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I passed my I.A.M test last April and I was told that coasting was not allowed.  You are to be in total control of your vehicle at all times, and it was decreed that coasting meant that you were not in control. 

I started my training in the new Honda Type R, and ended up taking the test in a VW Passat (my car was sold for a 4x4!) which was the 6 speed DSG auto.  I had to demonstrate that I could use the gear box appropriately by using the tiptronic etc as well as leaving it in auto. It also didnt have a conventional handbrake - but no odd comments from my examiner!

Nicky

Quote: Originally posted by tommytruck on 25/9/2008

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I was speaking to a traffic policeman who tests I.A.M.candidates the other day, and he told me he would not test people with that type of g/box in their cars as in his opinion the driver does not have sufficiant control.

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I don't think he'd get much support from IAM for that attitude. Technology changes all the time, and drivers skills have to change with it. It's more likely that he simply doesn't like that kind of gear box. I bet there were people who didn't like synchomesh when that came in, claiming that it took away "feel" from the driver!

As for coasting in neutral to save fuel, the savings would be tiny at best and the driver is not in full control of the car. I can imagine situations where accelleration would be vital - for instance another vehicle emerges from a side road and is going to "T-bone" your car, but a dab on the gas gets you out of their path - but if you're not in gear you can't do that.

Still, at least the OP's friend isn't switching off the engine as they coast, which I have heard of some people doing. This, of course, is really crazy!