Testimonials

Here we have a few testimonials and experiences written by a few associates, most from the previous groups which merged to form MYAM.

If you would like to see your story on here send it to :- MYAM.webmaster@outlook.com

Scroll down to read the stories from:

Vicky Croft - Clair Thirwell - Dan Williams - Emma Greenhalgh - Jeannette Gajjar - Bas Van Der Hoeven

VICKY CROFT
Having just passed the IAM Advanced Motorist test, would now like to take this opportunity to thank the Group for their help in achieving this.

I always thought that, to be an “Advanced motorist” would need years and years of driving experience, and would not be something that a twenty year old with only three years driving experience could ever hope to pass.  My Dad jokingly one day, challenged me to try and pass the test which he had passed 13 years ago!  Me always up for a challenge agreed, and went with him to our local group meeting. I was quickly enrolled and was introduced to my Observer.

My Observer made me feel at home straight away being kind, friendly and her years of experience made my drives interesting and helped me to learn faster. She was positive about my driving and explained to me how I could improve. Her enthusiasm about me passing gave me great confidence.

When it came round to booking my test it was set up pretty fast and there wasn’t much waiting around. However when my test day came round I was really nervous (that nervous I was sick!) but when I met the examiner he was really nice and down to earth and to be honest it just felt like being sat in the car with another observer.

Joining the IAM is something I would recommend to anyone who has passed their driving test. I feel safer on the roads, safer in my car, I have made loads of new friends and the fact I save £1,200 on my insurance was pretty good too!

After passing the test I wanted to give back to the IAM, so they are now helping me train up to be an observer. At my age that’s something I can be really proud of. Plus I feel that if younger people start to join the group having someone of a similar age taking them out could really help them advance faster.

It’s definitely something that I will use for the rest of my life and the pro’s and con’s of price vs. safer driving, for me, wasn’t even a real competition.

CLAIR THIRWELL

Around 5 years ago I decided it would be worthwhile me joining the group for a number of reasons – I felt my driving needed a general brush up after passing my basic test a few years before; I wanted to be confident in my driving abilities to tow a horse trailer and I was applying for a job that would require me to drive as part of my work (what better qualification to put on my CV?)

After my first drive with my Observer I was hooked! It’s true that you only really learn to drive once you’ve passed your initial test…but you only start to drive well once you’ve got an IAM observer sat next to you! My driving didn’t just get a brush up – it got a complete overhaul! Everything from my driving position, basic car checks, to my vehicle and road safety knowledge was covered – nothing was missed – but most importantly none of it felt like a chore. Every drive was fun and interesting and I learnt something new each time. I was almost disappointed when my Observer told me that I was ready for my test and our drives together would be ending!

Since passing my test I feel confident driving absolutely anywhere, from busy cities in rush hour to winding country lanes with no street lights on dark winter nights. I am also more able to think ahead using my much improved observational skills and anticipate other drivers’ thoughts and movements putting myself in the safest position possible on the roads.

So I say give it a go! You owe it to anyone who gets in a car with you, or shares the road with you, to drive to the best of your ability and since it’s so much fun on top of all the other benefits what have you got to lose? (Other than your bad driving habits!)

DAN WILLIAMS
I joined the Group after noticing that my driving skills needed improving! I was 27 years old and had been driving for about 5/6 years but had already noticed lots of bad habits creep into my driving. I came along to one of the monthly Social meetings and met with my Observer who explained that she would have the pleasure of being my observer.

It took about 10 weeks to cover all of the areas on the course. I met with my Observer roughly once a week for a 1–1.5 hour drive which I really enjoyed. I have improved skills like ‘Observations’ and learned about new things like ‘micro-climates’! I feel much more aware of potential hazards on the roads and I’m now better equipped to deal with them. An added bonus is that I can now get cheaper car insurance which is great since being young (!) and male I am in the worst demographic!

Every month the group meets to welcome new members and various talks are put on by the group, which I have found really interesting. 

EMMA GREENHALGH
I decided to do the IAM advanced driving course to improve my confidence behind the wheel. Friends asked me why as I was already a licence holder for over 10 years, but I just wanted to take my driving skills to a new level and be a ‘better driver.’

The course certainly teaches you a lot of new methods to tackle different scenarios and read the road ahead, and your surrounds, to anticipate approaching hazards. The Observers are friendly and patient and give you as much time as you need to hone your skills. It took me around 6 months to pass the course and I felt a sense of achievement holding my certificate in my hand.

Now those skills will benefit me for the rest of my driving career – definitely well worth the time and money! I would encourage younger people to take the course – you don’t have to be a driving enthusiast, you just need to be persistent in practicing your new skills! And you may well make some new friends as well!

 

JEANNETTE GAJJAR
I have recently completed the IAM course. My Observer was superb in helping me, and I really cannot thank him enough for all that he has done. He is very knowledgeable and has a calm manner that fills one with much confidence. It was a privilege receiving instruction from him.

Not only has the Course vastly improved my driving but also it has been a most enjoyable experience. In the process, I have come to know the members of MYAM who I found to be a dedicated team, very friendly and eager to help. The course is full of valuable information and very well presented. Long may the team continue to provide this excellent service in making our roads safer!

I would strongly recommend the IAM course to any driver, whatever their age, without hesitation.

BAS VAN DER HOEVEN
I had always taken great pride in my driving, but until I started my IAM course , I never realised how much room for improvement there was!

I find my journeys far more relaxing, progressive and predictable due to the patience and time spent from my Observers teaching me the necessary skills; They were incredible!

Test Day came, and I passed first time, with a F1rst!!