Advanced Driving Tests

There are a number of advanced driving tests available to take in the UK.  The most popular and well publicesed are conducted by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) and RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). However there are other choices that you will see below. Embarking on taking any advanced test will make you a better more confident driver, we can help you prepare for any of these driving tests.

 

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	IAM Logo

Institute of Advanced Motorists

 

The IAM's test last for approximately one and a half hours and upon successful completion see's your approval into its vast membership and benefits for life!

 

Accredited by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)

 

Recognising that the majority of collisions are caused by driver error, the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test was introduced in 1956 with the specific objective of significantly improving driving standards using the principles of Advanced Driving pioneered – and applied with great success – by the Metropolitan Police.

 

In 1976, the IAM realised that motorcyclists, too, would benefit from advanced training and the Advanced Motorcycling Test was established.

 

To date, over 350,000 people have taken the Advanced Test, and of these over 300,000 have passed and gone on to become IAM Members.

 

The Advanced Driving Test lwill usually cover between 30 and 40 miles along all types of road, town driving, motorways (if available) or dual carriageways, and even country lanes.  Your Examiner will hold a Police Advanced Driving certificate and will have extensive experience from working within sections of the Police Services throughout the UK.

 

The Test gives a thorough workout of driving ability, allowing the candidate to alter their drive according to the conditions and environment of the road. The types of road vary from quiet country roads, motorways to busy town centres. In each case there are hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken care of using the methods and techniques that advanced driving gives. There may be situations where the candidate can show flair and panache on an open country road where progress can be gained at maximum safety, using optimum road positioning and excellent observation. All this combines to give a brisk smooth drive, at the legal limit on the open road. In other situations, the candidate will need to show restraint and composure to deal with tricky hazards that may become apparent throughout the drive. Such as in a town centre situation, where observation is used to pick out hazards in situations that are constantly changing. The main objective is that the candidate has to perform well in all situations rather than excel in one.

 

Find out more about the IAM

 

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	RoSPA Logo

RoSPA

 

The RoSPA test is of a very similar nature, except that it has 3 different levels of success. These are Bronze, Silver and Gold.  You will also need to retake the test approx every three years in order to retain the high standard and membership.

 

The test is conducted in locations throughout the country by Police Advanced Certificate holders. It is generally regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging test of its kind available to the general public. Your result is graded and a full written report supplied.

The Examiner will look at how you obtain information about what's happening around you, what you do with that information, the smoothness with which you use the controls and your driving performance.

Price: £48
*Drivers under 26 receive a £7 discount off the test fee.

Other benefits
Research indicates that drivers trained to the advanced standard are 20% less likely to be involved in an accident. Apart from being safer on the road, you could also gain from:

● lowering your insurance premiums,
● reduced levels of driving stress,
● improved fuel consumption,
● less wear and tear on your vehicle.

And that's not all - an often overlooked reason for taking the test is the challenge of improving your driving. You will be proud of your achievement, become more skilful and more confident as your driving is safer and more systematic. Advanced driving is about enjoyment, skill and safety; it's not about stress and speed.

 

Find out more about RoSPA

 

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	DIAmond Logo

DIAmond Advanced Motorists

The DIAmond Advanced Motorist Test is the only advanced test in the UK available to the general public that uses the Government's Driving Standards Agency's test marking system.

 

The current L-test allows candidates to make up to 15 minor driving faults over a route which is often shorter than six miles, and takes 40 minutes or less. The Diamond Advanced Test allows a maximum of six minor faults in an hour's driving over a wide variety of road types and conditions.

 

Candidates are expected to demonstrate progressive driving skills throughout, at a much higher level of competence than the L-test. Training includes driving at night, on motorways and in adverse weather conditions, and your instructor will be asked to confirm the required level of experience in these areas before you take the Advanced Test.

 

Find out more about the DIA

 

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We can help you prepare for any of these advanced tests, our instructors are qualified and experienced in advanced driver training and have taken the tests themselves, so have first hand experience of what is needed!

 

Contact us on 0121 308 1233 or email info@driven-ltd.co.uk