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This page is intended
for those who have not yet joined the IAM. If
you have already passed your test please click on
Further Training.
What's it
all about?
We are affiliated to
the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), which is
the leading Road Safety Charity in the UK. We
provide training to car drivers who would like to
improve their driving standards, usually through the
Skill for Life programme. Some of the
benefits to participating in this programme include:
-
Becoming a safer
driver
-
Lower insurance
premiums
-
Saving money on
fuel and general wear and tear
-
Protecting the
planet by using less fuel and reducing CO2
emissions
-
Helping to avoid
penalty points
And if you stay on as
a member of the IAM you could receive numerous other
benefits and discounts too, from AA breakdown cover,
to new tyres and windscreen repairs.
MAM's
Philosophy
At Melksham & District
Advanced Motorists (MAM) we pride ourselves on the
high quality of our coaching and we are passionate
about maintaining and improving this standard. Our
goal is not just to bring associates to IAM Test
Standard, itself a most worthy achievement, but
rather to try and output Advanced Drivers who obtain
"praised passes" from our examiners.
What is the Coaching structure?
As soon as we have your
paperwork, we will put you on the list for coaching
and an Observer will be allocated to you by our
Membership Secretary. Your
allocated Observer will coach you to the required
standard. Coaching consists of drives using your
vehicle with your Observer being a passenger, who
will give guidance during the drive and a debrief at
the end. You need to read the IAM book How to be
an Advanced Driver, which is provided with the
Skill for Life Programme, and to be familiar
with the Highway Code. The number of Observed drives
needed to get to test standard varies as every
driver is an individual; some get to that standard
in under 6 sessions, whilst others take longer.
When you start your coaching with us, we do expect
commitment as we give our own time on a voluntary
basis. We generally ask that associates (trainees -
you) have a session preferably weekly and that they
must practice the concepts discussed in between in
their own time to consolidate what they've learnt.
What is the
training based on?
The coaching is
provided under the IAM Skill For Life (SFL)
programme which includes a copy of the IAM
publication How to be an Advanced Driver. It
is also beneficial to purchase a copy of the Police
Driver's Handbook Roadcraft that is available
at most good book sellers, or online.
Alternatively a copy is available in our
Library.
Who will train me?
Our coaching is conducted by
Melksham Advanced Motorists Observers who have not only taken and passed the
Advanced test themselves, but have consequently
improved their own driving to an even higher
standard and have been trained as Observers to pass
on effectively that knowledge to you. Some of our
Observers are Police officers who hold the
prestigious Class 1 (Advanced) certificate.
How much
does it all cost?
For the full Skill For Life package it
will cost £139 and you will use your own car.
Allow for your fuel costs too.
Here's the SFL cost breakdown:
-
One
charge of £139 buys associate
membership of Melksham Advanced Motorists, a copy of How to be an
Advanced Driver, a copy of the IAM
Advanced Driving members magazine, the
IAM Test fee, and the remainder of the first
year's subscription to the IAM upon passing
your test.
-
When you pass your test, you
automatically become a full member of Melksham Advanced Motorists.
Our subscription runs from January to
December, so you will be invited to continue
your membership with Melksham Advanced Motorists by renewing your
subscription at the beginning of each new
calendar year.
I'm not sure if I'm up for
this yet. Can I come out for a Drive to see
what it's all about?
DriveCheck is a
short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is
interested in safer driving but who doesn't feel
they are yet ready to take the IAM Advanced Test. It
takes about an hour comprising an initial
introduction (document check etc.), followed by a
35-40 minute drive with a Melksham Advanced Motorists Observer, followed by
a feedback session, at which the candidate will be
presented with a written feedback form. A DriveCheck
is FREE with MAM - just
contact our Membership Secretary for more details.
If you are interested in joining
us, or if you are unsure about whether you have
slipped into bad habits since passing your
driving test, please
contact
our Membership Secretary for a FREE observed run. One of
our observers will be more than happy to speak
to you about your driving habits and will let
you know if you could benefit from joining the
IAM.
Joining...
3
simple ways to enjoy IAM and MAM membership:
Here's how to
sign-up for the IAM Skill for Life
programme:
You'll have
then joined both the IAM and Melksham &
District Group of Advanced Motorists! From this
point onwards, until you pass your test, you
are known as an 'Associate'.
When we
receive notification from IAM House that
your application has been processed, our
Membership Secretary will
place you with one of our Observers as soon
as possible. Whilst we have a large number
of Observers, the supply is finite
especially during the summer months when
most drivers think about doing this, so we
recommend you don't delay. The sooner you
join, the sooner we can place you.
FAQs
-
Who is eligible?
Anyone with a full UK driving
licence that they've held for at least
three months. There is no age
limit.
-
How long is each observed drive?
1 - 1.5 hours or so (about 35 miles).
-
What car do I have to
have?
Any car that is capable of sustaining
the national speed limit.
- Do you stick to the speed
limits?
Yes - we must comply with the Law.
- Will my insurance cover the
training?
We have never heard of any problems, but
check with your insurer. They may give
you a discount when you pass the test -
but only if you ask!
- I've heard about having to give
a Running Commentary - do I have to?
Contrary to popular belief, a running
commentary is not mandatory. However, it
is desirable to give one so that the
Examiner understands you have identified
all hazards during the test drive. Try
one in your mind the next time you
drive. It is surprising how helpful it
can be to maintain concentration and to
identify Hazards as they unfold around
you.
-
Am I too old / young?
If you hold a valid, full UK driving
licence and have had it for more than
three months then absolutely not!
Wanting to learn more about driving
safely and progressively as well as
simply enjoying your driving more is all
that's needed. Melksham Advanced
Motorists have members of all ages, 17
to 70+.
-
What if I have previous
motoring convictions?
We understand that some
people don’t have a clean driving
licence. This doesn’t mean you can’t
take advantage of the
Skill
for Life
programme. It may even
help you avoid motoring penalties in the
future. If you have a pending court
case relating to a driving offence, you
will have to wait until the legal
process is finalised before you can
apply for the course.
-
How long does it take?
A typical driver will have
approximately eight sessions with an Observer,
although this can vary according to individual
needs. Your Observer will advise you when you
are ready for the test, but there is no pressure
to apply for the test if you feel you are not
ready.
-
Who should train?
Anyone who can recognise some of the
following about themselves or their
driving:
Bad habits
Near misses
Years since formal instruction
Lack of confidence about some aspect of
your driving
Feel you could be a better driver
Feel you can learn no more!
Want to drive with greater safety
Feel your car is more in control than
you
Have trouble driving in adverse weather
/ traffic situations
Want to get more out of your driving
IAM Surety
scheme, which offers discounts on your
car, bike and home insurance
RAC
Breakdown
National Tyres
Discounted servicing with selected
garages
Car
Rental - Holiday Autos
Eskeez
Fiat
and Alfa Romeo Cars
Youngdriver.eu Driving Lessons
Admission to Beaulieu
Halfords gift vouchers
CarStorz.co.uk, vehicle safety products
Airport Parking and Hotel Accomodation (APH)
What
Car?, Autocar and Classic & Sports Car
Magazines
The
Gourmet Society
Eframe.co.uk
Short
breaks, hotels, theatre, and event
breaks (Superbreak)
Old
English Inns
Philip's Books
Haynes Books
IAM
Book Club
IAM
Credit Card
IAM
Member Merchandise
This list
is continually being updated. For
the most up-to-date information click
here
Membership of Melksham Advanced Motorists costs £12 per year, but
this is only payable after you have passed
your test. Melksham Advanced Motorists'
year runs from January to December and so
your subscription will be due in January
each year. If you pass your test in March,
then you will get almost a year's free
membership. However, if you pass your test
in October then, the year-end is up and you
will only get a few weeks. Note
that to be a full member of Melksham Advanced Motorists, you must
also be a full member of the IAM, and this
costs £33 per year (£29.50 if you pay by
Direct Debit). Your IAM membership
subscription is due on the anniversary of
the date that you pass your Advanced driving
test.
-
How can potential members pay?
IAM HQ payments can be made by cheque or
credit card direct to the IAM with your
Skill for Life form. Melksham Advanced Motorists accepts cheques
or cash paid to ‘Melksham and District
Advanced Motorists’ via the Treasurer. Once
you have passed the IAM test, Melksham Advanced Motorists will
invite you to complete a Standing Order form
for automatic payment of £12 each year from
your bank. By using a Standing Order rather
than Direct Debit, you retain control over
payments to Melksham Advanced Motorists.
- I'm
confused! Who can I speak to?
Your
primary contact for further information,
Membership queries and Observer allocation
is our Membership Secretary, who can be
contacted via telephone on 07780 743555 or
via email. Click
here to view the contacts page.
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MELKSHAM & DISTRICT ADVANCED MOTORISTS
