'We tell our associates to look into the distance as they drive and to plan accordingly. A professional driver is doing that instinctively; they’re following IPSGA without ever having been taught to do so. For me, taking the course as a professional driver, advanced driving principles fell into place easily.
‘Nevertheless, looking back, I wish I’d put more focussed effort into the test. I didn’t quite understand then the difference between a Pass and a F1rst, and I think I could have done better. Another useful piece of advice I now pass on to my associates.’
Geoff soon showed an interest in helping with the organisation of the group and was quickly identified as a potential observer. As he recalls, ‘Alex Lewis approached me with a view to becoming an observer. I thought that was a great idea. The new system for training observers had just started and I have to say I found it all quite straightforward. I did a few runs with Alex and sat in on some check runs with Andrew Carter. Then I was on my own with my first associate, a very nice young lady. Unfortunately, she failed her test. She passed on the second attempt and, in hindsight, I’m rather glad it happened like that, because it stopped me from becoming too complacent. Another important lesson learned.
When asked about his experience as an observer, Geoff answers without hesitation. ‘I very much enjoy it. It is great enabling associates to improve their skills and is particularly satisfying working with those who at the start clearly have a lot to learn, then seeing them gain in confidence as they begin to make real progress. And being an observer puts you into contact with such an interesting range of people of all ages.
‘Equally important for me is the sense that I’m giving something back to society. That means a lot to me.
Any amusing memories? ‘Well, at one point I worked with two interesting people. They were a father, who came out with me on a drive out with his young son, who was himself taking the advanced driving course. For some reason they were obsessed with the possibility of a deer leaping into the road in front of them and as a result would often drive too cautiously to make good progress.
‘On the drive out, I was demonstrating to both of them how to drive in a brisk, progressive way. On a long straight piece of road, we came up behind a tractor. Eager to show a neat and confident overtake, I swept past the tractor at 60mph. I was halfway through the manoeuvre when I noticed a temporary Road Works Ahead sign jutting into the road. I considered that slamming on the brakes would hardly be a good example of advanced driving, so I breathed in and hoped there would be room for my car between the tractor and the sign. There was – just! - and my passengers were well impressed by my skill and judgement.’
For a moment, Geoff reflects on his move away. ‘I’m going to miss my OAD colleagues and want to thank them for their support and friendship over the years. We’re moving to Eastbourne and I’m planning to join the local East Sussex IAM group. I’m a National Observer, so I’ll be able take my qualification with me. I hope there’ll be a chance to share with my new colleagues approaches to advanced driving. And, of course, I’ll pass back any new ideas to my old colleagues at OAD.
‘I’ve been preparing for a Masters assessment but this has been badly affected by Covid restrictions. I very much hope my move to Sussex won’t mean that I have to abandon the Masters course. Whatever happens, though, the course has been a real revelation and I’ve learned a massive amount from it.
‘I really believe that, whatever technological advances in motor vehicles the future holds for us, advanced driving skills will still make all the difference between smooth, confident safe driving and just driving.’
We’re all going to miss you, Geoff. We wish you the very best for your new life beside the sea.