A Skill For Life
Almost everyone thinks that they are a good car driver or a skilled motorbike rider. Whilst everybody has to take the DSA test, thereafter the novice driver/rider is plunged onto Britain’s (and the rest of the world’s) overcrowded roads with no further legal requirement of further driver training. And whilst the death rate on Britain’s highways is thankfully falling, to consider oneself protected from all adversity on the roads would be taking a huge risk. That is why the Institute of Advanced Motorists plays such a vital role.
Actually, there are other agencies that coach people into further driving skills, but the 'IAM' is by far the biggest organisation. Research has shown that people who have taken the advanced driving test are 70-75% less likely to be involved in a collision/incident.
So just what is involved in the advanced driving test and who exactly are the IAM? Well, the IAM is a renowned and respected national organisation with local groups all over the United Kingdom. Its simple goal is to encourage people to be safer on the roads, but at the same time enjoy their driving more, whilst polluting the atmosphere less.
To date around 110,000 people have successfully taken what is called the 'Skill for Life' programme. On sending an enquiry to the IAM the applicant will be contacted by a member from their local area group. Then a highly trained, but extremely friendly, volunteer observer will make contact to arrange a convenient time for the first assessment drive. The applicant will drive their own car and the observer will look at all aspects of their driving. The observer will then gently begin to teach the principles of Advanced driving to the client. On average it takes 6 lessons for people to be ready to take their test, however, there is no limit at all on the number of run outs a person can have.
The thought of another driving test is enough to put a lot of people off taking the course. However, despite the test being a thorough driving workout with a former Police driving examiner, the process is not as bad as perhaps one's imagination thinks! Actually, the sense of achievement gained is immense. Not only will the driver now have skills similar to current Police drivers, they will be more confident, greener, progressive (yes, quicker!) but most importantly, a lot safer and much more thoughtful towards other road users.
Passing the IAM test also has possible financial benefits. You can often get cheaper car insurance, plus discounts with national organisations and at various garage/car spares outlets. So, in conclusion, the Skill for Life programme run by the IAM is one of the best courses anyone who drives a car / rides a motorbike can take. It will hugely increase your skill level on the road, make you happier with your driving and could save you money too!
The Leicester group also runs a vibrant social group, with monthly meetings held at police HQ Enderby every third Wednesday each month, where a variety of speakers entertain members with a range of interesting topics. these meetings are open to everyone for further information please contact the group secretary by clicking here.You will meet like-minded people who also want to be safe on the roads and protect the people in their lives.
Either contact the group secretary, browse this or the head office websites and begin today the journey to the better driving future surely everybody would like to have!
Almost everyone thinks that they are a good car driver or a skilled motorbike rider. Whilst everybody has to take the DSA test, thereafter the novice driver/rider is plunged onto Britain’s (and the rest of the world’s) overcrowded roads with no further legal requirement of further driver training.
When you join the Group, you will be allocated an observer to help you prepare for the test.
These are members of the public, like yourself, who originally took the advanced driving test. Having decided that they would like to help others, they then received extra training to be able to offer guidance, rather than instruction. Many hold full-time jobs, and a few will also hold instructor qualifications.
We can help you to pass the Advanced Driving Test by showing you what is expected of you on the test. Our observers will show you which aspects of your driving need to be honed in order to reach test standard. You can then be confident that when you take your test you will pass.