Guidance for Candidates
(I send a copy of this as a "Word"
document to Candidates who supply e-mail addresses, when I first contact them to
arrange their test)
The test will be conducted by an I.A.M. Staff Examiner or in exceptional circumstances an IAM Examiner well versed in the specific S.O. requirements and nominated by them.
Its duration is likely to be in the region of 3 hours. Within the test there are the two distinct sections:-
Associate section - where the S.O. Candidate delivers to the ‘Associate’ a normal briefing, conducts an Observed Ride of about 15 - 20 miles followed by a check of slow riding / manoeuvring and finally a debrief. The S.O. Candidate may provide an ‘Associate’ to act as the subject for the test or, if for logistical reasons that option is not convenient, the role may be taken by the Staff Examiner
S.O. Candidate’s own demo Ride - this needs to be to a high standard beyond that of the minimum needed for the I.A.M. test. Again about 15 – 20 miles in length, (can be the original route reversed) together with a demonstration of slow riding / manoeuvring skills.
Ideally the ‘Associate’ should not be known to the candidate and, for the benefit of the test, the working assumption is that the candidate is a ‘S.O.’ who has had the ‘Associate’ referred to them because of some underlying problem.
Associate section
The S.O. Candidate should brief the ‘Associate’ on the ride, points needing to be covered are:-
Introductions to be made, check of ‘Associate’s’ documentation, eyesight, clothing and whether they are familiar with daily machine checks.
Enquiries into Associate’s riding history including any previous observed runs, likely areas for development, that the purpose of the ride is made clear, probable duration, type of roads etc.
Check of ‘Associate’s’ understanding of ‘The System’ using open-ended questions and knowledge-checking where necessary.
Discussion on overall safety, speed limits, communication, giving of signals, what to do if separated etc. (The four Ss can be brought in here)
The disclaimer must be understood - that the Associate acknowledges that they are deemed to be responsible for their own riding at all times.
If considered appropriate a check of the ‘Associate’s machine control can be undertaken before venturing out on the road.
The route should be of mixed content but comprising mainly of both national & rural roads of a demanding nature.
Slow riding / manoeuvring should be checked in a suitable place (e.g. car park), get the Associate to conduct a simple slow-speed manoeuvre such as a figure of eight or circles using the minimum space they feel comfortable with at walking pace.
The de-brief – this should be in a suitable location so that time may be spent discussing an ‘Associate’s’ ride and advice being offered where deemed necessary, encouraging them to self-criticise with good use being made of two-way dialogue.
The de-brief should end on a positive note.
Provide direction to the Associate with some ‘what to do next’ advice where appropriate.
This concludes the Associate’s involvement in the test
Demonstration Ride
The candidate will be expected to provide a demonstration ride that is safe, systematic and smooth throughout with a high degree of safe but legal progress for the attendant circumstances. This should be a ride which encapsulates the full meaning of Motorcycle Roadcraft without any over emphasis, incorporating considered actions throughout and devoid of ‘automation’. In essence, this should be a high level ‘thinking ride’. The candidate should consider the beneficiary of such a demonstration ride to be an Observer looking to become a Senior Observer or someone preparing for the Special Assessment.
About 15 – 20 miles in length, (can be the original route reversed) together with a demonstration of slow riding / manoeuvring skills.
In the event the Staff Examiner does not feel they are able to recommend the S. O. Candidate they will be invited to re-apply after a three-month delay.
February 2010
This briefing sheet has been reviewed and sanctioned by IAM Staff Motorcycle Examiners and is now circulated to all Motorcycle Senior Observer Candidates as part of the pre-test communication between Candidate and Examiner as part of the drive to ensure uniform S.O. standards throughout the IAM.
Suggested Observed Session structure
Introduction – Documents - clothing – eyesight – knowledge of vehicle checks including brake check
Ascertain background – bike use – experience – previous training
Any outstanding issues? – previous run cards?
Check understanding of System with open questioning
Explain purpose of run
Full briefing prior to run
Ride normally and legally
How and why you will be following them – ignore positioning
No pressure to go faster than they feel happy with
If demo ride, they control speed
If three explain No. 3 rides at own pace, will not turn off etc.
What to do if separated – contingency plan?
How you will inform of route
How you will stop them – agree ‘follow’ signal
Identify initial part of route
Ensure control of session and analysis of ride.
Be prepared to stop early if ride is of concern
Don’t let run drag on if things need discussing – do while fresh
Consider demo ride
Choose finish point to allow for leisurely de-brief
Criticism sandwich – Good / Bad / Good
Ensure two-way discussion not list of faults, get the associate to provide the answers.
Pitch feedback at Associate’s level
Relate solutions / comments to Roadcraft / H.T.B.A.A.M.
If completing run sheet – don’t repeat everything
End on two or three points for homework
Note mileage
Leave on an upbeat note!!
IAM Special Assessment: A Candidates
review Click HERE.
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