De-mystifying the requirements.
The Senior Observer Practical Test is split into 2 sections.
Remember that in each section you should plan to work within the time frame. In other words when planning your route, not only do you have to think of the route's suitability for purpose, but also the time you will spend on the road. It takes time to cover the introductions; disclaimer; explain the route; set out the Objectives of the Run; carry out a starting drill... then have the Run. After the Run there is the stopping drill; debrief; question and answers etc. This all takes time and unless you are unique and have clear roads, a planned 30 minute on the road session will probably eat up +40 minutes!
Observed Run - If you have planned your route well and decided what the Objectives / Goals are to be, you will end up with all the "hazards" or opportunities you require, in a compact route. Whilst I enjoy a 30 miles run in the country, and some Senior Observers have given me nice routes, I am not there just to see the countryside. I need to see the Candidate and Associate "working together." For example if the Objective is to work on Cornering position there is little point in having a route which has 2 bends in the first 1/2 mile then no bends to speak of for a further 15 miles. Plan your route to take in roads which will set up the hazards / opportunities you are looking to work on with your Associate. Remember the value of clearly setting out what the Objectives of the Run are so you can review these during the Run debrief. Whilst being fun, the run with the associate has to be educational, so base it on the Associate's stated needs and your assessment of their needs - set out clear training objectives to work towards so the post-run review is meaningful. See the previous page for reference to this area...
This is all about setting out what you want to work on during the run, not just about making sure the Associate understands what route they have to follow.
Some Candidates opt to carry out a general assessment of their Associate. Why make it difficult for yourself. Decide on a topic, say Cornering or Roundabouts, then you can concentrate on this and focus the learning points and associated debrief. Remember the...
...aspects and that the Examiner may, at any time during the test, ask for up to two advanced driving situations to be explained to the Associate. All of which should be completed in 45 minutes!
Demonstration Ride - As with the Observed Run, if you have planned your route well and decided what the Demonstration Run should encompass, you will end up with all the "hazards" or opportunities you require, in a compact route. Remember what is required to be shown by the Candidate is the ability to describe and explain Advanced Driving techniques. You will need time to introduce yourself to the examiner as he/she takes the part of someone who is interested in Advanced Riding (perhaps a new associate) and is to be shown what it is all about. The Candidate requires to give some explanation of what the "potential associate" should be looking for in the demo' Ride e.g.
Then there is the Run itself followed by a review of the Run, further explanation of what was covered in the demo Run, then inviting questions from the "Associate"... all to be completed in the 45 minutes!
What makes a Good Observer (taken from the IAM's booklets)
Good Observers have a quiet efficiency in their actions and this derives from:
And last of all...
Remember to enjoy yourself. Senior Observers and Observers are volunteers. By making Observed Rides enjoyable for the Associate through friendly encouragement, both Associate and Observer get a sense of fun and a job well done from the sessions. You always enjoy things you're good at and put in an effort, improve more and get even more satisfaction... its the same for Advanced Motorcycling.
Pre-test Notes for IAM
Senior Observer candidates HERE.
IAM Special Assessment: A Candidates
review Click HERE.
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