Becoming an Observer

Once you have passed the Advanced Driving Test, you may consider giving back some of the time and effort you have received by becoming an Observer. This allows you to attain an even higher standard of driving, and gain from the pleasure of passing on your knowledge to new associates.

The Bath and District Group provides a comprehensive training scheme at no cost to members. This includes classroom sessions, observed drives and a Senior Observer who will guide you through your initial sessions. Once qualified, observers are able to spend as much time as they choose observing for the group, provided they maintain their qualification.

Should you have any queries, or wish to apply, please contact our chief observer

Who can become an Observer?

Anyone who has passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test and is a full member of both the National IAM and Bath & District Group is eligible to join the training scheme. In addition to a high driving standard, Observers also require an ability to relate to associates in a sensitive but firm manner.

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.

How does it work?

There are two stages through which trainee observers progress first to Qualified Observer and (optionally) up to Senior Observer status. You may enrol as a trainee observer at any time, and will be allocated a Senior Observer who supervises your training and supports you through the course. Once qualified, you may elect to undertake further training up to Senior Observer status. The training course starts at any time when sufficient number of candidates are interested, and concludes with a formal “3 in a car” test with an IAM examiner. The Senior Observer qualification is registered with IAM head office and is recognised by all other IAM groups.

How long does it take?

It normally takes a year to achieve Group Observer qualification, and typically a further year to qualify as a Senior Observer, depending on the timing and availability of training courses.

Am I on my own?

No! Our band of enthusiastic observers continue to grow and welcome new members to the group. Classroom courses are run as group sessions, where you can share issues and concerns with others. Our training programs are overseen by the Chief Observer. All observers meet two or three times a year to keep abreast of current developments.

Qualified Observer Course

Start Time: Any time of year

Requirements: Full member of IAM and Bath & District Group plus -

• Practical (on the road) training, to enable them to deliver a demonstration drive with full instructional commentary
• Theory of Roadcraft, the Highway Code plus the IAM book “How to be a better Driver - Advanced Driving”
• Administration Procedures

Cost

There is no cost to the member, other than the afore-mentioned books, 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 two years (but hopefully much longer).

Please note that the book 'Roadcraft' will be supplied, on loan, for the course. On successful completion of the course the book becomes the property of the new observer.

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.

Senior Observer

Start Time: Whenever sufficient candidates require it

Requirements: Qualified Observer Bath & District Group (currently observing); Full member of IAM and Group

Senior Observer Test

The test is conducted by an IAM examiner with an associate present. There are two parts:

• With the candidate giving a demonstration drive, with suitable introductory commentary
• With the Associate driving and the candidate observing and directing as necessary.

Senior Observer Qualification

Your Senior Observer status is registered by IAM Head Office and recognised by all other groups. If transferring to another area, your new group may require familiarisation with local group administration procedures before you start observing.

IAM HQ will issue a personalised certificate on completion., which is presented at our group meeting.

Continued Training

Observer meetings are held approximately 2-3 times/year, and allow observers to share their experiences and learn from each other. The meetings include feedback from the local examiners and the associate co-ordinator, updates about any recent changes and forthcoming events.

All observers are required to be retested every 3 years, usually by a designated Senior Observer or the Chief Observer. Senior Observers must be retested by an IAM examiner every 6 years. Assistance is provided where Observers are deemed to require it. Failure to conduct the retest in a reasonable time may result in being taken off the active observer pool.

Welcome Back

We recognise that Observers have many other pressures to deal with, and understand when they withdraw their services for a period. We will always welcome back previous observers, and are happy to provide some additional refresher training if required. Our Chief Observer and Associate Co-ordinator will greatly appreciate being kept informed of your availability