Comments on Master Drivers 

After making our introductions on the day I was soon aware of an air of professionalism on David's part, something I was very pleased about.

The route provided and the content was absolutely superb as it gave me plenty to go at. I was particularly impressed with his style of asking for a commentary as soon as we entered a 30 limit and then stopping it when we exited, this I felt gave me the opportunities I needed to work on more important aspects outside of the towns without the added complication of providing a commentary. 

The  approach was very friendly and I became more at ease as the day progressed.

The added benefit of having David driving on a number of occasions was very useful and especially enlightening when it came to cornering, an area which I was looking to improve on and which he captured perfectly in his demonstration.

The rest stops planned were very welcome if only to stretch the legs, especially as most incorporated some fantastic views. The stop at the Cafe in the Malvern Hills was a prime example and I thought another very nice touch to the day.

The whole day was very intensive and there is no doubt that I came away with many new ambitions and aspirations on how I could further enhance my driving. In fact a few comments made throughout the day still ring out and constantly come to the forefront of my mind as I drive everyday.

I don't think that David could have done anything differently to have made my day anymore worthwhile, the content, variety and challenges were all there, a realistic amount of pressure was applied and as a result the day just flew by and I reached home mentally and physically exhausted.

In summary the day was well worth the money and I will no doubt be in contact in the future to do arrange something similar.

With many thanks,

Mark Washbourne, IAM Senior Observer, Lichfield Group

David Wornham retired from the police force in 1995 as an Inspector, he qualified as a police advanced driver and is now Chairman and Membership Secretary of Worcestershire Group of Advanced Motorists.

I first heard about David as a result of his excellent PowerPoint CD presentation on Advanced Driving. The group purchased a copy about a year ago and when I saw it I was so impressed I decided to get one for myself and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in improving their driving. David has also produced an Observer Training CD which I have also purchased and have recommended to the Group Committee, and would suggest that all observers take the opportunity to either see it or buy their own copy.

In addition to producing these CD’s David is also an IAM Fleet trainer and runs his own Advanced Driver Training Company, Flexibase Services. I decided to try his Master Drivers Course which he advertises as “Designed for qualified advanced and other skilled drivers, an enjoyable day out for those wishing to improve their techniques, up to and beyond the IAM Special Assessment and RoSPA gold standard.  Using a variety of roads and locations, drivers will be informally assessed for areas needing improvement or updating and gently guided through differing, perhaps new, skills and approaches. Brisk progress will be encouraged where safe, with many B roads providing enjoyment and experience within the Law.”

One of my most enjoyable if tiring driving days began with a short assessment drive. We parked to discuss the areas that he thought needed improvement; I am pleased to say that he did not feel there was anything major but he did say that there were several areas that could be improved. David then did a demonstration drive in my vehicle, which helped me see how it could be driven and gave David an insight into the characteristics of the vehicle (my insurance company did not charge me anything to add him as a named driver).  I learnt more from seeing him drive my car than I have from any other demonstration drive and it also enabled David to see how the vehicle could be driven, which he described as “challenging”.

We then continued driving on a wide variety of roads, everything from motorway to unclassified, with regular breaks for coffee and to allow David to explain things in more detail. This is, in my opinion, where David excels; his explanations are outstanding in their detail and clarity and I now understand many of the principles of advanced driving much better than I had before. All that remains is to try to put these into practice. As we progressed with the drive he encouraged the use of the new skills he had taught me and talked through each situation until he was sure that I understood it and was able to perform it properly and safely.

After a pleasant lunch the drive continued with me putting my new found skills into practice, David has a great teaching style mixing humour with the serious points and I occasionally found his head almost resting on my shoulder, whether this was in awe of my driving skill or he was making a comment that I had not got the balance quite right on a corner is open to discussion.

Whilst this is a very intensive course, David is able to make it great fun too, his easygoing style makes you want to work harder to try to get things right and he never makes you feel under too much pressure.

What have I gained from this course? Well a much better understanding of some areas of advanced driving and better understanding of the areas in my own driving which can be improved. Was it worthwhile? This gets a resounding YES; whilst it was a very tiring day I am still reaping the benefits and have some definite targets for areas to work on. It has also increased my enthusiasm for both improving my own driving and observing. My only disappointment was that the day came to an end all too soon as I was enjoying myself so much.

Since completing the course with David I have taken, and passed, the IAM Senior Observer test and the additional tuition from David was invaluable in helping me to prepare for this test.

David can be contacted at
Flexibase Services 20 The Parklands, Droitwich, WR9 7DG Tel. (01905) 775840
Email: David@flexibase.org.uk         www.flexibase.org.uk