Observed Runs are conducted by our Observers from the groups base at Bellfields (a map can be found here).

An observed run is simply when an observer (who is a qualified advanced driver) accompanies an associate in the associate's own vehicle whilst they drive a pre-determined route for approximately 45 minutes.

During the run, the observer will chat to the associate to put them at ease (as having someone suddenly appear to be watching how you drive can be quite disconcerting for some people, especially since the last time this would have been done was when you passed your "L" test!) and basically observe their driving skills in accordance with what the associate has learned from the "Pass Your Advanced Driving Test" book (hereafter known as PYADT).

At the end of the run, the observer will perform a debrief and provide feedback based on what they have observed. This feedback isn't meant to "teach" (as "teaching" implies control over you and/or your vehicle, which we don't have - as an associate, you are in complete control of your vehicle at ALL times), but merely to point the associate in the right direction and give them pointers to work on before the next observed run. This information is all recorded on an "Observed Run Report" form, which you'll be given a copy of to keep.

Once your driving reaches a good enough standard, you'll be put forward for a "Senior Observed Run". This is where the final "polishing" of your driving skills will begin. You may find that after your Senior Observed run, the "scores" on your report form drop to a lower standard, for some topics, than you were achieving on normal observed runs. This is quite normal, as the job of the Senior Observer is to pick out the details of how you are driving in accordance with PYADT, and is nothing to worry about.

When your driving reaches the correct standard to pass the advanced test, you'll be put forward for your test and will chat to the group's Test Co-ordinator (Gerry Raleigh) who will steer you through the various forms and processes.

When you've passed your IAM test, you are free to return to our group to train to become an observer (contact Kevin LeGrand for details) and help other drivers to pass the IAM test and attain the standard.