Once
you have passed the Advanced Driving Test, you may consider giving back some of the time
and effort you benefited from, by becoming an Observer. This allows you to attain and
retain an even higher standard of driving, and gain from the pleasure of passing on your
knowledge to new Associates.
The Dewsbury & Batley Group provides guidance towards Observer Qualification. This includes, an observer pack, observed drives with a Senior Observer who will guide you through your initial sessions leading to group qualification.
Why
become
an Observer?
The
reason that the group can continue to thrive, enabling more Associates to pass each year
and thus make our roads safer is because of the efforts of our dedicated band of Observers
who provide their time and energy free of charge. This is not only a highly rewarding and
enjoyable activity, but also ensures that your own driving maintains a high standard.
Qualified
Observer Criteria
- Requirements:
Full Member of both National IAM and the Dewsbury & Batley Group. Observers also
require an ability to relate to Associates in a sensitive but firm manner.
- To have
carried out a minimum for 10 hours of Observed runs with Associates and had six months
practical experience of observing within a group during the preceding twelve months.
- Achieve 80%
in each section of an IAM validated Qualified Observer Written Test administered by the
group.
- Achieve a
"Satisfactory" Grade in a group validated IAM approved Qualified Observer
Practical Test conducted by a Senior Observer.
- Be approved
by the committee.
The written Test
·
Achieve 80% in each section of an IAM validated Qualified
Observer Written Test administered by the group's Chief Observer or person nominated by
the committee, and consisting of: -
1. Ten Highway Code Questions,
2. Ten Advanced Driving Questions,
3. Ten Documentation/Administration Questions.
The Practical Test
1. Forty Five minute Demonstration Run,
2. Ten Minute general Observation Commentary and Twenty-minute
demonstration commentary, including System definition and explanation, cornering
techniques, Observation links, etc.
3. Verbally resolve two problem situations presented.
Certificate
Qualified
Observers are presented with a certificate to acknowledge their achievement at our regular
group meeting. This Group award may not be recognised by other groups.
In
order to retain Qualified Observer Status, they must: -
- Continue to fulfil the Observed Run requirement (i.e.
minimum of 10 hours of Observed Runs per year)
- Re-qualify every three years with the approved Qualified
Observer Practical Test conducted by a senior Observer
Cost
There is no cost to the member for
any training provided through the course. All we ask is that consideration is given to the
time and effort put in by your trainers and Senior Observers to ensure that this is
matched by your own commitment. It is expected that Observers will continue observing
actively for a minimum of one year (but hopefully much longer).
Senior
Observer
- You
are required to be a Qualified Observer and full member of Dewsbury & Batley
Group and National IAM.
- Have
carried out an additional ten hours of Observed Runs with Associates or other Qualified
Observers making a total of 20 hours of Observed Runs during the preceding twelve months.
- Achieve
a "Satisfactory" Grade in a Practical Test with an IAM Examiner.
- Be
recommended as a senior Observer by the Examiner.
- Name
to held on IAM HQ and Group records.
Senior
Observer Test
An
IAM examiner, with an Associate present, conducts the test. There are two parts:
· The candidate giving a 45 minute demonstration drive, with
suitable introductory commentary
· 45minutes observing a group associate driving towards the
PYADT.
The £30 cost to undergo the IAM Senior Observer Test is paid by the Group.