Who we are

S.A.M are a group of people in Sunderland and the surrounding areas with an interest in advanced driving. Our aim is to promote the benefits of becoming an advanced driver, and assist people who want to pass their I.A.M test. As part of the 'skill for life package', free training is provided to bring the associate up to test standard using our own Observers.
The group has its own Observers and Senior Observers, as well as a small committee. Read on to see what their roles are.

Our Members

Our members come from all walks of life with a great variety of backgrounds and ages. Without them the group wouldn't function. There are many reasons why people join the group, including peer pressure, reducing insurance costs, taking a pride in driving well, and a realisation that things have changed since they took their test so many years ago.
Whatever the reason, all are welcome to come along to a meeting. The group has monthly meetings (except August) with a variety of speakers and activities arranged. See here for details of where they are held.

Observers

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 those new members (or 'Associates' as the I.A.M calls them). Observers benefit from further training before sitting theory and practical tests to become Observers, and they are all volunteers. Requalification to maintain Observer status is done on a three yearly basis.
The committee would like to thank our dedicated Observers, who are:

Senior Observers

Senior Observers assist in training people to be Observers, and also help prepare Associates when they are nearing test standard. They too are volunteers, who have passed their I.A.M test, gone on to be Observers, and then after a minimum of three years as an Observer have taken further training and tests to become a Senior Observer. Similar to Observers, requalification to maintain Senior Observer status is done on a three yearly basis.
The committee would like to thank our dedicated Senior Observers, who are:

The Committee

 

Chair - Terry Robertson

Secretary - Helen Middleton

Treasurer - Jackie Richardson

Associate Co-ordinator - Phil Scott

Newsletter Editor - John Smith (also the current 'Spotlight on......)

A big 'thank you' to all the other people who serve, or have served, on the committee