As a young, fairly enthusiastic motorist, I am interested in investing a little time and money in pursuit of becoming a better driver. It is quite difficult to know where to focus my energies as I would like to do something that would be good fun as well as making me a safer driver.
I have heard people mentioning the 'IAM' exam, what does this consist of? There are also some tempting courses available at various rally shools and racing circuits, things like skid-pan training and advanced on-road courses appeal too.
I'd be grateful for any advice on what would offer the greatest benefit to me. Like I've said, it's difficult to know where to begin!
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I did IAM as soon as I passed my L test. It teaches you the 'system of car control' which isn't about driving like a mimser.
It's about driving with safety in mind and with sympathy for the vehicle, but if it's an NSL road you are expected to do NSL if it's safe to do so - making progress is key.
I know one examiner asked a driver on test if there really was a 2.0 under the bonnet! He wasn't impressed by the driver's attempt at making progress.
IAM is based on police training (minus a commentary and pursuit(!) driving).
It used to be free to do a first drive as everyone is a volunteer, but it's so long since I did the test I know there have been changes.
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>>As a young, fairly enthusiastic motorist, I am interested in investing a little time and money in pursuit of becoming a better driver.
Fair play to you! - money extremely well spent IMO.
>>I'd be grateful for any advice on what would offer the greatest benefit to me. Like I've said, it's difficult to know where to begin!
Have you thought about training for a HGV or PSV licence? You'll get some training that's advanced in level, and you'll be able to drive another class of vehicle (which you might want/need to use to earn extra income)
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Contact your local IAM - you can always stop if you don't like what you get. What you will get is some good instruction that increases your observation and improves your positioning on the road. A little, um, 'progress' (speed!) naturally follows, safely. It will definitely improve your enjoyment of driving. Possibly the best performance enhancement you to make to any car is to improve the driver. The finer points of handling are equally fascinating but I would say that you must get the basics first. To go on an off road handling course could be disastrous when you inevitably try and replicate what you've learnt, on a road. My friend has just passed his IAM at the age of 40 and loves what he's learnt, now describing every drive as a pleasure. It would be, he's drives a Maserati. But the point is the same. I used to ride bikes with my neighbour who once commented that I never took us into a bend too fast, even on new roads. Gradually brought him on with some explanations and he became an excellent rider. Anyone can learn a bit about driving.
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