A Refreshing Experience
Most motorists think of themselves as decent drivers, even if it is many years since they were last formally assessed. The recent government proposal to ensure that drivers aged over 70 have their sight tested is arguably a long overdue safeguard for us all, as we know that nothing should be taken for granted on the road.
My first IAM test was over fifty years ago and so when I was reminded by headquarters that my three yearly Fellow reassessment was due, my first thought was to turn to my local Guildford IAM group for a preliminary drive to see what, if anything, had slipped. Even as an advanced driver I felt that this hour or so ‘grounded’ me in reality and the follow up discussion with Gordon was invaluable.
The day of the test was dry but nevertheless I carried out the ‘POWDERY’ check before leaving home to include ensuring that the windscreen washer bottle was full. After the usual introductions I took a little while to introduce my car to the examiner and especially how the various safety features and other technology might impact on my decision making on the drive. And so we set off…but not before first confirming through a number plate test that my eyesight met minimum requirements!
The drive was in Hampshire to include the fast A3 and other ‘A’ roads but also a mix of more rural lanes through villages plus some town driving.
In the previous test my spoken thought was ‘satisfactory’ so this time I was more focused on doing better. I tried to combine what I was seeing with what I was also thinking about in my actions. In the report the examiner commented on this and how it helped him understand how I was going to incorporate the information into my driving plan. Examiners may be good but they are not mind readers!
Throughout the drive I had in mind the 23 competences that the examiner was assessing. This helped me focus but did at times present challenges when the road circumstances did not always give one the opportunity to demonstrate that skill. This was especially true when trying to make ‘best progress’. My commentary helped on a narrow rural road when I came up behind a line of vehicles. Whilst I could have passed the van immediately ahead, I would then be in an unsatisfactory vehicle ‘sandwich’ with little chance of making further progress. This was recognised as appropriate as my preference is always to have space around me on the road.
At the end of the drive, the in-car debrief was detailed and allowed for discussion. Yes, it was too late to change anything but it gave you an insight into what the report would commend you on and what was likely to be ‘only’ satisfactory. In my case six elements were judged as satisfactory and that seemed a fair assessment given what the road presented me with on the day.
Did I learn anything? Of course I did. Will it make me an even better driver? Hopefully, but it will also keep in my mind what is necessary to remain an advanced motorist and at my age that’s important. Oh, and I did pass.