Whats involved

The System of car control

The system of car control is a way of approaching and negotiating hazards that is methodical, safe and leaves nothing to chance. Following the system should ensure that the driver is in the correct position to deal with a hazard or manoeuvre, at the correct speed, and in the correct gear at all times. This system is the basis of training for emergency services driver training.
The system is broken down into five stages: Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration

  1. Information - take, use, and give. Check your mirrors. Use your eyes and ears to know what is happening around you. Act on what you see and hear. Signal your intentions if other road users will benefit
  2. Position - take up the correct position on the road for your planned manoeuvre. You may need to check your mirrors again before changing course.
  3. Speed - Adjust your speed to the correct level for the hazard by using the brakes or engine braking (or the accelerator as necessary). You may need to check your mirrors again.
  4. Gear - Once travelling at the right speed, select the correct gear. This should be a responsive gear allowing the driver to alter speed further by use of the accelerator. If time is short, you may need to change gear shortly before you finish braking. Consider a final mirror check.
  5. Acceleration - Once your car is on a straight course after the hazard, accelerate to a suitable speed.

Learning the system

There are a number of books that are recommended reading to help pass the I.A.M test. These include 'Roadcraft' (also known as "The Essential Police Driver's Handbook") which forms the basis of the Police driving system, the Highway Code, 'Know your road signs' and the IAM Publication "How To Become An Advanced Driver". Some of these are included in the Skills for Life pack that an Associate receives.

The first session is usually held in a classroom, and are designed to give an introduction to advanced driving, and include video clips, question and answer sessions, and informal chats over a cup of coffee. This is usually where the Associate is introduced to their Observer and the necessary administration is done. All Observers are group members who have joined, passed their I.A.M test, and decided to go on and pass on their knowledge and experience to new members. Once assigned, an Associate will usually work with the same Observer, arranging driving sessions at mutually convenient times. During these sessions (observed runs) the Observer will provide helpful, constructive comments and guidance about putting the advanced driving techniques into practice. These observed runs should be approximately one hour long. The Associate should then practice the techniques between sessions.

The number of observed runs required may vary and is determined by a number of factors, including:

When both parties are happy with the standard of driving, the Associate is allocated a Senior Observer to sit a mock test and identify any areas that may still require practice. The Associate may then be advised to apply for the test, and may continue to arrange sessions with the Senior Observer until the test date if desired.

The Test

The test lasts for up to 90 minutes and covers all kinds of roads (Motorways, dual & single carriageways, country roads and congested streets). This is an opportunity to show off the newly acquired driving skills, and demonstrate an ability to concentrate while handling the vehicle capably and sympathetically. The examiners are all holders of advanced Police driving qualifications.

All this is available for £99, however if you are 25 or under when joining then a £20 discount is given.
(S.A.M group members pay an annual membership fee, currently £10)