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 lasts for about 90 minutes and will 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.
Many people often comment on the Test after taking it and more often than not, the comments revolve around how much they enjoyed the drive. On Test the candidate gets to show the new skills that they have been tuning for the weeks during their course. The Advanced Driving Test IS NOT EASY but is within the reach of all vehicle users given the right guidance.
What the Examiner Expects
The IAM Test is based on the Police and Roadcraft System of Car Control. What the Examiner expects on test is laid down by the principles set down in the IAM's own manual ‘How to be an Advanced Driver’.(included as part of the Skill for Life package).
The content of both the IAM’s manual and Roadcraft is very broad and as a guideline your drive should be based on these main headings relating to Advanced Driving:
Safe
Safety always overrides any other aspects of driving. Without the safety aspect, there would be no need for the IAM Test. Advanced driving is about improving driver safety and education. Even where optimum progress may be desirable, position and speed must always be put aside and sacrificed for safety. Examiners have a policy of, "If you put the car in danger, you fail". Safety is the most important aspect for any road user to achieve and is the real reason why the IAM Test should be undertaken.
Systematic
Advanced drivers use a way of driving called "The System" which is derived from the Police "Roadcraft" system of car control. The System of Car Control is a way of driving that allows the driver to approach all situations and negotiate all hazards in a methodical and flexible way that leaves nothing to luck or chance, therefore it will be safe. The driver throughout their guidance will be shown and guided using the System of Car Control which the IAM has used successfully since 1956. Using this system allows them to use all their skills to deal with any environment or situation, in enough time to decide on the best position, speed and gear of the vehicle to negotiate hazards safely.
Smoothness
If the driver uses the System of Car Control efficiently then their handling skills can be properly co-ordinated, along with observation. The drive should also be smooth, as well as safe and systematic. Every move the driver makes should be in good time, allowing them to make best use their skills. The vehicle should be stable with little bounce or roll on the road and any passengers should be comfortable in the vehicle and have the utmost confidence in the driver's ability. Nothing the driver does should look or feel rushed or hurried, resulting in an economical use of fuel as well.
Progress
Frequently incorrectly translated to mean Speed, this is the ability to make good progress when safe to do so and is an important skill that an advanced driver should possess. Remember , SAFETY should NEVER be compromised, even though progress may be used to give a brisk drive, it may only be used when safe and appropriate to do so. Any excessive speed above the statutory speed limit, or the use of speed inappropriate for the circumstances regardless of any limit is dangerous and unacceptable. It must be remembered that speed limits are exactly that. Limits - not targets. Advanced drivers use their skill and awareness to decide when they should impose their own restraints, below the statutory speed limits depending on the circumstances.
Restraint
The ability to recognise when to holdback from particular hazards to ensure the safety and reassurance of passengers and other road users, or to avoid causing others concern, even if this concern may be unjustified. Advanced drivers learn this skill through practice improving their ability to foresee the outcome of potential danger.
What the Examiner looks for
The Examiner is looking at the whole drive. IAM Examiners do not search for faults alone; they are trained to search for positive aspects as well as negative. The Examiner will be honest and forthright regarding your overall ability and looks for the confident application and competence in all aspects of the drive. If all the above criteria are met, the drive should exhibit the qualities of a safe, systematic, smooth, progressive, and balanced drive. The driver ensures that the vehicle is always in the right place on the road, travelling at the right speed, in the right gear for the speed, and they can always stop the vehicle safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear.
