WHY?
I became an Observer not many months after I had passed my advanced test. The examiner, much to my surprise, had suggested that I might like to ‘give something back’ and thought that I could be an Observer.
So it was that, after the appropriate training, I passed as an Observer in October 2006.
WHAT DID I GAIN?
To share in the delight of the associate when they passed their test was the real prize for me, but so was the company of so many different people varying in ages from 18 to their early 80s. Getting to know people really quite well over the different drives and the hours we spent together was a real plus, as was sharing in their joys and also their despair when they got things right or wrong.
For those who were married the key to success was when their partner commented positively about their driving. Youngsters who had recently passed their driving test were always the most ready and quick to learn and really appreciated for the first time the chance to drive on the motorway, and also linking the IAM way of doing things to the way they had been taught for their test.
It certainly kept my own driving up to the mark as I could hardly spend my time with associates telling them what to do and then not doing it myself!
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
The whole thing has been memorable and seeing folk who I have taught driving around afterwards in their cars is extremely fulfilling.
But I do remember the time I hit the roof – literally - when the associate failed to spot a hump backed bridge and also a right angled corner immediately afterwards.
Then there was the time when a new associate responded to my question about whether they had checked the fluid levels recently by replying ‘No, I never have,’ and checking under the bonnet we discovered that the dip stick was completely dry!
The different cars have been fascinating – from the small ones where I felt cramped to the large vehicles where I had room to stretch out. I’ve been amazed at the way technology has changed from the very basic to the top of the range machines that do everything you can think of and now the advent of electric cars. It has been a most interesting journey.
QUALITIES FOR A GOOD OBSERVER
Patience and unflappability!
An interest in the Associate as an individual is also essential and a preparedness to listen to their point of view.
And most vital of all is 360 degree observation.
MY FUTURE PLANS
Sadly, for us all, the pandemic has changed so much and because of my age and vulnerability it seemed right to very reluctantly bow out and cease observing. I think we all reach an age when it is right to step down from what we are doing as it is vital that the image of IAM is not one of grey-haired elderly observers.
Yes of course there is much that we can still contribute, but image is important if we are to persuade more younger people to be involved in learning the driving skills we all know are so important.
I shall keep driving of course and continue to put the skills I have learnt into practice and hopefully not develop too many bad habits!