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 Leicestershire group also
runs a vibrant social group, with monthly meetings where a variety of speakers
entertain members with a range of interesting topics. You will meet like-minded people
who also want to be safe on the roads and protect the people in their lives.
Either
contact telephone number 01530 460157, browse this or the head
office websites and begin today the journey to the better driving future surely
everybody would like to have!
Ted
Parton -Publicity officer for the Leicestershire IAM group.
