What is an Observer?
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An Observer is someone who has passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test and then undergone training to enable them to help others to prepare for the Test. They will sit in and 'observe' the driving of Associate Members and will offer advice and guidance to assist those members to pass the Advanced Test. They will, from time to time, also do demonstration drives.
Observers have to have a thorough knowledge of the subject before they can help to prepare Group Associates for the Institute's Advanced Driving Test. This will include having a good knowledge and understanding of the Institute's Official Manual Pass Your Advanced Driving Test, and a good knowledge of The Highway Code and of Traffic Signs. More detailed explanations of advanced driving skills and concepts are contained in Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook, and Observers will also have studied this book and have a good knowledge and understanding of its contents.
Observers are trained within the Group and, in order to qualify they will have passed an IAM validated written test consisting of questions on the above books and will have taken a practical test with the Group's Observer Examiner. During the practical test they are required to give a demonstration drive of up to 45 minutes and a general observation commentary. During the commentary they are required to describe and define 'The System'. They are also asked to present and resolve some problem situations. (Please note that 'commentary' is not a compulsory part of the IAM Test).
The Chelmsford Group currently has 34 Qualified Observers and has several Observers in training. Within this number are several Senior Observers who, in order to qualify at this level, are tested by IAM Examiners. To remain qualified they are re-assessed every six years by the IAM.