Name Brian Farncombe

Occupation Retired

Current Level Fellow, Masters Distinction, National Observer

How long have you been driving?
I was 8 years old when my father sat me behind the wheel of a A35 van and I
steered it down a lane and from that moment on I have been hooked on cars
and everything associated with them. Finally, my 17 th birthday came around
and that evening my present was for my father to finally let me take the wheel
on a public road.

How long have you been an advanced driver?
I finally joined the IAM in January 2009 and will never understand why it took
me so long, although that said I do confess that after a lifetime of braking and
changing gear I did find the course a real struggle.

Why did you take the test?
My wife, Penny did the course in 2008 (I will let her explain why) and after
many years of shamefully telling her to drive as she was now the advanced
driver in the family, I could no longer offer advice, yes I am suitably abashed!
When after a few months it was my turn to take the test there was absolutely
no pressure on me………

What’s next?
A determination not to ever let my standard slip.
What do you currently drive & what do you think of it?
A BMW X3, used mostly for long journeys for which it provides effortless comfort
as we cruise at 120km/hr down the autoroutes of Europe.
A Golf R, the fun car, with so much performance available and as it has shown at
the IAM skill days at Thruxton can outperform cars 2- 3 times its price.

What bad habits of other drivers annoy you?
Tailgating, particularly in the Golf whose brakes are designed to stop one from
over 150 mph so I know I can stop quickly.

What is your favourite car?
I would like to own a Porsche 911 turbo S and I have owned a BMW E30 325i sport,
much too noisy and uncomfortable for everyday use but never failed to put a huge smile
on your face when on a twisty road.