of potential danger.
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WHAT THE EXAMINER LOOKS FOR
The Examiner is looking at the whole drive.
IAM Examiners do not search for faults alone; they are trained
to search
for positive aspects as well as negative. The Examiner will
be honest and forthright regarding your overall ability and
looks for the confident application and competence in all
aspects of the drive. If all the above criteria are met,
the drive should exhibit the qualities of a safe, systematic,
smooth, progressive, and balanced drive. The driver ensures
that the vehicle is always in the right place on the road,
traveling at the right speed, in the right gear for the
speed, and they can always stop the vehicle safely in the
distance that can be seen to be clear.
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