Membership of North Staffs Group lasts for 12 months, from allocation to your Observer.

The purpose of the scheme is to enable drivers to find out what is expected on the IAM driving test and to gear their own driving to these requirements, thereby enhancing their chances of success in the test. This is normally done by one to one guidance from a designated Group Member - your Observer - but other Group Members may also play a part.

With sufficient determination and concentration, six months is normally long enough for most drivers to reach this standard. The aim is to build upon and extend a driver's existing skills and experience, not to turn him or her back into a novice.

The main elements of guidance available to Associates are: -

• An introductory discussion and an assessment of your current driving skills by a Group Observer.
• Demonstration drives by Group Observers.
• Private study by you of the Highway Code, the Roadcraft manual and other relevant publications as recommended by your Observer.
• As an Associate Member you will have an Observer assigned to you (based on availability) from our Group to assist in preparing for the IAM test. Observed drives are FREE and conducted in your own vehicle. The Observer will use his/her own vehicle to give demonstration drives. Driving your own vehicle while being observed and advised by a Group Observer, normally your designated Observer. These observed drives are done at mutually convenient times and you have as many as you decide in consultation with your Observer. It is during these drives that you are guided in putting advanced driving techniques into practice and eliminating any bad habits you may have developed.
• Constant practice, in accordance with your Observer's advice, during all your normal driving in between the observed drives. This is vitally important if your normal driving is to develop along the right lines for Institute membership.

Recommended reading to help prepare for the test: -

• Advanced Driving the essential guide - The IAM's official manual contains expert advice on all aspects of advanced driving. It contains many colour photographs and diagrams to illustrate the topics. This will provide you with the information you will need to know.
• The Highway Code - The book every road user is supposed to know.
• Roadcraft -This is the police driving manual and will supplement Advanced Driving the essential guide. Ian Kinder/Peter Lowe, usually have copies of this for sale to associates at a discounted price, on a Thursday Driving Night.

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