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The advanced driving test is a higher exam for motorists who can drive to a skill level substantially above average, and candidates who pass are called advanced drivers or advanced riders. It is available from several organisations, notably IAM Roadsmart (formerly known as the Institute of Advanced Motorists) and RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (RoADAR)[1], but also Diamond Advanced Motorists[2] and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) Blue Riband[3]. While standards are different depending on the provider, those who score highly in their IAM Roadsmart or RoADAR test will achieve an IAM F1RST[4] or RoSPA Gold grade respectively. Drivers and riders can take one of two Diamond tests: Advanced or Elite, the latter being a higher standard.

Advanced test results do not affect the driver's licence to drive. Also, advanced driving tests are mostly UK based; although both IAM Roadsmart and RoADAR offer some advanced programmes in other countries. It is possible to take an advanced test using a car, motorcycle or commercial vehicle.

Most people need advanced lessons to reach the requisite standard, not least because some advanced techniques differ from what is taught to pass the basic driving test (e.g. cornering lines and positioning, 3-stage overtaking, and how to use the 'limit point' to judge optimal cornering speed). IAM Roadsmart and RoADAR are both charities that provide advanced training, but candidates can also choose to pay for advanced instruction privately. Many advanced instructors are volunteers, often called 'observers'. Whereas professional instructors generally have experience as advanced police drivers or hold a Diploma in Advanced Motorcycle/Driver Training.

Advanced driving is based on Roadcraft, the police driving system. It was introduced in 1956 to improve driving standards, following principles set out by the Metropolitan Police. Advanced driver training is open to anyone who has passed the standard driving test, but only a small fraction of drivers choose to take an advanced test [5]

Examiners generally hold a Police Advanced Driving Certificate. The test covers 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 km) on different types of road, from town to country, city and country. Students will have trained in all areas and have to demonstrate the techniques and methods they have learned. Some insurers will offer reduced vehicle insurance premiums to holders of an advanced certificate, and Cornmarket offers a unique insurance scheme called IAM Surety[6] for advanced drivers and riders.

A seminal study by the Transport Research Laboratory found that advanced drivers had 25 per cent fewer accidents over the three years after taking the test than those who had not passed the test. The difference was statistically significant.[7]

Definition of advanced driving and riding

IAM Roadsmart, the Driving Instructors' Association (DIA), Driving Standards Agency and Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) agreed to define advanced driving as: "The ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly using road and traffic conditions to make reasonable progress unobtrusively, with skill and responsibility. This requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all-round observation, anticipation and planning coordinated with good handling skills. The vehicle should always be at the right place on the road at the right time, traveling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear."[8]


Pre-advanced riding

For motorcyclists, most police forces in the UK offer BikeSafe workshops[9] as a basic introduction to advanced riding.

Post-advanced driving and riding

Beyond the advanced test, the IAM Roadsmart charity offers a Masters programme[10] for drivers or riders who wish to enhance their skills to an even higher standard. The Masters' syllabus significantly develops skills such as cornering, identifying and executing safe overtakes, recognising opportunities to make safe progress, and enhanced observation and anticipation. Masters programmes exist for both motorcyclists and car drivers.

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.roadar.org.uk/
  2. ^ https://advancedmotoring.co.uk/
  3. ^ https://www.bmf.co.uk/advice/training-advice/bmf-blue-riband-rider-award/
  4. ^ https://www.iamroadsmart.com/my-dashboard/additional-resources-(my-next-challenge)/gain-a-first
  5. ^ RoSPA Refresher Driver Training report, March 2005 "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-08-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ https://www.cornmarketinsurance.co.uk/valued-groups/iam-roadsmart-insurance/
  7. ^ https://trl.co.uk/reports/LR499
  8. ^ RoSPA What Is Advanced Driving? http://www.roadar.org/drivers/index.htm
  9. ^ https://bikesafe.co.uk/
  10. ^ https://www.iamroadsmart.com/campaign-pages/end-customer-campaigns/masters


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