What is an advanced driver?

The perfect driver has not been born.  But it is possible to improve your driving to become a safer, smooth, progressive driver - by considering many aspects i.e., improving your observation; concentration and anticipation of what other road users might do; your positioning on the road; taking notice of hazards and courtesy to other road users.  These all help to make people better drivers.

This mean developing the skill to drive to the 'System of Car Control' which is a systematic method of driving recommened by the Police Colleges.  An advanced driver is someone who has passed an advanced driving test, and who constantly strives to maintain that standard of driving, every time they drive a vehicle.

Who can be an advanced driver?

Anyone who has held a full UK or EU driving licence for 3 months.

How much does it cost to be an advanced motorist?

A Skill for Life package costs £139. For this, you become a member of the IAM and a your local group for a year, all the information, books etc, for the test including the test fee.

What are the advantages of being an advanced driver?

As an Advanced Driver you are 20% less likely to have a road incident, because your training has taught you to recognise potential dangers by good observations, good road positioning, driving within the speed limits, and abiding by the rules of the road. It means you drive with more car sympathy which in turn gives less mechanical wear and tear to your vehicle, less stress on yourself and passengers, and hopefully a reduction in petrol consumption - a must for any canny, environmentally friendly driver.

You also gain a recognised and respected qualification. When you pass you can display the IAM badge with pride.

IAM Surety is a trading brand of Adelaide Insurance Services Ltd, that offers Advanced Drivers competitive prices for car insurance.

What will initially happen when I sign up for Advanced Driving?

When you join Aberdeen Advanced Motorists you will be invited to attend one of our courses - either in the spring (March/April ) or the autumn (August/September). You would attend four evening class lectures; followed by a series of observed drives; a pre test with a Senior Observer, then the test with an IAM Examiner.

An Observer is a volunteer who has passed the Advanced Test, and taken further training within the Group. They give of their time, to help Associates improve their driving skills. On the first drive, the Observer will assess your driving, picking up on your strengths and weaknesses - which enables them to focus on the areas requiring changes necessary to pass the test. The Observer passes on knowledge, gives encouragement and advice, but equally importantly, the Associate must practise every time they drive their car.

How long will it take to pass the test?

This depends on the individual, and the time they can dedicate to developing the required skills. We recommend the Observer and Associate meet up once a week for observed drives, and it is expected that the Associate practises between drives. After that, the Associate should be ready for pre-test.

What does the test involve?

The Advanced Test, conducted by a serving or retired Police Driving Instructor, involves a 35 mile drive on all types of roads i.e. town driving, country roads and dual carriageways, as well as carrying out three manoeuvres. The Examiner will look for a safe, smooth progressive drive, and assess your driving on how you handle hazards and the situations you encounter.

There is no written test, but the Examiner may ask questions about signs, road markings, or other situations during the drive, and you will be expected to put the principles in the IAM Advanced Driving Manual into practise.

When you return to the meeting place at the end of the test, approximately after an hour and a half drive, the Examiner will tell you the result ,then give a comprehensive assessment of all your good points, as well as the mistakes. They will also give you advice on areas which could be improved on for the future.