I took my Masters test a couple of years ago, and thanks to my Mentor, Dennis, and some last minute tips from Ryan (an Examiner and serving Policeman), I passed and was fortunate to do so with a distinction.
Taking the Masters course was a truly humbling experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough. While it is based on the same principles and theory as the Advanced Driving course, it holds you to a much higher standard of execution. One element in particular is the commentary, which must be both to a high standard and constant throughout the run.
This article is a story about my Masters assessment.
Despite my nerves, the assessment started well, and I was performing to the desired standard. Forty minutes into the test, my Examiner told me to have a ten-minute break from commentary; as I’m sure you can imagine, this was very welcome respite.
I very quickly realised that my standard of driving was deteriorating and that the commentary had been a major factor in keeping my driving at the Masters standard; it had been keeping me 100% focused on the driving task. As soon as I stopped commentating, my mind started to wander… how was I doing; what was my he writing on his notepad, and why was he writing so much!?
Realising this causal link, I decided to turn the commentary back on again, but without vocalising it. Within moments I could feel my focus returning and my standard rising. I think this played a large part in my passing the test.
This was something of an epiphany for me. Like many, I struggled with commentary as an Associate on the Advanced Driving Course, finding it difficult to find the right words as quickly as required. But what I noticed in this brief period was that I had transformed from commentary being a hindrance to it being helpful.
A National Observer once told me: “an advanced driver is a thinking driver, capable of self-development” or words to that effect. Well, in that moment I knew exactly what he was talking about. I now perform, what I now call, a silent commentary while driving most of the time.
I would encourage you all, Associates and Members to employ the use of silent commentary in your day-to-day driving; I hope it works as well for you as it does for me. The only down-side is that passengers may find you a little less attentive than usual.
Well, that’s enough of my written thoughts for now, until next time…
David