I've been thinking about doing the ADC for some time now... yet somehow haven't gotten around to doing it

I think this is mostly because I'm worried about failing it... I'm fine until somebody mentions the words "test" or "assessment" and then I fall apart. :(

I've done a few tasters over the past couple of years... handling/track days etc and one of the instructors very kindly pointed out were I was going wrong.

He said I have a natural racing line and my observation was very good on the road... but I've been on that many different track days and being bombarded with so much different information that my driving skills are just a hodgepodge of different things! :P

Plus the fact that most of the courses I've been on has been track based... and while it's great apexing a corner on a track, it's a whole new ball game on the road where there are a whole load of other variables to consider.

Getting older - and wiser'ish - I've decided to bite the bullet and take the ADC to improve my driving.

Is it worthwhile... I don't want to be taught be a grumpy driving instructor who's there just to point out faults... I want somebody to help me!

I'm currenlty doing mine. Infact got my test soon :eek:

To be honest I wasnt overly impressed with the merseyside group, dont get me wrong they have helped alot for the basic driving but because you get a difference observer each vist (this is only the mersyside group as far as I know) they all have their own way of teaching. Also find they only try and prepare you to pass the test and nothing else.

Roadcraft and Racecraft are quite distinct with Roadcraft focussing primarily on safety and Racecraft primarily on getting the fastest time from a vehicle. The advanced driving test is not compulsory and you can simply attend the course and get to test standard.

Can't guarantee you won't get a grumpy old observer (mine was retired army :eek:) but most of them do it because they love it and are mostly doing it voluntarily. Quality of coaching does vary as a result so being exposed to several observers can work well, assuming they're all singing off the same hymn sheet! Sadly mine was reluctant to take me past base test standard, but I know of others who take pride in getting their candidates to top grades

Another alternative is RoSPA which is very similar to the IAM but allows you to achieve a graded pass in the exam rather than the pass/fail of IAM. Alternatively, quite a few companies offer Roadcraft courses which tend to be taught by ex traffic police/police instructors looking to top up their pensions.

At the end of the day you get what you pay for, and IAM/RoSPA will certainly stand you in good stead

Chris

Im currently doing it, there was a talk with a chief examiner from IAM about the advance test, basically they dont care once you have passed if you knuckle shuffle or drive down the road at 90mph. but for the test you have to follow the system.

If you want to do it, do it. Let it be because you are interested in improving, rather than for the sake of a badge. I also wondered if I would continue to follow the "system" after passing the test, thinking some of it was a bit formulaic, but I find I am, and still self-critical when I get things wrong. The fact that RoSPA re-test you every 3 years is a good incentive to keep practising, and not slip back into bad habits (I chose RoSPA because of the graded exam, as Chris mentioned).

It's not intended to be about racing, you will need different coaching to improve your track driving, but you will find there are areas that overlap.

One word. Smoothness...

Good luck!

Im currently doing it, there was a talk with a chief examiner from IAM about the advance test, basically they dont care once you have passed if you knuckle shuffle or drive down the road at 90mph. but for the test you have to follow the system.

What is taught on the IAM/RoSPA course is the foundation of "advanced" driving. If it's all chucked out of the window after passing the test, then I think the point of "advanced" driving is being missed and a badge is being awarded for a one off drive rather than a standard attained.

The goal is systematic and smooth progress and the techniques employed to achieve that on a drive are largely irrelevant.

Chris

The goal is systematic and smooth progress

Chris

And once you get into good smoth system it amazing how you notice what other peoples driving is like. :eek:

What always impresses me is that no-matter what skill level the driver, as a passenger I'll always come away having learnt something. It's also interesting to see how other people react to and deal with hazards as well as seeing how they chose to use the car's controls.

Chris

:iagree: - in fact, after following someone down the road for a bit, I'll sometimes reach conclusions about their driving, and/or pick up a tip on technique.