Some Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked question has to be “What is the examiner looking for in the test?” so we’ve devoted a whole page to this question, click on the link to “The Test”

Some other Frequently Asked Questions;

Q: How much will it cost me?

A: The IAM “Skill for Life” package is all inclusive at £85. There is a £10 discount for poeple 25 years old or under. Motorcyclists should note the small additional fuel charge for their observer, outlined on the bikes page.

Q: How do I join?

A: You Can contact our membership Secretary Rob Purser on 01952 406735 for a Skill for Life application form or join online at www.iam.org.uk If you already have a Skill for Life voucher and want to join the group, contact Rob Purser and he’ll let you know what to do next.

Q: What’s the Skill for Life package?

A: Skill for Life" is the IAMs most popular membership option, giving you - in one payment of £85.00 - everything you need to pass your Advanced Driving Test and become a full Member of the IAM. The package includes:

·The IAM book "How To Be An Advanced Driver/Motorcyclist"
·"Advanced Driving" the IAMs tri-annual Members magazine
·An initial assessment (carried out by your local IAM Group)
·All Test preparation work (undertaken by your local IAM Group)
·Entry into the Advanced Driving/Motorcycling Test
·IAM Associate status, with an automatic upgrade to full Membership of the IAM upon passing the Advanced Driving/Motorcycling Test within 12 months.

Q: Once I have joined what happens next?

A: For cars, you will receive a welcome pack which will contain an up to date copy of the highway code an information letter from the Chief Observer and various other leaflets. The IAM in London should send you a copy of ‘How to be an Advanced Driver.’
You will be invited to an Associate Evening usually held when there are four or more Associates ready to start training. The purpose of the evening is to go over all the theory associated with Advanced Driving.
Following attendance at that meeting you will be allocated to an Observer. You should contact your Observer and arrange to take them out in your car.
On your first meeting you should present your driving licence, insurance certificate and MOT (if applicable) to ensure that the insurance covering your Observer is valid.
You should expect to drive for about 1 hour on a route chosen by your Observer. During your run your Observer may discuss your driving but more especially at the end your Observer will give you a debrief, and suggest areas for improvement. You will then arrange the next run out possibly a week later.
We normally find that most drivers who work hard at following their Observers suggestions are ready to take the test in about 6 runs. Some take fewer and some more, importantly however your Observer will not try and put you in for your test until they feel you are ready. (Remember your Observer is not paid and therefore has no incentive to try and prolong your training, nor is there any extra charge for runs)
They will send you for a pre-test with a Senior Observer when they think you are ready. The Senior Observer will treat the run as a test and give a very thorough debriefing at the end of if. Most people are then ready to tell the IAM, by returning the form, that they are ready for their test.
An Examiner will then contact the Associate and arrange for the test to be taken at a mutually convenient time and the Associate should arrange a final check run with their Observer a day or two before the test.

Q: How long does the test take?

A: About an hour and a half.

Q: How long does it take to prepare for the advanced driving test?

A: It varies according to experience, aptitude and how often you are able to make observed runs.

Q: Can I buy a Skill for Life package as a gift for someone?

A: Yes, but they must fill in and sign the test application form for IAM HQ

Q: I have points on my licence, can I still join the IAM?

A: When taking the test you must not have more than 7 penalty points, or a previous disqualification noted on your licence, or Court proceedings pending.

Q: My son has only just passed his normal DoT driving test, how long must he wait until he can take his advanced test?

A: The IAM like 2 months between taking the DoT test and the IAM test - but of course that doesn’t stop your son from preparing for the IAM test in that time

Q: Where can my test be taken

A: Almost certainly near your home. The examiner will meet you at a pre-arranged time and venue.

Q: Why should I take my test

A: It is a fact motorists who have passed the IAM test are less likely to be involved in a road traffic accident

Q: Are there any restrictions on what type of motorcycle I can take my test on.

A: Of course your motorcycle must be roadworthy and legal but also have sufficient power to maintain the national speed limit where required.

Q: Do I have to prepare for my test through the group.

A: No you can go straight to your test but figures show you are much more likely to pass your test if prepared by the group.

Q: What is an Observer?

A: An Observer is a person who has passed their Advanced Driving Test and has undergone further training to enable them to guide Associate members so that they may change their driving techniques to those explained in the IAM book ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’, thus equipping them to take their Advanced Driving Test. Observers do not get paid for their time and are not driving instructors. They give advice to drivers and do it to improve the safety of drivers on our roads. Many have been Observers for many years but the Group is always looking for new Observers. If you have about 1 hour every two weeks to spare and are prepared to undergo training you will be most welcome. You get a lot of satisfaction when your Associate passes their test!

Q: How do I become an Observer?

A: See either the car or bike observers page on this site for an outline